1997 Honda Passport Review
1997 Honda Passport Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Attractive exterior and strong engine.
Cons
- Isuzu Rodeo offers better value. Interior ergonomics are not up to par.
What’s new
Honda drops the slow-selling DX four-cylinder Passport.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.23 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$263/mo
Passport EX
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Honda issued a notable upgrade in 1996, adding airbags for the driver and front passenger. Also new were roof-mounted speakers that expanded available cargo space in the revised interior, plus an improved stereo system. The new dashboard, did away with the old angular look, replacing it with an organically swept affair complete with more legible gauges and improved ergonomics. Nothing has changed since then,
Passports are spacious for five inside, and V6 models have a swing-out spare tire that creates even greater elbow room. The rear seat folds flat, resulting in a long cargo floor, but the clamshell tailgate design makes it difficult to access the back of the cargo area easily. They are however, better for watching softball games. Fortunately, the rear glass will open independently making it easier to load small items.
Road noise might be a drawback, though the 3.2-liter V6 engine is quiet-running and strong with either five-speed manual shift or the available four-speed automatic transmission. The 2.6-liter four-cylinder engine, formerly available on the DX model has been discontinued; partially due to poor sales, and to keep the DX from competing with Honda's new mini sport-ute: the CRV. Passports equipped with automatic transmissions have Power and Winter modes, the latter starting off in third gear to reduce wheel-spin on slippery pavements. Towing capacity is 4,500 pounds with the V6 engine.
Anyone seeking a capable blend of comfortable highway ride and tempting off-road talents could do well to look for a Honda dealer. However, Isuzu markets a version of the Passport and calls it the Rodeo The Rodeo tends to be a bit less expensive, and comes with a more comprehensive warranty. For those reasons, we suggest you stick with a Rodeo.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Honda Passport.
5 star(33%)
4 star(41%)
3 star(19%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(2%)
42 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
149,000 Miles and still strong
mfredrickson, 01/15/2013
1997 Honda Passport EX 4dr SUV 4WD
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.
3 out of 5 stars
i love it,i hate it
pitbull, 02/22/2010
1996 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
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....
2.63 out of 5 stars
It leaks from everywhere!!
JJA78, 02/08/2005
1996 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
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.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Love it to death
Honda Man, 05/19/2008
1996 Honda Passport LX 4dr SUV 4WD
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Honda Passport, so we've included reviews for other years of the Passport since its last redesign.
1997 Passport Highlights
EX
- Combined MPG
- 15 MPG
- Cost to Drive
- $263/month
- Drivetrain
- rear wheel drive
- Engine Type
- Gas
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestPoor
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More about the 1997 Honda Passport
Used 1997 Honda Passport Overview
The Used 1997 Honda Passport is offered in the following submodels: Passport SUV. Available styles include EX 4dr SUV, LX 4dr SUV, LX 4dr SUV 4WD, and EX 4dr SUV 4WD. Pre-owned Honda Passport models are available with a 3.2 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 190 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1997 Honda Passport comes with rear wheel drive, and four wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 1997 Honda Passport?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 1997 Honda Passports are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1997 Honda Passport for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1997 Honda Passport.
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Find a used Honda Passport for sale.
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Should I lease or buy a 1997 Honda Passport?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Honda lease specials
Check out Honda Passport lease specials
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