1998 Honda Prelude Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The only difference between the 1998 Honda Prelude and the 1997 one is Honda added one new color. But that's okay. It's still a...
The only difference between the 1998 Honda Prelude and the 1997 one is Honda added one new color. But that's okay. It's still a "techno-titan" of a car, as some reviewers have called it.
The rigid body remains unchanged, but that too is good since it helps the ride and makes handling the car pretty easy. The 2.2-liter, dohc, 16-valve VTEC aluminum four-cylinder engine gives up to 195 horsepower, almost worthy of the Autobahn - especially in the lower gears when the power really cranks.
Drivers praise the car's handling and responsiveness, and love how it gets onto the highway. Most complain that the back seat is way too small and some say the noise is irritating.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers love the 1998 Honda Prelude for its impressive performance, stylish looks, and excellent handling. They appreciate the powerful VTEC engine and the fun driving experience. However, some drivers noted concerns about weight, rear seat space, and reliability issues with the automatic transmission. Overall, it’s considered a sporty and unique car that stands out."
This is the best car I have ever owned - it looks fantastic from the outside, and its actual performance more matches the aggressive style of the car. The VTEC engine is quite civilised below the 5200 mark, but savage once you get beyond it - sounds very good as well. Corners like its on rails and has put the fun back into driving. The interior is comfortable, but rear seats are for joke value only (who cares) - the dashboard has a very cool 80's style spacecraft feel and makes you feel very important! In short - an absolutely great car that will outperform any boy racer and a good deal of supposedly superior cars - especially fun when BMW drivers try to dust you off the lights (it can easily leave a BMW 525i behind) - Buy one immediately!
December 30, 2007this car has a high acceleration, breaking is good, and handling is spot on. The body is good with a fair paint job. interior and exterior is good. It is well maintained and gives a fair gas milage. It is fun to drive and it is very fast.
November 8, 2009Performance: Although a bit heavier than its Acura Integra and Honda Civic cousins, the Honda Prelude still has decent acceleration in the low end and good high end performance (5k RPM or higher w/ VTEC (sure its no turbo, but its way better than not having it). It also has excellent 4-wheel braking which contributes to its overall comprehensive control. The Prelude's low center of gravity and low profile are awesome for tight turns and sharp handling despite its weight. Build quality: No excessive squeaks or rattles. After 200,000 miles the only major work needed has been to its notorious transmission. Other than that, just regular maintenance. Appearance: The plain Jane 5th Generation Honda Prelude took me a while to get used to. Before I owned it I didn't like the headlights at all. But after I installed the optional front lip, side skirts and rear lip, along with some new headlights, the car definitely turns some heads and looks really clean. I absolutely love the way it looks and can't wait to get a fresh paint job on it. The stock rims are pretty cool, but I really like the Black w/ Silver lip Enkie rims I had mounted. This car has many great aftermarket options due to the nature of its enthuseist following. Cost of Ownership - Decent mileage (21 - 28 mpg) and good maintenance costs are only slightly offset by the fact the car requires premium gas. Otherwise the cost of ownership is on the good side of what was a 25 - 30 thousand dollar car at retail. Interior Build Quality: You can have the sexiest ride ever on the outside, but its no fun unless your car's interior is just as enjoyable for the owner. Since it came out in the late 90's there aren't alot of the nifty features you'd see in a new car nowadages but with comfortable seats, power everything standard, and great views of your surroundings the Prelude is very good for 1 -2 passengers, but the rear seats are very small and not too great for 3 - 4 passengers on long trips. Overall fun factor: This car is great to own and very fun to drive. The only other thing worth mentioning is that it can be a little nerve wracking to in an area with excessive speed bumps/pot holes/railroad tracks due to the Prelude's low stature. Otherwise its very nimble and aims to please.
January 11, 2010What owners say
This is the best car I have ever owned - it looks fantastic from the outside, and its actual performance more matches the aggressive style of the car. The VTEC engine is quite civilised below the 5200 mark, but savage once you get beyond it - sounds very good as well. Corners like its on rails and has put the fun back into driving. The interior is comfortable, but rear seats are for joke value only (who cares) - the dashboard has a very cool 80's style spacecraft feel and makes you feel very important! In short - an absolutely great car that will outperform any boy racer and a good deal of supposedly superior cars - especially fun when BMW drivers try to dust you off the lights (it can easily leave a BMW 525i behind) - Buy one immediately!
