The Isuzu Rodeo is not a Honda. It is an Isuzu-built mid-size SUV, though Honda did sell a badge-engineered version of the Rodeo called the Honda Passport in the 1990s, making the two vehicles closely related in engineering but not the same brand.
What is the Isuzu Rodeo?
The Isuzu Rodeo debuted in 1990 as a mid-size SUV produced by Isuzu for the North American market. It spanned two generations and became a common sight in the 1990s and early 2000s, offering practical versatility and available four-wheel drive. The Rodeo is an Isuzu product, distinct from Honda’s lineup, even though it shared the showroom space with several competing SUVs of its era.
Honda Passport connection
During the 1990s, Honda offered the Honda Passport, a model that was essentially a rebadged version of the Isuzu Rodeo. Sold through Honda dealerships, the Passport used the Rodeo’s chassis, drivetrain, and many components while bearing Honda branding. The Passport was available for several model years before Honda shifted its SUV strategy toward the CR-V and Pilot lines.
Why the distinction matters
Understanding this distinction helps prevent brand-based confusion when shopping for used examples or reading historical coverage. The Rodeo and Passport share core engineering, but they belong to different manufacturers with separate dealer networks and branding choices.
Current status and legacy
Isuzu’s North American passenger-vehicle presence dwindled in the early 2000s as the brand refocused on trucks and commercial offerings. The Rodeo continued for a time but was phased out as Isuzu reorganized its lineup. The Passport’s short run remains a notable example of badge engineering, illustrating how automakers collaborated to maximize platform utility in the 1990s.
Summary
No—the Isuzu Rodeo itself is not a Honda. It is an Isuzu model, while the Honda Passport was a rebadged Rodeo sold under Honda branding. The two are closely related in engineering but distinct in branding and dealership networks.