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 181 through 190 of 428.00-
great - 1992 Honda Prelude
By big pappa - February 19 - 2:00 ami think that this care is outstanding
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very cool - 2001 Honda Prelude
By alphonse - February 15 - 2:00 ami like it but i think it be faster it only has a they could have put a v6 with 260 horse power
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97 TYPE SH - 1997 Honda Prelude
By HYELUDE - February 11 - 2:00 amAwesome car! For the price nothing comes close to its performance. I get a lot of attention in this car. I average about 22mpg in town driving. I have 86K miles on it and have only changed the timing belt, water pump and slave cylinder on the car.
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Another Great Honda - 1997 Honda Prelude
By boundsn - February 9 - 2:00 amThis car was great. The only thing keeping you from driving it 100,000 miles in one trip would be having to stop for gas and oil! The interior is beautiful and wonderfully laid out. The 5 speed was one of the best cable- driven shifters Ive ever had my hands on. The engine feels like an import big block, and makes all those other FWD cars feel puny and diminutive. Real road presense too.
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I sold a Vette to get a Lude? You bet!! - 2001 Honda Prelude
By ChuckMoneyGrip - January 26 - 2:00 amMy 2001 Prelude replaces a 1989 Corvette Convertible. The Corvette was nice but this Prelude has a higher fun- to-drive factor. Plus it hasnt left me stranded like the Vette did. Down side is the Prelude insurance is actually HIGHER than the Vette! The Prelude was voted the best handling car under $30,000 by a car mag and I can believe it. I like to keep the H22a motor in VTEC, it sounds like a Formula One engine past 5200 RPM. It feels faster than it is. The interior is a step backwards from the 4th gen, reminds me of an Accords, wish it had the 92-96 guts. Still I think its a world class sports coupe.
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Fun and Reliable - 1994 Honda Prelude
By Toregon - January 25 - 2:00 amExcellent car, fun to drive for a two door car. Very reliable
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Still great fun a decade later - 1994 Honda Prelude
By Jeremy Delaney - January 22 - 2:00 amThis is a great car even after celebrating its 10th birthday. I couldnt think of a better car to take through the twisties. The SI or VTEC models are definately the way to go. Shifting is very smooth and accurate, developing the most power in the 3500 rpm range. The steering on this car is razor sharp and with a good set of performance tires you can really rip into those back country roads.
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I love my Honda - 1998 Honda Prelude
By Nan Wade - January 18 - 2:00 amI have driven Hondas for years, keeping them several years before trading in. I always know it will start and I am safe in it. I wouldnt drive anything el
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The Wife Loves It - 1992 Honda Prelude
By nokingbutchrist - January 18 - 2:00 amI bought it used with 40K for wife. Car now has 240K and has only had two problems. First, a bad balance shaft seal dumped all the oil. My wife still drove it for 30 minutes in temps of 98 before stopping! Another seal blew a month ago. The wife drove a 100 miles before engine seized. YET, the wife still wants it so a new engine is going to be put in. A/C stinks.
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The Best Honda Available - 1995 Honda Prelude
By Drelude - January 12 - 2:00 amThis car is great. From its sleek design to its amazing 195hp. Surprisingly it get good gas milage and maintains it amusing driving characteristics.
