Honda Prelude Midsize | Compact
Honda Prelude Midsize | Compact
[Feb 17, 2003]
PDM
Model Reviewed:
vti
Strength:
looks suberb VTEC engine top build quality handing 4 wheel steer is one thing that makes me never want to change my car two tone leather interior individuality
Weakness:
people think it's ugly I bought my Prelude on finance 2 years ago. I didn't plan to buy this at all, but it was in a forecourt full of coupes and need something new. my shortlist was the Honda, a Peogoet 406 coupe v6, and Ford Couger v6 - all the same age price. I new that the Honda was the fasted, best built, best handling, and most relible of the three but i did prefer the looks of the other two, but once I'd climed inside these motors my mind was made up instantly; the heater control buttons on the dash and the massive windsreen,the Honda Prelude VTi was going to be my new car. I had to wait a couple of days for my car and on the night before i picked up my car i couldn't sleep; i'd done loads of research on this car and now i couldn't wait to drive it. Over the past two years of owning and using this car on a daily basis I still find myself amazed by how good it actually is. The looks grew on me in a couple of days and carried on getting better. I love the sound of the engine and way it's growl turns into a snarl when go beyond 5000rpm. When I first got this car I didn't want to push to over 7000rpm too often in case it blew up, but it sounded so good, and the manic acceloration at that point made it irresistible. So before long I discover why this car is so good. And now I can never look at Fords, Vauxhalls, Peugoets and the like and take them seriously. I am amazed every single by this car, I think I'm in love |
[Feb 16, 2003]
squiggles
Model Reviewed:
Prelude SH
Strength:
-ATTS (SH model) makes cornering very sharp & quick (wish I could get the 4WS from Japan) -Quick, an absolute joy to drive (esp with intake & exhaust) -Super comfortable (like-a-glove) interior -Did I mention fun? So much fun. -Cheap mods (well, not cheap to do, but I've been told few of them are worth it, so I'll stick with my 2 basics for now)
Weakness:
-Cramped for larger people (few people will even use the back seats) -Trunk opening a joke (too small to be useful) -ATTS (SH model) can be finickey - have had to have it reset twice now when it got confused & disengaged itself -Long doors & low profile make getting in & out in a tight parking lot rather awkward -Very little practicality (yet I can't part with it...) Bought new - one of the last SH models in Western Canada. Added AEM Cold-Air Intake & Greddy EVO Exhaust. Both worth it - sounds really cool plus improves power AND gas mileage (esp hwy). Someone asked about exhausts, well, this one won't dissapoint. I found the stock SH a tad underpowered (just ever so slightly - 200HP but only 154 torque) but with the mods there's no issue. I want to get a VTEC controller to make the switchover point more optimal (I read 4400 with a lower fuel mixture below improves much over the stock 5500 point). I gotta admit, this car isn't very practical unless all you need is point-A to point-B. Mounds & mounds of fun tho. Effectively a 2-seater cuz nobody seems to want to ride in the back (haven't tried myself but short people have complained it's cramped, so go from there). I've taken up snowboarding and find it really awkward for that (rear seat is one-piece fold-down, but that's not the biggest issue). Also the tiny trunk opening makes an otherwise decent-sized trunk very limited in its usefulness. I could put a roof-rack on to solve that prob, but that would be blasphemy ;) My other choice would be to swap for a van or SUV, but even tho the 'Lude is of quite limited practical value it is SOOOOO gorgeous and fun to drive that I just can't part with it. Feels like they took my measurements & built me a car like they would a suit. Guess I'll just have to add one after it's paid off... Similar Products Used: -Drove 1992 MR2 (fast & nimble but terrible interior) -1983 Supra ('Lude is a fitting successor) -Acura RSX (If it had been out when I bought I'd probably go for this instead) |
[Feb 15, 2003]
travelinman
Model Reviewed:
Prelude S
Strength:
T-O-Y Honda dependability.. Oh yeah, I have had 3 different mechanics tell me that the Prelude is probaly the BEST built Honda ever produced.. Now THAT says ALOT..
