NEW 1998 HONDA PASSPORT RECEIVES REFINEMENT
IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES
YET STILL KEEPS ITS RUGGED EDGE

Sport utility vehicle buyers will find more power, more interior room, more comfort, improved value and more luxury in the 1998 Honda Passport - and they'll also find one of the last "true" sport utility vehicles.  In its first major redesign since the Passport debuted in 1994, the 1998 model is more refined in all the right places, yet still retains its stronghold as one of the most capable four-wheel drive vehicles on the market.  In fact, while many SUVs are transforming themselves into car/truck hybrids, the 1998 Passport continues to be built from the ground up - chassis through frame and body - as a sport utility vehicle.  

MODELS - Buy The Passport Here

The 1998 Passport is available in four trim levels - a two-wheel drive (2WD) LX, four-wheel drive (4WD) LX, 2WD EX and 4WD EX model. The 4WD LX model also is available with a 16-inch wheel package. 

ENGINE - Buy The Passport Here

All four models are powered by a new 3.2-liter, 24-valve, DOHC aluminum alloy V-6 engine that delivers 205-horsepower at 5400 rpm and 214 lb.-ft. of torque at 3000 rpm. The new engine delivers 15 more horsepower than the previous model, and the most V-6 power in its class. It uses a direct-port sequential fuel injection system for improved power output and efficiency.  Additional engineering changes for the 1998 Passport include a redesigned suspension and a new steering system. The 1998 model features new variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering, providing optimum driver control and vehicle responsiveness. A reinforced chassis offers greater on-road and off-road stability. 

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR - Buy The Passport Here

In the area of comfort and convenience, the Passport receives several upgrades for 1998. Air conditioning, heated dual power mirrors, body-colored bumpers, a roof rack and cargo area net and cover are now standard on all Passport models. On the Passport EX models, a wood-grain interior trim is standard and leather-trimmed interior is optional.  The Passport's exterior lines have been smoothed for 1998, while maintaining its rugged sport utility styling. The new Passport features a wider stance with an aggressive flared wheelwell design, cleaner lines and softer edges. It is 7.6 inches longer, 2.5 inches taller and 1.9 inches wider than the previous generation.   On the inside, Honda's engineering contributions have resulted in a more car-like interior, bringing the comfort and familiarity of all Honda cars to the Passport. The dashboard has been redesigned for better driving ergonomics and reclining bucket seats have been added.  Headroom, leg room and shoulder room have increased slightly, and cargo volume with the seats down has increased 6.2 inches. Side and rear visibility also have been improved through a larger glass area. Also new for 1998, a side-hinged tailgate allows easier access to the cargo area.

SAFETY - Buy The Passport Here

Safety features on the 1998 Passport include standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), dual air bags and child-proof rear door locks. All outboard seating positions have height adjustable three-point lap/shoulder belts. For 1998, the Passport's body frame is all-new, featuring six crossmembers for maximum strength and payload-carrying ability. Passport's body also is reinforced with triple sealed doors and side-impact beams.

4-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM - Buy The Passport Here

The 1998 Passport's SUV-specific design continues to deliver worry-free performance in off-road challenges. The Passport features a 4WD system providing maximum torque and power, and is engaged quickly and easily by a dash-mounted button.  Two 4WD speeds are available, 4H (High) for normal driving on wet, sandy or snow-covered roads; and 4L (Low) for climbing or descending steep hills, or for hard pulling in sand, mud or deep snow. The 4H gear can be used at speeds up fo 60 mph, and 4L at speeds under 45 mph. The Passport's shift-on-the-fly features allows drivers to shift from normal 2WD driving to 4H without stopping the vehicle.  A limited-slip differential distributes engine power equally to both rear wheels, and is standard on the 4WD EX model and available on the 4WD LX model when equipped with the 16-inch wheel package.

DESIGN - Buy The Passport Here

Additional off-road design features prevent damage to the Passport's undercarriage while the vehicle traverses between level surfaces and steep grades.  The Passport offers up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and a 32.5-degree angle of approach and 26.3-degree angle of departure (EX 4WD and LX 4WD with 16-inch wheel package models). Skid plates are standard under the radiator and fuel tank on alI Passport models. Passport 4WD models add a skid plate under the transfer case.  The new 1998 Passport represents a better value than ever.

AMENITIES - Buy The Passport Here

Standard features on the 2WD LX model include air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and door locks, a roof rack, cargo net, six-speaker stereo system and a 5-speed manual transmission.  The 4WD LX adds shift-on-the-fly 4WD, 4-wheel disc brakes and 15-inch alloy wheels. A 4WD LX with 16-inch Wheel Package adds 16-inch tires and wheels, a limited-slip differential and tailgate-mounted spare tire. Building on the features of the 16-inch wheel package, the 2WD EX adds a 4-speed automatic transmission, wood-grain trim, power moonroof, fog lights, a remote entry with security system, and an optional leather interior.  The top-of-the-line 4WD EX Passport adds as standard equipment a sllift-onthe-fly 4WD system, limited-slip differential, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a skid plate under the transfer case. 

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