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 211 through 220 of 428.00

• 

  Best car Ive had so far - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Alexusf - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This car handles better than a BMW on curves, Its close proximity to the ground helps it stick to the road, and its wide body helps keep it balanced at alla times.

• 

  LUDES RULE - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By gatorfan69 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Just upgraded from 97 auto to 00 SH model. Base model is nice, but SH is a must for true performance. The SH offers dramatically improved handling and whips corners as fast as the driver can handle. The car has ample power, but anything could use more power. Add some bolt ons for a few more horses. Love the styling (the headlights grow on you), but interior is a bit bland, and can be unconfortabe for a taller person. Good gas mileage unless you push into Vtec on every gear. Could use a 6th gear for better hwy mileage. I have some worry about my clutch already making noise at 44k mi. But I bought it at 40k, and I dont know how it was treated.

• 

  You got to own this one to understand... - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By Kenshin24 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  You just gotta have this 94Prelude Si to understand what I am talking about here....too bad that I dont have it anymore... It has great looks,gas mileage,reliablility, and much more to satisfy driver of this awesome car... I bought used and only had it for 2 years, but it had no major and minor problems.... I loved that car... if I ever buy used car again... Ill definitely put `92~96 Prelude on top of my list...

• 

  Best Honda ever!! - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Joe Kinney - September 25 - 2:00 am

  The 5th generation Prelude is the best looking Honda ever built. It strikes the perfect balance between the conservative lines of the Accord and the edgy aggressiveness of the NSX. Sure . . . it could do with a bit more low-end power, but it has plenty of juice for just about any situation you can imagine. Whats more important -- its REFINED power. 110 MPH feels more like 55 and theres almost no body roll to speak of. I was saddened when Honda decided to discontinue this exceptional line . . . but, I GOT MINE!!! I suggest you do the same.

• 

  Best Sport Coupe - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By Ejuan - September 25 - 2:00 am

  The prelude is definately one of the best sports cars around. Looks, although eccentric, are hard not to like. Interior is very good. The car steers like no other - point it in the right place and it will get you there. A pretty quick ride - until the VTEC kicks in. Then you better just hold on.

• 

  You will not be disappointed! - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By mdot - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I never realized how enjoyable this car was until I recently drove a 1997 SH. The 97 was not much of an improvement over my old car and it made me reconsider even purchasing a newer car. My 90 with 100K has gone to the shop about 3 times since 68K and none have been major repairs. This car is very quick when driving locally. It only gets strained when driving a considerable distance on the highway. The handling is amazing for such an old car. Anyone considering an older prelude will not be disappointed.

• 

  1 - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Pavlik - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car. Bought it brand new back in 97, car now has 70K miles on it. Last week just changed the originals: front brake pads, 2 front tires and clutch master cylinder. Thats all replacements I had in 6 years! Car looks and runs brand new, getting 28/30 miles a gallon. Had 6 Honda cars in a past - they all a top reliability and Prelude is the best one among them. Will keep it for a long time - very happy with my Lude!

• 

  Excellent - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By fblueprelude - September 10 - 2:00 am

  A great car. Honda never should have stopped making them.

• 

  I wish they still made the 4WS versions. - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Nene - September 9 - 2:00 am

  At 185K plus miles, Ive had only one incident of breaking down on the road and it has seen me safely through two accidents. I was rear-ended by a 3/4 ton truck, his bumper had more damage than my Prelude. This is the most reliable car Ive ever owned and I still get compliments about how good it looks despite the age.

• 

  One of the Finer Things in Life - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By CharlieLiu - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall the car is very fun to drive and is quick around the turns. Even though the car is 30xx lbs, it sure doesnt feel like it when you use it as a daily driver.