The 2002 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame

The 2002 Honda Passport is a five-passenger sport utility vehicle that Honda sold in North America from 1994 to 2002. It shares its chassis and engine with the Isuzu Rodeo, though Honda added its own interior, exterior styling, and features. The 2002 model year was the final year of production, making it now a vehicle between 20 and 25 years old depending on when it was built.

If you are considering buying a used 2002 Passport, you are looking at a vehicle that was designed in the late 1990s. That means the technology, safety features, and fuel economy reflect that era. Understanding what this SUV actually is — and what it is not — helps you decide whether it fits your needs and budget.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2002 Passport came with a 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 215 horsepower and got roughly 16 to 18 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions and whether it was two-wheel or four-wheel drive.
  • This model lacks modern safety features like electronic stability control, airbag systems beyond driver and passenger front airbags, and backup cameras that are standard on vehicles made after 2010.
  • Common maintenance issues on high-mileage 2002 Passports include transmission problems, rust in the undercarriage, and wear on the cooling system components.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with 1990s-era SUVs is essential because age-related wear affects reliability more than brand reputation at this point.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

The 2002 Passport used a 3.2-liter V6 engine that produced 215 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The V6 was known for being durable, but at 20+ years old, any used example you find will have significant wear on internal components.

Fuel economy for the 2002 Passport ranged from about 16 miles per gallon in city driving to 20 miles per gallon on the highway for two-wheel-drive models. Four-wheel-drive versions typically saw 15 to 18 miles per gallon. These numbers reflect the era before fuel efficiency became a major design priority, so budget accordingly if you plan to drive this vehicle regularly.

The transmission in the 2002 Passport is a known weak point as the vehicle ages. Owners report that transmissions can develop shifting problems, delayed engagement, or complete failure around 150,000 to 200,000 miles, though some last longer with proper maintenance. A transmission rebuild or replacement can cost $2,000 to $4,000, so ask the seller for service records showing regular fluid changes.

Safety features and how they compare to modern vehicles

The 2002 Passport came with dual front airbags (driver and passenger) and anti-lock brakes as standard safety equipment. It did not have electronic stability control, which became standard on most vehicles by 2012. It also lacked side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, or rollover protection systems that are now common.

The vehicle's frame and body structure were designed to absorb impact differently than modern SUVs. Crash test data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the 2002 Passport as acceptable for its time, but modern vehicles score significantly higher because safety standards have become stricter and vehicle design has improved.

If safety is a primary concern — especially if you have children or drive frequently on highways — a 2002 Passport will not offer the same level of protection as a vehicle made in the last 10 years. There is no backup camera, no lane departure warning, and no automatic emergency braking. These are not failures of the Passport; they straightforward did not exist when it was built.

Common repairs and maintenance costs

At 20+ years old, the 2002 Passport is likely to need work. The cooling system — including the radiator, water pump, and hoses — often requires attention on high-mileage examples. Rust can develop on the undercarriage, frame, and suspension components, especially in areas with road salt or high humidity. The electrical system, including the alternator and starter, may need replacement.

The transmission, as mentioned, is a significant concern. The transfer case (the component that controls four-wheel drive) can also develop problems. Brake components wear out, and the suspension bushings and ball joints can become loose or worn. Timing belt replacement may be due depending on mileage; Honda recommends this service at 105,000 miles.

Before buying any 2002 Passport, have a mechanic inspect it thoroughly. A pre-purchase inspection typically costs $100 to $200 and can reveal whether major repairs are imminent. This is money well spent on a vehicle this old, because a transmission failure or engine problem can quickly exceed the vehicle's value.

Interior features and comfort

The 2002 Passport interior reflects early 2000s design. It seats five passengers across two rows. The cabin is relatively spacious for its class, with a cargo area behind the rear seats. Air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and a cassette or CD stereo were standard, depending on trim level.

The seats are cloth or leather depending on the model trim. The dashboard is straightforward and straightforward — there is no touchscreen, no smartphone integration, and no modern infotainment system. If you are accustomed to vehicles made after 2015, the interior will feel noticeably dated and less refined.

Creature comforts like heated seats, a sunroof, or a premium sound system may be present on higher trim levels, but these features are now 20 years old and may not function reliably. Check each feature during a test drive, including the air conditioning, heating, and any power accessories.

Off-road capability and four-wheel drive

The 2002 Passport was marketed as a capable off-road vehicle. It came with a body-on-frame construction, which means the body sits on top of a separate steel frame — this design is more rigid for rough terrain than the unibody construction used in most modern SUVs. It offered a two-speed transfer case for four-wheel drive, allowing drivers to shift between high and low range.

Ground clearance was 8.6 inches, which was reasonable for its era but is lower than many modern SUVs. The suspension used a double-wishbone front end and a solid rear axle, a setup that handles rocks and ruts better than independent rear suspension but rides less smoothly on pavement.

If you plan to use the Passport for serious off-roading, the four-wheel-drive system is functional, but age and wear affect performance. Check that the transfer case engages smoothly, that the four-wheel-drive light illuminates when you shift into four-wheel drive, and that there are no grinding noises from the drivetrain. Off-road use on an older vehicle also increases the risk of damage to the undercarriage, which can be expensive to repair.

Pricing and what affects value

The price of a 2002 Passport varies widely based on mileage, condition, location, and whether it has four-wheel drive. A vehicle with 150,000 to 180,000 miles in good condition might sell for $4,000 to $7,000, while a lower-mileage example in excellent condition could command $8,000 to $12,000. A vehicle with significant rust, transmission problems, or over 200,000 miles might sell for $2,000 to $4,000.

Four-wheel-drive models typically sell for $1,000 to $2,000 more than two-wheel-drive versions. The condition of the transmission, the presence of service records, and the overall rust situation are the biggest factors affecting price. A vehicle with a documented transmission rebuild or replacement will be priced higher than one with an original transmission that may fail soon.

Do not assume that a lower price means a better deal. A $3,000 Passport with a failing transmission will cost more to own than a $7,000 Passport with a recently serviced transmission and a clean service history. Factor in the cost of likely repairs when deciding what price to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2002 Passport reliable?

The Passport was reliable when new, but at 20+ years old, reliability depends entirely on how the specific vehicle was maintained. A well-maintained example with service records can be dependable; a neglected one will need repairs. Have a mechanic inspect any vehicle before you buy it.

How much does it cost to replace the transmission?

A transmission rebuild typically costs $1,500 to $3,000, while a replacement transmission can cost $2,500 to $4,500 including labor. Prices vary by location and whether you use a dealer, independent shop, or salvage transmission. Get quotes from multiple shops before committing.

Can I find parts for a 2002 Passport easily?

Yes. Because the Passport shares components with the Isuzu Rodeo and because it was sold in large numbers, parts are available through auto parts stores, online retailers, and salvage yards. Some parts are also interchangeable with other Honda vehicles from that era.

What should I check during a test drive?

Listen for transmission hesitation or rough shifting, check that the air conditioning and heating work, test all power accessories, listen for engine knocks or unusual noises, and feel for vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal. Drive on both smooth roads and rougher surfaces if possible.

Is the 2002 Passport good for towing?

The Passport had a towing capacity of around 3,500 pounds, which is modest by modern standards. Check the owner's manual or door jamb sticker for the exact rating on the specific vehicle you are considering. Towing puts stress on the transmission and cooling system, both of which are concerns on older vehicles.