Used 2001 Honda Prelude Consumer Reviews
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Should have been a 2 seater
I bought this car to replace my 1986 Prelude, I was fresh out of college and landed a good paying job so an upgrade was in tail. Initially I was in the market for an Acura Integra GSR which are hard to find Clean title and Stock (Which is what I wanted). While out Kicking tires at some dealerships I found a 01 Black Prelude 5spd. I took it for a test drive and was sold before I even hit 3 blocks, took it back and bought it with 113k. Purchaced the car in 2007 ended up totaling it in 2011 but it was super reliable only oil changes, tires and tune ups. it had 236k when I parted from it. I miss this car and it was a blast to drive on my 60mile commute especially passing people. Gotta love VTEC!
prelude power
I bought my prelude brand new in 2001, the last model made SE.. this car is amazing, affordable, fast and great handling. Its not very roomy but whatever, its a great ride and stops on a dime. I'm over 200,000 km and it still drives like new. I have always babied it and never had a problem. My biggest expense was timing belt and water pump for a 1000 bucks, my crank pully was damaged. I did wait way to long to change my timing belt, I changed it at 195,000 so lucky it didn't brake, it had cracks all over it. A little tip, if you own a prelude and have a problem, only take it to honda, its to hard of a car to work on and anyone else will screw it up.
- Base CoupeMSRP: $2,000108 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $9,988117 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $19,995173 mi away
Fun car!
I owned this car with the auto/man transmission. The car was great I had it lowered on springs. The car was really fun and sounded great with a small 12in sub. It was definitely one of the best cars I've owned. The only complaint was the transmission. They don't last very long.
2001 Electron Blue Prelude
I have had my Honda prelude for just about a week now and I am just in love with it. I love having the rare blue color, as well as the already "hard to find" car. The V-tec is awesome and addicting! The seats are quite comfortable, but I wouldn't bring it on long trips with more than two people. It does take 93 octane, but it dosent cost to much to fill it up. You get average gas mileage, so don't expect it to be in the 30-40mpg range because it is about 27mpg. I have always wanted one of these cars and now I finally got one and it is a fantastic car! I got lucky and only paid $4000 bucks for mine with 134k on it, (usually they're around 5 or 6). I highly recommend buying a prelude, I get looks everywhere I go. All the reliability of a Honda in a cool, fun, affordable sports car.
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Japanese Interpretation of Italian Sports Car
If you are looking for something that follows the "typical Honda" model, then you should look elsewhere. Pretty much everything about this car, from the low roofline, to the seating position, to the engine character screams Italian. All Hondas need to be revved up to make power, but this one is even more extreme. Even the design of the valvetrain, with the valves set into "buckets" in the head is identical to that of an Alfa Romeo. The seats are comfortable and supportive, but be prepared to extend your arms while your legs straddle the wheel if you are over 6 feet. The build quality is excellent, but the low production numbers show in only average reliability (not Honda-typical). As the car ages, the gap between it and the average modern car is certainly growing (for better or for worse). It always feels connected to the road, and it always feels on its toes, but the lack of engine flexibility is becoming more and more obvious. Think Ferrari 308 versus Ferrari 488. I now have a Civic Type R, and the difference in flexibility at lower revs is night and day.
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2001 Prelude Type SH
I remember first seeing this car indoors at a Honda dealer when it first came out in 1997 and my goal was to one day own one(I was around 12 years old). I was in love with it. Prior to that, I really liked the 94-95 Honda Accord 2 door. I owned the accord for around 5 years. I have had the prelude since October 2008. I love the car. It's a bit slow for 200 hp and 22 mpg, but it's fair enough. If I were to buy one again, I'd go with the base over SH. Base is lighter. This is a unique, classy car not like most of the other cars out there. The main concern I'd have with buying one is how well it was taken care of. A lot of these owners have driven 'em hard. Car maintenance is everything.
Best car...EVER
I have owed many cars. I have owned an '87 Prelude. I sold it with 459,000 miles on it, never had a major problem. I now have a 2001 Prelude SH. I put 80,000 miles on it already. I love it. It is by far the best car ever made by Honda.
Fantastic Sports Coupe
This car is fun to drive. I have an HKS exhaust put on by the previous owner and an AEM Cold Air Intake. It produces a boomy, racy tone under full throttle but is reasonably quiet under moderate acceleration. Power is good in the upper RPM range. VTEC engages at around 5100 RPM and you'll know it when it does. Car is comfortable and you won't be seen every time you turn your head. A decade into its life span the car still looks fresh. Handling is OUTSTANDING! Gas mileage on premium is 20 City & 25 Hwy. I've seen as high as 26-27 driving conservatively on the highway. 5 speed is crisp and fun to drive.
