1992 Honda Prelude VTEC 2.2
Summary:
High (Peformance) luxury bargain
Faults:
Sports mode on gearbox is a bit dodgy, but I never use this anyway because it chews the fuel.
General Comments:
This car has about the best handling you can get for a front wheel drive car, whilst (mantaining) good comfort levels. I drive it hard and have never got out of shape - its very safe. Traction control is brilliant.
The 197bhp engine screams to 7500rpm and wants to keep going, brilliant acceleration whatever gear. Will hit the 112mph speed limiter in 3rd (import). First gear is a bit long though (50mph), and acceleration struggles in lower RPMs, but above 30mph and this thing shifts. Shifting from 1st to 2nd misses the VTEC slightly and therefore impairs acceleration for a moment (also 3rd to 4th), but you can always keep it in gear for a little bit longer.
The dash looks a bit like kit, but I love it, also everything is digital/electric (even the heating system). There is no room in the back at all, but the boot is OK.
I love everything about this car especially the looks, but the automatic does my nut in sometimes, so I'm going to get the same car as a manual, then it will be even faster!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th June, 2002
20th Jun 2005, 16:32
I don't think anyone in a Prelude forum cares about Saab. Anyways, you're lucky, in the states we didn't get the VTEC until a few years later, just after I had purchased an Si. I don't like the 5 speed too much, highway cruising @ 80mph is at like 4000rpm. It needs another gear.
28th Oct 2005, 17:10
Saab? That Saab probably has about a 1000lbs. on the Prelude. Making it much slower, or at best equal with the Honda.
25th Feb 2009, 00:45
The Saab has a turbo, a Prelude does not need a turbo to have as much as power. Find the error.
17th Jun 2009, 01:27
His turbo car is slower then a natural air induction engine. Vtec is like a turbo without a turbo, Saab wishes it has this kind of efficiency. Still today, almost 20 years later, 4 cyl american engine are far from 200 hp. Why is Honda so advanced?
6th May 2005, 19:11
Honda is nothing. the 92 saab 9000 cs sitting in my garage is pushing 220 hp and its stock. performance chip will knock it up to 265 hp.