December 30, 2007this car has a high acceleration, breaking is good, and handling is spot on. The body is good with a fair paint job. interior and exterior is good. It is well maintained and gives a fair gas milage. It is fun to drive and it is very fast.
November 8, 2009Performance: Although a bit heavier than its Acura Integra and Honda Civic cousins, the Honda Prelude still has decent acceleration in the low end and good high end performance (5k RPM or higher w/ VTEC (sure its no turbo, but its way better than not having it). It also has excellent 4-wheel braking which contributes to its overall comprehensive control. The Prelude's low center of gravity and low profile are awesome for tight turns and sharp handling despite its weight. Build quality: No excessive squeaks or rattles. After 200,000 miles the only major work needed has been to its notorious transmission. Other than that, just regular maintenance. Appearance: The plain Jane 5th Generation Honda Prelude took me a while to get used to. Before I owned it I didn't like the headlights at all. But after I installed the optional front lip, side skirts and rear lip, along with some new headlights, the car definitely turns some heads and looks really clean. I absolutely love the way it looks and can't wait to get a fresh paint job on it. The stock rims are pretty cool, but I really like the Black w/ Silver lip Enkie rims I had mounted. This car has many great aftermarket options due to the nature of its enthuseist following. Cost of Ownership - Decent mileage (21 - 28 mpg) and good maintenance costs are only slightly offset by the fact the car requires premium gas. Otherwise the cost of ownership is on the good side of what was a 25 - 30 thousand dollar car at retail. Interior Build Quality: You can have the sexiest ride ever on the outside, but its no fun unless your car's interior is just as enjoyable for the owner. Since it came out in the late 90's there aren't alot of the nifty features you'd see in a new car nowadages but with comfortable seats, power everything standard, and great views of your surroundings the Prelude is very good for 1 -2 passengers, but the rear seats are very small and not too great for 3 - 4 passengers on long trips. Overall fun factor: This car is great to own and very fun to drive. The only other thing worth mentioning is that it can be a little nerve wracking to in an area with excessive speed bumps/pot holes/railroad tracks due to the Prelude's low stature. Otherwise its very nimble and aims to please.
January 11, 2010Great Honda Prelude, full options, really good looking, green with cream leather, well manufactured, reliable. I just like when people ask me what car it is, it's not a really common car here in France.
December 20, 2007Preludes are the greatest cars ever made by any automaker hands down. They handle extremely well, and have a good amount of power, although you could always have more. There is plenty of space for those riding in the front, but if your stuck in the back then you might want to consider walking.
September 22, 2010Performance is amazing braking and handling is well balanced the cars looks outstanding i get props for it everytime im on the road and its an all around great car smooth,sporty, and fun as hell to drive bless honda cars and Vtec
July 12, 2010Great all around car. Nice appearance, good gas mileage, decent power, good handling. When I went to buy a car I wanted a combo of reliability, performance, appearance and affordability, all things considered the Prelude was a good choice. yes.
August 19, 2009The car is stylish, handles well, has 200 hp stock, and just a blast to drive. I think next to the S2000 the prelude SH is one of the best cars honda built for performance, handling and reliability hands down.
July 21, 2009I love the performance this car has. It has always been my favorite Honda. The auto tranny failed on me and I had to convert it to a manual. The car is so much more fun to drive now. Perfomance - acceleration (VTEC), superior handling, tons of aftermarket goodies avail. Appearance - the car has a very good look in stock form and needed only a few changes. The car has a very aggressive look. Beautiful lines.
September 10, 2008This car has held up great over the almost 15 years I've owned it. Very low cost of ownership. Handles great, is comfortable on long trips. Rear seat folds down for hauling long items. VTEC kicking in at 5000 RPM is like having a turbo...without the maintenance costs of a turbo, as it's a naturally aspirated engine. Gotta love that.
March 15, 2013Trims & specs
Base MSRP $23,695 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 8.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $26,195 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 8.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
