Designed and built by Isuzu, the 2002 Honda Passport is a light, small, minivan whose look remains unchanged since 2000 and whose crash worthiness tests rank as only marginal. It comes in either regular drive or 4WD.
Its 4WD system allows for shifting on the fly and the simple push of a button can bring you into 4WD high even while driving. Moving into low drive though requires stopping and manipulating a lever on the floor. There's even a winter mode which helps the tires really grab the ice, which is a welcome enhancement for those of us living in the snow and ice that lasts far too many months.
The 3.2-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 makes it a reasonable drive. One complaint, though, which was voiced by many, involves the placement of the windshield wiper control which is different than many other vehicles.
The EX model comes with a cool moon roof, fog lights, and remote key-less entry -- all optional features for the LX model.
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I've had the car since 2002 - it's the ex-l (lux or leather) with 4x4 and towing. I have 105k on it now and never really had a problem. The car has enough power, the 4x4 push button works great.
Now that I think about it, I haven't had any maintenance issues to speak of - but two main annoyances; the fan belt squeeks when it's cold - its hydraulic, so you can't tighten it. It did have a valve rattle, but once the valves were adjusted that stopped. It eats a erg valves every two years - but buy one lifetime one and you're set.
Otherwise the problem I've had is the resale market it non-existant. I see them posted for 10k+, it's worth at least that, but you can't get anyone to look at it. I had mine on cars.com and autotrader for months, with barely any reply - carmax offered 3500k for it - my car is mint - so I've decided to keep it for ski seasons and off road. But mainly its a 3rd car I use for the commute.Dec 09, 2009
by Tonya M
Oct 15, 2009
I have owned Honda's and still own 2 Honda Passport SUV's. I would always recommend a Honda for reliability, gas mileage, performance, appearance, quality and a fun car to drive. My SUV is great in bad weather, especially in the Mountains of East Tennesssee.Oct 15, 2009
I have a 2002 honda passport OK it when I put it in drive it goes and when I put it in reverse it goes as well but in drive it wont shift out of 1st gear can anyone help me out here any suggestions it just happen no type of sign to let me know the transmission was going out it just started all of a sudden
I just bought a 2002 Passport EX with 163,350 miles. The previous owner said that they had replaced the transmission recently (within the last year), when i am at a stop light and i press the gas the engine will rev up to about 3000 RPM's then it feels like the transmission engages and the car lunges forward. It only does it in first gear. I was told by a friend of a friend that it could be the kick down cable may need to be adjusted but i have never even heard of a kick down cable. The transmission is an automatic and i am pretty sure it is a 4x4. I have 2 little buttons on the center council one is winter and one is power. It also has a sunroof
The rear axle came out of my Honda passport. The bearings and seal are gone. How do I reinstall it and what parts do I need besides the bearings and seal