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 301 through 310 of 428.00

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  Can hold its own agains most cars - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By rlee - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Hi yall, My parents bought me my first car 2 years ago, a brand spanken new prelude in black. This car is great. Acceleration is good, handling is superb and it looks great. I think this car is best in its class, u can even compare its performance to bmws and benzs coupes. The build quality is excellent. the sastisfaction of a pure manual...its too bad they stope making them..oh well, i guess that makes them more unique.

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  Favorite of 2 hondas owned - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Janellesmiles - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a honda civic 95 coupe 2 dr 5 spd manual transmission and although it was only a 4 cylinder I loved it. I couldnt believe how much more I would come to love the prelude. Aww the fun I had driving it... I could go on and on. I felt awesome flying down with the stereo blaring and the sun roof open. Absolutely awesome.

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  Prelude S - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Cardinal - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car. Only thing its lacking is speed. Would love to have V-tech or Si.

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  Excellent sports car - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Starsipping - December 12 - 2:00 am

  This was the first car I bought for myself and its been a pleasurable driving experience the entire time Ive owned it. There hasnt been a single instance of mechanical fault, and I still turn my head to look back at my car when I walk away--and even after 3 years I still feel a swell of pride that this car belongs to me. I havent seen another car with such nice exterior looks anywhere near the price range. I got leather seats installed-- I recommend this highly.

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  No Honda compares - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By 3rdPrelude - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Prelude and the best by far. My 80 was a bit roomier and a classic, my 89 4WS was quick and had superior turning radius, my 97 is almost a combination of both. I could stand for more leg room for my 511" frame. The sport shift is conveinient and works great, the auto position blows for pick up. Gas milage is great. I still get compliments on its looks even after having it for 3 years. Sux that Honda killed the model, it was the only cool model they had going until the S2000. ill never buy another honda, they look bland.

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  Reliable Honda? - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By jomohr - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I will NEVER own another Honda. This car burns oil....at least a quart every 1,000 miles. Ive talked to my dealership numerous times (they know my face now) and Ive even talked to American Honda via letters and phone calls. I am always told that this is the way the car is built and there is nothing that Honda can do for me. My low oil pressure indicator light has come on twice since Ive owned the car. Its a beautiful car, but its not reliable and I certainly dont expect it to live as long as Honda predicts their cars should last. American Honda has a failing grade from the BBB. Dont buy a Honda.

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  Best Sport Compact on the market - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By John_C - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 98 lude for a little over two years and is the funest stock sport compact I have ever owned. I put 12,000 miles on the car annually and not a single mechanical problem yet to date!!!! This car handles well with the stock suspension, fast as hell off the line -- especially if you take it to the red line. Styling is sleek and the ride is firm and comfortable Like the title says, best sport compact on the market not only because it looks great, is fast and fun to drive, but because it displays the reliability you would expect from a Honda!!

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  Best Honda Ever Made - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By GregM - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Its a shame that Honda discontinued the Prelude, it is a marvelous design and an absolute blast to drive. The engine is probably the best on the market, suspension and chassis second to none, a very distinctive and elegant look. I own the Canadian SE version which has upgraded wheels, heated leather seats , heated mirrors , and upgraded interior trim on top of all the standard features - it is a very luxurious car, very comfortable BUT when you hit the gas the Prelude shows its high performance side and turns into a monster that simply eats the road! A truly unique and amazing car! Honda has seriously erred in not continuing the Prelude line.

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  Preludes: The Ultimate 4 Cylinder - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By XxPrelude98xX - November 21 - 2:00 am

  With 200 hp 156 lbs of torque, this car hauls. Its fast and ist a tiny little civic. Preludes are a collectible, not a me too car as civics and integras are. Great styling, great engine, good looks, and good stock sound system. Only 4 cyl id rather have is the $10,000 more s2000.

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  preludes rule - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By jac04 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  best car eve. honda shouldnt have stoped making them