Used 1997 Honda Prelude Consumer Reviews
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97' prelude
thatkid, 03/29/2002
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
In the big picture of fast cars I peronally don't beleive that my 97' prelude is fast but, as for as stock 4 banger automatic goes it is very fast. The car is very fun and comfortable, also extemely reliable. I live in Butte montana it can get to be -25 degees below vero during the winter and the car has started every time!!!
There's not another car I want more.
Heather, 03/08/2009
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my car used w/ 75,000 miles already on it. It is now at 239,000 w/ the bottom end rebuilt at 100,000 due to driving through high water. It is still reliable & all features work. I absolutely love the styling/appearance & I can't find another car that I like as much to purchase. When it finally dies, I think I'm just going to put in a new engine & transmission & keep driving. By far, the best vehicle purchase I've ever made.
1997 Honda Prelude for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- Type SH CoupeMSRP: $18,995984 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $3,9001,544 mi away
The Lude, The ultimate 90s ricer
Aiden, 04/14/2016
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Yes the 1997 Honda Prelude, a true example of what good engineering should be. I have owned 2 preludes, a 2001 and a 1997. I also had a 1998 run out of oil on me (it was my buddies) engine ended up blowing up. Anyway, these cars have near go cart like handling, they have fantastic styling, a fantastic stock sound system (buy a 13$ FM transmitter AKA 13$ thing), and pretty comfortable sport style seats! No it doesn't have the rapid crazy Tire spinning acceleration of my past BMW M3s, what it does have is a 2.2 liter VTECH 4 cylinder that pumps out 200 ponies!!! With that in mind, this car gets up and moves, especially noted when you appropriately run the premium gas THAT HONDA TELLS YOU TO PUT IN!!! Small displacement motors such as this one, that produce high amounts of power are what premium gas is exactly designed for, you will also get better fuel economy with it, do not cheap out on unleaded! It will surprise you and not ever disapppint! Amazing agile little front wheel drive car, insanely grippy, and has nice tight suspension that honestly hurts your ride quality, but helps make this go cart like handling possible. Most will run regular oil, but synthetic will give you the best results. These cars will crap out on you if you neglect them, when you treat them right they will always treat you right, right back. I've ran these cars at 60 down dirt roads with massive pot holes and bridges, swerving in and out of the holes, it could be a potentially good rally car if someone put their mind to I! Most people wouldn't dare going 40 where I'd hit 60. All in all the car is fantastic, it will get you 29 mpg (premium fuel, good oil, and SMART cruise control driving) at 80 MPH down a highway! If it gets less, something is wrong! Be warned if you get into your VTECH (5 grand or more) very often, your car will burn oil, not at normally driving but specifically inot the 5-7 grand range, check it frequently when running hard, may need to top of with an extra quart at most between oil changes. Also on a final note, these cars and all 90s Hondas get "honda" rust because of a black piece of blasting that lines your rear fender wells, it creates a huge river bed for water to sit, simply reach down take it off, and you've solved the problem. My favorite cars in the world! Treat her right, she treats ya right back!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Excelent performance vehicle
Igor, 08/20/2002
1997 Honda Prelude Type SH 2dr Coupe
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used from a dealership. I hunted this car for 3 months and was actually on my way to Delaware(from NJ) when I saw it. The performance you get for the money paid is excelent. I drove it on highways, cities, mountains, in any conditions possible including a blizzard and it never failed me.
No Honda compares
3rdPrelude, 11/30/2002
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd Prelude and the best by far. My 80 was a bit roomier and a classic, my 89 4WS was quick and had superior turning radius, my 97 is almost a combination of both. I could stand for more leg room for my 5'11" frame. The sport shift is conveinient and works great, the auto position blows for pick up. Gas milage is great. I still get compliments on its looks even after having it for 3 years. Sux that Honda killed the model, it was the only cool model they had going until the S2000. i'll never buy another honda, they look bland.
Good Car
M2SEWELL, 01/09/2003
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My Honda Prelude has been a very good car. I have had no serious problems and it is very fun to drive. I like the quickness of this car.
A Honda Classic Keeper
jleyton, 08/03/2011
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 1997 in 2010 (I think) with 90k miles on it. yes, the previous owner had a couple of fender benders, probably drove it hard as the wheels were bent, etc., but overall, this baby still rides great. The service reps at the Honda dealer i go to are always complimenting the car... always. "It's clean man. It drives clean. Nice one!" I've only had to do maintenance on the car. This Prelude Base is dang fun to drive. I have been wanting a RWD vehicle for years, still yet to have one, but this FWD Prelude is difficult to let go. Honda means reliability and good performance for your money. It's not the fastest, but the VTEC will give you tons of pleasure!
