29th Nov 2002, 18:54

I recently bought a pristine '89 Prelude Si after my old Corsica got smashed. I don't know if cars are still made like this, but they should be! For a relatively heavy car, I'm amazed by the amount of power I get, and the thing's as solid as a BMW. My co-workers scoffed at me when I told them what I had bought (I drove exclusively American), saying I was driving a rice-rocket. Let me tell you, there's little relation between my car and those crappy looking Civics that are more plastic than metal. In my opinion, its one of the best (and most affordable, assuming you find a nice one) luxury/sport cars on the used-car market.

13th Feb 2003, 14:43

I just purchased a 89 Prelude si and besides having a hard time finding parts I am very impressed with it's performance. It had a leaky injector and a small engine fire when I picked it up for nothing, but it has been well worth the trouble. It now is close to cherry condition with power windows, sunroof, CD player really fun car to driver. I have had fun making some of the newer "rice rockets" like the ford focus and neons with the loud exhaust look really bad. Hope you all enjoy yours as much as I do mine. If anyone knows where I can still get performance parts for it please e-mail me at No_Illusions@charter.net

23rd Apr 2003, 22:13

You guys are geniuses. I just bought my Prelude this week. The acceleration is very satisfying, and the steering is just what I'd expect from the car model with the best handling in the world for under thirty thousand dollars. I could go on. I also have a second generation Rx-7 which unfortunately doesn't run at the moment, but I think the Honda Prelude competes very well for my preference in cars, even against the rotary engine! (Not that I don't also strongly endorse the Rx-7) PGM-FI using DOHC is more than enough!

14th Jun 2003, 07:17

I received my '89 2.0Si Prelude from my grandfather, almost not willingly! I love this car to death. I did have to replace the radiator at about 209,000 miles because I ran the car overheated about 5 miles to my parent's house. Incidentally, there is no difference (that I can notice) in performance after I made that stupid mistake. I had to replace a couple of hoses within the last 3,000 miles (I'm up 215,000), though that's probably due to the engine overheating that day.

One problem I have now is that from time to time the car decides not to start. It turns over fine, but it just won't run. But if I wait about 10 minutes, it starts up as if there were no problem at all. Well, yesterday I got stuck at work because it never started (after 25 minutes). It seems to happen in hot/humid weather. Is this a sensor, does anyone know? email me SpiffCheeseCo@hotmail.com. Other than that, I love this car and will drive it till I have to put it to rest eternally. I am too tough on it, but it is the best car I have ever owned, and treats me very well. I would buy another one in a heartbeat if I could find somebody selling one! Simon B.

21st Jun 2003, 16:54

I have an '89 Prelude 2.0s model (carb) When I first purchased the vehicle, it had a slight pinging sound when I would reach higher RPM's for example, when starting out in first. Anyway, now there is a lot of smoke coming from under the valve cover. The vehicle sputters and hesitates a lot. I removed the valve cover to check things out, and all I could see (in my infinite Japanese car knowledge) was smoke coming from a few small holes toward the front of the valve assembly. I really love this car however and would like to get it back on the road again asap. Could anybody help out? It would be greatly appreciated.

10th Nov 2004, 16:51

First of all, I hope to answer the question about the smoking under the valve cover. You mentioned that it runs poorly, and given the mileage, I would suspect a burnt or sticking valve. If you're a Do it yourself person, buy a compression gauge from Autozone. remove all 4 spark plugs and screw in your gauge where the plugs go. crank the engine for about 10 seconds. and do this on all 4 cylinders. If you notice on or more cylinders very low in compression, there's your problem. (Expect to see between 120psi-150psi or more).

I bought my 89 Prelude Si 4WS from California reluctantly, after being unable to find a 4G63T Mitsubishi worthy of tuning. Needless to say I'm very happy to have bought it. I've only done minor work to it, and just recently ported and polished the head at home. The power is tremendous and at even the most insane speeds, I can't lose control! If anyone has a spare 4WS speed sensor (the rubber solenoid is leaking into my trans, which I bypassed) email me please. Shane_Gina@peoplepc.com.