If you're a diehard Weekly Top 3 fan...alright, maybe I'm making a false assumption there. But in case you're interested, I did say a few words about my 2001 Honda Prelude in a column when I bought it last April. And now that we've got our Editors' Personal Cars series going, I get to keep talking about it. Which is fine by me. I kind of love my 'Lude.
For budget-minded fans of high-revving naturally aspirated engines, an old VTEC Honda's the next best thing to something like an M3. The fifth-generation Prelude is rather mild-mannered by Honda standards -- redline's 7,400 rpm; Integra GS-R, e.g., winds out to 8,100 rpm -- but it also has 200 horsepower and a relatively accessible 5,200-rpm VTEC crossover.
Truth is, Honda just doesn't make cars like this anymore, and that's a large part of the 'Lude's enduring appeal. More on which below.
Vehicle: 2001 Honda Prelude (manual transmission)
Current Mileage: 71,110
Trim Level/Options: Base/None
Purchase Price: $7,300 (April 2009)
Private-Party Edmunds TMV: $6,978 (as of 2/2/10)
Modifications: AEM cold air intake, HKS midpipe (stock muffler), Tanabe coil-overs with a slight drop
Other Currently Owned Vehicles: None
Previous Vehicles Owned: 1985 Nissan 300ZX, 1994 Acura Integra LS, 1993 Honda Prelude Si, 1992 Nissan Skyline GTS-25, 1995 Acura Integra GS-R
So yeah, I'm kind of a Honda-hugger. Old ones, mind you; like I said, they don't make 'em like this anymore. But I've always admired the balance Honda struck in the 1990s between reliability and performance. I've rolled up a lot of miles on four Hondas of this vintage, and I have exactly one unexpected maintenance issue to report: the ABS light in my '93 Prelude went on at 117,000 miles, right before I sold it. Otherwise, it's been brakes, tires, oil, and yes, the supremely annoying timing belt replacements. All in all, pretty impressive given how fun these cars are to drive -- and how much abuse they endured under my command.
Actually there was one other unexpected issue, and it happened with my current Prelude. As discussed in the abovementioned column, it was burning oil. All VTEC motors use some oil internally, but my 'Lude was leaking it -- I smelled it every time I got out. Kind of freaked me out at first. I'd neglected to take a close look at the back of the engine before I bought it, which is where the oil was. Suddenly that $7,300 purchase price wasn't looking so reasonable.
But fortunately the culprit was just a deteriorating cam seal, a cheap plastic plug that's a known weak spot in these engines. I ordered a hardcore triple-sealed aluminum one for $30 and enlisted the aid of grease-monkey editors Takahashi and Magrath, which cost me an (admittedly enjoyable) hour of my life and another $20 for post-wrenching burgers. That was that; no more leak. So let's call the real purchase price $7,350. I haven't had to put a penny into it since.
I do wish my Prelude were a Type SH (which added a torque-apportioning system that mitigated understeer), but it's still a neat reminder of how distinctive Honda products used to be. The fifth-generation Prelude, produced from 1997-2001, was one of the last classic low-cowl Hondas; nowadays, Honda dashboards are mounted high like everyone else's. What that means is that despite the Prelude's low ride height (even lower in my slightly slammed specimen), outward visibility is excellent. I can legitimately see all four corners of the car from the driver seat -- try that in just about any car on the market right now. Going from my car to a Camaro is like going from a speedboat to a submarine.
This was also around the time that Honda phased out the distinctive Jekyll-and-Hyde personality of their VTEC engines. To me, that was something that set high-performance Honda motors apart. Ordinarily they were refined and unobtrusive, even fuel-efficient (though the 'Lude's 27 mpg highway rating kind of stinks). But when conditions permitted, a quasi-F1 soundtrack (amplified in my Prelude by the CAI) was just a downshift or two away. Aside from the Civic Si, you can't get that in a Honda anymore.
Another nostalgic element is the cabin, which puts some current Hondas to shame. Soft-touch stuff everywhere. Carpeting behind the shifter where it doesn't even need to be. Expensive-feeling seat fabric. It's quite impressive, really. And the restrained dashboard design, deemed boringly Accord-like when new, is a welcome respite from today's sometimes overstyled efforts (*cough* Civic). The Prelude has more of a grand-touring vibe than you'd expect from a four-cylinder sport coupe, and I dig that.
