1988 Honda Prelude SI 4WS 2.0

Summary:

High-maintenence lemon from Hell!

Faults:

Starter, alternator, water pump, brake master cylinder, A/C compressor, drivers side CV axle, rear sway bar bolts, ALL FOUR BRAKE CALIPERS, radiator fan switch, passengers side ball joint..

Additionally: the fuel filler pipe leaked gasoline all over a station last year while filling up and required replacing. $2000 in *parts* (not labor) since last year.

This car has a horrible rust problem and I've watched the entire rear quarter erode and rot off for the last year. I cannot believe how rusty this thing has gotten.

Last week (July 2000), I had excessive valve lash noise coming home on the highway. The exhaust camshaft broke off, took the timing belt with it, and I bent valves. Now I'm looking for a complete head for the stupid car.

General Comments:

This is the third Honda Prelude I've owned. The other two were a 1984 S and a 1988 S. Those were both wonderful and reliable cars. My roommate wrecked them BOTH! - the 1984 was totalled with 174,000.... I made him buy the 1988 from me for $700 when he crashed it into a Subaru at 140,000 miles.

It's still driving with 163,000 miles and no problems but brakes/tires/oil/belts/etc. Oh, and a smashed up front end. Not Honda's fault.

I was genuinely SHOCKED by what a piece of miserable junk the third Prelude is.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd August, 2000

11th Dec 2000, 04:42

I guess the assembly line of every car produces the odd lemon, but this review seems extreme in the extreme. I've had a Prelude of this vintage for two years and I've had not the slightest problem - certainly not a touch of rust. Then again I don't drive on the salt laden roads of North America.

View 10 more comments

1988 Honda Prelude Si 2.0

Faults:

Mostly brakes. Liliputian-like parts design for an ATV. Steering and suspension components hardly resist rough roads (let's say Canadian roads). Suggest high quality replacement parts (prices range from $39.99 to $125 for a tie rod end).

General Comments:

Feels strong. Fit and finish deserves high marks but seats aren't designed for six footers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2000

21st Nov 2006, 15:57

Not at all I'm 6'1" and it is a nightmare to ride with more than 2 people should have been a 2 seater.

1988 Honda Prelude SI 4WS 2.0 DOHC

Faults:

Although the car starts every time, it seems like every other week something new needs to be replaced.. heater, exhaust pipe, fuses, steering rack, fuel pump, and because camber cannot be adjusted on a Honda, I also need new tires.

General Comments:

Overall a reliable car, but very expensive to maintain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th February, 1999

7th May 2005, 08:07

Can you not have a camber kit installed?? check with a brake shop or reliable mechanic you trust for a camber kit.

1988 Honda Prelude SI 2.0

Faults:

I had to replace the clutch at 95K, but otherwise it's been trouble-free.

General Comments:

A fun little car to drive, and since mine is yellow, it's a real head-turner.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th June, 1998