1985 Honda Prelude from North America

Summary:

High initial cost. Holds value well. Built to last

Faults:

Driver seat deteriorated, but soaking it a few times by leaving sun roof open during rain didn't help! ha! Hazard light required paper clip and special skills to turn off. Fuel filler tube from gas cap to tank rotted apart, Honda replaced free of charge. Had to replace timing belt soon after getting car, Honda replaced free of charge after I was told where to write for authorization.

General Comments:

Great car overall.

Having to buy Honda parts due to them being them being the only ones that worked, i.e. wiper replacement blades, steering fluid, etc. added to cost of maintenence.

It was a quick and nimble car, much like driving a big go-cart.

Visibility was amazing, with huge windshield and drop away front hood so that all you could see was the road ahead.

Interior very well thought out and comfortable.

Withstood some heavy abuse and came back for more.

Made heavy use of fold-down rear seat to haul drum equipment. I found that there was nothing that I couldn't fit in car one way or another. People were amazed that I could fit entire large drum set and related equipment in car and still be able to carry a passenger.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2002

1985 Honda Prelude 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Performance from the recent past

Faults:

When it comes to maintenance, this car is a dream. For the most part I have only had to do the usual 3,000 mile maintenance (oil and air filter change).

When I first got the car (1997) I had the tires replaced, as well as a coolant system flush. These were just preventative measures, and I had the money at the time.

The interior fan recently stopped working and needs to be replaced.

General Comments:

There is no car like a Honda! Many people claim that Hondas have a "rough ride"; but I don't share that opinion. The Prelude is a great car in every way.

Handling is wonderful, fuel mileage is great (about 25 miles per gallon), and I have had next to no mechanical problems.

My car will be 17 years old in July 2002 and I must say that I would be shocked if it didn't make it to 30!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th March, 2002

1985 Honda Prelude 1.8 2bbl carb from North America

Summary:

Good buy for a Honda, but a little expensive to repair

Faults:

Constant Velocity boots went bad.

Seats wear badly.

Hard to put into reverse.

Flywheel was scarred.

V belts broke.

Alternator went out.

Inside dome light works at random.

Sunroof does not open.

Hazard lights do not work.

Left turn signal blinks faster than the right one.

Parking brake light is on even when the parking brake is not engaged.

Glove Box will not close.

Clutch had to be replaced.

General Comments:

Hey, it was cheap and it runs. What more could I ask for?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th January, 2002

1985 Honda Prelude XX 1.8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Very quick and good for the money, but high maintenance and gas sucking

Faults:

The valves or the tappets knock.

The brakes. OK so it failed its warrant on the hand brake. The cable had stuck when I took it to a garage and got ripped for their work. I installed the new cables and it worked mint. But it still couldn't pass because now they dragged. The back calipers are stuffed and I can't afford new ones.

Pipes are rusting too...

Paint on boots is crazed and it's starting on roof... oh no.

CV joints.

General Comments:

OK, the car's quite bagged, but it drives like it's on train tracks. You can hammer a corner and it doesn't even slide. Its got hard springs which I think come as standard and they rock.

Leaves anything for dead on the boy racer circuit inc. Skyline's and Pulsars etc. except Skyline GTs and Evolutions etc, but they're twin turbo top dollar cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th June, 2001

1985 Honda Prelude DX 1.8 12 valve from UK and Ireland

Summary:

This really is a lot of car for very little money

Faults:

Nothing, but I put on two tires and an exhaust back box.

General Comments:

This car is very good, and is fully loaded, but above all it is super reliable, I would drive it anywhere.

Handles well, the power steering is super light, and everything works.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2001

24th Jul 2010, 14:34

I have owned a white one of these cars now for over 10 years.

I have other cars also, but this 1985 Prelude is the BEST car I have ever owned. I have no desire for any other car.

It now has done 120,000 miles, and the mechanics are as new. The clutch is showing a bit of wear, but it is the original, so to be expected.

It is the most comfortable car to sit in, the coolest looks and the driving experience is fantastic. It handles beautifully and is so well built - far in advance of its time.

I have also managed to buy another with only 750000 miles from new, and it is nearly as new. I read a report that put it second to a Porsche when it came out. What a bargain.. what a dream car.