Honda Prelude Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.73/5 Average
428 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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 271 through 280 of 428.00
  • Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1992 Honda Prelude
    By -

    I bought my 92 Prelude Si with 4-wheel steering from a friend four years ago when it had 85,000 miles on it. Since then, Ive put another 35,000 miles on it and it still drives like new. It is extremely fun to drive and is quick enough to beat or keep up with newer cars with much more horsepower. I recently bought a new car and will be very sad to see the Prelude go. Its been great to me and I highly recommend that anyone who wants a fast, fun to drive car and is on a tight budget to buy one. The four wheel steering also adds a whole new dimension to this car.

  • Black Beauty - 1992 Honda Prelude
    By -

    I puchased my 92 Prelude w/ over 160,000 miles on her. This car is has never let me down and drives really smooth. This car has excellent quality in the interior materials but CUPHOLDERS would be nice... The Engine is peppy and quick to deliver you the passing speed you need on the freeway. I consider my car to be a 2seater because those things in the back That Honda calls seats function better as shelves for me. My nine year old brother said it was cramped back there.... This car is EXCELLENT and drips with quality.

  • Honda made a winner - 1992 Honda Prelude
    By -

    This car is excellent in every aspect. The power is excellent, the handling is awsome, and the looks are sporty. Combined with good gas mileage, cheap price, and low insurance premiums, this car is untouchable. Advice: I would stay away from the 4 wheel steering models due to their increased weight. The (subtle) performance gain is not worth the weight increase.

  • First time, some surprises, mostly good. - 2000 Honda Prelude
    By -

    My first new car in 13 years and my first time driving a Prelude. The dealer had a Black, 2000, 4-speed sequential sport shift transmission. Cost $1000 more than the 5-speed manual. After I got used to the transmission and shifter, I really appreciated its benefits. Car has rock- solid handling, cornering and braking. Sturdily built and low to the ground (another feature that takes getting used to). I regularly use both sides of the sport-shifter. I plan to keep the car for a long time.

  • The VTEC Prelude is a keeper. - 1993 Honda Prelude
    By -

    I had a 93 Prelude VTEC 4 years ago. Was hands down, the best car Ive had. Acceleration was Excellent (0-60 in about 6.8 seconds), handling and cornering had to be tops in its class, quality was very high, gas mileage was so-so (but its not an econo-car anyways), and reliability was fantastic. In my opinion the Prelude is the cream of the crop in the import-sc (sport coupe) class (Eclipse/240 SX/MX- 6/Prelude/Celica). Its aggressive styling still looks great today. Honda needs to bring back a sport coupe soon. The car is popular with thieves here in LA, so garage it if you can.

  • Honda Prelude Coupe 1998 - 1998 Honda Prelude
    By -

    Very fun car, great for cruising around. The v-tec engine offers plenty of pep!

  • FROM EXPERIENCE - 1998 Honda Prelude
    By -

    THIS VEHICILE HAS BEEN A VERY GOOD ONE. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS, AND THIS IS THE BEST ALL ROUND BUY I HAVE EVER MADE. I THINK THIS CAR IS THE MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK.

  • It Just Keeps Going and Going! - 1990 Honda Prelude
    By -

    I absolutely love Hondas because they are so reliable. I got this used while in college from a Honda mechanic so it was in great condition! Good pick-up, nice body style for a 13-year old car. Good visability, good on gas, decent size trunk. Reliable all the way around. Im at 227,000 and shes still going.

  • THIS CAR ROCKS - 2001 Honda Prelude
    By -

    Nice car.

  • Prelude for life - 2000 Honda Prelude
    By -

    I have owned three preludes and this is the best to date. Good performance, styling, quality. The best of all 5 generations of Preludes combined.

Honda Prelude Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area