1997 Type SH
Jerry, 07/30/2008
1997 Honda Prelude Type SH 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my type SH new in 1997. I just put a new clutch in at 239,500 or so miles. The interior is like new. I need to address some very minor rust on rear wheel wells and that is all. I had to extend my clutch petal by an inch or so to make the car more comfortable. Other than that I love this car. It is so comfortable and fun to drive and gets 26 MPG at very aggressive driving speeds. If you can find one that has been taken care of buy it.
A great car even after 5 years
arad, 05/29/2002
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I thought this was a great looking car from the first I saw a preview in one of the auto magazines. Had to wait 3 months to try one at the Honda dealer around Thanksgiving 1996. Bought the 5th one the dealer had in stock in January 1997. Have had zero problems with this car. Mine is somewhat unique inn that they stopped making the Eucalyptus green with the 2 tone interior after the first year and went to the generic "Ford Explorer" forest green with the black interior. My 2 tone tan/black is cooler and classier. The car is great under all conditions except snow.
Nothing comes close
Pluded, 04/08/2010
1997 Honda Prelude Type SH 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my SH brand new and basically drove the wheels off of it. It is by far, the best handling vehicle I have ever driven. It was more than enough power and the engine is a true gem. The drive train is refined and a step above anything in the Honda lineup even till this day. The Acura TSX/RSX comes close but I still prefer the Prelude overall. I sold it with over 300K and have regretted it ever since. I am currently looking for another one! If you have a chance to pick one up..just do it.
Fun Car!
Super-boi, 07/09/2002
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my '97 Prelude used in 1998. It has had zero problems so far. It is still a joy to drive every day. The handling is just superb for a front wheel drive car and acceleration is strong. I drove mine cross country one time and sat in the car 14 hours a day. The seats felt comfortable driving across entire states non- stop. Very refined. The engine is docile and refined when idle and cruising yet makes awesome sounds when pushed. The VTEC is amazing. Less buzzy than an Integra and better handling than all the other sport coupes out there.
Top Notch - Fun to drive - Built to last
j4k3, 08/08/2002
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The title says it all. This is one of the most reliable vehicles ever built.
sportshift transmission problems
brown_r, 09/04/2002
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reliability has been very good up until the last 6 months. Suddenly the transmission starts shifting hard. I took it into the dealership and the only option they offer is transmission replacement ($4K). Two AAMCOs have failed to identify the problem. $4K is a pretty high repair bill for a 1997 car with 54K miles.
I love it
Honda Girl, 09/06/2002
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new - it was love at first sight. I've had so many compliments on it. In over 68,000 miles I've had no major problems with it, with the exception of a rattling sunroof that, despite about 5 trips to 4 different dealers/mechanics, has not ever been fixed. My only complaints are the turning radius is not good and it's sluggish when you really need quick passing power. A major drawback is that it is really hard to get in and out of both the front and back seats because the car is so low (which also causes you to bottom out on steep driveways). EVERYONE complains about this.
The Honda Prelude
MichaelWee, 11/06/2002
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a fine sporty car, and is inexpensive. They have great handling and are built well with good safety standards. I would recomend this car to anyone.
Can hold its own agains most cars
rlee, 12/31/2002
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hi y'all, My parents bought me my first car 2 years ago, a brand spanken new prelude in black. This car is great. Acceleration is good, handling is superb and it looks great. I think this car is best in its class, u can even compare its performance to bmw's and benz's coupes. The build quality is excellent. the sastisfaction of a pure manual...its too bad they stope making them..oh well, i guess that makes them more unique.
Prelude Type SH with ATTS is amazing!
tilenius, 01/02/2003
1997 Honda Prelude Type SH 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Honda Prelude Type SH for almost 6 years now and LOVE it! It's been a joy to drive every day! Honda's Active Torque Transfer System is truly amazing! This comes only on the Type SH model. This feature basically makes the OUTSIDE wheels on a turn go FASTER than the inside wheels, and can transfer up to 80% of the torque to those wheels. The result is almost NO understeer and amazing road-hugging ability. This has to be one of the best-handling cars on the market. It's been 100% reliable, no problems, except a slight rattle around the moonroof. Honda is so incredibly reliable!
Great Handling but not very quick
fishboy, 02/21/2003
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car feels like it is on rails going into a turn. It is the best handling car I have ever driven and can do some amazing things even in the rain. The ride is very nice, not jarring. Having driven V8 engined cars exclusively prior to this car I do miss the torque of a strong motor. The 2.2 puts out a lot of power for it's size but that power doesn't come on until 5,000 rpm. It is hard to get a good launch off the line because you either spin the tires or you end up waiting for the rpms to hit the vtec range. Not a great straight line vehicle. The engine is very smooth even up the 8,000 rpm fuel cutoff.
i miss my prelude
bluemerle, 07/13/2003
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drove it for six years and loved it. Just bought an SUV and wish i still had a fun fast car. Not one single mechanical problem in six years! Amazing.