Prelude lover
Can't say enough about this car, have had a year and am still in love everytime I get behind the wheel. The Prelude looks great and never disappoints when I want to move. The VTEC engine always delivers and the handling is superb. Can't believe that Honda discontinued this model, the world is going to be taken over by SUV's and 4 door sedans....
Best Honda ever made
I just bought this car, and it is by far the best Honda I have ever owned
THIS CAR ROCKS
Nice car.
Quit whining!
Look folks, this is a sports car, and a four cylinder. The trunk has to be small, it has to be low to the ground, it can't carry four people properly! It is incredible at what it was meant to do which is move you with zest and smoothness. The handling is excellent, the engine very polished, visibility is great, and power features distinguish this car from the others. I always get comments and offers on the car. It has served me well in town and on long trips. It feels great the faster you go, makes all the right sounds, and gets all the looks. Yes, it uses 93 octane fuel exclusively, and it does so to maximize the power it produces; if you don't, you'll burn out O2 sensors!
Revin Hard
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.
Like It, Love it, Want Some More of It
I've loved the Prelude since the 4th generation model came out in 1992 and then lusted after the 5th Generation model ever since it came out in 1997. I recently (4/27/02) bought a brand new 2001 Milano Red Prelude Type SH. I love everything about this car. The power is great, the handling is telepatic, I love the panoramic view. The wheels & ATTS sold me on the Type SH. Fit and Finish are top notch. The Black interior is simple & handsome, yet functional. After driving the car for 5 minutes, it is as if I've been driving it for 3 years already. The clutch is easy to modulate & the 5 speed shifts are crisp. I look for excuse
this is my second Prelude!
In my teens i bought a 4thGen Si Prelude for practically nothing with over 100K on it and i drove it to 230K until it was totaled while parked w/ the only problem being that it burned oil (not leaked.) Then i purchased an '01 Base model and at 1st was disappointed because i couldn't find an SH, though shortly after i realized that seats and the ATTS, wheels and a spoiler were not really worth it the extra bucks and found my car at Buena Park Honda with only 40K on it. That was five years ago and i still haven't reached the 100K mark but i'm close. The 5thGen changes gears not nearly as smooth as the 4th. and sadly this Prelude burns oil also between changes.
If you can find one - buy it
I spent two years test driving vehicle, and kept coming back to the Prelude. Celica, Integra, CL, BMW 3 series, Audi A4, TT, etc .. Best all around value in a sports car, and has even gotten better since the RSX replaced it. (Gee, same cost as a new Prelude - and does not match up.)
PreludeSE
I love this car... handling.. acceleration. integrity... well built.. I'll keep this car for a long time. nice leather interior also.
4 Years is enough
My '01 model runs like the day I got it after 52,000 miles. The only quality issue has been the driver's side window which makes a thud when going up. No squeaks or rattles though. It cruises along fine at 80 but can be a bit noisy since it's a 4 cylinder. It is not a drag racer but it accelerates very quickly once you get the revs up. Requires premium fuel every fill up. You also have to drive the Prelude 100% of the time because of its tight steering and you will feel every road flaw because of its tight suspension. It's been a fun few years but I will probably trade it in a year or so for a six cylinder that can carry four adults and has modern amenities.
Excellent
A great car. Honda never should have stopped making them.
Everything you need
In stock form, my prelude has answered every challenge i've put to it, from twisty mountain roads, to auto-x's, to passing big rigs on 2 lane roads. The tight suspension makes driving anything less intense as my prelude impossible, and despite the lack of real torque numbers and a sub-15.0 sec quarter mile, i'm sure many lude owners would agree that it doesn't matter how long it takes to get to 60, 70, or 80 m/hr, it's how the BB6 performs at such speeds. Now that the lude undergoes a transformation (aftermarket LSD, rear sway, suspension, and wheels/tires) i'm expecting even more from my beloved BB6.
Second Prelude! Love this one MORE!
I've had Honda's since I was 18. They are great cars, although somewhat pricey compared to their competitors. To me, every penny is worth it. I bought this car brand new. I've had very few (non-mechanical) problems with it. The only problem I see is that if it gets totalled I can't go get another brand new one to replace it with. This is the second Prelude I've had. It's just a great car. It gets stares, and glares when I leave someone at a light =) Buy one if you can find one!
2001 Honda Prelude SE
Car handles great on stock wheels/tires and stock suspension. Only complaint is I should've gotten the 5-spd. The automatic just does not do this engine justice.
