1989 Honda Prelude Si 2.0 N/A
Summary:
If Honda ever resurrects the Prelude, I will be the first person in line to buy it
Faults:
An annoying rattle/vibration from about 2k-3k RPM develops, which appears to be common with this gen Prelude. Easy, cheap fix: take it to a welding shop, and have them drill a hole, and weld the inner pipe within the exhaust to the outer pipe.
Occasional sunroof leaks if you aren't paying attention to the drain outlets when giving the car a wash/cleaning.
When I bought the car, the engine was a bit loud and interior noise was kind of loud as well. From about 215,000 miles and on, the door panels and things began to rattle and vibrate. The cabin is quite loud sitting in it at idle or on the freeway.
During a very hot summer about 2 years ago, the car would start and then instantly die. I found out that it was the main relay, and after removing it and doing some soldering, the problem was gone.
General Comments:
Wow, what a car. I purchased my '89 Prelude when I was a Senior in High School, and it has been great. I don't think there was ever a car so forgiving and care-free. Despite the car's age and mileage, in my ownership it hasn't needed any big repairs whatsoever. It has only asked for regular maintenance and some new tires every now and then. I used to go to college 300 miles from my home, and I would get up and make drives back home on very short notice -- it never let me down. Surprisingly good in the snow with studded tires, too!
The Prelude is not very quick, having a meager 2-liter 4 banger under the hood, but it is peppy, and definitely does not feel like a slug. Its handling is superb and the feel of the car is just a delight. I recently purchased a 2001.5 Audi S4, and it's my primary car, but have kept my Prelude.. when I hop into the Prelude, every now and then, it reminds me how much BETTER I like the feel and handling than probably any other car.
I am sure most everybody knows Honda's reputation for reliability, low maintenance and low running costs. Enough said on that.
The interior is pretty dull and lacks appeal, but at the same time, it is simple and keeps the car's weight down, thus improving handling and other specs.
Fuel economy varies with this car. The first time I drove to college in the Prelude, I brought my dad, and I got 37 mpg out of the 300 (all highway) mile drive. Now days I get about 23-25 combined city and highway driving.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th December, 2010
17th Aug 2015, 19:45
Back in the eighties, the aunt of one of my friends drove a green 2.0 manual (in Europe, very common over here). This beautiful Honda model, all in, it had an amazing appearance of extremely good quality. I couldn't afford a new one back in '90, as I just had my driver's license (we have to be 18 here). 4WS, something only a few cars had (I think it was Peugeot who used it on later models, and maybe Citroen too). Crumple zones, impact safety, pedestrian safety (the lights of this Prelude), etc... made them make ecoboxes. 1986-1997, those were the best Japanese models, and this one was superb. Take care of this beautiful Prelude, there aren't many left...