Used 1996 Honda Prelude Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Prelude, so we've included reviews for other years of the Prelude since its last redesign.
1995 Honda Prelude VTEC-Coupe (Black)
VTEC-R, 07/11/2004
1995 Honda Prelude VTEC 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
One of the Best Performance cars I have ever driven!!!
Amazing Car
Tom McGean, 05/01/2010
1996 Honda Prelude S 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is an amazing vehicle. First car I have ever owned, I got it when I was 16. Dropped suspension and a shift kit makes this baby fly and it handles like a pro. I love flying into parking lots and putting the car into a space at 30 mph. Blows my friends mind. Hilarious to crush Mustang Cobras and VWs at stop lights. Very rare and hard to find car that looks fantastic. Interior is cramped, don't expect to make any trips over 30min with someone in the back seat without them complaining incessantly. Gauges are a little silly, and the glare at night can be tough, but the lighting can be lowered. Looks sick with some interior neon and a Kenwood though. All in all, a fantastic car
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Fang, 05/09/2003
1995 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Whenever I made a sharp turn in my prelude, it just makes me feel handsome. The build quality is also outstanding. The only problem is that the car feels bumpy on uneven road. I think Honda could not avoid this problem since the car is too light.
7 years of pure joy so far!
peeweezers, 05/10/2002
1995 Honda Prelude VTEC 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1995 Prelude VTEC new, and it is a great car. I have it rigorously maintained, and the only thing that has ever broken down is the stereo - a problem I also had with my '81 Civic and my '88 Prelude. Mine was bought in August, and the serial number ends in 000445. I am restoring its looks to new condition and driving it for another 7 years at least. Can't have mine! It's the Mighty Mite, only big enough for me and my pug, but if it's performance you care about, performance that never breaks down, this it.
1995 Prelude Si
2.3Si, 09/25/2009
1995 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car a couple months ago and I must say it's great. The only thing is that my paints faded on parts of it but it runs great and has extremely good performance. It picks up pretty quickly for a four cylinder car. It's also very good on gas.
95 'lude
isaiah2, 09/14/2013
1995 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought mine a year ago with 180k miles, now at 190k. A fun car to drive, not especially fast but good in the corners, better than most 4wd cars I've driven. Get compliments and questions about it anywhere I go, definitely has some curb appeal. MPGs aren't as good as I expected, but 25 city/highway isn't bad. Reliability is Honda... some wheel well rust, but according to the service records only minor repairs til 150-200k miles, then you have to replace shocks, hoses, etc...
1995 Prelude Si
Murrell, 01/03/2010
1995 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my prelude for 5 years now and i have put a total of 85,000 miles on it. It has been the most fun car to drive I have ever had. It still has the same amount of power since the day i bought it. Actually a little more because of a few mods. I added a cold air intake and a full exhaust. The sound of the car is amazing. I have nothing bad to say about it. It is a totally reliable car. With the mods i made i get about 28.5 miles per gal around town driving.
LOADS OF FUN
HONDA BOY, 10/15/2002
1995 Honda Prelude VTEC 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
NEVER ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL, ALWAYS RUNS, FUN TO DRIVE AND AUTOCROSS. CAR IS AWESOME
Bombdiggy
ALi Baba, 07/20/2003
1995 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this car is great and it looks like an expensive rich sporty car and its not which is good for middle class people....it drives really good can take sharp turns and it has quick acceleration and a lot of horespower for it being a four cylinder and its pretty good on gas
1st Honda, finally!
n_stemp, 10/02/2004
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
1st off this forum has been VERY helpful to me. I researched ALOT of cars for hrs upon hrs and I had no doubt that I wanted a Honda, I found a few preludes, on line, and the one I purchased was 400 miles/8 hrs (round trip) away from where I live! I made trip to test drive and fell in love, bought it right there on the spot! I had to have a friend drive me back to pick it up on another day. This car is VERY fun to drive, I've been in my Dodge intrepid ('95 3.3 ltr) for 4.5 yrs, it is more comfortable.. but that's to be expected. I test drove 3 NEW honda'a ('05 accord, 04 civic ex, 04 civic lx) and this car ('96!) out peerformed all 3! new cars don't have the balls anymore.. fuel efficiency?
