Used 1997 Honda Passport Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Passport, so we've included reviews for other years of the Passport since its last redesign.
i love it,i hate it
pitbull, 02/22/2010
1996 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I recently bought my passport used,with 120.000 miles on it,it initially ran great; until it decided to drop every solenoid and control devices to actuate the 4wd, after repairing all that, it then decided to fail just about every emission control sensor/device under the hood ive replaced the a/i/c, the m/a/p,t/p/s and the m/a/f, and still have problems with a check engine light and, driveability....like i said its really a joy to drive when it wants to run. also to my dismay,it being an isuzu..there are isuzu parts, general motors parts,and some componentry that can be listed as idk???? so the prices for these parts vary from expensive to outrageous. i love it i hate it....
149,000 Miles and still strong
mfredrickson, 01/15/2013
1997 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
When purchasing a fifteen year old car, one must be wise. There are a plethora of aspects within an old car that can go wrong, no matter how well built the car is. However, I lucked out. I purchased my 97 Red Honda Passport 4x4 Loaded out with everything but leather and a sunroof over a year ago now. I bought it with a low 130,000 miles and since have put about 20,000 on within the one year of ownership Ive had. It has been a fantastic car. Only problems I have had was an old alternator and a bad window motor. My Suv has brought me through many a snow storm in one piece and keeps on running strong day in and day out. Overall, I love my passport. It isn't perfect, but it is darn good.
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See all 0 listingsIt leaks from everywhere!!
JJA78, 02/08/2005
1996 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
It is difficult for me to think of a spot in this vehicle that does not leak. Oil leak, sunroof leak, door leak, window leak, and radiator leak ... all culminating in the last nine months. Didn't do so great in the Colorado Rockies either. Major lack of power at higher altitudes.
Love it to death
Honda Man, 05/19/2008
1996 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have a 96 Passport with 218,000 and counting. Mechanical issues have been almost non existent. I use it to drive on the beach, pull my trailer and it has been on several family vacations. Most wonderful vehicle I have ever owned Honda buyer for life.
Not bad...
sunbird94, 07/10/2011
1995 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV (1995.5)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
My dad got this 1995.5 passport from his parents after our 84 ramcharger gave up.the 3.2 v6 had a roar and thirst for oil,it needed head gaskets at 120,000,then we moved from PA to AZ and it had 130,000 i cleaned it up and it looked like brand new.it wasnt running for 3 months,battery was weak but it cranked right up like it was running 15 minutes ago.at 155,000 the AC went and we replaced the compressor with one from the junkyard,the squeal got worse and one day at 156,874 the ol family truckster gave up.i miss it alot and brought a tear to my eye as it got towed away with its new family,i saw it once more going down the road and on craigslist for $1500 and we sold it for $450.
Great lil' SUV
Colton P, 08/05/2009
1996 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle because I needed something more reliable than my old truck after I wrecked my Jeep. So far, its been pretty good. I took care of a couple of precautionary measures (belts, engine tune, etc.) and had to replace one window motor (easy to do, and it cost me $45). This little vehicle is great, it gets pretty good gas mileage. I love the 4wd on the fly. I have a black one, and recently put on a chrome brush guard and had the windows tinted really dark. This is one mean looking SUV now. I can get it to 45 mph from a dead stop in 50 yards. Great interior layout, and its pretty comfortable. Did I mention it looks cool? Great buy for a used car.
Everybody Knows Somebody...
MzRevolutionary, 01/05/2010
1995 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
...That loves a Honda! My mom got this car for me as my first car and I still have it 6 years later. Honestly the thing won't die! Love hate relationship. Engine is 100% and only the body is starting to go some. Had to replace a window motor and have replaced the timing belt. Other than that not one problem. Recently began squealing in extreme cold but only minor issue. This vehicle will run through whatever! I can honestly say I've put this car through more hell than the devil could bring and she is still going super strong. Would HIGHLY recommend if considering to purchase one. Only minor maintenance, rarely if every repairs and I'm at 200,000 miles. Wish I could keep mine longer :- /
Too many problems w/ vehicle
Diane Schnell, 08/09/2005
1997 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Well I have had a few trips to my mechanic on this vehicle. They are still baffled w/ not being able to pin point a misfiring that keeps the vehicle bogging then lunging! It has been taken apart 4 times now and replaced oxygen flow sensor, 02's and other stuff and still can't keep the check engine light off or find the problem. It is horrible on gas mileage!! Obviously this year needed a recall... and I have had nothing but problems since I purchased from a private party 4 months ago.
