Overview & Reviews
Introduced in 1979, the Honda Prelude was the company's first attempt at building an exciting car that still held true to the core Honda values of intelligent design and reliability. Over the next two decades, the two-door sport coupe would become the primary performance car in the Honda lineup. Although it was outfitted with relatively powerful engines in later generations, the Prelude was not a muscle car. It was built around handling and drivability, while providing enough power to remain competitive.
Over its life, several new technologies for Honda were pioneered on the Prelude, such as fuel injection, four-wheel steering and Honda's Active Torque Transfer System. The Prelude was also the first Honda model to get VTEC, the company's variable valve timing engine technology.
Though the Honda Prelude was very popular throughout the '80s, consumer interest waned in the '90s. Eventually, the Prelude was trapped in an under-$30,000 no-man's land. For a sporty front-wheel-drive coupe, it was just too pricey, and it didn't have sports car looks or a sufficiently premium feel. By the turn of the millennium, the sport coupe market was a shadow of its former self. Honda dropped the Prelude without a replacement after the 2001 model year. As a pre-owned option, however, the rewarding and reliable Prelude merits serious consideration from driving enthusiasts on a budget.
Most Recent Honda Prelude
If you're searching for a used Honda Prelude, you'll likely be encountering the fifth and final generation, which was sold from 1997-2001. It was larger and heavier than any of the previous models. It was also the most dynamic. There were two trim levels: base and Type SH. Both got a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with VTEC and a standard five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic was available as an option on the base model. Initially, the engine put out 195 horsepower, but in 1999, Honda bumped maximum power up to 200 hp in the manual-transmission models.
Both trims were equipped with a generous array of standard features that included 16-inch alloy wheels, ABS, cruise control, a sunroof, air-conditioning and full power accessories. The main difference between the base model and the Type SH was the addition of Honda's Active Torque Transfer System, an electronic system that distributed torque to the outside drive wheel in cornering situations. Its purpose was to minimize understeer and thus mimic rear-wheel-drive cornering characteristics.
In road and comparison tests, our editors found the Honda Prelude Type SH to be one of the best-handling cars in its class -- truly a driver's car. It was nimble and well balanced, while also maintaining a decent amount of ride comfort. There was just enough engine performance to be sporty, with the VTEC four performing a Jekyll-and-Hyde transformation in feel and sound above 5,200 rpm. Zero-to-60 times were in the low 7s. In 1999, the Prelude won Edmunds.com's Editors' Most Wanted award for Best Sport Coupe ($10,000-$25,000). In 2000, it won again for Best Sport Coupe.
Despite being a great-performing car, the Honda Prelude was lacking in other areas. The interior boasted high-quality materials and construction, but it lacked the visual pizzazz buyers had come to expect from a car with a $26,000 price tag. Honda maintained a conservative approach here, filling the cabin with a monochromatic color scheme and Accord-like gauges and controls. The front seats, though comfortable, weren't available in leather and had limited adjustability. The rear seats had minimal legroom. The fifth-generation Prelude has aged well, however, as that restrained interior design now seems classier and less dated than brash designs like the contemporary Toyota Celica.
Past Honda Preludes
The other Honda Prelude one should consider is the fourth-generation model, which was sold for the 1992-'96 model years. A complete overhaul of the previous model, this Prelude was slightly shorter, much wider and a far better-handling car. The S trim featured a 135-hp 2.2-liter SOHC four-cylinder. The Si had a 160-hp 2.3-liter DOHC four-cylinder with a healthy 156 pound-feet of torque. From 1993 on, the fourth-generation Prelude could also be had in range-topping Si VTEC trim, which brought a 2.2-liter 190-hp DOHC four equipped with Honda's electronic variable valve timing (VTEC) system. A four-wheel-steering system was available in 1992-'93, though only on the Si model.
In general, the fourth-generation Prelude earned favorable commentary in reviews at the time. It offered excellent handling, and nearly all who drove it liked the power of the VTEC-equipped engine. Criticisms were mostly directed at the car's odd interior design. A sweeping blacked-out instrument cluster extended across the entire dash, and few found the mix of analog and digital gauges appealing.
User Reviews:
Showing 101 through 110 of 428.00-
Strong after all - 1995 Honda Prelude
By Oscar - June 8 - 2:59 amAfter 80,000 miles since I bought still running strong, got 160K miles now and still faster than many cars out there .. even in 2006 still turning some heads and getting compliments ... not bad for a 12 y.o. car =) I bought ricer tailights painted red/white and looks great now, also the 94 accord rear lip, helps.
