Honda produced the Prelude sports vehicle between 1978 and 2001. All Honda Preludes had 2-door hardtop coupes with front-wheel drive and 4-cylinder (inline-4) engines. Five different designs (generations) of the Honda Prelude were produced. Honda created the Prelude to be a direct rival to other sports coupes available on the market. The Toyota Celica, Nissan Silvia, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ford Probe, and Mazda MX-6 were the primary rival vehicles.
The Honda Prelude has specific characteristics that set each version apart from the others. The Honda Prelude had updated body style, new engines, and a fresh set of amenities with each new generation. However, all variants of the Honda Prelude kept their core values and driving forces. Every Honda Prelude that was built was made to handle aggressively, be enjoyable to drive, and be nimble.
The Honda Prelude performed ok when it came to reviews. The Honda Prelude was on the annual 10 Best list of Car and Driver magazine ten times, from 1984 to 1986 and from 1992 to 1998.
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Honda Preludes are speedy cars.
To unlock the engine’s full 158 lb-ft of torque, though, you must crank the large four-cylinder past 5250 rpm when Honda’s VTEC variable valve timing and lift system finally engages and shifts to its higher-lift cam profile. Horsepower peaks at 7000 rpm, and the redline is at 7400 rpm, but if you keep your foot on the gas, the engine will spin up to its 8000 rpm fuel cutoff. When driven hard, the Prelude can sound and feel like a first-generation NSX for the masses. Despite its VTEC theatrics, the vintage Prelude is not as speedy as it seems. The Type SH will accelerate to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds at the test track and complete the quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds at 90 mph. A 5000-rpm launch causes some wheelspin. These numbers are about the same as those we set twenty years ago, but they are about a half-second slower than those of a 2019 Honda Civic Si, which has a new turbocharged engine that doesn’t have to work nearly as hard to provide full force.
The fifth-generation Prelude and other Hondas from the turn of the century are examples of vehicles that contributed to the brand’s development of a reputation for cutting-edge engineering, performance, and quality. Back then, they topped our comparative tests, and many of them often appeared on our list of the 10 Best Cars. It’s simple to see why after driving this brand-new Prelude Type SH for a week. No, it isn’t up to modern standards, but in many respects, it did so by establishing the norms of the day. What other interesting vintage vehicles do you have stashed away in dark places, Honda?
Why is the Honda Prelude so well-liked?
The Prelude established itself as a high-tech flagship sports coupe with perfect driving characteristics and a suite of cutting-edge performance technology over the course of two decades. In essence, aside from the NSX, the Prelude was the most sophisticated, cutting-edge Honda. But it wasn’t like that at first.
Honda Preludes: Are they decent cars?
The last Prelude generation is a terrific vehicle for the money. I believe the value of clear examples will keep rising in the future. If you have a 5 speed, these cars will last 250k+ with minimal issues and simple maintenance.
Is driving the Honda Prelude enjoyable?
I’ve owned this vehicle for three years; a 97 with some rust was purchased for $1900. I don’t think any Honda is worth more than that. With 206000 kilometers on it, I am the second owner. reliable Yes, it’s terrible to fix, your flex pipe rips, and the motor mounts are junk. The situation is tense. My friends adore it and are impressed with its performance because it’s sporty and enjoyable to drive. Just make sure the timing belt and clutch have been replaced before purchasing. Do not purchase a SH; they are more of a hassle, especially with that large ATTS. I adore the vehicle because it is quick, clean, makes me happy, and irritates me. Keep an eye out for electrical problems with the heated seat and speaker on the driver’s side door. No matter what, the car eventually becomes a money pit, therefore take good care of it. JDM cars are hard to come by, and I wouldn’t advise buying one unless you have the money. cheers.
Buy a handbook if you can find one that is in good condition. You won’t be sorry. Purchased with 130k, currently at 156k, and constantly mistreated, the only component I had to replace was a shifter cable (800). Except for the back seats, I adore everything about it, but hey, it’s a coupe.
A classic, is the Honda Prelude?
Everyone recalls the Honda Civic, Integra, S2000, and NSX, but aficionados frequently overlook the Prelude, a neglected classic.