HONDA OR ISUZU
CATHERINE, 06/04/2002
1997 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
EVEN THOUGH THIS SUV GOT ME OUT OF A HUGE WRECK, I HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK. I DONT KNOW IF THE PREVIOUS OWNER DIDNT TAKE CARE OF THE TRUCK OR I AM JUST HAVING BAD LUCK. I AM NOT IMPRESSED WITH THE PERFORMANCE. EVERY MONTH IT IS SOMETHING DIFFEENT AND THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM IS NO HELP EITHER. I THINK THAT IF HONDA MADE THERE OWN SUV, IT WOULD BE A LOT MORE RELIABLE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CAR MADE FROM A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER THAT HAS SOLD THE RIGHTS TO ANOTHER DEALER. MY TRUCK SAYS HONDA BUT ALL THE PARTS ARE ISUZU. THAT SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME SOMETHING RIGHT AWAY.
1997 Honda Passport Review
Tom R, 02/17/2003
1997 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am constantly doing engine and drivetrain repairs on this vehicle. The engine has a constant tick from the valves. At higher speeds there is a lot of wind noise coming from the doors. I would not recommend owning this vehicle.
1996 Honda Passport 4 DR LX 4WD Wagon
Imposter, 11/13/2007
1996 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Wow. Honda sure pulled the wool over the eyes of some of us naive Honda lovers. I am driving nothing more than an Isuzu Rodeo with Honda emblems. Bought this vehicle with 80K miles in 03. Since then, I have replaced 3 electric window motors, two rear gate gas shocks and it has a constant lifter ticking for which there doesn't seem to be a solution. A good looking SUV, especially in 1996 but this one is "egg on the face" for Honda Motors.
Passport to FUN!
BC Walley, 05/01/2004
1995 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Just bought this fun car, really can't give you solid personal experience. Running it hard for the weeks I've had it, and it runs great. Handles very well for an offroad/street vehicle. The turning radius is better than my Volvos. Getting 18mpg, running 17mi, one way to work, through many stoplights, approx. 30mph traffic, with one 2-3mi stretch of 50mph. I'm a happy camper... so far. Yeah, the interior is super basic, but I was looking for an upgrade to a Jeep, for fun in the woods, and reasonable compfort. I got just that. It has 130K mi, solid as a rock, looks sharp, fast, better than most fuel economy. My pdate in a year.
1997 Honda Passport LX
Dennis, 03/05/2007
1997 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I think this Isuzu built vehicle was designed well for 1997. Ten years later (2007) leads me to believe that better fuel economy and interior design improvements highlight the weaknesses of this vehicle. I've got 140,000 miles on it and maintain it on an above average scale and although it runs fairly well, engine power is weaker, fuel economy has slipped and interior amenities (e.g. lack of any cup holders and minimal front/back seat storage space)stand out. The spare tire location on the exterior of the tailgate blocks some rear window view.
Black Flag Honda
McJJrod, 07/14/2002
1995 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is the worst truck i have ever had. I had the car a year and it was in the shop 13 times.. I even had the engine replaced and it still doesnt run right. This car has cost me 7,000 dollars in repair out of my own pocket.. and I pitty the person who has to drive it next. Honda sucks!!!!!
Passport
ben_k240, 11/23/2007
1995 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've had my Passport for over 4 years and it has always been as good to me as I have been to it. I bought it with 86K on it and have only had to make repairs typical of it's age. No major engine or transmission problems yet at over 120K. Compared to other SUVs of its age and class level, I'd say it is average to good. Things to watch for are alternators (tend to start 'chirping' or 'squealing'), power steering pumps (can start to hum loudly), and be mindful of CV joints because if they wear out from maintenance neglect they're expensive to fix on this vehicle. Overall I would describe this vehicle as rugged, reliable, and durable. The mileage to power ratio is terrible though.
Not Bad after all
Rhea, 10/28/2002
1996 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle as an inbetween from an old clunker suv until I can afford a brand new one. This has felt like a new car, No mechanical problems, door locks like to stay down on the unlock though, and I personally can't stand the automatic locking doors as soon as the ignition key is turned! (took me three times of getting locked out while motor running to get many duplicate keys made!) Goes thru 1 qt oil every 2-3k. Lifters make a bit more noise than I think they should. But other than that, It's been a nice car, Getting ready to look for that Brand new one soon!
The Lemon
Sucking the Lemon, 12/27/2002
1996 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a lemon. I heartily recommend that anyone considering this vehicle look elsewhere. Be aware it is NOT a Honda - it is an Isuzu with a Honda badge, so forget about Honda's reputation. This should be judged as an Isuzu Rodeo.
