2001 Honda Prelude Review
Fuel Economy
22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
An aging but still capable sport coupe.
Pros
Superior handling, excellent refinement and build quality, unique ATTS technology.
Cons
Limited headroom, conservative interior design, four-cylinder can't match torque of V6 competition.
What's New for 2001
Floor mats, rear child seat-tether anchors and an emergency trunk opener are added to the '01 Prelude. Two new colors, Electron Blue and Satin Silver, are also available.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great Car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Excellent car and value, a blast to drive! Original stock tires weren't great. Stock stereo is good and puts out decent volume, but the bass is more "mid bass," not low bass. Just over 100K miles and no problems. By some miracle, no tickets, either! Don't ask me how I know this, but there is a fuel cutoff at 7,800 rpm. Would be nice to have a rev limiter, instead. Like other comments, a 6th cruising gear, RWD, 200 lbs. lighter, and 40 more hp would also be on my wish list. My car should last another 10 years at least...maybe by then, a new Prelude will be in showrooms.
Favorite Features
Engine, engine sound, 5sp manual tranny and clutch are nice and smooth, sporty handling (for a FWD car).
Suggested Improvements
No V6, though, please. It would just make it more nose heavy. We also have a 2004 V6 Accord Sedan (5sp auto)...the V6 is nice and smooth, though (240hp, 210 lb. ft. torque), but it's a bigger car, weighs more, and is only maybe a tenth or two faster to 60 and in the 1/4 mile...
My blue Honda Prelude
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Parents bought me this to go to UCSD. Great car, fantastic handling (through the corners). Although I was disappointed about the interior, but it's not too bad for a Japanese sports car. Very reliable, passed smog and everything... a very fast car and sometimes with the blue color it attracts a lot of attention. I love this car.
Favorite Features
200bhp, great handling, easy to maintain engine and parts
Suggested Improvements
I would love it even more if Honda could make the body lighter (3000lbs) and make the engine even more responsive, I've always wanted the rpm indicator to change fast.
Revin Hard
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I purchased a 2001 Prelude from PA and I love it. The V-Tec Mode kicks in hard and the car's sleek body makes it look pretty damn good. It handles like a true racing Machine. I only wish it had more stock HP. I added 200 HP of my own when I rebuilt the engine. For anyone planning on T-Charging the Prelude engine beware of the H22A4 RING LANDS!!! THEY WILL NOT LAST! I recommend this car to new drivers, it's cheap, reliable, safe, and a real blast to drive.
Favorite Features
My Favorite feature is that it looks better than the S2000 and the GSR. Honda did a hell of a job creating a look of a real sports car. I'm loving the FWD too, makes the handling real good in wet weather.
Suggested Improvements
Improvements that Honda could have made was to add a LSD or limited slip differential to the USDM preludes. It's a pain to add my own, and cost me 500 $$. Wasn't an easy install either. I would have liked to see a more powerful engine but they canceled the line.
One Of The Best Cars Ever Made
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Honda Prelude SH 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My dream car for years was a Toyota Celica GT-S. This last year I was going to buy a car I could afford. I did some research and found a 2001 Honda Prelude SH. I never realized I would ever find a car more intriguing then the Celica. I bought my Prelude in May and now have added 10,000 additional miles. I love it. It's one of the best cars ever made.
Favorite Features
VTEC, ATTS, handling
Suggested Improvements
2.2 220 horses Hondas favorite 100 hp per liter, I-VTEC, RWD
Love it!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have always loved the Prelude and its design. My mom had a third gen and I liked it, so I decided to keep it in the family. This is my first car and it has greatly exceeded my expectations. I have big plans for the car and have already done much to it. Soon the engine will have a revamp with cams, p&p, type- s pistons, etc. I have already upgraded the suspension (a little lower and stiffer) and boy, I thought it handled like a dream before, now it is no problem to take turns quickly and worry-free. And, although the interior was all black, it gives it a clean look and you can always give it a twist with the Prelude Type-S Seats (leather/suede with red stitch) and OEM Honda aftermarket part
Favorite Features
VTEC, NOT VTEC"H", that's a phone brand! Handling, Style, Excellent Braking Power: 110 ft from 60 mph with drilled rotors and HAWK pads.
Suggested Improvements
Bring the car back. Believe it or not Honda, many people really like the car; it still turns heads seven years later! Offer a wider array of models. Better weight distribution, although 60/40 isn't bad for a FF car. Fix the wheel well rust problems. Design some better rims!
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2001 Honda Prelude
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- 1997 Honda Prelude
- 1996 Honda Prelude
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