Honda Prelude Review

2001 Honda Prelude SH 2dr Coupe Shown

In the late 1970s, Honda was making inroads into the U.S. marketplace with its economy-minded Civic and Accord. 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 often outfitted with Honda's most powerful engines, 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 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 premium feel. By 2000, the sport coupe market was a shadow of its former self. Honda dropped the Prelude without a replacement after the 2002 model year.

If you're searching for a late-model Honda Prelude, you'll likely be encountering the fifth and final generation, which was sold from 1997-2002. 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, although in 1999, Honda bumped maximum power up to 200 hp in the manual-transmission models.

Both trims were equipped with a generous number of standard features. They included 16-inch alloy wheels; ABS; cruise control; a moonroof; air-conditioning; and power windows, mirrors and locks. 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. 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. Its looks were an acquired taste. The interior lacked the kind of polish buyers had come to expect from a car with a $26,000 price tag. Honda maintained a conservative approach to the cabin, filling it with bland black plastic and outdated controls. The front seats, though comfortable, weren't available in leather and had limited adjustability. The rear seats were far worse, with no headrests and very little legroom.

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 2.2-liter DOHC four-cylinder. For maximum performance, however, you'll want to focus on the '93 and later cars. It was then that the range-topping VTEC-equipped Prelude became available. Featuring the Si's DOHC, 16-valve four equipped with Honda's electronic variable valve timing system, the new engine produced 190 hp. A four-wheel-steering system was also available through 1993.

In general, this 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 blacked-out instrument cluster extended across the entire dash, and few found the mix of analog and digital gauges appealing.

SELECT A SPECIFIC HONDA PRELUDE MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.