Good
Get, 04/16/2002
1995 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have own this vehicle from brand new purchase.Had no problems with it.All required maiteneace has been done at dealer,without no further problems.All records kept by dealer and myself.
Great Ride
Gonzales, 05/01/2002
1995 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I added to the SUV/Tinted windows,K&N Air Filter,After Market Shocks,Bug deflector towing package included.Runs Great, and all maitenance done at selling dealership, as indicated on the auto manual.
good truck
CMcFadden, 11/08/2002
1995 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My husband purchased this truck brand new and loved it. Have had no problems, now has 86,000 miles. All maintenance done at dealer, including timing mechanism change. Excellent car for teenagers to drive, still going strong after 7 years.
Honda's for me
nannymom, 12/17/2002
1995 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD (1995.5)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Passport for 7 years and have not had one single problem. We love the Honda reliability and resale value. We will never own anything else. I still prefer our older model to the newer 'bubbly' looking ones. Its very sleek and sporty. Plenty of room inside for 5 people comfortably. The interior has held up well: upholstery, carpeting moldings look great even with 2 dogs and 1 child. No rattles, drafts, nothing. This SUV has not decomposed in the least.
What a
mickydu, 08/28/2003
1995 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Driving our 1995 Passport EX 4x4 has been very enjoyable. ride has been comfortable,plenty of room, rear also, just a little stiff...we've had very little repair other than the usual maintenance. averaged 14 in the city and nearly 19 on the road./..this vehcile has plenty of uphill power with it's electronic gear shifter..the 4wheel has been superb in the snow we've taken it on several long trips never feelling driver or passenger fatigue. there's some air noise from the moon roof, but not bad, it can be drowned out by a little low music...hope to find another quality SUV in our near future...
Still Going Strong
tantrums3, 09/30/2003
1995 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD (1995.5)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this new in 95 -8 years ago. We have not put a penny into this SUV for any repairs whatsoever! Absolutely the best, most reliable vehicle we've ever owned. Would like something newer now,just because, but will definitely get a new Passport.
passport review
rfig, 01/12/2004
1995 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No problems to mention. At about 101K miles had a miss, replaced plug wires, problem solved.
1995.5 Honda Passport DX - Manual 4cyl
Coco , 02/10/2004
1995 Honda Passport DX 4dr SUV (1995.5)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
At 100K, I have had no major problems. The clutch is still in tact, all other mainteance has been routine. It is a pleasure to drive on cheap to repair.
My Buddy
Passport Allegiance, 03/14/2004
1995 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Passport. I've owned it now for 7 years, and at 185,000 miles, it still runs like the day I drove it off the lot.
Works For me.
Robbs, 11/26/2002
1996 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this SUV for the last two years and havent had a problem with it yet.
It's Like a Family Member!
jgs, 07/23/2003
1996 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Passport has been the absolute best vehicle I have ever owned. Previous vehicles owned, Accord, Civic, BMW, Dodge Ram and VW. It has been trouble free. I have had new tires, shocks installed and general tune-ups. The reason I am writing this review is that it is now totaled from a fool pulling out into my lane. I will offer the insurance a reduced settlement in order to keep it and find someone to repair it! I LOVE THE PASSPORT THAT MUCH! Yes the door locks stick and it is using some oil but it has been an extremely inexpensive vehicle to drive. By the way...GREAT crash protection. Absorbed much of the collision with minor injury to myself.
my 96 passport
travneal, 07/12/2004
1996 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Passport from a small dealer in colorado after seeing it on the internet. My buying experience wasn't that great, but I am very happy with the car. I have purchased it with 111,000 miles on it, and it is still going strong with a little help from a new air intake. The car is fun to drive and has great offroad ability. I have had very few problems with it, things that the dealer should have fixed before I bought it, wich were taken care of. I have driven it for over two years on the highway, and off road, and I have had no complaints at all about the ride and cabin noise from any passengers I have ever had. In all I would buy it all over again.
Reliable and durable
Frank Avalon, 01/18/2005
1996 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Honda Passport has been extremely reliable. It has also performed very well in the snow, more some than some of the more car-like SUV's of recent years. Everything I would expect of a vehicle with the Honda name and more. I've owned it for 6 years w/o major issues.
1997 Honda/Isuzu Passport/Rodeo LX 4WD
Tengt1968, 08/22/2002
1997 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well in the short term, what a great SUV!, i Don't care if it is a Rodeo underneath the Honda Emblem, what a fun truck to drive. No major Warranty claims to date. Have not been off pavement yet, but will write about it when I do.
