Faults:

Rear strut knocks. This is actually a TSB with Honda. I fixed the problem by replacing the strut mounts and the old bolts with new ones.

Stock CD player is lousy. I fixed this by installing an after-market Sony head unit and the stereo sounds infinitely better.

Had a few issues with interior buttons. Replaced them and work great now.

General Comments:

When I went to test drive this prelude I didn't know what to expect. The only other Honda I had driven was an old CRX. My previous car, an Eclipse GSX was giving me too many problems and wasn't reliable enough for someone trying to make it through college. I was pleasantly surprised with the Lude. It offers a great ride and handles better than most fwd cars. The engine revs all day and while it lacks low end power, once you get going it moves pretty well. I'd say it's almost as fast as my Eclipse was, and that ran 14.6 at the track. My prelude has an exhaust and intake. The exhaust will be coming off when the car comes out of storage because this car revs at 4k rpm at 80 mph. It's way too loud on the highway. Shoulda had a 6 speed or a better geared 5th gear, but what can you do?

I love the styling of the prelude. Sure the headlights are a little odd, but the shape of the car is downright gorgeous. It's sleek and I like the coupe body better than all the hatchbacks you see rolling around nowadays. My car is holding up great. It has no rust and the paint looks amazing. Of course neither I or the previous owner drove the car in the winter so it avoids all the salt here in michigan. Overall I love this car and will keep it til it dies, even as a 3rd or 4th car. Hey, it's a honda.

Faults:

I have had to replace my front and rear brakes due to the previous owner not installing the correct ceramic discs.

I have also had to clean my emission sensor which was full of carbon and caused the engine light to turn on.

Stock Acoustic feedback system deck gave out on me and it has been a little difficult getting a stereo that is compatible.

I have also found that my car burns excessive amounts of oil, causing dark discoloration of the exhaust pipe/muffler.

General Comments:

I have wanted a Prelude since the new body style came out and have been extremely pleased with my decision.

Although acceleration off the line is a little on the weak side, hitting 5500 RPM and having the VTEC kick in makes it all worth while.

After removing my after market muffler I realized the sound of the stock engine is actually very sexy. I intend to put a cold air intake on and leave it stock.

Trunk is small, only fitting 1 golf or hockey bag.

Back seating area so small that it is essentially a two seater.

Paying for premium fuel in this day and age is not fun.

Faults:

The Prelude is hard on tires, requiring an aggressive (soft) speed rated tire. Consequently, a new set of tires must be purchased every 30,000 miles or so.

Re-filling the gas tank is a chore, an evident characteristic of all preludes. The auto shut-off kicks in every ten seconds or so when filling up the tank and one must continuously be depressing the lever as if trying to "top off" the tank (even when the tank is empty!)

General Comments:

This is a fun car to drive, inspiring confidence when trying to maneuver quickly. Although a small car, it is made safer by virtue of it's accident avoidance capabilities. In addition, the high-revving v-tech engine makes acceleration a pleasure.