The third-generation Prelude debuted on April 9 in the Japanese domestic market before going on sale later that year in all other countries as a 1988 model in North America. It shared design similarities with the Honda NSX, which would be released later in 1990, and featured evolutionary styling from its forerunner. The Prelude had ground-breaking innovations for its era, including a 0.34 drag coefficient, high-strength metal roof pillars, and its standout feature, the choice of the first mechanical four-wheel steering system made accessible in mass production for passenger cars. Honda had anticipated that just 30% of customers would choose four-wheel steering, but the vehicle was a smashing hit in the domestic market, with 80% of customers choosing it in the first year. [12]
Honda B20A engine variations, including a base carbureted model with a SOHC 12-valve valvetrain or a DOHC model with Honda’s PGM-FI fuel injection and 16 valves, were the only ones used to power the third-generation Prelude. The engine was 18 degrees angled backwards, allowing the bonnet to be 30 mm (1.2 in) lower than on the previous generation. [12]
It earned favorable feedback from the panel of judges for the 1988 European Car of the Year award and placed in third place behind the Peugeot 405 and the Citron AX. Up until the Nissan Micra won the title five years later, this was one of the best performances by a Japanese-built or -branded car.
In This Article...
Has the 2000 Honda Prelude VTEC?
model roster The 200-horsepower VTEC engine is standard on all. There are no base or upscale versions or choices because they all have the same amount of interior trim. The retail price of the Prelude with the 5-speed manual is $23,500.
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?
Are preludes trustworthy?
Problems with Honda Prelude Reliability 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.
The Prelude is not a sports car.
The sports coupe, which was constantly on the cutting edge and offered a wealth of exciting amenities in an elegantly unconventional design, definitively redefined what it meant to enjoy driving. The Honda Prelude was a well-made and well-equipped two-door fast coupe that was introduced in 1979 to much enthusiasm. The Prelude appealed to young people looking for a sporty, well-built automobile with a joyful attitude because of its high styling and standard sunroof.
The Prelude has gone through five generations, each of which brought about improvements to the car’s performance and usability. Throughout its existence, The Prelude got excellent reviews, landing on Car & Driver’s list of the “10 Best” an amazing 10 times. But we shouldn’t delude ourselves; winning these honors carries a price that some customers at the time considered to be prohibitively high. Although the inline fours were well-liked, the Prelude’s fairly high price tag and lack of a V6 engine choice contributed to a drop in sales and the line’s demise in 2001. However, we are aware of what a great sports coupe the Prelude was. The top ten reasons why we adore the Honda Prelude are listed below.
Is the H22A engine dependable?
The H22A engine’s overall reliability can be characterized as average. The longevity and robustness of the H22A engine and its variants, however, can be impacted by specific factors. For many Honda H22A applications, for instance, aggressive driving is typical. Therefore, one might anticipate greater issues and quicker wear on various engine components as a result of some common driving practices.
Furthermore, prompt repairs and regular maintenance can prevent a lot of problems that may emerge for H22A engine operators. Many H22A owners can anticipate up to 150,000 miles without major or expensive repairs with proper maintenance. Practically speaking, the right mix of upgrades and adjustments is equally as important to an engine’s overall dependability.
Engine enhancements for preludes should be balanced with a group of auxiliary changes and a suitable tune. A deeper knowledge of the Prelude H22A engine is essential for power upgrades and the pursuit of higher horsepower gains. Any H22 project should aim to fully comprehend how to balance the increase in power while preserving dependability and engine longevity.
Do K24 engines work well?
It might sound monotonous, but the K24 is a genuinely good, dependable engine. It is widespread and may be found in numerous Honda and Acura cars. Oil leaks from the front main seal, exhaust cam galling, and timing chain tensioner failure are the three most frequent issues. Certain K24 varieties might be more or less prone to these issues. Additionally, they are three of the most typical concerns on the K24 rather than necessarily prevalent issues.
Your Honda K24 should be quite trouble-free for its expected lifespan of 200,000 miles or more if you take good care of it. In general, be prepared to maybe encounter a few problems along the way, especially as the engine matures. However, the K24 will likely last a very long time as a dependable and enjoyable engine.
About Zach Mayock
Zach, who lives in Aurora, Colorado, received his degree from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2016. He co-founded 8020 Media with Jake and was a key contributor to the creation of TuningPro, BMWTuning, and DieselIQ. Zach has been working on and writing about vehicles for more than ten years.
Zach’s main love is BMW, and he presently travels in a 2007 335i with almost 600 horsepower. Also waiting for him is a new G80 M3. He has worked with Ford, Chevy, Honda, Subaru, and a lot more, so his expertise goes far beyond BMW.
Zach is an accomplished writer with more than 400 articles to his credit in the auto sector. Zach is able to produce in-depth, high-quality automobile articles for our blogs thanks to his knowledge and experience.
Honda stopped producing Prelude; why?
Your inquiries concern the Honda Prelude. The car has solutions. Here are some of the most often asked Prelude questions and their responses.
Is the Honda Prelude a good car?
Yes, if you’re okay with design and technologies that are at least 20 years old. Every Prelude generation was built when Honda was at the peak of its game, and it was evident in the production quality, engineering, and dependability. Drive a pristine Prelude till the wheels come off of it if you can.
Why did Honda stop making the Prelude?
Unfortunately, the Prelude’s semi-high price tag drastically reduced sales at the conclusion of the fifth generation as Honda’s premium alter ego Acura gained popularity. Only 58,118 units of the fifth-generation Prelude were sold in the United States, as opposed to the 336,599 that were sold during the third generation.
Will the Honda Prelude come back?
At this moment, it is quite improbable that the Prelude will ever again be produced, especially as Honda starts to devote more money and attention to Acura. The current Civic Type R or Honda Accord Sport should be a good fit if you’re looking for a speedy, high-tech Honda. Additionally, if you have the extra cash, the impending Acura Type S sports sedan/coupe will probably rank among Honda/best-driving Acura’s vehicles to date.
Is the Honda Prelude a sports car?
Although the smaller, more agile Acura Integra might have a slight advantage, the Prelude is unquestionably not a sports vehicle. The term “sports coupe” would be more appropriate.
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.
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.
Honda Preludes: pleasant to drive?
In the 1980s, Honda produced a number of notable vehicles, including the enduring CRX Si. The Honda Prelude, a distinctive and surprisingly technologically advanced sports coupe, is one that is frequently disregarded.
The Honda Prelude’s five incarnations are described in detail by Motor Trend. We can observe how the Prelude developed through these generations and how it came to a disappointing conclusion in the early 2000s.
Honda Prelude has a rear-wheel drive system.
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.