Love Prelude
I have had this car for over a year and a half and I love it. I always wanted one since 97 when they came out and when my old accord was totalled I jumped at the opportunity to buy a good used Prelude. I have not been dissappointed.
One Of The Best Cars Ever Made
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.
fast n fun
I've had this car for a little over a year. Its a lot of fun to drive (10). Good straight line power and one the best handling cars I've ever driven. 80,000 miles and feels very solid. It has lots of low end torque for a honda, and is amazing when in VTEC. Very good ride when considering how good it is around the twisties. However its not without its faults. My engine uses oil, makes my white bumper black. Bad timing belt tensioner design. "Get r done" interior (no frills). This car hates cold weather. The normally buttery smooth 5 speed notches into gear, and the interior and front suspension creeks when it gets below freezing. It doesn't get around in the snow very well either for a FWD.
Honda Prelude
Fun car to drive. Great pick up speed. Small trunk and interior. 23 MPG and only takes premium gas.
Love it!
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
Prelude Love
The Prelude is a practical sports car - classy and reliable. It is such a fun car to drive!
not bad
Had this car for about a week, and im pretty satisfied. Awesome handling, vtec, sportshift. I just dont like the premium fuel and the old interior.
Love My Lude
Great car!! Handles Superb,Panoramic View,Excellent Shifting,Hot Styling. This is the FIRST new car I've EVER had that did not have to go back to the dealer to get the "BUGS" out.I've yet to have to bring it in for a problem! This car SHOULD NOT have been discontinued. What a mistake on Honda's behalf. I was going to buy one in 1998 and bought a Ford Explorer Sport instead which cost MORE and what CRAP!!! So the time came when I couldn't deal with the problems of it anymore and found out "NO MORE LUDES AFTER 2001!!!" I HAD TO GET ONE!!!
One of the Finer Things in Life
Overall the car is very fun to drive and is quick around the turns. Even though the car is 30xx lbs, it sure doesn't feel like it when you use it as a daily driver.
I love this car!
I bought the car for one reason ~ the engine ~ and have not been disappointed. Fastest 4 cyl. I could find with 190 hp, great Honda reliability. They make cars that last as this car replaced a 10 year old Acura Integra still running strong. Great little sports car that makes you feel like a million bucks while in it. Safe, solid ride with no major repairs to date (owned it for 3 years).
WORTH EVERY PENNY
worth every penny. got it brand new. i "drive it like i stole it", and the performance has been outstanding. extremely happy with it.
Great Car
This car is amazing and after 50K miles, absolutely no problems! Everything is still in perfect condition and feels like I'm driving a new car. Please bring back the 'lude with a 6speed shifter and more HP.
I love it
This is one of those things that you could really say is more than the sum of it's parts. I dont know for what other car in it's price list that can merge on to a highway around those curves at 80. I feared for my life, but she stuck it, so much g-force that my spleen hurt. Why go to Busch Gardens anymore? I just look at the car and think, wow that's such a good design. There are none others like it, in todays world, that is really an accomplishment.
Wow!
I've had several other HOndas before; CRXs, Accords, but non had so much torque and horsepower as this one. VTEC kicks in...see ya!
I sold a Vette to get a Lude? You bet!!
My 2001 Prelude replaces a 1989 Corvette Convertible. The Corvette was nice but this Prelude has a higher fun- to-drive factor. Plus it hasn't left me stranded like the Vette did. Down side is the Prelude insurance is actually HIGHER than the Vette! The Prelude was voted the best handling car under $30,000 by a car mag and I can believe it. I like to keep the H22a motor in VTEC, it sounds like a Formula One engine past 5200 RPM. It feels faster than it is. The interior is a step backwards from the 4th gen, reminds me of an Accord's, wish it had the 92-96 guts. Still I think it's a world class sports coupe.
Great Car
This is my 5th honda. I've preveously owned a 1985 accord, 1991 civic, 1998 civic, 1998 CR-V and now this 2001 Prelude. This has been the best of all. I am extremely pleased with the performance of this car. The handling is second to none in this price range.
very cool
i like it but i think it be faster it only has a they could have put a v6 with 260 horse power
Better than my 2000 Corvette
I had an 87 prelude and it was the best overall car I ever owned. It wasnt the fastest or best looking but it had quality, reliablity, was sporty. the only thing to make this car better would be to have more power, no pop-up headlights and ABS. I sold my POS 2000 Corvette because of all the problems I had with it,the dealers and Chevrolet. I will never ever buy another US made car. As soon as I took my 2001 Prelude out for a test drive I loved it. I love that feeling and have more confidence in a car like that. The fit and finish of Honda makes American cars look like a couple pieces of sheet metal bolted together.
