1997-2001 Honda Prelude: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

1998 Honda Prelude SH
2001 Honda Prelude
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1997-2001 Honda Prelude ▼

  • Price Range:  $3,300 - $8,300
CG Rating

45

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Acceleration
  • Steering/handling
  • Build quality

Cons

  • Rear-seat room
  • Cargo room

Vehicle Highlights

Honda redesigned its sport coupe for 1997. Again front-wheel drive with a 4-cylinder engine, Prelude rode a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase than before, and measured 3.2 inches longer overall. Curb weight rose by 145 pounds. Interior dimensions changed only slightly, but trunk space expanded by nearly one cubic foot. Basic 2-door notchback styling continued from the 1992-96 generation, but traditional analog gauges replaced vacuum-fluorescent instruments. Only base and SH editions went on sale, each equipped with a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder that employed Honda's variable-valve-timing technology. Running on premium fuel, the engine developed 195 horsepower with 5-speed manual shift, but only 190 horses when equipped with an automatic transmission. Offered only on base Preludes, the automatic transmission gained a new manual-shift feature, called Sequential SportShift. The gear selector lever could be left in Drive for regular automatic shifting, or tipped forward or backward to permit manual gear selection.The SH model went on sale first, equipped with a new Honda-developed system designed to combat the tendency of front-drive cars to plow, or understeer, when accelerating through a turn. Called the Active Torque Transfer System, it automatically distributed more of the engine's power to outside front wheels when accelerating in a turn. That forced the outside front wheel to rotate up to 15 percent faster than the inside front wheel. The system could direct up to 80 percent of engine torque to a single wheel. Dual airbags and four-wheel disc brakes were standard on both models, incorporating antilocking. Each model rode 16-inch tires.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Honda Prelude SH w/5-speed Rating
Performance 7
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 8
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 2
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 45
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude.

Year to Year Changes


1998 Honda Prelude: New paint colors were the only change for 1998.
1999 Honda Prelude: More new colors became available, but only one interior hue: black. The Prelude's engine gained 5 horsepower, and did not require a tune-up until 100,00 miles. Remote locking now was a standard feature.
2000 Honda Prelude: Preludes entered the 2000 model year without change.
2001 Honda Prelude: Standard floormats, rear child-seat tethers, an emergency trunk release were the main changes for 2001. Prelude would not continue for 2002.

Our road test for the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2001 Honda Prelude is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

This Prelude rides more softly and muffles the VTEC engine better than the old one did, so it doesn't feel--or sound--as sporty this time around. On the other hand, the new Prelude drives more securely through turns and over lumpy surfaces. There's also a satisfying exhaust note when the engine revs high--which it definitely likes to do. The ride is reasonably supple for a sports coupe, though uneven surfaces induce notable jiggle. Engine, wind, and road noise are low while cruising, but "tire slap" might be heard even in around-town driving. Acceleration is lively with either transmission. Our test Preludes accelerated from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds with SportShift, and a swifter-yet 7.6 seconds with the 5-speed manual gearbox in an SH. While the you-do-it SportShift gear changes are crisp and immediate, high-rpm downshifts usually occur with a jerky lunge. On the plus side, SportShift's manual-shift capability gives the driver helpful control over engine speeds. Prelude's 5-speed is a slick-shifting, sheer delight, mating masterfully to smooth and easy clutch action. An SH averaged only 19.4 mpg, though a base car with automatic got a more appealing 23.2 mpg. Premium fuel is mandatory either way. The current Prelude is not usefully bigger in size. A longer wheelbase adds some rear foot room, but no more functional backseat space than in prior Preludes. Therefore, the rear seat is again best used to carry children or parcels--though it's no worse than most rivals. Visibility is uncluttered all around. The new dashboard features simple, logically grouped analog gauges.
Value for the Money
New styling gave this Prelude an airier cabin than before, and the base model has been better equipped than its predecessor. Workmanship is pleasing, but the interior decor is closer to economy-car basic than to suave sports machine. Still, energetic performance on the road can help make a Prelude appealing.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Honda Prelude SH w/5-speed Rating
Performance 7
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 8
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 2
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 45

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Honda Prelude includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda Prelude .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Dashboard lights: The active torque transfer system (ATTS) light may come on and the system will shut down. A revised control unit is available to replace the original one. (1997)

Dashboard lights: The malfunction indicator light comes on because the transmission-control module is damaged by electrical spikes from the ignition switch. (1997)

Manual transmission: Because of a manufacturing defect in the shift fork, the transmission may grind going into fifth gear. (1997)

Oil leak: Sudden oil loss and resultant severe engine damage could be the result of front balance shaft oil plug popping out. (1997)

Seatbelts/safety: The button on the seatbelt that prevents the male half of the buckle breaks, and the buckle slides down to the floor. (1997-98)

Transmission problems: Failure of manual and automatic transmissions may be covered under extended warranty up to 7/100,000. (2000-03)

Vehicle noise: The rear corners of the headliner rub against the rear window causing a rattle, especially on rough roads. (1997)

Vehicle noise: Rattles or buzzing from under the car may result from the heat shield being too close to the active torque transfer system (ATTS). (1997)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $390
Alternator $425
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,035
Brakes $270
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $540
Constant Velocity Joints $680
Exhaust System $685
Radiator $505
Shocks and/or Struts $855
Timing Chain or Belt $250
Our price chart for this generation Honda Prelude details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2001
Prelude $7,700-8,700 $6,900-7,800 $3,900-4,400
Prelude SH $8,300-9,200 $7,500-8,300 $4,300-4,800
2000
Prelude $6,500-7,500 $5,700-6,600 $2,900-3,400
Prelude SH $6,900-7,700 $6,100-6,900 $3,200-3,600
1999
Prelude $5,500-6,400 $4,700-5,500 $2,300-2,600
Prelude SH $5,900-6,700 $5,100-5,800 $2,500-2,800
1998
Prelude $4,700-5,500 $3,900-4,600 $1,800-2,100
Prelude SH $5,100-5,900 $4,300-5,000 $2,000-2,400
1997
Prelude $4,000-4,800 $3,300-3,900 $1,300-1,500
Prelude SH $4,400-5,100 $3,700-4,200 $1,500-1,800
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Honda Prelude include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 2-door coupe
Wheelbase, in. 101.8
Overall Length, in. 178.0
Overall Width, in. 69.0
Overall Height, in. 51.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 2954
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 8.7
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 15.9
Seating Capacity 45
Front Head Room, in. 37.9
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.0
Rear Head Room, in. 35.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 28.1

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

A dual-overhead-cam 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine went under all Prelude hoods, producing 195 horsepower (190 with automatic). The horsepower rating later grew to 200. Base Preludes could have either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed SportShift automatic, but only manual shift went into the SH model.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I4 2.2 / 132 190-200 156 5-speed manual: 22/26
4-speed automatic: 21/26		 5-speed manual: 19.4
4-speed automatic: 23.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Honda Prelude include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

1997-01: Ignition-switch interlock may not function properly, making it possible to turn key to "off" position and remove it, without shifting transmission to "Park."
1997-98: Certain ball joints can wear out prematurely and, in worst case, would separate, causing front suspension to collapse.

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