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 401 through 410 of 428.00-
2001 Prelude - 2001 Honda Prelude
By TomW - March 29 - 2:00 amAn excellent buy for the money. Strong performance, points very well and handles predictably. I really like the car--its stacks up well against other sports cars I owned such as, Datsun 280Z, Sunbeam Tiger, a couple of C3 Vettes and a Jag. Have noticed that the 5th Gen Prelude tends to use oil. Mine uses a quart every 2,500 miles, which the dealer indicates is typical and not a problem.
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Incredible! - 2001 Honda Prelude
By PaulG - March 26 - 2:00 amIm a resident of Canada. I purchased the Type SE Model of the Prelude. Honda discontinued the SH Model in Canada for 2001 so my only option was the SE. The SE comes with everything the SH comes with except no ATTS was equipped. This is my first car and I am very impressed with it. I test drove the Toyota Celica GT-S. I found the Toyota to be very small and compact inside, and I found the clutch very hard to work with. The Preludes clutch however, is extremely smooth and the interior offers a lot of room. It is unfortunate that Honda discontinued the Prelude. Its design is original and the drive is pleasurable.
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Loved this car - 1994 Honda Prelude
By Cheryl763 - March 24 - 2:00 amI sold my 1994 Honda Prelude about a month ago and still miss it. The car handled & felt great. It was fun to drive and the body styling was sleek. Aside from normal maintence, the upkeep was minimal. When you wanted the extra power, the VTEC engine gave it to you, great for entering the highway or passing. I would still have it if it wasnt for the fact that I needed a 4-door family sedan...Hopefully I will love my new Saab 9-3 as much.
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Best Sports Coupe...Ever! - 1999 Honda Prelude
By h0rde - March 21 - 2:00 amI bought my Prelude from my boss when he decided to buy a BMW M Roadster...I knew that I had to have it as soon as I found out that it was for sale. Its a blast to drive and I really like the styling, inside and out. There isnt a day that goes by in which I dont smile because I own one of these.
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PRELUDES RULE - 1999 Honda Prelude
By Rick Bailey - March 20 - 2:00 amMy first car and im gona keep it till it dies
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2000 Honda Prelude - 2000 Honda Prelude
By lighthouse - March 20 - 2:00 amNumerous squeaks and rattles. Annoying wind noise around drivers door that dealership could not detect. Extremely noisy at highway speeds.
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2nd Prelude Ive owned! - 1996 Honda Prelude
By Jessie - March 19 - 2:00 amThis is the second 96 Si Prelude I have owned. I loved my first one so much, that when circumstances changed that I couldnt have it, I went in search of the exact same car. I work at a car dealership and have driven just about every type of car out there. I can only say the S2000 has gotten the same rush out of me as the lude. I still get stopped at red lights and asked what kind of car it is. I love that you dont see a whole lot of them on the road and the exclusivity that goes with it.
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Great Car - 2000 Honda Prelude
By Rajesh Oad - March 18 - 5:04 pmIve never owned a car that I love driving this much. No ifs and or buts about it.
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Everything is all good.... - 1998 Honda Prelude
By Thomas Nhan - March 18 - 3:46 pmno problems fast car......
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Beautiful!! - 2001 Honda Prelude
By Tarun - March 18 - 12:00 amThe best car anyone can have for such a price! The handling is great and so is the hp. I would recommend this baby to anyone.
