1989 Honda Prelude 2.0 Si 2.0 4 cylinder from North America
Summary:
The little Honda that almost could.
Faults:
Engine blew the first day I had it. It was my fault though as to racing an unchecked engine.
Second engine blew due to mechanic that replaced it not telling me there was an oil leak.
Second engine had a valve clearance issue. Easy enough to fix.
Brights did not work.
Fog lights were a mess due to idiot previous owner trying to hot wire them to the battery.
Cruise control did not work. Still don't know why.
The radio was an utter mess, with the back left speaker plugged into the antenna, therefore shorting that out.
Back right tire (sport) was backwards, resulting in fast wear.
General Comments:
Other than the previous owners mishaps, it was a great car while I had it. Like many have commented, the manual does have very short gear ratios and desperate need of a 6th gear. I ran 35 mph in 5th with the RPMs at 2600.
I had the car only a few months, but even so, it was very worth the money. I paid $2250 for the car. It came with NZO racing rims, a after market 2" 1/2 exhaust, and sport tires. It wasn't a 4ws, but even so, it handled like nothing I'd ever driven. Being 17, it may not sound encouraging, but I've driven everything from a crappy old Saturn, to a 99 cougar, to a 05 ram 1500 with a Hemi.
The car was surprisingly quick for a 4 cylinder, being the fact it was a sport coupe. I averaged about 25 mpg a tank.
It was a pleasure driving into the school parking lot and seeing all the kids with their hyped up civics getting scared at the sound it made. That 'lude could beat most 4s and even some v6s off the line, not to mention finishing first.
My biggest problem with the car was the rarity of replacement engines, and after market parts. Most everything I named wrong was the fault of the previous owner, who obviously knew very little of how to treat cars. If I could find another one at a good price, I would buy it in a heart beat. Speaking of, I think I just found one with 4ws.
I would deffinatly recommend this car to anyone wanting a fun driving experience. I loved this car and wish I still had it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th December, 2006
28th Jul 2006, 23:07
Honda should have never discontinued the 'Lude.