1997 Honda Prelude Si 2.2L

Summary:

...wish it had a bigger engine!

Faults:

Rubbers around doors came out, in the area you grab to open/shut the door. Marine grade silicone did the trick.

General Comments:

Pros: Pretty nippy for a 2L (wish it had a bigger engine :D) Handles very well and makes a nice noise with after market exhaust tip fitted. Interior styling is well appointed. Tiptronic gear change is quick for fast overtaking. Big boot for small car and has fold down rear seats. Great looking car!

Cons: Not the most comfortable seats. Annoying rattles/noises from certain areas of the car (rear window lining, central locking tab)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2010

7th Nov 2010, 01:18

Hey guys, a quick update. 95,000km has rolled round on the clock. Just got the car back after a service. The mechanic is quite impressed with the condition of the engine.

One bad note. ABS light came on last week. I tested the brakes and it seemed like the ABS wasn't working. (Usually you can feel feedback in the brake pedal, and also the tires screeched) Since last week the light has turned off. I haven't tested the brakes. It all feels the same, in terms of braking ability. Might have to get it checked out.

3rd Jan 2011, 18:38

Small update:

Well my Prelude is gone, rolled it twice and crashed into a bank at 120 KPH (going too fast around a corner in the rain). Good thing is I'm completely fine. The car is very rigid and took all the force. I came out of it with a sore neck and that was it.

For the short time I had this car, I was very happy with the way it performed. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

I crashed my Prelude at 102,000k. Still no problems with the car up until the crash. But now unfortunately I don't have it anymore.

Very happy to have owned one.

In reply to 3rd Jan 2011, 18:38

30th Sep 2012, 06:26

Another update:

I sold the car for parts to a guy off a trading website. When he came to pick up the car, it started first time (after a battery recharge); this was after a year of inactivity in its crashed condition. The guy drove it onto his trailer and took it home (despite the rear axle being pushed forward and the front wheels pointing inwards).

Absolutely amazed at this car. It was said that Honda over engineered it; I'm glad they did.

1997 Honda Prelude SiR 2.2 DOHC VTEC

Summary:

Best performance for dollar vehicle on the road

Faults:

Primary oxygen sensor needs to be replaced.

General Comments:

This car has a lot of power for a 4 cylinder!

Keeps a reasonable fuel economy as long as the driver doesn't use vtec too much.

Handling is amazing for a FWD and ride height is low as standard.

Seating is average, leather is a better option if you can get it.

Not really a four person car, three people can be comfortable though.

Car looks great from every angle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd September, 2008

1997 Honda Prelude Si-R 2.2 vtec

Summary:

Good compromise between performance and Fuel efficiency

Faults:

Well I haven't had any problems with it so far.

General Comments:

For those of you who say their turbo 2 liter car is faster I have to agree, but not by much. My previous car was a 1989 Mitsubishi Gallant VR4 and up to 160 km the prelude would eat it

Handling is extremely good for a FWD car on a twisty road would be a lot faster than most FWD turbo cars

Cabin room well... You can carry a passenger and a lot of luggage comfortably

Seats are a little on the firm side, but grip your kidneys nicely when sideways

Extremely cheap to run (if you keep off VTEC)

Biggest gripe I have is any serious car modifications will set you back a lot of money for not as much as gain as a turbo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th February, 2004

1997 Honda Prelude VTiR 2.2 DOHC VTEC MPFI

Summary:

Excellent quality and tasty VTEC

Faults:

Remote CD stacker refused to play.

Battery - fair enough!

Leather steering wheel - sun damaged but replaced under warranty!

Driver's door not letting me out.

General Comments:

Typical example of Honda's excellent finish and quality. Engine is super smooth and quiet.

VTEC is great and similar to turbo boost with a great exhaust note. Unfortunately the factory set VTEC too high, cuts in at 5500rpm. 3rd party VTEC controller will lower it though.

Not that quick off the start but screams through second and third.

Watch out for speeding tickets!

Extremely quiet and stable at 200km/h.

Factory tyres are too noisy (Yohohama).

Great fuel economy from 190hp engine.

Great for enthusiast, heaps of power, not suited to being a daily driver, limited space and seating is very low.

Not an all out speed racer, but more stylish sports cruiser.

Honda service is excellent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2001

25th Mar 2001, 22:41

The v-tec is factory set to 5000, if it is coming on at 5500 then there is a problem with the car. To get a good takeoff I launch at 4000 and ride the clutch slightly.

10th Jul 2001, 19:06

The VTEC is 5500, you were right the first time.

18th Aug 2002, 20:37

You're both wrong. It's 5250 RPM. Hey, if you're gonna own the car, know the car.

View 8 more comments