1988 Honda Prelude Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 1988 Honda Prelude ushered in the third generation of Honda's popular sporty coupe. The Prelude retained its appearance for the most part, growing just a little longer and wider. All Preludes got a bigger engine, and Honda introduced a new four-wheel-steering trim, which was designed to improve handling, especially around corners.
The 1988 Honda Prelude came in three trims: the base S model, the midrange Si, and the 4WS. The S had a 2.0-liter, 104 horsepower engine. The Si and the 4WS both came with a 2.0-liter, 135-horsepower engine, which was Honda's most powerful engine to date. The Si and 4WS were both well-equipped with things like power windows. All Preludes had a sunroof. Fuel economy was about 23/27.
The 1988 Honda Prelude has many fans who still drive them today. They say the car is a blast to drive, handling corners at high speeds with ease. They also say they are extremely reliable, and in the event there is a problem, they are very easy to fix. There are some complaints about the tiny backseat, and while some drivers find the four-wheel-steering interesting, most find it unnecessary.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1988 Honda Prelude
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by Hunter B
Jan 03, 2013
You never forget your first car. I bought it in January 2003, and managed to get it smashed by a Ford Explorer 3 months later. But I managed to drive about 4000 miles in that time, and had a great deal of fun with the car. It was nimble and lightweight, and while not a powerhouse, it had more than enough engine for its size. Managed to edge it past the 120 mph mark more than once. It had a solid feel that belied its weight and age. It actually rattled and squeaked less than the 1997 Prelude that replaced it. When I bought it, I didn't realize it needed new CV boots, and eventually managed to wreck both front axles. $600 to fix everything, then two weeks later I wrecked the car. It actually still ran, but there was a better deal to total the car and replace it than spend almost as much on bodywork. It was a shame to lose it so early, though. I have fond, albeit brief memories of that little car.Jan 03, 2013
by Daniel L
Nov 29, 2011
Okay would be better if it had a little more power and didnt rust so much. great for a first car or a student cheap on gas. Is a fun car to drive tho. the build quality besides the rust is good. the driver seats arent the most attractive thoNov 29, 2011
by Humberto G
Sep 22, 2010
There is nothing to dislike except for cancer building on the rear quarters, Thanx Honda, but it is exceptional in every way, especially the 4ws version. You can not go wrong in your choice of purchasing this car, Enjoy everything about it.Sep 22, 2010
User rating:
by Hunter B
Jan 03, 2013
You never forget your first car. I bought it in January 2003, and managed to get it smashed by a Ford Explorer 3 months later. But I managed to drive about 4000 miles in that time, and had a great deal of fun with the car. It was nimble and lightweight, and while not a powerhouse, it had more than enough engine for its size. Managed to edge it past the 120 mph mark more than once. It had a solid feel that belied its weight and age. It actually rattled and squeaked less than the 1997 Prelude that replaced it. When I bought it, I didn't realize it needed new CV boots, and eventually managed to wreck both front axles. $600 to fix everything, then two weeks later I wrecked the car. It actually still ran, but there was a better deal to total the car and replace it than spend almost as much on bodywork. It was a shame to lose it so early, though. I have fond, albeit brief memories of that little car.Jan 03, 2013
by Daniel L
Nov 29, 2011
Okay would be better if it had a little more power and didnt rust so much. great for a first car or a student cheap on gas. Is a fun car to drive tho. the build quality besides the rust is good. the driver seats arent the most attractive thoNov 29, 2011
by Humberto G
Sep 22, 2010
There is nothing to dislike except for cancer building on the rear quarters, Thanx Honda, but it is exceptional in every way, especially the 4ws version. You can not go wrong in your choice of purchasing this car, Enjoy everything about it.Sep 22, 2010
by Anonymous
Jun 21, 2010
si four wheel steering, one owner, very easy to drive, powerful and quick, drives easy, quick easy turns, with the steering parking is a snap. Options include sport shift,quick acceleration, paint is good, fun car to drive
and easy on gasJun 21, 2010
by Octane M
May 21, 2010
I dislike nothing except it's not driveable. It's a 1988 Prelude with 4 wheel steering and it handles like a lotus. 2.0 tuned port injection dual overhead cam.... yeah, she's quick. Oh well.... some new tires, an alignment, and some front end suspension work, and a new paint job... she's be my perfect daily driver.May 21, 2010
by Rob N
May 06, 2010
Power a bit on the low side good acceleration to 100 braking and handling A1 due to 4 wheel steer
superb build quality no noises and great sound protection from outside noises
it gets 8.5 liters per 100km, needs timing belst chanced regularly and oil done every 5000 to 10000kms
AWESOME TO DRIVEMay 06, 2010
by Jason O
Mar 12, 2010
3rd gen Preludes can scoot in stock form...but add in an H22 and various suspension mods and it's like a little go kart! It was quick and could handle good (pretty evenly matched with a friends 91 NSX in the mountains).
