2000 Honda Prelude Review
2000 Honda Prelude Review
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Used Prelude for sale
Appraise This CarHonda Prelude model years
Honda Prelude types
- Coupe
- Type SH
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engine, room for four, four-wheel ABS standard.
Cons
- Limited headroom, conservative interior, odd headlamp design.
What’s new
The 2000 Prelude is a carryover from 1999 and remains unchanged.
Edmunds says
A balanced and capable sport coupe. Overpriced compared to the competition, though.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2000 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Maine.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Maine
$204/mo for Prelude Base
Prelude Base
vs
$186/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The aptly named Prelude has always been a symbol for great things to come. Honda has long used the Prelude to showcase its latest technological developments. Remember Honda's four-wheel steering system, designed to give drivers better control in tight corners? It first debuted on the '88 Prelude. In 1993, the Prelude was also one of the first Hondas to receive a VTEC engine, originally introduced in the 1991 Acura NSX. In 1997, Honda continued this tradition by putting its new Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) in the limelight, once again on the Prelude Type SH (identified by its sporty rear spoiler and leather shift knob).
ATTS is designed to give the front-wheel-drive Prelude rear-wheel-drive cornering ability while retaining the wet-weather benefits of a traditional front-wheel-drive car. The system works by monitoring the car's speed, steering angle and yaw rate to determine whether the car is following the driver's intended course. In a tight, fast corner the system works by increasing torque to the outboard front wheel, which in turn increases the vehicle's yaw rate, giving the driver better steering response. Basically, it neutralizes understeer for those times when the corners get a little too tight. What will they think of next?
Both trims of Prelude are powered by the VTEC 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that, when coupled with the manual transmission, cranks out 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 156 pound-feet of torque at 5,250 rpm. The auto-tranny setup makes 195 horses at 6,600 rpm but the torque numbers remain the same. Base models are available with either a manual or automatic transmission, but if you want the high-tech Type SH, you better like rowing your own gears since it is available only with the five-speed manual gearbox. The four-speed automatic features a sequential SportShift that gives the driver the option of selecting his own gears, similar to Porsche's Tiptronic. Both the base and Type SH models get standard four-wheel ABS, which pull the car down quickly.
The Prelude comes standard with a six-speaker audio system, power moonroof, adjustable steering column and a height-adjustable driver seat. Also standard is a state-of-the-art anti-theft system that uses a digitally coded radio signal to insure that the key you use is the one that came with the vehicle.
After receiving harsh criticism for the fourth-generation's funky interior, Honda took a conservative approach to the dashboard layout of the current Prelude. It is disappointing to note that Honda went so conservative that there's nothing to distinguish the car from a late-'80s Accord. Come on, guys, you can do better than that.
Despite the interior shortcomings and the much-maligned headlamps, the Prelude is an outstanding sport coupe that offers the latest technology at a reasonably affordable price. Unfortunately, its sales numbers have been falling in recent years and now a new Honda roadster, the S2000, threatens to make the Prelude a nonentity.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2000 Honda Prelude.
5 star(73%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
37 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Born to be a Classic
Chris Sullivan, 08/12/2007
2000 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
The Prelude is definitely an underestimated Honda. Very elusive compared to your Civic or Accord. Civic would be the bottom line daily driver, the Accord would be the nice family car, and the Prelude would be the slighty more exotic sports car. I get looks and compliments everywhere I go. I wouldn't trade this car for the world. If you're looking for something sporty, that also makes a … great daily driver, then the Honda Prelude is definitely for you. It's fast, it's fun, and it's beautiful. What else could you ask for?
4.75 out of 5 stars
Once is never enough
beartraper, 10/19/2003
2000 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
I bought a '97 Lude when it was new and
loved it for two years. I later needed
more room so I traded it in. Now that
I'm looking for a used second car, I'm
back. I bought a 'oo model and it's
like going back in time - just as I
remembered. I'm amazed at how this car
has held it's value. It's a timeless
design that will never look old and the
best sports coupe in … its class. Add in
the reliability and there's no
competition for this car.
4.88 out of 5 stars
My Dream Car. Also My best Car
David in Colorado, 10/28/2008
2000 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
The most excellent combination of practicality and sports coupe. My car has been a dream for the most part. I have 215,000 miles and limited maintenance. The ignition switch at 80,000 was a recall item. I didn't listen to my mechanic about flushing the tranny at every 60K, and the filter finally clogged at 170,000 miles. Otherwise, I have had no other problems. One nagging … issue, is the low tires make driving in snow of more than 3" difficult and the car is very hard on tires. The sound system is incredible and the performance is very titillating for those loving speed. It's a tribute to Honda craftsmanship.
4.88 out of 5 stars
One Sweet Car
bh, 12/31/2008
2000 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
I bought this car as I loved the sleek and sporty body style plus knew of Honda's reliability. I've owned the car over 4 years and the only thing I've done is put a new battery in it. Due to my getting older I am thinking about trading it for a Tacoma but am having a very difficult time bringing myself to do it. 28 MPG on the open road and it handles so smoothly. The paint on it … still has a showroom shine but I really baby the car. If anyone is looking for an incredibly sporty car that will get you looks plus the added benefit of great reliability than get yourself one of these babies. You won't be sorry.
2000 Prelude Highlights
Coupe
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $204/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 8.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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