2000 Honda Prelude: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

With the S2000 roadster bowing as an even sportier Honda, the slow-selling Prelude is unchanged, though the company says the coupe will continue beyond 2000. As before, both the base and SH models use a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts, Honda's VTEC variable-valve-timing system, and 100,000-mile tuneup schedule. Manual transmission is standard. Automatic is optional only on the base Prelude, where it reduces horsepower by 5. That automatic, called Sequential SportShift, mimics other "automanual" transmissions with a secondary shift gate allowing full manual gear selection. Exclusive to the SH is the Active Torque Transfer System designed to counter the tendency of front-drive cars to plow, or understeer, in hard cornering. Standard features for both models again include antilock brakes, remote locking, and micron ventilation filter.

COMPETITION

The performance leader in this group is also our Best Buy. The Honda Prelude will hustle two large adults and their luggage in comfort and luxury to a weekend getaway. Prelude has plenty of power, excellent road manners, and gets reasonable fuel economy.
We also recommend you take a look at the Chrysler Sebring (which will be redesigned for 2001 in coupe, convertible, and sedan form) and the Volkswagen New Beetle. The Sebring offers the most room in this class, while the New Beetle has interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy.