One of the best-kept secrets in the enthusiast car world is the fifth-generation Honda Prelude. Other Honda offerings from the era— like the Honda Civic Si and Acura Integra—get all the buzz. But the Prelude carries on quietly in their shadows.
The Prelude has always been a serious performance coupe, one of the most rewarding driving experiences. A nearly stock example can be found for sale on eBay for a Buy-It-Now price of $9,999.
Super Handling
The 1997 to 2001 Honda Prelude capped off a decades-long lineage that started in 1978. Each generation got progressively better as drivers’ cars. But this fifth and final generation was far and away the best in terms of razor-sharp handling.
A higher-spec version called the Prelude SH (for Super Handling) used an active torque transfer differential to sharpen the razor further. Still, even without it, the Prelude can carve corners with incredible accuracy.
Under the hood lies a 2.2-liter inline-four with Honda’s famous VTEC variable valve-timing system. It provides a noticeable kick in acceleration when the cam profiles switch at 5,400 rpm. That provides a second wind as you rev towards its 7,250 redline. Its 195 horsepower may seem mild compared to modern cars. But the chassis is well-balanced and light, at just under 3,000 pounds.
This car isn’t for stoplight drags. It’s for slicing switchbacks with the quickness of an Olympic skier.
One Of A Few Left This Clean
A manual transmission is a must with a car like this. Honda gearboxes of the era were known for world-class precision and feel. Luckily, the vehicle in question comes with the 5-speed option rather than the 4-speed automatic.
There aren’t a lot of other options. The modern conveniences include a new stereo, climate control, and power windows. But it has none of the newfangled modern driving aids and electronic complexity that intrude on the driving experience.
Shop now for Honda Prelude parts
The car for sale comes in a subtle black. While the paint isn’t perfect, there are no major scratches or dents. The only non-stock items appear to be a cheap auto-parts store steering wheel cover and a cold-air intake. This was a popular Day One modification at the time, and the seller says the original intake comes with the car.
High Miles, But It’s A Honda
Cars like this Prelude are becoming increasingly desirable because many were heavily modified in this period. Finding a largely unmolested example, especially one whose mods can be reversed with 20 minutes of wrenching, is nearly impossible for a reasonable price.
This car’s fair price comes from its odometer reading, which is somewhat high at 170,000 miles. The car, located in Las Cruces, has been a New Mexico and Arizona car its entire life, so there is no fear of rust.
Buyers should be cautious of timing belt changes as these are interference engines. But the car was well-maintained, so there is no reason why Honda’s well-earned reputation for reliability won’t provide many tens of thousands of more miles of driving enjoyment.