I'll save handling impressions for another time, i.e., when I've finally ponied up for new tires (currently I'm rocking "Super Steel" radials in back and used-up Bridgestones on the front). But yeah, that's my car. Whaddya think?
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor
By cruiserhead1
on February 2, 2010
05:30 PM
I couldn't agree more with everything you said. I have had a civic, 2 CRX Si, Prelude and Accord--all in the 1990s.
I loved them for all the reasons you mention. When S. Honda died, so did his philosophy of the low cowl/big windshield.
Still regret selling my 91 CRX Si...last year they made it.
I thought this was the best Prelude ever, possibly the sweet spot for Honda. However, I think the high msrp kept people away.
I really like the '01 Lude. Styling is typical 90's Honda, clean and enduring style. They had that rare quality few Japanese cars ever have- a strong brand identity and design philosophy... very german!
I haven't bought another Honda since, and never in the foreseable future. Quality, design, attention to detail seem to have gone backwards since these times.
By aurakr
on February 2, 2010
05:39 PM
I am going to agree with Josh here. Many of you may know that I have defended domestics, but this is a Honda I would buy. I really liked the Prelude. Almost every thing about seems quality, and when you look at the new Civic's interior, all I can say is whoa!!
I will look for one for my son then summer.
Josh anything I should know about used ones, ie what to look for?
By cruiserhead1
on February 2, 2010
06:03 PM
unmolested, stock, clean w/ orig wheels and engine parts.
Good luck, they are relatively rare and hard to find really clean ones that are manual trans.
By moparbad
on February 3, 2010
01:42 PM
Gauges the way gauges are meant to be!
Words alone do not convey how strongly I dislike the gauges and dashboard on the current Civic and Insight.
By SadButTrue
on February 3, 2010
02:40 PM
@aurakr,
Not much to add to cruiserhead1's advice. Check for oil leaks, which I didn't -- but know that if the problem is the cam seal, it's an easy fix and shouldn't dissuade you from buying. And make sure you know what the timing belt situation is; hopefully the previous owner will have records.
@cruiserhead1,
I absolutely agree: Honda had a remarkably strong brand identity and design philosophy in the '90s. So many Hondas from that era still look good, and they all had that distinctive low cowl, and there were the cool old VTECs, insane reliability records, etc. Shame about what's happened since.
-Sadlier
By dougtheeng
on February 3, 2010
02:46 PM
"I am going to agree with Josh here. Many of you may know that I have defended domestics, but this is a Honda I would buy. I really liked the Prelude. Almost every thing about seems quality, and when you look at the new Civic's interior, all I can say is whoa!!"
well said Aura! I'd buy one too - I love this car.
By jederino
on February 3, 2010
03:30 PM
Growing up, a couple of my buddies drove these, and one had an '88 si. I was super impressed with it. I drove a '79 Fairmont, so the prelude's low cowl was like the seas parting. The visibility was insane, and it was a classy ride to be seen in.
By moparbad
on February 3, 2010
04:13 PM
No Prelude.
No Acura RSX.
Mustang, Camaro, Genesis Coupe, Challenger are proof that sport coupes do not sell.
You certainly picked a good one Josh.
Celica is another line that is gone that I have an appreciation for. Would be nice to find a T200 series Celica or a Prelude that are in great condition and not modified.
By johnnyturbo
on February 3, 2010
04:58 PM
Ages ago I had an '86 Prelude which had the classic low cowl / low beltline styling that looked so sharp and worked so well. My 'lude (base trim) only had about 100 hp yet it was a ball to drive thanks to the communicative steering and responsive chassis. Never had any trouble with it, even though I drove it hard most of the time.
I'd say that 1983 (2nd-gen Prelude debut) to 1993 (last year of cleanly-styled, low-beltline Accord) was the golden age for Honda. During that time span, the whole line-up was strong and the company could do almost no wrong.
By mozzz77788
on February 3, 2010
10:23 PM
Can I buy it off of you? My mom's old 1990 Integra has sold me on Hondas for life and yours is definitely a keeper!
By ahightower
on February 4, 2010
06:15 AM
I dig it. The interior is nice and simple, has and will continue to age well.
I wish everyone would return to that standard size radio bin. As fast as technology is advancing, I don't want some currently current built-in system that will be impossible to update should I keep the car for 10 years. I want to be able to go out and buy a new head unit and plug it right in where the old one used to be. Bottom line, modern cars don't seem to be made to last.
