Honda Prelude, 1997 - 2001
4.5511Rating4.49% better than average rating of competitors (4.0)Review number: 11 RecommendsYes 0% No 100%
The design of the fifth generation Prelude became similar to the 1980s third generation Prelude. The car has a weight distribution of 63/37, it has become larger - the wheelbase is longer, all overall dimensions are larger, so the interior has increased a bit. It is one of the few cars in the world to have an electronic four-wheel drive system (4WS). The most powerful fifth-generation Prelude Type S was manufactured exclusively in Japan and features an atmospheric 2.2L H22A DOHC VTEC engine with 223 hp (162 kW) / 7200 rpm and 221 Nm / 6500 rpm of torque. A Type SH (Super-Handling) variant with an ATTS Honda active torque delivery system was produced in the USA. This technology improves the car’s handling and power so that the front-wheel drive car behaves similarly to the rear-wheel drive. In 1997, Car and Driver magazine named the Prelude Type SH the best-managed car to cost less than $ 30,000. However, sales of the 5th generation were not strong either, especially due to the wide range of other Honda models - the cheaper dynamic Honda Civic and the extremely comfortable, powerful Honda Accord Coupe. Drivers unanimously praise the Prelude's handling features, dynamics, and excellent reliability. Among the cons are found the same - a small interior space, especially on the rear seats, as well as driving at higher speeds annoying noise.