.
Teletac, 08/25/2002
1997 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was ok at first, but the more i've driven it the more i have grown to dislike it. It has a poor ride, wind noise becomes a cacophany,every bump is pronounced, the engine is quite loud and not smooth at all, steering needs improvement, the rear seats become uncomfotable on long trips (especially for taller people), it lacks adjustable seatbelt anchorages, and it lacks power rearview mirrors, adjusting them becomes tedious. Let's just say im glad Honda got rid of this Isuzu SUV and replaced it with its own.
Honest Opinion
David22, 08/26/2002
1997 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Here are the problems that I encountered: power windows regulators kept going out & noisey lifters during colder seasons. I did research and found that the noisey lifters are a common theme with these vehicles, but no recall existed. I decided to get rid of the vehicle since different noises started to occur sporadically from the engine and no shop could diagnose the problem. I was concerned about reliability and longevity. Overall, if the vehicle didn't have the engine problems, I would still own this vehicle. Other than build quality issues, I loved the vehicle styling.
A Best Buy!!
Pendora, 09/03/2002
1997 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the fist car that I havent had one problem with. It truely is a great buy. I would recommend them to anyone!
Honda Passport Ugghh
Angelina, 11/23/2002
1997 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My husband and I wanted a reliable, dependable and safe vehicle. We got a safe vehicle. We bought the car with about 30000 miles in Jan99. Almost immediately we had problems. Within the first year we had a new alternator, starter, and battery. Since than we have had a new transmission and currently our vehicle is in the dealership waiting for a new cataylic converter (two weeks)- THANK GOD WE BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY! I had a Honda Civic prior to this Passport and loved the car!!! No problems. We also bought a used Grand Prix (94), 6 months prior to the Passport, it has 97,000 miles and we have had to replace 3 fuel injectors and that's it?!?!?!
I wish I would've read a review first!!!
ms.d, 01/31/2005
1997 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was great for the first year and then the engine started clicking. It only stops after you get the oil changed and the noise elimination only lasted a month. It sometimes felt like it was trying to pull itself. I was told that this was the worst used car to buy after the fact. The driver leg space is horrible b/c the seat doesn't adjust back that far. I'm 5'3 and had trouble when i wore stilettos. If you hit the slightest bump it knocks it out of alignment. It seemed like the longer I drove it the gas mileage got worse. Overall do not buy this car!!!!!! It's a waste of money. No wonder you see so many used ones on car lots.
safe thankfully to car
gratefullysafe, 05/29/2005
1997 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought a 97'passport used for our teenage daughter's as her first car. Four months later, with her 2 best friends along for the ride, she hydroplaned and and sheared off a tree. The tree hit the front of the car direct center and came to rest on the roof! The air bags deployed as they were designed to do. The only injuries were minor burns from the drivers side airbag. As the police officer said "the girls were very lucky" "usually it is the tree that lives and the people don't" I credit the passport's amazing structural design. Yes the car was total loss by the insurance standard but it was quite a sight to see the tree on top of the roof and the roof not even dented.
passport
Ty Mosler, 12/06/2004
1997 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Performance is good. Roomy interior - especially passenger seating. Poor gas mileage 15-20 mpg's. Minor issues - broken passenger window mechanism, broken driver windshield wiper mechanism.
notacrankyredhead
redhead1, 06/03/2004
1995 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD (1995.5)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my Passport for 3 and a half years (bought it used) and I love it. My husband was reticent to buy it because the ratings were average on reliability, but we have had NO major problems with this car (only a bad motor on the driver's side window). It is very roomy and has a good cargo area. It handles well, too. The only problems are comfort-related. The blind spots are bad, and the cup holder is too far back (behind the emergency brake) if you're short like me and have to sit with the seat pulled up pretty close. Other than that, it's great.
190K miles and still runs grrrreat
mark, 03/06/2005
1995 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
190K miles and still runs grrrreat, I replaced just basic parts like brake pads, filters, and all belts. I had just 1 problem. My belt tensioner was cracked
Great
Mooch, 04/02/2008
1995 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD (1995.5)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have 160,000 miles on my Passport and have done about 30,000 of those myself. I have have had no repairs and have only had to do common maintenance (tires, oil, spark plugs and wires, and oxygen sensor). Running strong and with no signs of problems.
review
enzo, 06/25/2002
1996 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
too boxy, needs better gas milage