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 251 through 260 of 428.00

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  Sweet Car - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Nixon351 - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Im 16 years old and to have the 96SI as my first car has been a blast, Stock the car has amazing tourqe for a 4cylinder and it has NO problem going from a redlight to 60MPH. Interior is well done with the electronic dash and in your face tweeters. Back seat is a lil on the small side and to sit in the back requires serious help from the peeps in the front. Dont stop me tho. my cars pushing 7 years old and it hardly shows it, Stock rims on the Ludes could have been a little better tho, the stock Alloys are hideous. but nothing $1700s worth of rims and tires wont fix..... the car is the one of the best looking cars from 96 fo sho.

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  Nice Car - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By stevo_043 - May 23 - 2:00 am

  My Honda Prelude is really great. Acceleration is excellent. I have an automatic, but wish it was a stick. The A/C is really good it gets cold quick. I love this car.

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  Great Ride - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By Wings - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 93 Prelude SR for over a year now and what a great car. It packs a lot of punch for a four cylinder and it has incredible handling. I love having a car that I can drive like I stole it every day without any worries. The only problem Ive had was the electric ignition igniter crapped out on me which was only a small and cheap repair. Honda should have never stopped making the Prelude!

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  2001 Honda Prelude - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By rralls - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Zero service issues. Great quality and reliability.

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  I love my prelude - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By jpf888 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  the car has needd a new radiator, head gasget, exhuast system, crank shaft, and now a new engine....why???

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  fun to corner - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Fang - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Whenever I made a sharp turn in my prelude, it just makes me feel handsome. The build quality is also outstanding. The only problem is that the car feels bumpy on uneven road. I think Honda could not avoid this problem since the car is too light.

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  preludelover - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By cmburns - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Honda preludes are the only type of car I have ever known. I have driven many other cars and have owned a 87 prelude, a 88 prelude and 3 98 preludes. I had unfortunate mishaps, both acts of god, and both times the prelude did a extremely good job of keeping me safe and sound.I am extremely upset that Honda has discontinued making this fine automobile. Hats off to the prelude!

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  Transmission - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By memyselfI - May 6 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR WITH AN AUTO TRANSMISSION! Honda has extended the warranty to 7 year / 100,000 miles due to problems. Great, right. WRONG! With only 39,000 miles on it the trans was leaking and needed replacement. Great, a new Trans. WRONG - REMANUFACTURED. So how much does a new one cost. SORRY CANT GET ONE IN THE USA. So much for Hyundai, Oops I mean Honda. If you work for honda and are reading this. Think about your reputation now, I hope your proud.

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  Fun lil sports car - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By HondaPreludeLover - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my share of fun in this car. I fell in love with it when I bought it. Ive had my fair share of "used car maintenances" also, but the Honda engine is strong -- do not underestimate it. For a 13 year old car, its probably the most dependable 10+ year old car I will ever own. I am currently looking forward to a new- er Prelude. I had so much fun with the third generation, that I know I will have a blast with the last (5th) gen. I am disappointed they are no longer making the prelude, but I will enjoy it, and keep my "new baby" as long as I can. For those that also have a prelude, have fun and ENJOY!!!

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  super car - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By texaslude - May 2 - 2:00 am

  for a 92 model, it still looks like NEW ..people think its a 2 or 3 yr old car ...sexy looks too ..