Overview & Reviews

The Prelude is totally redesigned for 1997. A base model is available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox, but the top-of-the-line Type SH model, featuring Honda's new Active Torque Transfer System, can only be had as a manual. Both the base and Type SH Preludes feature last year's VTEC engine which produces 195 horsepower for 1997.

• Limited headroom. The interior is less exciting than the one found in a 1987 Accord.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 42.00

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  great car bad to fix - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By chris - January 10 - 1:38 pm

  Ive had this car for 3 years, a 97 with some rust picked it up for $1900 bucks. No Honda is worth more than that in my opinion. Im the second owner and got it at 206000 km. reliable yes, horrible to fix, the motor mounts for it are garbage and your flex pipe rips. everything is tight. sporty and fun to drive, my friends love it and are surprised with its performance. Just make sure you buy one that has had the timing belt and clutch replaced. dont get an sh they are more of a problem especially with that bulky ATTS. i love the car its clean quick makes me happy and pisses me off.... Watch out for electrical issues with the driver side door speaker and heated seat. Over the years the car turns into a money pit no matter what so take care of it. Hard to find jdm car and i wouldnt recommend getting one unless you pay the right amount of coin. cheers.

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  love at first ride - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By dillon - January 7 - 8:25 pm

  If you can find one manual and in good shape , buy it . You wont regret it . Bought with 130k now at 156k and abused the mess out of it all the time and all Ive had to replace was a shifter cable (800). Love everything about it besides back seats but hey its a coupe.

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  A Honda Classic Keeper - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By jleyton - August 3 - 8:35 am

  I purchased a 1997 in 2010 (I think) with 90k miles on it. yes, the previous owner had a couple of fender benders, probably drove it hard as the wheels were bent, etc., but overall, this baby still rides great. The service reps at the Honda dealer i go to are always complimenting the car... always. "Its clean man. It drives clean. Nice one!" Ive only had to do maintenance on the car. This Prelude Base is dang fun to drive. I have been wanting a RWD vehicle for years, still yet to have one, but this FWD Prelude is difficult to let go. Honda means reliability and good performance for your money. Its not the fastest, but the VTEC will give you tons of pleasure!

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  Nothing comes close - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Pluded - April 7 - 8:10 pm

  I bought my SH brand new and basically drove the wheels off of it. It is by far, the best handling vehicle I have ever driven. It was more than enough power and the engine is a true gem. The drive train is refined and a step above anything in the Honda lineup even till this day. The Acura TSX/RSX comes close but I still prefer the Prelude overall. I sold it with over 300K and have regretted it ever since. I am currently looking for another one! If you have a chance to pick one up..just do it.

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  Theres not another car I want more. - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Heather - March 8 - 12:11 am

  I bought my car used w/ 75,000 miles already on it. It is now at 239,000 w/ the bottom end rebuilt at 100,000 due to driving through high water. It is still reliable & all features work. I absolutely love the styling/appearance & I cant find another car that I like as much to purchase. When it finally dies, I think Im just going to put in a new engine & transmission & keep driving. By far, the best vehicle purchase Ive ever made.

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  1997 Type SH - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Jerry - July 30 - 5:33 pm

  I purchased my type SH new in 1997. I just put a new clutch in at 239,500 or so miles. The interior is like new. I need to address some very minor rust on rear wheel wells and that is all. I had to extend my clutch petal by an inch or so to make the car more comfortable. Other than that I love this car. It is so comfortable and fun to drive and gets 26 MPG at very aggressive driving speeds. If you can find one that has been taken care of buy it.

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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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  Love my Lude - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Silver_97 - November 9 - 10:06 am

  I bought my Prelude a few months ago. It was very well maintained. Apart from a few flaws on the hood which look like someone spilled brake fluid... It was nearly perfect. I have had no mechanical problems. No problems at all for that matter, and this is a 10 yr old car! The interior is very comfortable, and I have no rattles. Very fun when vtec engages!

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  Nearly ten years old, yet Fantastic - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Matt - September 12 - 4:02 pm

  I got this car 2 years ago with about 97k miles on ,but it felt new. The one thing that cost my attention was its unique look compared to other hondas. I bought this car for about 8k and for the price its probably the most rounded sports coupe(except for maybe an integra gs-r). The 2.2l vtec engine runs strong and pushes this car to 60mph in about 7 sec, Car and driver did it in 6.7! This car is very fun to drive daily and handles very well. EPA mileage seems low ,but it depends on driving. I achieved. about 25-26 city and 30mpg highway(5spd.) This is great for a first car and even for a weekend car.

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  5th Gen lude, Honda hits another homer! - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Chris - February 26 - 6:13 pm

  I owned an 87 Prelude that was tons of fun, drove several friends 3rd and 4th gens, and this week finally got behind the wheel of a 5th Gen... my own :) I just picked it up last week and the first time behind the wheel i was instantly grinning over that classic prelude feel. My car has 139000 miles on it and seems to run and handle like the day it rolled off the line. The styling has caught my eye everytime Ive seen one for the past 10 years, but with other car projects always in the works, I never had an opportunity to buy one. Better late than never tho, at least now I get a chance to enjoy what Ive been missing! Great looks, great handling, great power! Too bad its the end of an era