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:
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4 Years is enough - 2001 Honda Prelude
By dg280zx - July 29 - 2:00 amMy 01 model runs like the day I got it after 52,000 miles. The only quality issue has been the drivers side window which makes a thud when going up. No squeaks or rattles though. It cruises along fine at 80 but can be a bit noisy since its a 4 cylinder. It is not a drag racer but it accelerates very quickly once you get the revs up. Requires premium fuel every fill up. You also have to drive the Prelude 100% of the time because of its tight steering and you will feel every road flaw because of its tight suspension. Its been a fun few years but I will probably trade it in a year or so for a six cylinder that can carry four adults and has modern amenities.
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97 Prelude - 1997 Honda Prelude
By Krisl20 - July 27 - 2:00 amGreat car. Little slow off the line but when that V-tech kicks in there is some power. Very reliable car just like any other honda made. Awesome gas mileage and a great looking car. A little uncomfortable for me being 61" Knees hit the side where the CD player is located.
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Love My Lude - 2001 Honda Prelude
By gshhk - July 25 - 2:00 amGreat car!! Handles Superb,Panoramic View,Excellent Shifting,Hot Styling. This is the FIRST new car Ive EVER had that did not have to go back to the dealer to get the "BUGS" out.Ive yet to have to bring it in for a problem! This car SHOULD NOT have been discontinued. What a mistake on Hondas behalf. I was going to buy one in 1998 and bought a Ford Explorer Sport instead which cost MORE and what CRAP!!! So the time came when I couldnt deal with the problems of it anymore and found out "NO MORE LUDES AFTER 2001!!!" I HAD TO GET ONE!!!
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Bombdiggy - 1995 Honda Prelude
By ALi Baba - July 20 - 2:00 amthis car is great and it looks like an expensive rich sporty car and its not which is good for middle class people....it drives really good can take sharp turns and it has quick acceleration and a lot of horespower for it being a four cylinder and its pretty good on gas
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I love this car - 1999 Honda Prelude
By LUDEacris - July 19 - 2:00 amThis car handles well, looks great, and is fast what more can u ask for in a sports car?
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97 HONDA PRELUDE - 1997 Honda Prelude
By DAVID - July 18 - 2:00 amMY WIFE AND I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW. IT HAS BEEN A OK CAR. WE HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH IT. SINCE NEW WE HAVE PUT 2 RACK AND PINIONS,TRANSMISSION,AND HAVE HAD SERVICE LOOK AT THE SUN ROOF MANY TIMES FOR SLOW OPENING.
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i miss my prelude - 1997 Honda Prelude
By bluemerle - July 13 - 2:00 amDrove it for six years and loved it. Just bought an SUV and wish i still had a fun fast car. Not one single mechanical problem in six years! Amazing.
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great car too bad it isnt made anymore - 1998 Honda Prelude
By 14sierra - July 9 - 2:00 amI love my prelude. It has distinctive styling, good fuel mileage, and great handling. Also preludes are relatively rare (compared to civics, accords, and integras). The only critisism I can give is it needs about 30-40 more hp. I would buy another prelude but unfortunately honda has moved on to the s2000.
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Too many problems - 1992 Honda Prelude
By GunnerV - July 8 - 2:00 amI am the only owner of this car and Ive had nothing but problems. Ignitors, air conditioning, brake cylinder, transmission (x2), paint fade, leaks. It had regular maintenance at the dealership. I have finally had it! Its on the used car lot. I bought a Nissan.
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Amazing - 1997 Honda Prelude
By PreludeEh - July 7 - 2:00 amGreat first car. Great perfromance and handling! Extremely reliable, a lot of fun to drive and decent fuel economy.