96 Prelude Si soon to sell.
R. Collins, 06/28/2023
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 Prelude Si in 1999 with 7,800 miles on it. It now has a little over 99,000. What great fun it has been to have owned this car. Not long after the purchase I wanted to see how fast it would go, flat out. North of where I live is a long uphill stretch of four lane with little traffic. I held my foot down and it topped out showing 140mph. I was floored just as the gas pedal was. I ordered a Ford Maverick Hybrid in October or 2021 and just got it last month after 594 days of waiting. So I have been prepping the Honda and an 83 Dodge D-150 for sale to recover some of the cost of the new (43 MPG) truck. I was amazed at how well the paint came back after clay bar and some compounding, followed by waxing. At ten feet it's looking good. I am replacing the cat back exhaust for a second time and the KYB shocks were installed last year. Platinum plugs and all fluids will be fresh when I'm done. Shock tower braces stiffened up the already taut suspension and I tell folks that with the 17 inch wheels it goes around corners like it's on Velcro. I see 27 to 28 MPG on premium fuel and I never saw a check engine light. Other than a stuck pressure switch on the ABS system there are no issues at all.
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- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Strangely Underrated
Crawdaddy79, 07/30/2002
1995 Honda Prelude SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Strangers continually compliment me on my Civic or Accord, and I tell them it's a Prelude, and they get surprised. This car is 8 years old (it's a 95)this model has been around since '92, which makes it 10+ years of chance that you've had to know what it was. They are surprised to find out that it is faster than a formidably upgraded Civic (!) (even stock/non-VTEC Preludes). Preludes are not in production any longer because people have some sort of fascination with Civics that sound like weedwhackers. Mine has 120,000+ miles on it.. No mechanical problems as of yet, and no signs of future ones.
Prelude S
Cardinal, 12/14/2002
1995 Honda Prelude S 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome car. Only thing its lacking is speed. Would love to have V-tech or Si.
Spread the good word!
Prelude kid, 01/22/2003
1995 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car! the Prelude had the styling and performance to jerk me away from the dog-slow Eclipse GS that I'd been hooked on since watching The Fast and the Furious. It's handling is reminiscent of a Stingray ie: the faster you go, the more she just wants to suck to the pavement. Spread the word people! I got mine for $6500 and can blow away any eclipse in my town. This is a very good, and VERY underrated car. Civics can't touch her and the new V-6 Eclipse gets a very good competition on the highway from the 'lude. I stand 5'9" and it's very comfortable to drive, as long as nobody has the misfortune of sitting behind me.
the best
chris harris, 09/01/2003
1995 Honda Prelude SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have had nothing wrong with the car and it is the nices thing on the raid
The Best Honda Available
Drelude, 01/12/2004
1995 Honda Prelude VTEC 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great. From it's sleek design to its amazing 195hp. Surprisingly it get good gas milage and maintains it amusing driving characteristics.
Honda Prelude
kevo, 11/04/2005
1995 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 1995 Honda Prelude about one year ago. I have put 20,000 miles on it and it still runs just as good as the day that I bought it. I have done some performance changes such as a carbon fiber hood, an exhaust, and a cold air intake. I am very impressed with the performance of the car. It has good pickup and drives very smooth.
If you find one, BUY IT!!!
Erik, 02/23/2006
1995 Honda Prelude SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 36,000 miles on it, and it was in near perfect condition. It now has 110,000 miles on it and runs almost as good as it did then. Outside of normal routine repairs or changes such as brakes, tires, oil changes, & tune-ups this car has never had any major repairs. I only just recently had to change a broken radiator, but if that's the worst of it, I'm happy. The body could be better because it has a tendency to rust in the rear quarter panel, but almost everything else about this car is perfect. I will never sell this car if I don't have to. I would rather spend the money to keep it forever. I only wish I could have found an SE model with a V-TEC and manual trans.
It Just Keeps Going!
Spirited, 09/23/2004
1995 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 127000 miles on it. The car has been amazing. Nothing but normal service needed at 176000 miles. Runs great. I have never added a drop of oil Fun to drive. The car is driven every day and this includes a good bit of stop and go driving. Amazing vehicle. Only problem is a bit of paint fading from sitting out in the open all theise years.
Strong after all
Oscar, 06/08/2006
1995 Honda Prelude SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After 80,000 miles since I bought still running strong, got 160K miles now and still faster than many cars out there .. even in 2006 still turning some heads and getting compliments ... not bad for a 12 y.o. car =) I bought ricer tailights painted red/white and looks great now, also the 94 accord rear lip, helps.
Nice sportscar
SD Rider, 08/27/2006
1995 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My GSR was stolen ended up with this. Decent acceleration. Need suspension kit to push its limits. Need new wheel/tire package 16"rims on 205/45/16 v-rated tires are all you need. Plenty of aftermarket parts (but more expensive compared to gsr/civic parts).
honda prelude si 2.3
justin, 11/17/2006
1995 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
all and all its a good first car but if speed isn't important to you then its a great car.
