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 351 through 360 of 428.00

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  Great Car - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By matthew - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I brought my lude not too long ago and its great, i put some performance parts on it and it does haul. I agree that there should not even be a backseat, my 5 year old brother cant even fit back there. Everything is great on this car and is built to last. Only thing bad is the dashboard design but u get use to it.

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  Strangely Underrated - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Crawdaddy79 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Strangers continually compliment me on my Civic or Accord, and I tell them its a Prelude, and they get surprised. This car is 8 years old (its a 95)this model has been around since 92, which makes it 10+ years of chance that youve had to know what it was. They are surprised to find out that it is faster than a formidably upgraded Civic (!) (even stock/non-VTEC Preludes). Preludes are not in production any longer because people have some sort of fascination with Civics that sound like weedwhackers. Mine has 120,000+ miles on it.. No mechanical problems as of yet, and no signs of future ones.

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  Best All Around Bang for Your Buck - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Redline - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for over 2 years now, and added almost 35k miles. This car has to be the best used vehicle I have ever owned. I have not had one problem with this car even way after hitting 100k miles. The base performance on this car is awesome for being a 4cylinder. Ive had a few passengers ask me if it was a 6cylinder! Styling is fun, young, and sleek. Interior is absolutely amazing and none that ive ever seen. The quality of build is definitely there. Sure, its not a lexus, but for the money I paid for it, it feels like it. Handling is top-notch. I have no doubt that it will easily reach 200k. This is the best all around bang for your buck.

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  One of my favorites - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By SnoopDoug - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven everything from old muscle cars, to new Vettes and even a 96 Viper GTS. I must say that I love this car, overall, more than those. At least for the money. I get 31MPG with the A/C on!! How can you beat that? I have always loved how the car looks too. Its just got an "evil" look when viewed from the front.

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  Second Prelude! Love this one MORE! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By littleblueflash - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive had Hondas since I was 18. They are great cars, although somewhat pricey compared to their competitors. To me, every penny is worth it. I bought this car brand new. Ive had very few (non-mechanical) problems with it. The only problem I see is that if it gets totalled I cant go get another brand new one to replace it with. This is the second Prelude Ive had. Its just a great car. It gets stares, and glares when I leave someone at a light =) Buy one if you can find one!

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  Fun, Reliable, and Stylish Car - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By bigbossbrad - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car a year ago, and even after a number of part replacements, I still love the car and enjoy the ride. For those looking for an economical, sporty, and practical car, the 1991 Prelude fits the position. The car is cheap on gas, provides power and handling when needed, and offers a spacious interior and sufficient trunk space.

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  quicker than most v-8s - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By roger ware - July 15 - 2:00 am

  wonderful, that about sums it up!

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  I love this car! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Suz - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car for one reason ~ the engine ~ and have not been disappointed. Fastest 4 cyl. I could find with 190 hp, great Honda reliability. They make cars that last as this car replaced a 10 year old Acura Integra still running strong. Great little sports car that makes you feel like a million bucks while in it. Safe, solid ride with no major repairs to date (owned it for 3 years).

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  Solid as a rock! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Grantbo - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I love my Fresco Blude lude! Ive had it for 8 yrs and just turned over 90k miles today. Maintenance has been limited to routine items such as brakes, mufflers. Always dependable, and honestly, still gets flattering comments on its styling!

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  Fun for the Money - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By TMac - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Prelude since 2000 and have only minimal complaints. This is the fastest stock car in its class. Its fast off the line and handles great. The V-Tech engine adds extra excitement beyond 5000 rpms too! If youre thinking about buying this car, you better get a stick shift.