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 61 through 70 of 428.00

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  Great Car - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By ludelover - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is really a great car. Low end is somewhat lame, but past 4-5,000 it is a blast! Interior is typical Honda. (Simple and efficient.) Definately fun to drive if you like the high revving type cars.

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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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  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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  You gotta get a lude, dude! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By EK - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Si lude with a little under 100K. Ive only had to replace the timing belt (preventative maintenance) and get some oil leaks repaired. I now have over 120K on my car. I absolutely love it!! This is the funnest car Ive ever driven. I recently test drove the new Accord EX V6 and the new V6 Altima (I thought I needed a bigger car). My 92 lude would run circles around both of these vehicles so Im sticking with my lude. Recently, I saw a car ad for a 95 lude priced at $12,000 (the ad said Rare car)!! Amazing! Youd have to fight me for my mine.

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  Lude is good! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Steva - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Its a fun car, great handeling, good torque, solid built. I have the 4WS and it makes tight turns much easier, but its just another thing that can go wrong. I have had the car for 11K miles and the besides the regular maintainence I have had some electrical things go out and it cost $150 to fix, not bad. Sometimes when I turn the car off for a few minutes and turn it on again the 4WS light stays on ( which means that there is a prolem with the 4WS) so I turn the car on and off a few times untill it goes away. The rest of the car is realiable and should last a while.

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  Love After All These Years - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By chefjefe - October 18 - 2:00 am

  My Lude has been with me for 4 years now. 70K miles later, I still get giddy every time the tach winds past 5,200 rpm. I have added a AEM intake, stainless header, and SuperSprint Exhaust, which has added to the fun both power and sound-wise. The acceleration and handling are still there, and the car is as stylish and comfortable as ever. A true winner!

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  Noisy Rear Suspension - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Thaddeus - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nice, with the exception of a noisy rear suspension. I love the exterior styling and motor is very strong for a 2.2L. However, whenever I hit bumps, or leave a driveway, or do anything to move the rear suspension much, it squeaks and grinds. This has been fixed twice by the dealer, only to return. I am ready to take it in for a third time, before my warranty ends. I may end up trading the vehicle in since it seems to be a design flaw, rather than a repairable issue. This isnt what I expected from Honda.

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  decent - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By ratrap - October 7 - 2:00 am

  this car has been a great car and for the most part reliable. ive had a few problems with electrical but thats about it.

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  sportshift transmission problems - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By brown_r - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Reliability has been very good up until the last 6 months. Suddenly the transmission starts shifting hard. I took it into the dealership and the only option they offer is transmission replacement ($4K). Two AAMCOs have failed to identify the problem. $4K is a pretty high repair bill for a 1997 car with 54K miles.

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  Fun to Drive for short time - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Club VTEC - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I personally love Prelude 92-96 Model. It is really fun to drive but not for long drive. The seat is not comfortable. This is a great car to have. Dont miss it