Prelude Power
Prelude Driver, 02/21/2003
1995 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I used to drive a 95 Acura Integra GSR. The GSR was a fun car to drive. Excellent gas mileage. Fast. Redline at 8k rpm. Lacked torque from 0-40 mph...smaller engine 1.8L Prelude kicks butt. No need to replace shifter. Lots of power with 2.3L engine. Handles like it's on rails. Not us much aftermarket parts like GSR but there's enough parts to go around. I miss the high rev 8k rpm. Wish I had the 2.3L engine with the GSR body.
sick car
Brian Cohn, 07/03/2003
1995 Honda Prelude S 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
nice lookin nice drivin nice on money
Plenty of Power
Gmoney, 07/15/2018
updated 07/18/2022
1995 Honda Prelude SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't know WHAT in the hell these people, complaining "no power", are talking about!! I've had mine for 10 years, with 92,000 on it now. No RAM or Turbo system. No chips. The only change is a K&N air filter and mine will still do 0-60mph in 8+seconds!! I don't know what they expect from a 24 year old 4 cylinder?!? It's not a 2018 R-type!! Aside from that, it's a great car & fun as hell to drive (120mph go-cart). The major downsides to this car are wheel well rust & finding parts for it. Honda no longer makes parts & the OEM parts you can find are very pricey! Shop thoroughly. And if you plan on owning one for a while. I suggest looking for a good cheap donor car, to buy for parts.
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Prelude S : Best for the price!
DjChaz, 05/12/2002
1996 Honda Prelude S 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my car about 2 weeks ago, and it has been awsome so far. Got the car for $7,500 with 65,000 miles (a steal of a price) and so far so good. Car is very fast for a 2.2L 135 HP engine, and has so much potential with a few upgrades. It is still an eye turner (almost everywhere I go people ask about the car) If you want a long term, cheap, reliable sporty car, either get this or an Integra (harder to find at a really good price)
What a ride!
house_muzak, 05/15/2002
1996 Honda Prelude VTEC 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The fourth generation Prelude V-tec is a beautiful and unique car inside and out. It's styling is timeless and seductive. The interior is like no other car on the road and is really very refreshing. The V-tec engine is ultra-reliable and a blast to drive. It handles superbly for a front wheel drive car and has great brakes, too. Buy this car, if you can actually find one!
Incredible Car
Hookedup Honda, 06/04/2002
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been a custom heaven for me. All I have done is change the front bumper and put on some 17inch aluminum wheels and I get more people asking me what kind of car it is than I did when I had a Camry with $2,000 worth of body work. The layout of the car is basic, so all of my stereo modifications have been simple to install and design
First Car, and Never Regretted It
NewPreludeOwner, 02/14/2010
1996 Honda Prelude VTEC 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car in July of '09 from a fellow service member. Never regretted it. Fun as hell to drive, extremely reliable, and I bought it with over 129k miles on it! It seems I had the extreme luck to purchase the VTEC, and it was well worth the $3500 I paid for it! No engine problems, only had to fix the brakes because of a broken after-market caliper and change out two gaskets on the exhaust system from aftermarket headers. No problems with the original vehicle! A great car to those who are looking for one, and I plan on keeping this thing for years! Smooth 5-Speed, responsive engine, and with some aftermarket upgrades, 29 average MGP! Keep in mind I drive 60 miles to and from college.
Love the 'lude
The Forsaken, 07/01/2002
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I always loved the styling of the 92-96 preludes, I don't care what edmunds says. I bought mine with about 88,000 miles on it. Over 100,000 now with no problems at all. A fast car with an insanely wicked stock growl. oh and it's curb weight is 2,866lbs NOT 3,866 as stated in one of the other reviews. I'ts not a freakin Camaro for crying out loud.
Perfect Car for me
dezern, 07/10/2012
1996 Honda Prelude VTEC 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I was younger my friends all wanted a prelude, but i was too young to car except in video games, but when I got my Prelude I fell in love with it. Reliable, beautiful styling and scary fast after a little bit of work. I would reccomend this car to anyone who asked. She's a beautiful car, inside and out
One of my favorites
SnoopDoug, 07/29/2002
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have driven everything from old muscle cars, to new Vettes and even a '96 Viper GTS. I must say that I love this car, overall, more than those. At least for the money. I get 31MPG with the A/C on!! How can you beat that? I have always loved how the car looks too. It's just got an "evil" look when viewed from the front.
Fun to Drive for short time
Club VTEC, 08/19/2002
1996 Honda Prelude VTEC 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I personally love Prelude 92-96 Model. It is really fun to drive but not for long drive. The seat is not comfortable. This is a great car to have. Don't miss it
honda prelude
Mr. Wonka, 08/28/2002
1996 Honda Prelude S 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a beautiful car. tilt wheel, cruise control power windows, power locks, power sunroof, CD stereo, DOCH engine, 5-speed
Best Car in the World
My lil Lude, 10/07/2002
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Perfect beautiful car. Couldn't ask for more.
