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2001 Honda Prelude Reviews

Prelude
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Prelude

2001 Used Honda Prelude 2 Dr Type SH Coupe Review

2001 Honda Prelude 2 Dr Type SH Coupe picture
By: Daniel7312
Overall:
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Performance:
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Build Quality:
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Appearance:
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08/14/2008

The car rides really smooth. I like the comfort of it. The seats are really comfortable and the engine runs really smooth. I love my car. The engine sounds really nice. I bought it with an exhaust and a wing but took them off . With the muffler it had a really nice sound though.

Pros: Amazing
Cons: N/A
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Behold, The Batmobile!

2001 Used Honda Prelude 2 Dr STD Coupe Review

2001 Honda Prelude 2 Dr STD Coupe picture
By: Stephen2135
Overall:
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Performance:
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Build Quality:
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Appearance:
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05/18/2008

I remember purchasing one of the last available 1996 Preludes (a Milano Red Si)before the next generation arrived (at the time, I really did not care for how the new one looked). Although I loved it, after three years and 80,000 miles I traded it in for a 2000 Accord coupe...which was nice, but not as athletic as the previous car. In August 2001 I found myself adding a 2001 Prelude (base) coupe in Nighthawk Black Pearl after I heard that the 2001 was the last year for this model (I wound up alternating between using it and the Accord because I had to commute a total of 80 miles per day to/from work). I was trying to get it in silver or blue, but did not complain at all when the dealer tracked down a black one. And my opinion about the styling was changed - the tall headlights do look a little menacing in someone else's rearview mirror -- and I almost feel like a certain DC Comics superhero behind the wheel.

Consider the credentials of this car, based on a early/mid-1990s Accord platform: a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 200 horsepower (thanks to variable-valve timing derived from Honda's Formula racing technology), a fairly slick 5 speed manual transmission, and steering that almost makes this feel like a rear wheel-drive car. It manages to get anywhere between 24-29 mpg (25 in mixed driving). I certainly don't do clutch/tire-burning launches but I've seen 0-60 mph acceleration times (published in various auto magazines) ranging between 6.9-7.7 seconds. Not too shabby, ehh?

I paid this car off in five years, and considered maybe replacing it with something newer and more practical. But after 114,000 miles it is still running nicely, and I get so much fun out of it that I think I'll be holding on to it for awhile longer. If Honda revives this car someday I'll definitely have to check it out.

Pros: The engine springs to life after about 5000 rpm as the valves take larger breaths of air (yes, in order to have the most fun with this car you basically "drive it like you hate it"...but even during sedate driving around curvy roads, the handling is very good for a car in this class). On the highway, you rarely need to downshift in order to pass slower traffic.

Aside from a new clutch at 50000 miles and periodic brake work, absolutely no surprises when it comes to unscheduled maintenance (my Accord, on the other hand, needed a replacement automatic transmission before 60000 miles, and the alternator died about 10000 miles later while I was on Route 280 near Newark).
Cons: Premium fuel is required (nothing that I would even complain about except for the recent skyrocketing in gasoline prices).

The engine runs well over 3000 rpm at highway speeds in 5th gear (would be nice to have a 6th but I can't complain).

There is not much pizazz in the interior compared to the previous generation (I once had a '96 Prelude Si and the interior design was definitely more attention-getting). But I got the optional imitation carbon fiber trim and it helps a little.

In cold conditions (below 45 degrees F), noticeably more squeaks and groans when stopping and moving from a stop.

Maybe it's just me (or having to drive in NJ/NY) but I find myself in need of brake maintenance every 1-2 years.

Honda discontinued this model and I'm still trying to figure out what to replace it with when that time does finally come around.
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New Lude

2001 Used Honda Prelude 2 Dr STD Coupe Review

By: Brennen4
Overall:
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Performance:
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Build Quality:
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Appearance:
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10/02/2009

I am a big fan of this car. I like the newer style versus the old. The car is a bit heavier than past models; That's a negative for me. I like the newer body style and interior. Performance wise I have nothing to complain about. Very clean well built car. Honda is a great car manufacturer.

Pros: Body style, interior.
Cons: Weight
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Fun Car To Drive

2001 Used Honda Prelude 2 Dr STD Coupe Review

By: Leon_29
Overall:
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Performance:
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Build Quality:
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Appearance:
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07/25/2009

It's pretty nice, handles like a dream. Not much really done but the vtec lift is amazing. Have a nice 17" wheels. I have been having a problem with the ignition system but got it straightened out now. Fun car to drive.

