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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Prelude lover - 2001 Honda Prelude
By Anne 31 - May 20 - 2:00 amCant say enough about this car, have had a year and am still in love everytime I get behind the wheel. The Prelude looks great and never disappoints when I want to move. The VTEC engine always delivers and the handling is superb. Cant believe that Honda discontinued this model, the world is going to be taken over by SUVs and 4 door sedans....
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Best car Ive owned yet..... - 1997 Honda Prelude
By EvilDIngDong - May 18 - 2:00 amThe Pros: 1. It feels like a sports car and love to be driven hard. Its pretty easy to start collecting tickets if youre not carefull. 2. There is nothing like the sound of VTEC kicking in as you wind through the gears! 3. This a totally dependable car. The Cons: 1. Insurance premiums... Most insurance companies surcharge this car 100%. 2. Interior space. The folding rear seat helps, but I miss my hatchbacks every time I have to pack my bike in the car. 3. Low trade in value. Ive watched the value of my car drop by about $4,500 in a little over a year.
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Like It, Love it, Want Some More of It - 2001 Honda Prelude
By nyccarguy - May 17 - 2:00 amIve loved the Prelude since the 4th generation model came out in 1992 and then lusted after the 5th Generation model ever since it came out in 1997. I recently (4/27/02) bought a brand new 2001 Milano Red Prelude Type SH. I love everything about this car. The power is great, the handling is telepatic, I love the panoramic view. The wheels & ATTS sold me on the Type SH. Fit and Finish are top notch. The Black interior is simple & handsome, yet functional. After driving the car for 5 minutes, it is as if Ive been driving it for 3 years already. The clutch is easy to modulate & the 5 speed shifts are crisp. I look for excuse
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What a ride! - 1996 Honda Prelude
By house_muzak - May 15 - 2:00 amThe fourth generation Prelude V-tec is a beautiful and unique car inside and out. Its styling is timeless and seductive. The interior is like no other car on the road and is really very refreshing. The V-tec engine is ultra-reliable and a blast to drive. It handles superbly for a front wheel drive car and has great brakes, too. Buy this car, if you can actually find one!
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WORTH EVERY PENNY - 2001 Honda Prelude
By A - May 13 - 2:00 amworth every penny. got it brand new. i "drive it like i stole it", and the performance has been outstanding. extremely happy with it.
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Prelude S : Best for the price! - 1996 Honda Prelude
By DjChaz - May 12 - 2:00 amI purchased my car about 2 weeks ago, and it has been awsome so far. Got the car for $7,500 with 65,000 miles (a steal of a price) and so far so good. Car is very fast for a 2.2L 135 HP engine, and has so much potential with a few upgrades. It is still an eye turner (almost everywhere I go people ask about the car) If you want a long term, cheap, reliable sporty car, either get this or an Integra (harder to find at a really good price)
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7 years of pure joy so far! - 1995 Honda Prelude
By peeweezers - May 10 - 2:00 amI bought my 1995 Prelude VTEC new, and it is a great car. I have it rigorously maintained, and the only thing that has ever broken down is the stereo - a problem I also had with my 81 Civic and my 88 Prelude. Mine was bought in August, and the serial number ends in 000445. I am restoring its looks to new condition and driving it for another 7 years at least. Cant have mine! Its the Mighty Mite, only big enough for me and my pug, but if its performance you care about, performance that never breaks down, this it.
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Great Car!! - 1990 Honda Prelude
By Trickster - May 10 - 2:00 amBefore I bought my Honda Prelude, it was my dream car. Everytime I saw one I was envious. I was never prouder once I finally got my own. 8 years later I still love my Prelude. It has 139,000 miles on it and she still drives like its brand new. The only major work needed was a new clutch. The only reason I am getting rid of it now is because I need a bigger car for my family. I would keep the Prelude if I could, but the trade-in value is just too good for a 12 year old car. Im really gonna miss her!!!
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A car worth the money - 1990 Honda Prelude
By Hookem - May 10 - 2:00 amThe 90 Honda Prelude is an excellent combinatin of sporty performance, good looks, great gas mileage and excellent reliability. I highly recommend this car
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A great sport coupe that needed more HP - 2000 Honda Prelude
By Sportscarguy - May 5 - 2:00 amNo major difficulties-2yr serv. Conservative inside/out--more mature car. Engine very capable. ATTS system good. Stereo system good. Decent sports coupe practical (fold RR seat) + capable of blasting down road--enjoyable, fast ride.