By levyrob
on February 4, 2010
08:12 AM
This makes me nostalgic for my '84 Prelude. Quality, fun, economy, handling, and good looks. It was a blast to drive, and I loved the low hoodline. Your Prelude was a return to the Prelude formula and still looks good today. Funny thing about most Hondas -- they may look somewhat humble when they're introduced, but they age better than most cars on the road. I look at the dash cluster and see NSX!
Honda needs to bring back the Prelude. They've unceremoniously killed off the Prelude and the next closest RSX.
Great article.
By iskch
on February 4, 2010
09:43 AM
Agree. Honda cars were fun. Finding a stock clena version is very hard.
By kurt_
on February 4, 2010
10:47 AM
I don't know what I find more surprising, Josh. The fact that everyone agrees with you or, the fact that no one has commented on you having owned a 1992 Nissan Skyline.
By 1487
on February 4, 2010
11:29 AM
Well I figured you had a Honda (and long for a BMW) but I was wondering which one. Now I know.
I dont doubt Hondas (and most cars) can last well beyond 100k miles but I dont think 71k is all that much for a 2001 model year car. I'm glad its reliable but 71k isn't all that much.
I used to like this car back in the day. It really has no style but is still better looking than anything they sell today. I'm glad Josh has come to grips with the fact that today's Hondas have nothing to do with this car and thus Honda shouldn't be given any free passes. Maybe that reality will trickle into his reviews going forward. I understand that most of these 30 or 40 something auto writers have a sweet spot for Honda but this is 2010 and the days of the PRelude and CRX (or whatever sporty Honda they fantasize about) are long gone. Thats akin to people praising the Malibu because they have fond memories of RWD V8 powered Chevy sedans from the 60s or 70s. Different cars from different eras.
By jriz
on February 4, 2010
11:38 AM
Blah blah blah. I would like to see these car reviews Mr Sadlier has written that heap undue praise upon Hondas. Links please.
The sentiments expressed in this EPC introduction echo his feeling about just about every Honda or Acura product that has passed through these doors during his time here. In fact, no one has been as disappointed in their current direction as he.
By 1487
on February 4, 2010
11:51 AM
jriz:
Let me explain this to you. Its easy to admit Honda is making mediocre vehicles in a vacuum. Not so easy to rank other vehicles ahead of Honda or to acknowledge that Honda as a whole has been surpassed by Hyundai, GM, Ford (and maybe VW) almost across the board. Lots of auto scribes will throw a few barbs at Honda but Hondas still finish near the top of virtually every comparison test and we are still browbeat with commentary about how the company is led by engineers and is dedicated to great engines and other such ambiguous nonsense.
I challenge Josh to name 2 or 3 Gm or Ford products that he would buy over a comparable Honda product.
Blah, blah, blah indeed.
BTW, didn't he just post something about the greatness of the TL? Isn't than an Acura product?
By 1487
on February 4, 2010
11:55 AM
ps:
Nothing was more emblematic of the media's adoration for Honda than the hype up and subsequent undue praise heaped on the Insight. Froom the first time we laid eyes on the Insight it was obvious Honda was aiming low. The performance and efficiency numbers only confirmed those impressions. And yet I couldn't find ONE review that had the guts to acknowledge what was staring us in the face. Only after the dismall sales figures came in did people FINALLY acknowledge the shortcomings of this Honda.
By SadButTrue
on February 4, 2010
12:07 PM
1487, remember who you're talking to here. I'm the guy who's written repeatedly on various Edmunds blogs about Honda's descent into mediocrity. I know you've read those posts. Charitably, maybe you've got memory and/or comprehension issues. Cynically, maybe your primary goal in these forums is to generate hostile flak rather than serious commentary.
There are certainly journalists out there who reflexively praise Hondas because of what Hondas used to be, but they're not in this office. End of story.
-Sadlier
By 1487
on February 4, 2010
01:01 PM
Sad:
if you honestly pay attention to what I write you know I have command of the subject matter and I strive to make serious points. You and both know you pop in drop a few smart aleck remarks while dancing around the legitimate issues I raise. And then you try and go the cop out route by jumping out of the debate and inferring that my posts are offered as a way to stimulate "flak".
