The 1998 Honda Passport: A Compact SUV Built on a Truck Frame

The 1998 Honda Passport is a mid-size sport utility vehicle that Honda built on a truck platform — specifically, the same frame as the Isuzu Rodeo. It sits between a car and a full-size SUV in size and capability, making it useful for people who wanted off-road ability without the fuel consumption of larger vehicles. The 1998 model year falls in the second generation of the Passport, which ran from 1994 to 2002.

If you own one, are thinking about buying one, or inherited one, understanding what it is and how it was built helps you make decisions about maintenance, repairs, and whether it fits your actual needs. The Passport has a specific reputation and a specific set of strengths and weaknesses that matter more than generic SUV information.

Key Takeaways

  • The 1998 Passport uses a 3.2-liter V6 engine that produces 205 horsepower and runs on regular unleaded gasoline, with fuel economy around 16 to 18 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions.
  • It shares its frame, suspension, and many mechanical parts with the Isuzu Rodeo, so repair shops familiar with Isuzu vehicles can often service it, and used parts from Rodeos may fit.
  • The 1998 model year introduced a redesigned interior and exterior compared to earlier Passports, with updated styling and improved dashboard layout.
  • Common maintenance items include transmission fluid changes, spark plugs, and suspension wear, which become more frequent as the vehicle ages past 25 years old.

Engine, Transmission, and Fuel Economy

The 1998 Passport came with a single engine option: a 3.2-liter V6 that produced 205 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The V6 is a solid, proven design that runs on regular unleaded gasoline — not premium — and was known for reliability when maintained.

Fuel economy for the 1998 Passport typically ranges from 16 to 18 miles per gallon in mixed driving, with highway driving sometimes reaching 19 to 20 mpg. City driving and towing drop that number. This was acceptable for an SUV in 1998 but is worth considering if you drive frequently or have a tight fuel budget today. The fuel tank holds 22 gallons.

The transmission is a weak point in some 1998 Passports. The four-speed automatic can develop shifting problems or slipping, especially if transmission fluid was not changed regularly. If you are looking at a used 1998 Passport, ask the owner or mechanic about transmission history and listen for hesitation or rough shifts when accelerating.

Size, Seating, and What Fits Inside

The 1998 Passport is roughly 185 inches long (about 15 feet) and 72 inches wide. It seats five people: two in front and three in back. The back seat is tight for adults on long drives, and the third passenger in back sits in the middle without much legroom. The cargo area behind the rear seats holds about 40 cubic feet with the seats up, and expands to roughly 80 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.

The 1998 model year redesigned the interior compared to earlier Passports, adding a more modern dashboard and better storage pockets. However, the back seat does not fold completely flat — it folds forward but leaves a slight angle, which limits how long objects you can fit. If you regularly haul large items, measure your specific cargo before committing to this vehicle.

Four-Wheel Drive, Traction Control, and Off-Road Capability

The 1998 Passport came in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions. The four-wheel drive system is a part-time system, meaning you manually engage it when you need it — you do not leave it on all the time on pavement. This system works well for light off-road use, gravel roads, and snow, but it is not designed for serious rock crawling or extreme terrain.

The 1998 model year did not include electronic traction control as a standard feature on all trims, though some higher-trim versions had it. Without traction control, the vehicle relies on the driver to manage wheel spin in slippery conditions. If you live in an area with frequent snow or ice, this is worth knowing. Four-wheel drive versions also have a lower ground clearance than some competitors, which limits steep approach angles.

The truck-based frame gives the Passport a stiffer ride than a car-based SUV, which some drivers prefer for off-road work but others find uncomfortable on highways. The suspension was designed for light hauling and moderate off-road use, not for extreme conditions.

Common Maintenance and Repair Issues

At 25+ years old, a 1998 Passport will need regular attention. The most common maintenance items are transmission fluid changes (which should happen every 30,000 to 50,000 miles if the vehicle was well-maintained), spark plugs, air filters, and suspension components. The suspension — particularly the front struts and rear shocks — wears out and may need replacement on a high-mileage example.

Rust can develop on the undercarriage and frame, especially in areas with road salt or high humidity. Check the frame and underside carefully if you are considering buying one. The door seals and window regulators can fail, leading to water leaks inside the cabin. The cooling system should be flushed and refilled according to Honda's schedule, as the original coolant from 1998 is long past its service life.

Because the Passport shares parts with the Isuzu Rodeo, many repair shops can service it, and used parts from Rodeos are sometimes compatible. This can make repairs less expensive than they would be for a vehicle with no parts overlap. However, not every shop is familiar with this connection, so it is worth mentioning to your mechanic.

Towing Capacity and Payload

The 1998 Passport can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with a hitch and transmission cooler. This is suitable for small trailers, jet skis, or light boat trailers, but not for large travel trailers or horse trailers. The payload capacity — the weight you can carry in the truck bed or cargo area — is roughly 1,000 to 1,200 pounds depending on the specific configuration and how much fuel and passengers are in the vehicle.

If you plan to tow regularly, have a mechanic inspect the transmission cooler and transmission fluid condition before towing anything heavy. A transmission that has not been maintained may not handle towing well, even within the rated capacity.

Safety Features and Crash Test History

The 1998 Passport came with dual front airbags as standard. It did not have side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, or backup cameras — these features were not common on vehicles from that era. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted crash tests on the Passport, and results are available on their website if you want to see how it performed in frontal and side-impact crashes compared to modern standards.

By today's standards, the 1998 Passport offers less crash protection than new vehicles. The frame is stiffer, which can transfer more force to occupants in a crash. If safety is a primary concern and you are choosing between a 1998 Passport and a newer vehicle, the newer vehicle will likely offer better protection. However, the Passport was considered safe for its time and still functions as a protective shell in most accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 1998 Passport the same as an Isuzu Rodeo?

They share the same frame, engine, and many mechanical parts, but they are not identical. The Passport has different exterior styling, a different interior design, and different badging. Parts like the engine, transmission, and suspension components are often interchangeable, which is useful for repairs and maintenance. However, body panels and trim pieces are different.

How much does a 1998 Passport cost used?

Prices vary widely depending on mileage, condition, whether it is four-wheel drive, and your location. A well-maintained example with lower mileage may cost $8,000 to $12,000, while a high-mileage or rough example might be $3,000 to $6,000. Have a mechanic inspect any used Passport before you buy it, especially the transmission and suspension.

Can I still find parts for a 1998 Passport?

Yes. Common maintenance parts like filters, belts, and fluids are widely available. Mechanical parts like engine components and transmission parts are available through Honda dealers, aftermarket suppliers, and used parts yards. Body panels and trim pieces are harder to find new but are available used. The Isuzu Rodeo parts network also helps, since many components overlap.

What gas mileage should I expect?

Most owners report 16 to 18 miles per gallon in mixed driving. Highway driving may reach 19 to 20 mpg, while city driving and towing drop below 16 mpg. Actual mileage depends on driving habits, road conditions, and how well the vehicle has been maintained. A vehicle with transmission problems or engine issues will get worse mileage.

Is the 1998 Passport good for towing?

It can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which works for small trailers and light boats. It is not suitable for large travel trailers or heavy loads. Make sure the transmission has been well-maintained before towing, and use a transmission cooler if you plan to tow regularly.