Weakness:
I want a different one for every day of the week and 2 on Sunday.. I recently purchased this coool 'lil toy. it is Murano Red, has an automatic tranny ( I know-- I am NOT worthy ,, I am NOT worthy..) and has just turned 80,000 miles.. I am 51 years old and this Lude is my very FIRST Honda product (DUH on me).. What a fun,fun,fun way to get from point "a" to point "r"..(That means that it is all to easy to take the LOOONNGG route whenever you want to drive somewhere..) My other vechicle is a 1999 Chevy Astro AWD van with a 3" lift, off-road tires, and a way too loud Flowmaster exhaust installed.. I use the van as my camping toy.. Load up and spend the weekend camping, mountain biking, kayaking,crossbow shooting,skiboarding, snowshoeing, power-kiting, rollerblading,snowboarding, and whatever "toy" I can get my hands on..( See, why i have an automatic tranny in the LUDE?? NO?? )Well, at my age, it is only a matter of time before I break one/several of my witty-bitty bones.. Rowing through da gears in my car/van is just not a priority.. It's just a way for me to get out to "wherever" here in Colorado to enjoy whichever toy I am abusing on a particular day/weekend.. TOO MUCH FUN.. I must admit that driving the LUDE is the same thrill as pumping up a mountain on my mountain bike and then flying back down.. And the crazy dash layout on the 4th generation (92-96)Ludes REALLY does work as far as "keeping the passenger involved in the driving expirence" is concerned.. Once I was bombing down the freeway at around 85MPH and the last little "tit" on the gas gauge disappeared (I was heading to a gas station a few miles away..) Sure enough, my passenger yelled" Oh my god, we ran out of gas", opened the passenger door, and bailed right the hell out of the Lude.. Damnest thing I ever did see.. Then, on another occassion, the temp gauge (erroneously) lighted up all 4 bars .. You guessed it, passenger yelled" Oh my god, we overheated" ,opened the passenger door and jumped right the hell outta da Lude.. Those 'lil nippperz sure got us consumers figured out, don't they?? Oh well, just funnin'.... The Lude is AWESOME.. and the best part is the Honda didn't differieniate between the "S",,"Si",, and "VTEC" models on the exterior( no badges).. So, all da kiddo's think that I have a VTEC model.. If they are behind me, they STAY behind me ( afraid to pass cause they figure that I'll spank 'em good),,or, if they are in front of me, they take off like a bat outta hell ,assuming that I'll try to chase 'em down.. Instead, I just flash 'em the 'ol "you are NOT worthy" smile and just keep put-put-putin' along.. As for Honda no longer making the Lude: It don't bother me..I've got mine.. Ever notice how MANY Mustangs are on the road these days?? I considered getting one of them but ,jeez, give me a break.. I've had my "S" as high as 120 mph and it felt like it still had more to give.. AND it felt SO solid at that speed..I WAS impressed.. It gets 30+ mpg.. It looks really sporty.. it handles like a skateboard.. Sometimes, i forget when I'm driving my ASTRO van and tend to get in a "little" trouble going around twisty-turny roads.. so i have the best of both worlds: the Astro for hauling all my toys AND the Lude (with a one-bike rear hitch rack installed).. Oh yeah, I am seriously considering removal of the rear seat go I can store boxes of "Depends" peinie-pads because I constantly feel like I'm gonna pee all over myself when driving this marvelous car.. Go Bobby!!! Go Bobby !!! Similar Products Used: 1999 Chevt Astro AWD van ( my stealth SUV).. |
[Feb 14, 2003]
Jim
Strength:
Love-it or Hate-it looks Blast to drive Wonderful exhaust note once the VTEC kicks in at 6000 rpm On-rails handling
Weakness:
Love-it or Hate-it looks Too many "Boy Racers" with Ludes now This is my 3rd Prelude (88,93,99) and I am again thoroughly pleased. I've tried other similar products (240SX, CRX, MR2) but have never been as satisfied. The Prelude simply fits like a glove and is both precise and responsive. I keep wanting to upgrade to an Audi TT, but all of the reviews I read complain about electronic glitches, and many "trips to the dealer." Amazing. I would have expected the same quality from Audi that I get from Honda. A high percentage of Prelude reviews are like mine, and nobody ever seems to be going to the dealer for repairs. I guess I'll stick with my sleek black Prelude. That Audi thing keeps coming back at me, though--the only problem with the Prelude is that it is now one of the desired "Boy Racer" cars, and I'm a 33-year old professional--kids are always looking at my car for god's sake! I still might have to bite the bullet and get the TT. Similar Products Used: 95 MR2, 90 240SX, 88 CRX Si, 93 Lude |