Great Car!
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.
Sports car w/GREAT reliability
Owned it for over 3 yrs since new. It has not failed me once. Its classic styling (esp. the headlights) grow on you. 200HP is not high for today's stds but power isn't everything. It is such a well-rounded sports car that does everything well, with handling being its best attribute. If you want a FUN and exciting car to drive w/good utility and great reliability this is it.
A true entry level sports car
This car is great, that's the only way to put it. F1 engine tech, Honda reliability, seemless shifting and so much fun to drive. VTEC it's like having a turbo but with no LAG! I have some aftermarket parts. I replaced the junk stock B'stone RE92's with B'stone RE750's, night and day difference. A Quaife limited slip, so it's like ATTS only better, AEM Cold air intake. If your gripes about this car are the requirement for premium fuel, small trunk or too noisy ... you shouldn't drive this type of car. This is one car Honda never should have gotten rid of!
Great for the $
A great car for traveling or whatever! Great gas mileage, too. Don't buy it without the spoiler - it makes the car! This car definately does not get the attention that my 92 model Prelude that I previouly owned, but is definately a good buy for a sports car.
Fun FUN FUUUN!
Excellent power from VTEC engine, will easily cruise at 160 kph for extended periods. Will accelerate to 240 kph+ top speed with ease. Very stable and quiet at high speeds. Cornering ability is excellent with extremely precise steering. Beautiful styling, sleek, very distinctive while avoiding tacky swoops and flares that plague this segment. Canadian SE package includes leather seats - heated!, heated mirrors , type SH wheels, carbon fibre dash trim is very nice! Love the leather! Excellent transmission, smooth and precise shifting. Brakes are top notch and very fade resistant. To drive this car is to have a permanent smile on your face, so much FUN!
coulda, woulda, shoulda!
Overall, this is an excellent vehicle that I purchased brand new at an excellent price (19500+ttl). I only have 2400 miles on it and already I hear squeaks from the back of my car & the transmission is acting up, this is going in the shop tomorrow. Believe it or not I really wish I had purchased a mazda protege ES, fully loaded you can get this baby at 15k it is very peppy and has lots of power upfront. I do love my prelude though, the sunroof makes it perfect. have fun with this baby
Best Honda Ever Made
Its a shame that Honda discontinued the Prelude, it is a marvelous design and an absolute blast to drive. The engine is probably the best on the market, suspension and chassis second to none, a very distinctive and elegant look. I own the Canadian SE version which has upgraded wheels, heated leather seats , heated mirrors , and upgraded interior trim on top of all the standard features - it is a very luxurious car, very comfortable BUT when you hit the gas the Prelude shows its high performance side and turns into a monster that simply eats the road! A truly unique and amazing car! Honda has seriously erred in not continuing the Prelude line.
Farewell to an old friend
I bought my 2001 Prelude to replace the 1985 Prelude I'd owned for 14 years. Obviously I'm a big fan of Preludes and was disappointed that they have now been discontinued. This version of the Prelude is a bit larger and has much more power. Other than that, it is surprisingly similar to the old one. But after all, why mess with success. It's an incredibly fun car to drive and handles extremely well. I never had any mechanical problems with my first Prelude, and after 3 1/2 years have had none with this one either. About the only downsides to the 2001 Prelude are in the area of fuel economy; both the fact that it runs on premium gas, and that mileage per gallon was only average.
SWEET....Collectors Car to Be
I don't understand why Honda quit making the Prelude. The profile is very sporty. It is strong,with near 200hp from the DOHC, 16 valve, VTech 4 cylinder engine. The low profile tires and the suspension system make it stick like a race car in a tight corner. Handling is superb and the 4 wheel disc brakes will flat stop you.The overall quality is what we have come to expect from Honda. The price was right for the upper end performance of the 2001 Prelude
Prelude=Spectacular
This is the best car I have ever owned. It does exactly what I need it to do and then some. The performance is truly a reflection of Honda's brilliance and the engine is one of the best honda has ever put into production.The h22 is just remarkable. It revs so freely (not like a wankel engine though)and it displays remarkable durability.The car is also built with exceptionally well build quality. The Prelude, like all Hondas, can withstand lots of abuse and still run like a charm. I would highly reccomend it to anyone, unless you want to use it as a family car because the back seats are lacking space, but if your like me you didnt buy the car for back seat room.