97 Prelude
Krisl20, 07/27/2003
1997 Honda Prelude Type SH 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. Little slow off the line but when that V-tech kicks in there is some power. Very reliable car just like any other honda made. Awesome gas mileage and a great looking car. A little uncomfortable for me being 6'1" Knees hit the side where the CD player is located.
Can't part with it
MiGo, 09/06/2003
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Aside from needing a new transmission at 40,000 miles (extended warranty, luckily) rattles in the headliner, and fading paint, I couldn't be happier with my car. It is a bit sluggish until the RPM's get going but after that it moves pretty well. Handling is definitely the strong point of this car. It does tend to wear the tires unevenly.
97 HONDA PRELUDE
DAVID, 07/18/2003
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
MY WIFE AND I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW. IT HAS BEEN A OK CAR. WE HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH IT. SINCE NEW WE HAVE PUT 2 RACK AND PINIONS,TRANSMISSION,AND HAVE HAD SERVICE LOOK AT THE SUN ROOF MANY TIMES FOR SLOW OPENING.
TIRES
CHRIS CALLIES, 08/27/2003
1997 Honda Prelude Type SH 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I LOVE MY CAR..........EXCEPT THE ORIGINAL BRIDGESTONE POTENZA TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE...4 FLAT TIRES IN 2 YEARS & NO ONE WOULD ASSUME THE FAULT..EVEN THOUGH REMEMBER ALL THE FIRESTONE TIRES RECALLED........SAME MANUFACTURER!!
1
Pavlik, 09/11/2003
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very reliable car. Bought it brand new back in 97, car now has 70K miles on it. Last week just changed the originals: front brake pads, 2 front tires and clutch master cylinder. That's all replacements I had in 6 years! Car looks and runs brand new, getting 28/30 miles a gallon. Had 6 Honda cars in a past - they all a top reliability and Prelude is the best one among them. Will keep it for a long time - very happy with my Lude!
Needed Work But I Still Love My Prelude
ilovemyprelude, 11/24/2003
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Prelude new. It has been a great car, however I just spent $3K on a re-built transmission at 75,000 miles and the moon roof just started to go last weekend. I still receive tons of compliments on the car and have had several offers to buy it. In fact, when I was shopping around for the transmission work I had three offers to buy it. Everyone says the V-tech is fast, but it seems a little slow to me. I don't get great gas milage either. It's been a great car and I still love it, but I am a little disappointed with the transmission.
Very Underrated
freuger, 06/09/2005
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently bought my Honda Prelude and it is by far the best car I've ever owned. Stock Preludes are decent to look at, but when you stick a good looking body kit on, this car gleams. I have had so many compliments on this car that sometimes I literally have to excuse myself from them in leiu of having to leave! Stock, this engine pushes out 195hp and from a 4 banger! Just imagine what a super charger or turbo and some bolt ons could do to this, a turbo alone could probably push it into the 300hp range. Stock exhaust sounds great on this machine, and the limited slip differential tranny makes this car have the smoothest shifting in any manual I've driven. You wont regret buying a Prelude
Lude View
Kayla, 06/13/2005
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car in my opinion is wonderful. If you take care of it, not many things are going to go wrong over the years. I mean yes the interior isn't the most stylih around,but if it bothers the owner that bad they can have it modified. Sometimes the parts tend to be a little more pricy that others, but all well worth it, i mean again it is a Honda. The gas is good, but it takes the most expensive kind, which burns slower and lasts longer! Overall...I LOVE my car!
Another Great Honda
boundsn, 02/09/2004
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was great. The only thing keeping you from driving it 100,000 miles in one trip would be having to stop for gas and oil! The interior is beautiful and wonderfully laid out. The 5 speed was one of the best cable- driven shifters I've ever had my hands on. The engine feels like an import big block, and makes all those other FWD cars feel puny and diminutive. Real road presense too.
97 TYPE SH
HYELUDE, 02/11/2004
1997 Honda Prelude Type SH 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome car! For the price nothing comes close to its performance. I get a lot of attention in this car. I average about 22mpg in town driving. I have 86K miles on it and have only changed the timing belt, water pump and slave cylinder on the car.
5th Gen 'lude, Honda hits another homer!