Pros: VTEC
Cons: That it doesn't come turbo..
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A Quiet Legend Thats Affordable, Fun, And Attractive

2001 Honda Prelude picture
By: Jeff64
Overall:
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Performance:
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Build Quality:
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Appearance:
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07/22/2009

The honda prelude is a timeless classic. The styling never seems to look obsolete and its low profile proves to be quite aerodynamic, helping to give this car an acceptional MPG rating while maintaining an adequate level of performance. The 2.2L DOHC VTEC engine (now obsolete to Honda's new I VTEC) still proves to be competitive, and is a primary reason why this car is fun to drive. This car just screams after 5200 rpms, and nothing feels better than coming right out of a turn and hitting the VTEC range (5200-7500* rpms). The base car handles well and the SH model is very good. The only downfall to the Prelude is its drivetrain, grant it, the front wheel drive does well in the snow and helps foster a reasonable MPG rating, but I'm sure most prelude owners would be willing to give up some MPG for an SH-AWD version. For the price, you can't go wrong with a Prelude, its not the fastest or purest of sporty cars, but its a great, forgiving, reliable, car that is perfect for learning how to drive at a higher level of performance. The only bad side of the prelude is its pedal placement (not the best for heal to toe), rear seat room (but who cares about that), and leather can be hard to find. Personally I would prefer a pedal placement that is more race-inspired such as in the s2000 and an AWD version(with a turbo) but i guess that would be too perfect of a world.


Pros: Great engine/performance/Handling/Looks/MPG/Reliablity/Great for tall people
Cons: n the heavier side(compared to integras etc..) Pedal Placement
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Get One

2001 Used Honda Prelude 2 Dr STD Coupe Review

2001 Honda Prelude 2 Dr STD Coupe picture
By: Cole244
Overall:
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Performance:
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Build Quality:
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Appearance:
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06/18/2009

SEXY AS HELL+ HONDA ENGINES = MOST HORSEPOWER PER LITRE!!! VTEC kicks in hard, beautiful design, car ahead of its time, represents what I love about 90's Imports, and did I mention is sexy as hell.

PS: It loves to rev high.

Pros: Power + Sexy
Cons: Your a honda hater, or you don't understand how a 200HP 2.2L NA ENGINE IS AWESOME
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2001 Prelude

2001 Used Honda Prelude 2 Dr STD Coupe Review

2001 Honda Prelude 2 Dr STD Coupe picture
By: Kyle5345
Overall:
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Performance:
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Build Quality:
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Appearance:
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05/17/2009

Aweosme car.
Actually my gfs car, but i half maintain half drive it.
Performance is great, a lil quicker then my tibby, better brakes, handles a lil better.
Build quality is really dood like any honda, previous owners never maintained it though.
Apperance is good, interior is okay.
outside has a lil damage from previous brake in, but is georgeous other wise.
gas milleage is good, with premium only fuel.
Car is really fun to drive.. even to much fun.

Pros: everything
Cons: nothing.
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Great Car

2001 Used Honda Prelude 2 Dr STD Coupe Review

2001 Honda Prelude 2 Dr STD Coupe picture
By: Alex7819
Overall:
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Performance:
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Build Quality:
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Appearance:
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01/31/2009

Awesome car for the price. I think this is one of the most overlooked Hondas out there. You can find em for 5k-10k ish which isn't bad for a 200 hp car. Decent handling. Reliable, easy to work with. 22-30 mpg. Unique

Pros: cost/speed ratio, appearance
Cons: less gas mileage that I would like, but still decent.
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My Baby

2001 Used Honda Prelude 2 Dr STD Coupe Review

2001 Honda Prelude 2 Dr STD Coupe picture
By: Stephen3373
Overall:
5 out of 5 stars5 out of 5 stars5 out of 5 stars5 out of 5 stars5 out of 5 stars

Performance:
4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars

Build Quality:
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Appearance:
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12/04/2008

that only thing i dont like is that its front wheel drive, but when i can out corner a BMW 3 series, that compensates for its lack of oversteer...

it is without a doubt in my mind the best handling car that Honda has ever made(with the exception of the NSX)

mileage would probably be around 20/30 if i drove like a normal person
the shifter is sloppy but im fixing that...short throw...oh yeah

Pros: we eat Cobalts like candy
Cons: front wheel drive
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2001 Prelude Sh

2001 Used Honda Prelude 2 Dr Type SH Coupe Review

2001 Honda Prelude 2 Dr Type SH Coupe picture
By: Gregory433
Overall:
5 out of 5 stars5 out of 5 stars5 out of 5 stars5 out of 5 stars5 out of 5 stars

Performance:
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Build Quality:
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Appearance:
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08/22/2008

This car is being babied until we get enough money to start playing with it. It's fast and fun enough now but it can and will be faster in the future. It was a little pricey as Honda's hold their value very well and the Vtec engine only takes Premium Fuel but at this point, it's been worth it.

Pros: Custom-ability
Cons: Not fast enough - yet.
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Prelude
Looking for a Used Prelude in your area?
CarGurus has 108 Nationwide Prelude Listings starting at $1,295.
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