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 81 through 90 of 428.00

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  Classic Sport - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Gock - March 27 - 11:59 am

  This car is excellent for those looking for something fun. Although the interior is bland and the car is a portly weight, its mostly a silent killer. A little heavy to take 90 degree turns with ease, but if you take it on a curvy backroad, you see its true power. Take it on a sharp curve at speeds even a WRX would be scared of and the Prelude laughs at the curve and eats it for breakfast. Interstate driving is like a cakewalk for this car, easily passing any car with a quick downshift or two. Stop- and-go driving is a little boggy but still spirited. Also very quiet! The added reliability and high-quality materials make this car a smart buy for anyone wanting something fun!

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  Love My 93 Prelude Si 4WS - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By 5speedguy - March 5 - 11:40 am

  Bought my red 5 speed in June 2005 with 129,000 miles on the clock. I now have 150,000 and I just love this car. I like the punch, the great corner- carving ability and the looks. Each time I walk past the car I just have to smile. I know the 4WS makes the car heavier and therefore slower than the VTEC, but the handling is so great it is worth it. I soon intend to use it as a track day car (while continuing the "daily driver" duties.)

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  1998 Honda Prelude - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By rusty_toes - March 1 - 8:12 pm

  Purchased the car just under a month ago, and am still impressed by the overall quality of this Lude. The 5th gen is by far better looking than the 4th gen. Most the editor reviews will tell you the interior and exterior are lacking on the 5th gen. I could not disagree more! If nothing else, choose the 5th gen over the 4th because the 5th comes stock with vtec. I am not impressed by gimmicky features, and this car has none of those. It is a sports car. If you want something with plenty of room, get a 4 door accord. the Prelude I own has just over 110,000 miles on it, as far as I know it has not had any major mechanical work done.

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  Its my 2nd Prelude! - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Dana - December 23 - 4:48 pm

  No one believes my car is a 97! I try to keep it in great shape and definitely keep it serviced. If only I could keep those SUV folks from running me off the road since they dont see me "down here", life in my Prelude would be perfect! But what am I to do when its time to retire this one, since Honda pulled production?? Hopefully that day wont come anytime soon...

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  Fun Car! - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By CGR - December 21 - 10:48 pm

  I just bought a 98 base Prelude because I was bored of the family sedan... and this car isnt boring! Its VTEC system with a relative lack of low-end torque is like having 2 cars - the first is the low revving economical commute happy at 2k, and it is equally happy up to 7k scaring the pants off you at how quickly you reached "too fast". It feels heavy to me, as if I shouldnt try throwing it around - but when I do I never get into trouble! There may be better cars than the Prelude, but I doubt many will give you this kind of fun for the same price.

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  1990 EX Prelude (UK Model) - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By Darren Wyeth - December 20 - 10:19 am

  I bought this 1990 EX prelude auto, which is equal to the USAs S except for the cruise control. I had an 84 prelude a few years ago but had to sell it, but I saw this come up and grabbed it whilst I could, Its extremely reliable and feels just like a new car the only problem I have with it are the speakers, but these can be replaced. Its not a nice looking as the 2nd Generation (1983-1987) but its the most fun Ive had since my 84!

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  best Honda ever - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Erik - December 20 - 1:09 am

  Prelude is the best honda ive ever driven. Love the HP, love the way the VTEC screams from 5200 up to redline, feels like ur in a formula-1 car. Good brakes, good mileage on freeway, excellent handling. very exciting car, would recommend to anyone.

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  what a beauty - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By hawaiicoq - December 17 - 2:56 pm

  This car is beautiful, its design asks nothing of way more expensive cars, this car is elegant and sleek.It handles like butter. Just one of the great cars of all times, too bad Honda stop making it.

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  Great car for everything - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Brian - November 29 - 10:39 pm

  Though my Prelude was purchased as a daily driver, I later began driving it on local road courses and learned what the car was really about. Handling, speed, and comfort. The car has held up very well and still puts a smile on my face every time I drive it! I actually bought an old Accord so I wouldnt have to drive the Prelude in the winter in effort to preserve the its current condition.

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  honda prelude si 2.3 - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By justin - November 17 - 6:53 am

  all and all its a good first car but if speed isnt important to you then its a great car.