Only draw back on this setup/swap is no AC but it was not a daily driver and was fine for me!Mar 12, 2010
by Bryan B
Nov 01, 2009
Fantastic car. Sold it with 350,000km and was still
going. Was quick for its year, 5 speed is the only way
to go. Lots of fun to drive, handled well. Light body,
and can make it look good with a little paint and rims,
oh and the big fin!!!Nov 01, 2009
by Megh A
Sep 26, 2009
This car is just amazing, not only is it yellow (and everyone knows how much i love yellow) but it's a 1988 prelude, 5spd, si 2.0 dohc with 4ws (4 wheel steering). I really don't have anything bad to say about it, amazing on gas, pretty, handles amazingly, and turns like it's on rails. perfect score!Sep 26, 2009
by Jase P
Jul 07, 2009
Handles awesomely but accelration is crap. Needs more low down torque to shoot it off the line, plus a better gearbox then the standard one Honda put it in. Good for corners but top speed on straights sucks, much rather at least 6 cylinders instead of an East-West 4.Jul 07, 2009
by Peter B
Jun 16, 2009
fantastically fun car to drive, it doesn't have the most
power in the world that's for sure, but it hugs a corner
like a motorcycle. the 4ws is mechanical and speed
compensated so it works great all the time. a great
engine that last forever and tones of trunk room. but
don't expect any more that two ppl in it. the frame is solid
and has great rigidity for cornering. i love the front on it,
it started the shape of the nsx. there are a few things i
would change on it though, make it a little bit bigger over
all, seeing as i'm a tall person i need to keep the sunroof
insulation open to get my head in comfortably. i would
recomend this car to anyone oloking for something fun.Jun 16, 2009
by Anthony F
Oct 24, 2008
Great handling, espcially with some performance tires, gets up an goes, power on demand, low maintenance. Owned 2 of them. Subs from me and previous owner cause doors to rattle on occasion. I love the way this car looks! I am currently getting about 32mpg highway and usually 27+ city.Oct 24, 2008
by Anonymous
Oct 18, 2008
this car is great. it is reliable, good-looking, and fun. my car has held up well, even the paint still looks good. mine's probably the best looking in town. I like how much fun this car is to drive, and i can't wait for the years to come. if you can find a good example, buy it!Oct 18, 2008
by Olli K
Sep 19, 2008
its the best! handling is accurate because four wheel steering system. engine is still strong compairing to future cars... and its fun to drive. like it very much... need to buy one again... i just dont get enough of this car.. rumors say that Prelude is kind of first NSX which is an ultimate HondaSep 19, 2008
by Cené P
Aug 18, 2008
This is an '88 'Lude 2.0 Si with Four-Wheel Steering. Handles great! The body is in near-mint condition. It has new axles, belts, paint, and battery. However, the motor could use a little TLC. It's a pretty decent sports car, and wanna-be racer. I just don't have the money to spend on it now. It's been in the family for 3 generations now, and has been in one hydroplaning accident. There was no damage aside from some minor scratches. It's always had electrical problems, though. Overall, it's a fun car to drive, and it still runs good for being 20 years old and having 163k miles on it!Aug 18, 2008
by Brandon M
May 05, 2008
handles very well and is a exciting drive. the car is underpowered and could take a lot more whp. no matter what you drive you can get in this car and enjoy a good solid ride.May 05, 2008
by Jake M
Apr 27, 2008
Ok well looking objectively, I can say that overall it's just a solid car. Mine has over 200,000 miles on the engine and still runs like new. The car hasn't needed any major maintainance at all (just the usual stuff that gets worn - brakes, clutch, belts etc).
With the 4-wheel steering nothing will outhandle you on corners - it makes this front-wheel-drive car handle like its on rails literally, not to mention makes parking and U-turning a breeze.
This car has probably the best road feel I've ever seen, yet still delivers a smooth comfortable ride on the freeway. The interior is very spacious and the driver's seat with those adjustable side bolsters is without a doubt the most comfortable seat I've seen in a sport compact.
It's not a powerhouse by any means but with all the bolt-ons mine has it hangs with most of the mid to late 90's VTEC Civics. Braking is the only area of this car that I have always wanted to improve, but its good enough to stop ya in a pinch.Apr 27, 2008
by Cache C
Apr 11, 2008
My first of many Manual transmission cars. Didn't have too much power, but was well worth the $2000 I paid (+ cost of a new clutch and few other things) to get me around in high school. It lasted the trip back from Phoenix filled with everything I owned when I moved back. It could go about 130 mph. Apr 11, 2008
by Milo M
Feb 12, 2008
Why have they changed it? The 88' Lude is one amazing car. I have the 4WS model and I love it. The cornering is truly amazing. The look of the 88 is by far the best of all the preludes. The car has a sporty feel to it and when you sit behind the drivers seat you feel like you are in a race car. The 2.0 si provides more than enough jam, enough jam to get a ticket for doing 160 in a 90. The S3/S4 function is wicked too.Feb 12, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 18, 2008
Good single mans car in it's dayJan 18, 2008
by Michel B
Jan 15, 2008
I'm sure that this used to be a good car but it cost me too much money in repairs and it was the most unreliable car I ever own. Jan 15, 2008
by Toru T
Jan 12, 2008
One of the most underrated cars in modern times. It out slalamed a Ferrari and with innovations such as the first mechanical 4WS and ABS this car was a wolf in sheeps clothing, with 136BHP and a 0 - 60 time of around 9 sec it wasn't a slouch.Jan 12, 2008
by Matt N
Jan 02, 2008
Fast, reliable, bored out heads, fuel injected. Got a 4 to 1 exhaust, made by Hooker Headers. 3.1 LJan 02, 2008
1988 Honda Prelude Pricing
Original MSRP
$14,569 to $18,344Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
