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

1989 Honda Prelude Si 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Very sporty, looks good, it's a keeper

Faults:

I've only had the car for a week, and I noticed that the AC blows very cold, then for few minutes blows warm, then cold again. I plan to have it checked out.

Other than this, nothing else has yet to go wrong.

General Comments:

I've always liked the Prelude up to model year 1991.

I was looking for a commuter car, and was eye balling this one for about two weeks.

Has high mileage 209778, but man this car still has a lot of power, and runs smooth on the open highway.

I agree with other reviewers regarding the manual transmission, once you get up to 70mph the car sounds like a blow dryer, because of the short gear ratio.

I thought the gas mileage would be better, but I've been running the AC every time I drive it, so it takes away from my good gas mileage, especially in stop n go traffic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2006

28th Jul 2006, 23:07

Honda should have never discontinued the 'Lude.

1989 Honda Prelude 2.0 Si 4ws 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Very nice car

Faults:

Spark plug burnt out.

Alternator belt went loose.

Power steering went out before I bought it, so the pump was removed.

General Comments:

Awesome car - it's got more power than a lot of people give them credit for. It's not exactly a Camaro or a Mustang, but the weight of the car really adds to the power. It's really easy to gain some decent horsepower too - I've put 100 dollars into it and I gained about 40hp.

Very reliable - it starts right up even in -10f degree winters.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd July, 2006

15th Jul 2006, 17:23

What did you do to gain 40 hp with only 100 dollars?? just curious.