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Excellent sport touring car - 1998 Honda Prelude
By m610 - June 6 - 8:36 pmI bought it new in 1998 and 8 years later I still love it. Fun to drive on trips and at the track. Very reliable. Have had minimal repair issues, significant considering my 25+ HPDEs. Basic suspension mods really helped the already excellent sport driving performance, and a Quaife LSD has been a good investment. Will hold 0.9+ Gs in a flat turn, and can reach 150 mph without much trouble. Impresses the BMW and STI drivers and can hang with much higher rated cars in the turns. Best looking and most elegant styling of Honda ever. Ford and others have recently picked up its more notable styling elements.
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1998 Prelude (Honda) - 1998 Honda Prelude
By jamie - March 26 - 3:54 pmThis car has been the best I have ever owned (of 8). I am thinking of replacing it on the before....other experiences say it should have problems now. it doesnt and hasnt. It has no major competitor IMHO...I guess because Prelude is not built anymore I have to go to Accura RXS-S. The Prelude is quick, the handling is superb, it almost goes sideways, it is a constant pleasure to drive.
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Quality Honda - 1999 Honda Prelude
By Alex - March 11 - 4:54 pmThis vehicle offers enough power to put a Mercedes Kompressor to shame. Styling is wonderful, and the interior has greatly improved.
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5th Gen lude, Honda hits another homer! - 1997 Honda Prelude
By Chris - February 26 - 6:13 pmI owned an 87 Prelude that was tons of fun, drove several friends 3rd and 4th gens, and this week finally got behind the wheel of a 5th Gen... my own :) I just picked it up last week and the first time behind the wheel i was instantly grinning over that classic prelude feel. My car has 139000 miles on it and seems to run and handle like the day it rolled off the line. The styling has caught my eye everytime Ive seen one for the past 10 years, but with other car projects always in the works, I never had an opportunity to buy one. Better late than never tho, at least now I get a chance to enjoy what Ive been missing! Great looks, great handling, great power! Too bad its the end of an era
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If you find one, BUY IT!!! - 1995 Honda Prelude
By Erik - February 22 - 8:32 pmI bought this car with 36,000 miles on it, and it was in near perfect condition. It now has 110,000 miles on it and runs almost as good as it did then. Outside of normal routine repairs or changes such as brakes, tires, oil changes, & tune-ups this car has never had any major repairs. I only just recently had to change a broken radiator, but if thats the worst of it, Im happy. The body could be better because it has a tendency to rust in the rear quarter panel, but almost everything else about this car is perfect. I will never sell this car if I dont have to. I would rather spend the money to keep it forever. I only wish I could have found an SE model with a V-TEC and manual trans.
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One of the best cars ever - 1991 Honda Prelude
By Marcus - February 10 - 1:53 pmI have had a lot of cars in my driving lifetime (16 years) and this is the 3rd prelude I have owned. It was my favorite car in high school, so when I saw an opportunity to purchase this one I sold my motorcycle immediately to get the $4000 asking price. I have not been disappointed in the 2 years that I have owned it. From the appearance, it looks as though it was stored in a garage. The only thing that I would change it the trans (it is an auto) but with the sport selection it drives very well. Has great acceleration!
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What do I now buy for my daughter - 1991 Honda Prelude
By Ron in Jersey - January 29 - 7:12 pmBought this car for my son. It had only 46,000 miles and got from a fellow townie. OUTSTANDING. I had to put a timing belt, new exhaust, and a new battery over last 5 years. Shows no signs of wearing out. Classic look. Now my daughter is getting her license and it will be hard to find something comparable. Trust me I have been looking
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Cute and Sporty - 1991 Honda Prelude
By Johnny5 - January 6 - 7:16 pmI bought my 1991 Prelude from a friend who needed a bigger family car. He had it since he bought it new in 1991. The car is fun to drive and very responsive. I have the 4WS model and it corners very well. I love the body style of the 3rd gen. Preludes. It has 157,000 miles on it but still drives like it was new! These are getting harder and harder to find in good condition so I am glad I got one!
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1998 Prelude SH - 1998 Honda Prelude
By Don Boynton - December 30 - 5:34 pmThe car is fun to drive, and corners well. The car needs more HP (195 HP), but the car still zips along. Overall its a good car!
