Parkers Used and New Car Chooser (June/July 2002)
Honda Prelude 97-01
2 door coupe Length 14’11” x Width 5’9” x Height 4’4”
FOR2.2 VTEC engine; reliability
AGAINST Cramped inside; needs to look more distinctive
Used Spec BodyYearsTransPASABSAirElecLockingAlarm/SunroofAir
ConwindImmobbag
Prelude 2.0i C297P-99T5Mssacfcied p
Prelude 2.0i C297P-99T4Assacfcied p
SSS
Prelude 2.0i C299T-01Y5Mssacfcied p
2000 Sport
Prelude 2.0i C299T-01Y4Assacfcied p
2000 Sport SSS
Prelude 2.2i C297P-01Y5Mssacfcied p
Prelude 2.2i C297P-01Y4Assacfcied p
SSS
VALUE
Used prices are coming down slowly now that production has ended; very good spec with few options offered.
COSTS
Staying within Honda network is expensive but preserves value; not too thirsty.
RELIABILITY
Honda’s mechanical integrity means that breakdowns are unlikely.
DRIVING
As with the previous Prelude, handling is almost perfect; nicely balanced at all times with lots of grip; ride is excellent.
PERFORMANCE
Just two engine options this time – the VTEC still does its stunning stuff; 2.0 is a little more sedate but refined.
COMFORT
Accommodation for four adults is still a squeeze, but not as cramped as old model; fit and finish are good but the overall effect is a bit bland.
IMAGE
Elegant, enough, but fails to make full use of its sporting credentials; VTEC is a potent performer, even if the exterior looks low-testosterone.
SAFETY
At least as safe as its rivals, with twin airbags, ABS, strong body.
SECURITY
Immobiliser as standard, but why is there no alarm on a car this price?
CAR CHECK
Body:No problems reported as yet.
Engine / Gearbox: Honda service history is really important.
Other Items: None to note.
MODEL BY MODEL
The 2.2 VTi VTEC engine is carried on from the previous range, and the other choice is an uprated 2.0i unit. Both models are front-wheel drive, with double-wishbone independent suspension and anti-roll bars, and optional 4-speed Sequential Sports Shift (SSS) automatic transmission. 2.0i has front fog lights, body-coloured bumpers and mirrors, RDS radio/cassette, tilt/adjustable steering wheel and moquette seat trim; VTi adds four-wheel steering, alloy wheels (optional on the 2.0i), cruise control, wood veneer trim and leather-rimmed steering wheel.
2000 sport replaced 2.0i in July 1999, with 16” alloys.
Special edition
2.0i/2.2 VTi ‘Motegi’ (August 98): body kit including side skirts, front and rear lower spoilers and boot spoiler, 16” (2.0i) or 17” (VTi) alloy wheels and boot motif.
Customer Services: 020 8747 1400
Parts Costs
Air Filter£19.51
Fuel Filter£14.10
Oil Filter£8.96
Spark Plugs£16.15
Sump Plug Gasket£0.15
Servicing
6,000 miles (minor), 12,000 miles (full)
Warranty
Mechanical 2 years, bodywork 6 years
Performance and consumption
2.0icyl/cc 4/1958bhp 134mph 1260-60 9.2mpg 30.7
2.2icyl/cc 4/2156bhp 185mph 1400-60 7.1mpg 29.7
Parkers Used, New and Trade Car Price Guide (Oct 2001)
Honda Prelude (1997-01)
Road Test Verdict
The latest Prelude is more conservatively styled than its predecessor and looks sleek but bland. Suberb engines, though, plus advanced engineering and an excellent chassis. 2.2 VTi is a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
CHECK FOR: Service history will be important. Honda reliability should make ownership fairly hassle-free.
MODELSENGINEMPGFUEL
2.0i4 cyl 1997cc22-39UL
2.2i VTEC4 cyl 2156cc22-37UL
SERVICE: 6000 1997-98; 9000 from July 1998.
Sizes: 14’11” x 5’9”.
FEB 1997 New Prelude 2 + 2 front-drive Coupe launched; 2.0i (134bhp) and 2.2 VTi (185bhp), with 5 speed gearbox or 4 speed Sequential Sports Shift (SSS) Auto, double wishbone independent suspension with anti roll bars, ABS, PAS, Equipment: remote central locking, immobiliser, electric sunroof, windows and mirrors, air conditioning, twin airbags. 2.2 VTi has 4 wheel steering, alloy wheels (optional on 2.0i), cruise control, wood interior trim, leather trimmed steering wheel.
AUG 1998 Special edition ‘Motegi’ 2.0i (£21515; Auto £22715) and 2.2 VTi (£22520; Auto £23720). Used values approx. 5% higher than standard models.
JUL 1999 2000 Sport launched. Motegi versions of 2000 Sport and 2.2 VTi continue; used prices approx. 5% higher than standard cars.
Prelude 2.0i 2d Coupe IG 14
Prelude 2.0i SSS 2d Coupe Auto IG 14
Prelude 2.0i2000 Sport 2d Coupe IG 15
Prelude 2.0i 2000 Sport 2d Coupe Auto IG 15
Prelude 2.2i 2d Coupe IG 16-17
Prelude 2.2i SSS 2d Coupe Auto IG 16-17