Used 2001 Honda Prelude Coupe 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: $21,900593 mi away
- Type SH CoupeMSRP: $14,977669 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $19,995730 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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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....
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prelude Love
The Prelude is a practical sports car - classy and reliable. It is such a fun car to drive!
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
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
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.
02 Accord EX-V6 to 01 Prelude base 5spd
97-01 Prelude (5th generation of prelude) is a great car overall. It is stylish, yet sporty, and its got some punch to back it up. 200hp/155tq, its a great H22A4 engine. However, vehicle is too heavy for its kind (3000pds). Handling is still one of the best out there, ATTS is great too, but known problems need to be carefully reviewed. Interior is too out-dated, however, it is simple and easy to use as sports car supposed to be. Rear seat/Trunk space is useless, but hey, its not a family grocery getter sedan. If you are in the market right now for a reasonbly priced, reliable, stylish and powerful sports compact that will seperate you from others, this is the car for you.
what a beauty
This car is beautiful, its design asks nothing of way more expensive cars, this car is elegant and sleek.It handles like butter. Just one of the great cars of all times, too bad Honda stop making it.
I love my car.
This car is just awesome! :-)
honda prelude will beat any U.S. 6cl
people say that the prelude does not have so much torque,but mine woops but on cameros and mustangs and if you want an extra kick for $3,700.00 turbo/w everything installed will bring you up to over 400hp.
I love this car.
I just love the way this car drives. It handles so well and the power delivery is so nice, that I enjoy every day with it.
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.
great
very superb, and very exciting to drive
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.
Not Sorry
Bulletproof, better in many ways than our 2001 BMW 3 series.
Sleek, sporty car
With its stabiliser bars and double-wishbone suspension, this car provides sporty driving enjoyment. Exterior styiling and the 200 HP Vtec engine really turn heads. Prelude is 100% built in Japan, rare these days; the Japanese assembly and parts are totally superior to every other maufacturer in its price range. Heavier body and lower profile set Prelude apart even more.
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.
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.
The Best Handling Car I have Owned
This car was bought to replace my wrecked 2000 Civic Si. So far it has been the best car I have owned. The handling is superior to other front wheel drive cars. It is also solid in construction with great attention to detail. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a truly fun car.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
best Honda ever
Prelude is the best honda ive ever driven. Love the HP, love the way the VTEC screams from 5200 up to redline, feels like ur in a formula-1 car. Good brakes, good mileage on freeway, excellent handling. very exciting car, would recommend to anyone.
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.
Gone, but not forgotten!
The Prelude exemplifies a time when Honda was still building cars to a specific engineering goal and not to a price-point. The cabin materials are first-rate, with comfortable seats, good visibility, all amenitites a serious driver needs, and nothing he or she doesn't. The handling and ride still are the standard for the FWD sport-coupe class. The brakes are better than the average Honda's, as well. The Prelude's appeal is how the suspension, brakes and jewel of an engine work so seamlessly together. It is a tool for carving corners, but is also quite pleasant for long trips.
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!
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.
2001 Honda Prelude
Zero service issues. Great quality and reliability.
Excellent
A great car. Honda never should have stopped making them.
Very nice car
I love my prelude. I has very good performance stock. Also you can buy many upgrades to get more power. Its pretty comfortable, sometimes my back starts to ache but maybe its just me cause im 6'3". Fuel economy is good but im always in vtec so it sucks up gas. Its very fun to drive just becareful for popo. Interior is plain stock but that will be fixed with some new seats. Builty quality is good and its very reliable. I only had 1 prob with tranny. I think it was a faulty part
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.
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
Honda Prelude
Fun car to drive. Great pick up speed. Small trunk and interior. 23 MPG and only takes premium gas.