1996 Honda Prelude Si
BamaMBA, 03/01/2002
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has lived up to Honda's reputation for reliability. Besides a few creaks in the interior and the open sunroof, the build quality is impressive. Like most Honda automatics, the transmission is very sporty but it can get lost looking for a gear when you step on the gas. The 4-speed automatic saps a bit of the engines power, especially on the top end. The quality of the transmission is solid and feels extremely dependable.
Best Car on the Planet!
Cole Pizzingrilli, 04/19/2005
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I LOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVE my 1996 Honda Prelude! It has always been my dream car, and ever since I bought it it has exceeded my expectations. I have never seen an inside dash as cool as the '92-'96 Prelude's. I just wish I had VTEC though. They are way to hard to get ahold of.
My Prelude VTEC
Brian K., 07/27/2005
1996 Honda Prelude VTEC 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really love this car. It is very fun to drive, it's comfortable on long trips, and even somewhat practical. I've driven it on a race track, and it kept me on top of more than few Corvette C5s. The engine is sweet, the transmission is one of the best I've ever sampled, and the handling is supurb for a FWD vehicle. Also, fuel economy is acceptable, and the reliability is bulletproof. The interior is very roomy (I'm 6'5" and I fit fine). The design is a bit controversial, but I love it, and so do all of my friends. If you have the chance, get one. You will not be disappointed. I plan on driving mine until it dies, then I'll rebuild it and drive it more.
Build them again Honda!
Go4it, 05/17/2004
1996 Honda Prelude VTEC 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car new in 1996. Have had NO trouble in eight years. Car runs great, handles great could use another 50 horses though to make it perfect.
Why did Honda stop making these?
makeemagagainhonda, 08/20/2004
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Been driving this car for 8 years. Recently replaced radiator and repaired the ABS, but other than that no problems at all.Can't think of any other actual repairs that have had to be done, just kept on the regular maintenance schedule. This is my second Prelude. Kept the 1st one 8 years as well.
Love it...
Adrian P., 08/21/2004
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first car and im lovin every minute of it. My Prelude: www.cardomain.com/id/pelka
I waited so long!
Nathan, 09/03/2007
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I decided in November of 2006 that I wanted a Prelude Si. I looked for over 8 months for one with low miles that I could afford. I finally found one, drove over 200 miles just to look at it, then bought it and drove it straight home. The car has given me no drivability problems whatsoever! The condenser fan was replaced, and all fluids changed as soon as we got home. I love how this car drives. Even the 4spd auto makes great high RPM shifts and knows just how to handle the amazing power put out by this fuel efficient 4cyl. (On the hwy that is.) The interior styling is extremely driver freindly and the exterior is timeless as this 11 year old car looks better than most 2008s! I love it
nice ride
boomer01987, 05/01/2003
1996 Honda Prelude VTEC 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
looks good , rides nice , plenty fast
Sweet Car
Nixon351, 05/23/2003
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Im 16 years old and to have the 96SI as my first car has been a blast, Stock the car has amazing tourqe for a 4cylinder and it has NO problem going from a redlight to 60MPH. Interior is well done with the electronic dash and in your face tweeters. Back seat is a lil on the small side and to sit in the back requires serious help from the peeps in the front. Dont stop me tho. my cars pushing 7 years old and it hardly shows it, Stock rims on the Ludes could have been a little better tho, the stock Alloys are hideous. but nothing $1700s worth of rims and tires wont fix..... the car is the one of the best looking cars from 96 fo sho.
2nd Prelude I've owned!
Jessie, 03/19/2002
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the second 96 Si Prelude I have owned. I loved my first one so much, that when circumstances changed that I couldn't have it, I went in search of the exact same car. I work at a car dealership and have driven just about every type of car out there. I can only say the S2000 has gotten the same rush out of me as the 'lude. I still get stopped at red lights and asked what kind of car it is. I love that you don't see a whole lot of them on the road and the exclusivity that goes with it.
honda's best
preludedude96, 04/24/2008
1996 Honda Prelude Si 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 96 si 1 year ago with 127k miles on it the only thing I have had to fix on it is the clutch and a rear wheel bearing this car is by far the most reliable car I've ever had. If you are looking at this trying to decide if you should buy one stop thinking and go get it.
Sexy
Misty dewalt, 03/12/2020
1996 Honda Prelude VTEC 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is amazing. I’ve had it for few years. Drives great and interior is original , bucket seats, back seat not too roomy , sunroof and it has a lot of power. Had to get used to the looks but I love this car now, Honda CD player in trunk. Keeping it forever...
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- Performance
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- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value