While I admit no journalists worship Honda as completely as those employed by C&D there isn't a huge difference in how Hondas are covered here. My guess is that many (if not most) auto journalists are current or former Honda owners and that colors their view of HOnda and its competitors. You drive a Honda and have owned several which explains a lot about your stuck in the 90s view of the automotive landscape. Things will never be like they were- time to move on. End of story. Can you name a few non luxury vehicles by HOnda's competitors that you would buy today?
I will ask again- didn't you just have a blog entry praising the TL recently? If my poor memery serves me right you were explaining how aside from styling the 6MT TL was nearly perfect.
By SadButTrue
on February 4, 2010
01:20 PM
@1487,
If you are interested in my opinions on Honda and other products, employ your favorite search engine, read my blog posts/reviews and refresh your memory/comprehension. I went to the trouble of writing them; I will not go to the additional trouble of telling you what I wrote.
Going forward, I may respond to questions from you about things I have actually written. That will be the extent of it. On the TL, you are correct that I recently wrote a blog entry praising the SH-AWD 6MT.
-Sadlier
By 1487
on February 5, 2010
06:41 AM
Sadlier:
I'm not asking for a summary of your reviews. I asked a simple question that you have trouble answering. Name a few non luxury vehicles that compete with Hondas products that you would honestly buy for yourself. Its a simple question. My general perception of your attitude towards non BMW vehicles is that since HOnda won't make what you want you really have little love for of Honda's competitors. Honestly, you don't seem to endorse much of anything that isnt coming from BMW.
By SadButTrue
on February 5, 2010
11:10 AM
1487, alright, I'll break my self-imposed rule to say this:
Personal preferences are interesting -- that's why we have this Editors' Personal Cars feature -- but irrelevant to the reviews/posts we write *unless* you've actually read those reviews/posts and conclude they indicate "a sweet spot for Honda" or whatever. If you want to have that argument, sure, let's do it. But you will have to cite specific and fair examples from published material, not "general perceptions" with no (or highly selective) evidence. Those are the terms.
-Sadlier
By daxtripper
on February 5, 2010
11:21 AM
It's amazing how one person can utterly grind to a halt what had been an interesting conversation. Bravo.
By lvranger
on February 5, 2010
03:17 PM
Nice car Sadlier! I had a 2000 Accord Coupe V6 that I loved. Definitely a tourer but stuck that balance even though it was bigger and heavier. The motor sounded like a swiss watch would sound if it used combustion. LOL. Ex has it now with over 100k last time I heard. Not much in Honda's stable recently that intrigues me either. Oh well, thats what the Kawasaki is for.
By jederino
on February 5, 2010
03:58 PM
I also loved the Acura Legend of its final design years, which had some of the styling elements shared with the Prelude.
By blueguydotcom
on February 5, 2010
07:34 PM
Great car.
By 94accord_lover
on February 6, 2010
04:37 PM
As stated by my name, I love my car. I can completely understand why you'd want to own a Prelude. It represents Honda at it's pinnacle of build quality excellence and driver-centric chassis tuning. I absolutely love to find a curvy road and blast my little Accord through the turns. Yes, it is a sixteen year-old car. And yes, it has just 130 horsepower and an auto trans., but good Lord I love driving it!
I definitely agree that Honda has lost its way. My car is the definition of solid build quality. Soft-touch plastic everywhere, simple dash layout; a quality feel to everything. 127k miles on mine and it continues to go strong. I love to hear that sweet Honda four rev. Where did the fun go? The Accord got fat and expensive. The Civic went to Mars in terms of design (and jettisoned build quality on the way there). Worst of all they killed the only semblance of fun left in the lineup, the departed S2000. The Fit is a fun drive I hear, but that's it. Nothing really compels me to drive or buy another Honda, seeing as most other companies have caught them in terms of reliability, and as a Honda fan, that deeply saddens me.
By estreka
on February 7, 2010
02:01 PM
I remember having these arguments over religious views back in high school. I know where it ends (or doesn't, rather).
I'm in agreement with all that has been said here. Even the AP2 S2000 was mediocre compared to the original. Having said that, I wouldn't buy any Honda after '03.
The 90's were truly the golden years for Honda. Same for Toyota. Hyundai, Subaru, and Nissan have taken over.
By lowmilelude
on March 8, 2010
11:02 AM
Had a '00 Type-SH until about a year ago (had a kid, Recaro didn't fit in the rear bucket of the Prelude). Traded it in, after ten years and 75,000 very fun miles, on a new Accord. When I pulled onto the lot, it was getting more looks than any of the new Honda products.
I miss that thing.