1996 Honda Prelude VTEC 2.0? from North America

Summary:

A performance bargain

Faults:

Warped front disks at about 130,000.

Dragging rear caliper (driver side)

A/C condensation leak into pass side floor at 187,000 miles.

Radiator leak started at about 180,000 miles.

Leather seats have torn on both front seats. Perforated leather.

Automatic antenna retract/extend had to be replaced at about 130,000 (about 4 years old)

General Comments:

This has been a wonderful car for me. It's sporty, efficient (comparitively), and has been extremely reliable. Still going strong and getting lots of lookers - even at 8 years old.

The dash took a little getting used to, and sometimes the sun causes glare on the windshield from the odd shaped dash.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2004

1996 Honda Prelude SR-V 2.2 Vtec from North America

Summary:

A unique little sports car

Faults:

It needed a right rear wheel bearing.

I replaced the timing belt, balance shaft belt, and water pump.

The stock speakers were blown when I got the car, it has 7 in total.

General Comments:

This car is very fast and has great power all the way through the rpm range.

It is a riot to drive everyday.

It is a very expensive car, but it is well worth every penny of it.

The whole car itself is ahead of it's time.

It came with a factory 6 disc CD changer in the trunk.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th July, 2004

1996 Honda Prelude SR-V 2.2L from North America

Summary:

You won't believe its non-turbo charged

Faults:

Front brakes needed servicing (expected)

Rear bearing hub (I spun out)

Excellent reliability!

General Comments:

This car's engine is amazing considering its normally aspirated. It is both torque (for a Honda) and has amazing high-end horsepower at almost any rpm. The engine does not want to quit revving and is very versatile.

Silky smooth and pleasant sounding.

The styling is very sporty and aggressive. It is timeless and rare.

Fuel economy is rated 22/27 mpg which is decent for a sport car.

Front comfort is excellent due to the supportive heated seats, but the rear is cramped (so what!).

Handling is good although due to its weight its not nimble like a Civic. Ride is never harsh and brakes are average. A bit too much road noise.

Best FWD sports coupe of all time!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th November, 2002

16th Mar 2006, 00:01

I cannot believe that the word torque, and the word Prelude, were just mentioned in the same article. Any engine that has to rely on VTEC for its power, is not torquey. By any stretch of the imagination.

7th Sep 2007, 04:52

You may or may not be a V8 lover, but my brother's prelude is still able to beat cars (1994 model) a lot younger than it. Let me say that VTEC is very useful and addictive. It may be no drag machine, but if it's not torque moving the car then what is? Anyway my brother loves it and that's that. A interested passerby offered to take it off his hands for just a bit under twice the price he bought it for, not bad hey.