[Feb 11, 2003]
Amy Rost
Strength:
Looks and VTEC
Weakness:
bad treansmission, slow take off Poor, I love the looks of the car but the transmission went bad last month with only 80,000 miles on the car. It is about 5000 for a new one and I thought honda's were reliable, guess not. Similar Products Used: none |
[Feb 06, 2003]
Justin Goldman
Model Reviewed:
Honda Prelude
Strength:
-Great engine -Looks stylish without being flamboyant -Great safety ratings -Practical gas mileage -Can be easily driven up to 250,000 miles without a problem when properly maintained
Weakness:
-Interior could be a little roomier The Prelude is a great used car to buy! I bought mine with 45,000 miles on it and I haven't had any problems whatsoever. It has the reliability of a Civic without the Civic's flimsy, cheap parts (I used to own a Civic). It's also safe, sporty, comfortable, and gets great gas mileage. Obviously, like any Honda, it's resale value is unbeatable and is a great investment. Also, I got a great warranty from the dealership (better than a new car warranty). When I heard the Prelude was being discontinued, I was concerned about part availability, but was assured by Honda Motors, USA that parts would be manufactured continuously just like any other model. If you're in the market for a used car, the Prelude is the way to go! Similar Products Used: -Honda Civic (not as safe, transmission problems) -Ford Mustang (too many repairs made) |
[Jan 31, 2003]
China Lee
Model Reviewed:
Honda Prelude
Strength:
Looks sleek and sporty Not to flashy for cops to pull you over The leather interior Pearl white paint job The engine
Weakness:
They make'em anymore (which could be a strength for the ones who have one) When I first saw my 'Lude I knew I had to get it. It had the pearl white finish and a custom black leather interior (the seats have the embroidered Honda logo on it). Plus the car only had 30,000 miles on it. It runs smooth as hell and sleek too. I put 20 tint on it and it contrasts the paint job pretty nice. I put an Injen intake on it and when it hits the Vtec it screams. I can't decide whether to get the Tanabe Racing Medallion or the Greddy Evo exhaust though. Any insight? |
[Jan 30, 2003]
tminus3
Model Reviewed:
Honda Prelude Si
Strength:
Acceleration Handling Stunning Looks Reliable Economical Affordable
Weakness:
Slightly high road noise Interior ergonomics (not a biggie!) An all-out sports car with the reliability of...well...um... a Honda! My car has 121,000 miles and still drives like a dream. Engine is strong, transmission is perfect and the interior holds up to a lot of abuse. The car is not very common, so it does get its fair share of looks. It is great on gas and makes an excellent commuter. I get approx 410 miles per full tank of gas. The car only has a 4 cyl in it, but a big one though, 2.3L. So when people are in my car, they assume from the acceleration and sound that it is a 6 Cyl. As far as reliability goes, I have only replaced the exhaust because I hit a branch on the road and it punctured it. Other than that, not ONE repair. Just the basic oil change. Similar Products Used: Acura Integra GS-R, Honda Prelude VTEC, Honda Civic Si, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon TSi |
[Jan 25, 2003]
TRAVIS BEETS
Model Reviewed:
honda prelude
Strength:
GREAT CHICK MAGNET, HIGH HORSEPOWER, GOOD PRICE FOR WHAT U GET.
Weakness:
LOW TORQUE. I have had my 2000 prelude for about 5 months now, and have added cold air intake, cat-back exhaust, and strut bars, and just ordered 17" motegi mr7 racing wheels. i am soon getting the wings west agressor II body kit. Car right now runs low 15's but will run 13's when i am done. Similar Products Used: HONDA CIVIC SI, MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GS. |
[Jan 24, 2003]
JOHN MORA
Model Reviewed:
PRELUDE
Strength:
IT'S FAST LOOKS TIGHT AS HELL HIGH HP ALOT OF POTENTIAL
Weakness:
NOT ENOUGH TORQUE TO HEAVY I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND I LOVE THE HELL OUT OF IT . ITS GOOD STOCK BUT EVEN BETTER W/ ADD ON PARTS. ITS FAST AND ITS ONE OF THE BEST LOOKING CARS OUT THERE. THE ONLY REAL PROBLEMS WITH IT IS THE WEIGHT AND TORQUE. ITS TO HEAVY FOR A CAR ITS SIZE AND THERE'S NOT ENOUGH TORQUE ALTHOUGH W/ A LIGHT WEIGHT FLYWHEEL AND A LEAST A STAGE 1 CLUTCH IT HELPS THE TAKE OFF AND IT GETS UP A LOT FASTER. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT THE LUDE IS A GOOD INVESTMENT FOR ANY RACER BUT THE BAD THING IS THEY DON'T MAKE THE CAR ANYMORE. Similar Products Used: HONDA CIVIC |