Chris, 02/27/2006
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I owned an 87 Prelude that was tons of fun, drove several friends 3rd and 4th gens, and this week finally got behind the wheel of a 5th Gen... my own :) I just picked it up last week and the first time behind the wheel i was instantly grinning over that classic prelude feel. My car has 139000 miles on it and seems to run and handle like the day it rolled off the line. The styling has caught my eye everytime I've seen one for the past 10 years, but with other car projects always in the works, I never had an opportunity to buy one. Better late than never tho, at least now I get a chance to enjoy what Ive been missing! Great looks, great handling, great power! Too bad it's the end of an era
incredible handling
arnieg, 05/25/2004
1997 Honda Prelude Type SH 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has amazing performance particularly the handling when equipped with the "SH" option. Corners like on a rail at twice the recommended speed. A bit noisy but music to the sports car lover's ears. Was a bit overpriced in the beginning but now represents one of the best sports car values available. Acoustic sound system is the best standard system I have had so far.
Great Car
Prelude Lover, 07/28/2004
1997 Honda Prelude Type SH 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new, 7 years ago. No problems to report. The car still looks and runs like new. My partner bought an Integra a few months prior to my purchase. She's currently looking to replace the Integra - although the Prelude and Integra are very, very similar the Prelude has been a much better car.
One of the best car Honda came out with
Pha, 07/17/2005
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the car I wanted ever since it came out in 1997. Now I finally have one. I use to have a 92 civic hatchback vx with a swap and it can't even compare to my prelude. The prelude handles better, looks better, and has the power all in one. I get compliments on it all the time. It's not a car you see everyday on the road. And it's not a car everyone has like a civic, integra, or accord. Buy one you won't regret it.
Amazing Vehicle to Own!
Lance Richards, 08/04/2005
1997 Honda Prelude Type SH 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Prelude is just un-describable!! I purchased this car with 119,000 miles on it and it performs like it has 19,000. It's amazingly clean and will last me years to come! So go out and buy one A.S.A.P you wont regret it!!
Nearly ten years old, yet Fantastic
Matt, 09/12/2006
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car 2 years ago with about 97k miles on ,but it felt new. The one thing that cost my attention was it's unique look compared to other hondas. I bought this car for about 8k and for the price its probably the most rounded sports coupe(except for maybe an integra gs-r). The 2.2l vtec engine runs strong and pushes this car to 60mph in about 7 sec, Car and driver did it in 6.7! This car is very fun to drive daily and handles very well. EPA mileage seems low ,but it depends on driving. I achieved. about 25-26 city and 30mpg highway(5spd.) This is great for a first car and even for a weekend car.
Love my Lude
Silver_97, 11/09/2006
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Prelude a few months ago. It was very well maintained. Apart from a few flaws on the hood which look like someone spilled brake fluid... It was nearly perfect. I have had no mechanical problems. No problems at all for that matter, and this is a 10 yr old car! The interior is very comfortable, and I have no rattles. Very fun when vtec engages!
Its my 2nd Prelude!
Dana, 12/23/2006
1997 Honda Prelude Type SH 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No one believes my car is a '97! I try to keep it in great shape and definitely keep it serviced. If only I could keep those SUV folks from running me off the road since they don't see me "down here", life in my Prelude would be perfect! But what am I to do when its time to retire this one, since Honda pulled production?? Hopefully that day won't come anytime soon...
owner
gemini0229, 01/29/2003
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
best car I've eve owned
excellent
Kristin Nelson, 06/27/2003
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall I like my car, it has held up well considering the miles I have put on it. I did have it in the shop for over 3 days for an ignition recall that honda did not inform me of and the dealer was unaware of. This has been my only down fall.
Amazing
PreludeEh, 07/07/2003
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great first car. Great perfromance and handling! Extremely reliable, a lot of fun to drive and decent fuel economy.
love at first ride
dillon, 01/08/2016
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you can find one manual and in good shape , buy it . You won't regret it . Bought with 130k now at 156k and abused the mess out of it all the time and all I've had to replace was a shifter cable (800). Love everything about it besides back seats but hey its a coupe.
Best car I've owned yet.....
EvilDIngDong, 05/18/2002
1997 Honda Prelude 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Pros: 1. It feels like a sports car and love to be driven hard. It's pretty easy to start collecting tickets if you're not carefull. 2. There is nothing like the sound of VTEC kicking in as you wind through the gears! 3. This a totally dependable car. The Cons: 1. Insurance premiums... Most insurance companies surcharge this car 100%. 2. Interior space. The folding rear seat helps, but I miss my hatchbacks every time I have to pack my bike in the car. 3. Low trade in value. I've watched the value of my car drop by about $4,500 in a little over a year.