1997 Honda Prelude Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 1997 Honda Prelude is better than ever. A redesign means this is the fifth generation of the car. Now, it's more powerful, bigger,...
The 1997 Honda Prelude is better than ever. A redesign means this is the fifth generation of the car. Now, it's more powerful, bigger, roomier, and a tech-lover's dream.
The biggest change is what Honda calls the Active Torque Transfer System or ATTS. The technology seems like it just might help the performance and handling of front-drive wheel drive become closer to their rear-drive competitors.
The next improvement is the size. The wheelbase is longer, increasing the overall length. And, it's even a bit heavier, which even promotes it to better than best in its class in terms of stiffness, which to many is the hallmark of great handling and superior ride.
It's still a bit small for those of great height, but the smile it'll bring to your face if you like speed may be worth the discomfort.
What owners say
"Owners generally love the 1997 Honda Prelude for its sporty performance and fun driving experience. The standout feature is the powerful VTEC engine that provides thrilling acceleration, especially above 5000RPM. Many appreciate its striking looks and comfortable seats, as well as its reliability and low maintenance costs. On the downside, some owners mention issues with fuel economy and automatic transmission problems, especially in certain models, which detracts from the overall experience."
Performance: Great acceleration from a 2.2L 4 cylinder engine, especially once you rev it up to 5,700+ RPM and VTEC kicks in. It'll pin you against your seat when your not ready for it. Stock brake system is fantastic but larger calipers wouldn't hurt when you need some hard braking. Handling is pretty good for a FWD car, the SH model handles a little bit better with a slightly different suspension setup but the stock base model has a very rigid frame and is low enough to the ground that it'll hold through those corners pretty damn well. Build Quality: My car being 12 years old now has 243,000 miles on it. When I acquired it the engine was broken. Bottom end had just been rebuilt with all brand new seals. Acquired a cylinder head that only had about 18,000 miles on it. Engines together now and feels strong. Only other thing not working right now is the stereo broke. Was planning on putting in an aftermarket stereo anyway. Appearance: Interior is very simple done, terrible cup holders. Looks very nice on the inside. The black interior is wonderful and very comfortable. Exterior styling is one of the main reasons I bought the car. Just looks very sleek and beautiful. Cost of Ownership: Gets about 28 mpg driving around town as long as you stay out of VTEC. Maintenance for me has been very cheap as I can do my own oil changes and brakes. It's a Honda so it's pretty cheap for parts and I do the labor myself. Fun Factor: This car is very fun to drive, definitely a great cheap car to get some nice performance out of. Zero to sixty stock in 6.5 seconds.
October 23, 2010# Performance - quick off the line, great breaks, will smash any corner # Build Quality - flawless like any honda # Appearance - great interior, exterior definelty needs a kit like mine did # Cost of Ownership - very cheap on fuel, services were dear unless done yourself # Fun Factor - hawt
February 22, 20101997 Honda Prelude 2 door Type SH coupe. 2.2L 4-Cyl. H22 VTEC 16V 5 speed manual transmission, FWD 4-Disc ABS brakes 17" Motegi wheels wrapped with Falkens HID headlight systems approx. 210 bhp ext. color: Nordic Blue (silver) int.: black cloth upholstery with black vinyl dash
May 6, 2008What owners say
Performance: Great acceleration from a 2.2L 4 cylinder engine, especially once you rev it up to 5,700+ RPM and VTEC kicks in. It'll pin you against your seat when your not ready for it. Stock brake system is fantastic but larger calipers wouldn't hurt when you need some hard braking. Handling is pretty good for a FWD car, the SH model handles a little bit better with a slightly different suspension setup but the stock base model has a very rigid frame and is low enough to the ground that it'll hold through those corners pretty damn well. Build Quality: My car being 12 years old now has 243,000 miles on it. When I acquired it the engine was broken. Bottom end had just been rebuilt with all brand new seals. Acquired a cylinder head that only had about 18,000 miles on it. Engines together now and feels strong. Only other thing not working right now is the stereo broke. Was planning on putting in an aftermarket stereo anyway. Appearance: Interior is very simple done, terrible cup holders. Looks very nice on the inside. The black interior is wonderful and very comfortable. Exterior styling is one of the main reasons I bought the car. Just looks very sleek and beautiful. Cost of Ownership: Gets about 28 mpg driving around town as long as you stay out of VTEC. Maintenance for me has been very cheap as I can do my own oil changes and brakes. It's a Honda so it's pretty cheap for parts and I do the labor myself. Fun Factor: This car is very fun to drive, definitely a great cheap car to get some nice performance out of. Zero to sixty stock in 6.5 seconds.
October 23, 2010# Performance - quick off the line, great breaks, will smash any corner # Build Quality - flawless like any honda # Appearance - great interior, exterior definelty needs a kit like mine did # Cost of Ownership - very cheap on fuel, services were dear unless done yourself # Fun Factor - hawt
February 22, 20101997 Honda Prelude 2 door Type SH coupe. 2.2L 4-Cyl. H22 VTEC 16V 5 speed manual transmission, FWD 4-Disc ABS brakes 17" Motegi wheels wrapped with Falkens HID headlight systems approx. 210 bhp ext. color: Nordic Blue (silver) int.: black cloth upholstery with black vinyl dash
May 6, 2008Owned from March 2003 to April 2005. This was my second car, purchased as a replacement for my '88 Prelude which was wrecked after 3 months of ownership. Overall it was very reliable. Had to replace the transmission in late 2004 which cost me $2700 - the only major repair needed - but what a repair! Car developed some squeaks and rattles around that point as well. Started to consume oil a bit in the final 6 months I had it, though only about a quart a month. Purchased at 70k miles, traded in at 112k, so it received a fair amount of wear and tear from me. Great handling, made every commute entertaining. Great engine sounds at the VTEC crossover point at 5000 RPM. This tended to encourage, um, shall we say, spirited driving, which may have contributed to so-so fuel economy. I observed 17-20 city mpg and 25-28 highway mpg for the time I had the car. Eventually traded the Prelude in for a 2002 Acura CL. The Prelude felt less solid and was slower in a straight line than the CL, but it was easier to drive fast, and was more fun to whip around corners and have fun with.
January 3, 2013I loved my prelude! it was a pretty fast little car! about 200hp wasn't bad. definitely not a rocket but a great vehicle. very inexpensive compared to its competitors. It was a blast to drive! i would by another one in a heartbeat!
August 2, 2010Great car, never had any problems and this is the second one I have owned. Good performance. Maintenance is easier than baking a cake. I wish it wasn't red though because the Honda red seems to oxidize easily. Overall it is amazing.
October 14, 2009SH and means it! Super handling, tight steering, power breaks, fast. Put in a cold air intake, carbon fiber hood, and new black rims and wheels. I love to drive it! Pretty good gas mileage..about 24 mpg. Drives solid and feels like solid quality. No rattling or squeaking ever. Low low low to the ground, and absolutely beautiful. My little racer :]
August 4, 2009The preludes accel is excellent as long as the cable isnt stretching. Braking is powerful. and handling is excellent after you do the lowering of the vehicle and all the other little things to do to the suspension. but other then that it is really fun to drive.
April 7, 2009The car is amazing.. it handles pretty well and it is open to many available parts.. the car is quick and reliable.. turns heads on the road.. only available in cloth seats.. H22 A4 motor.. just inlove with the car
April 6, 2008It's quick when you need it, and has good gas mileage when you need it. This car is a lot of fun.
March 13, 2008