If you’ve long been a lover of 1990s JDM vehicles, chances are that you’ve occasionally wished you could build a Civic/Integra. Actually, it’s not at all a bad thing. Hondas from the 1990s have a large aftermarket following and are renowned for being entertaining vehicles on both the street and the racetrack.
Let’s face it: The NSX, S2000, and aforementioned Civic/Integra platform are always the top choices when discussing tuner Hondas. The Honda Prelude, on the other hand, kind of went unnoticed as its more compact brothers commanded attention. The Prelude has several hidden abilities that many are unaware of, and these are the things that people have forgotten about Honda’s underappreciated classic.
Has the Honda Prelude VTEC?
Honda debuted the Prelude’s fourth generation in Japan in 1991 and on foreign markets the following year.
Honda only produced the Prelude for five years, but even so, the car was a fierce rival to other coupe cars on the market. The automaker used the same platform to build it as the fourth-generation Accord but incorporated the well-known VTEC engines.
The ideal Gen Prelude is which?
Best-Ever Honda Prelude Models: The Top Five
- Honda Prelude, 1978. Even though it was the first generation of Preludes ever produced, it had a highly modern and stylish appearance.
- Honda Prelude, 1982.
- 1990 Honda Prelude Si Limited Edition.
- Honda Prelude from 1994
- Honda Prelude Type S, 1997.
The Honda Prelude: Is it undervalued?
From 1978 until 2001, the Prelude was a model offered by Honda; it was eventually replaced by the fourth-generation Integra.
Honda is an expert in creating high-quality automobiles. The famous NSX to more everyday but well-rounded vehicles like the Civic, the Japanese automaker has produced some incredible vehicles over the years. The Honda e, which has a great range yet has a sharp design, is the company’s first fully fledged electric vehicle. Of course, it is now entering the EV sector. While they are not flawless, nobody is, and during their lengthy history, Honda has created some very outstanding automobiles.
However, several of those vehicles don’t appear to receive the respect they merit. Perhaps one of these vehicles is their first hybrid, the Insight. Classics like the Accord unquestionably merit more attention. The Prelude is another vehicle that unquestionably demands more attention. From 1978 until 2001, the Prelude was a model offered by Honda; it was eventually replaced by the fourth-generation Integra. No one really talks about the Prelude, despite it not being a bad car. Which is strange because the Honda lineup’s two-door coupe was a highly strong and regarded model. The Prelude is a very underappreciated vehicle, in your opinion.
Do Honda Preludes have RWD?
Drive is front-wheel only in the Honda Prelude.
FWD cars typically have an engine and transmission located transversely at the front of the car, sending power to the front two wheels, which pull the car forward on their own. Only the rear wheels of a car with rear-wheel drive receive power from the engine.
How dependable are Prelude engines?
48 complaints have been filed by Prelude owners over a 12-year period. Out of 24 Honda vehicles, it had an overall PainRankTM rating of 8, with some engine and electrical issues.
How old is the fifth-generation Prelude?
In 1997, the Honda Prelude of the fifth generation debuted. The Prelude was designed to have sporty performance and was offered with a variety of inline 4 en…
In 1997, the Honda Prelude of the fifth generation debuted. The Prelude, available with a variety of inline 4 engines, was designed to give a sportier feel and more complex driving characteristics. The fifth generation Honda Prelude was the final model year before it was discontinued in 2001.
A: On June 18, 2022, a 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH 5-Speed sold for $36,001, the highest sale ever.
A: On February 9, 2021, a 2000 Honda Prelude Type-SH sold for $4,900, according to sales records.
How is VTEC put to use?
In essence, the VTEC system blends high-RPM performance with low-RPM fuel efficiency and stability. Additionally, the changeover happens smoothly, enabling consistent performance across the entire powerband. The engine computer manages the switching process between the two cam lobes.
What is the market value of a 1996 Honda Prelude Si?
What’s the market price of a 1996 Honda Prelude? A used 1996 Honda Prelude is worth between $475 and $2,868, depending on the mileage, extras, and condition of the car.