2001 Honda Prelude Reviews, Pricing & Specs

I have owned 7 Hondas , 2 Acuras, 1 Pontiac, 1 Range Rover and 1 Land River, 1 VW, 1 GMC. I NEVER had a single issue with a Honda or Acura, however, with the other vehicles there were issues within the first couple months of owning them. This Prelude (2001) was purchased for my son. I acknowledge that the car is 20 years old and there are going to be repairs and it won’t be shiny and new, but this is what he wanted, and it was within his budget. He wanted something that was vintage, looks unique, and something that he could work on. We are definitely happy! This little car still handles great and drives smoothly. Jul 23, 2021

This is an awesome car. I cannot say enough about the Prelude. I've been after a clean/stock Prelude since I was about 17. While out shopping with my gf I was playing on Autotrader and came across this gem. I Immedately called the seller and told him consider it sold. I drove 4 hours to pick it up that weekend. Absolutely love this vehicle. Only think I hate is I live in PA so I won't drive it in the winter. Another month or so and she'll be back on the streets!Feb 27, 2015

It drives and handles very well. Even stock, you can have some fun and spin the tires easily. Supped up, it can be a naturally aspirated beast compared to other front wheel drives, a turbo just makes it plain scary. Nitrous is not a very good option unless your serious about dragging. Mine doesn't do too well on gas mileage, with a fuel system upgrade. I would also suggest an Apexi Super-Neo on-board piggyback computer.Nov 24, 2010

I mean really it's like the same as my SH... Ok ok i miss this car a lot. i think the base model is faster (SH got a lot of stuff to weigh it down) Not like this is a bad car the ATTS is a trip if it's ur first time grabbin the wheels of one of these. Either way the Lude handles like a dream If i didn't put so much into the other i'd prolly trade it in for a base model :) funny ehh? Aug 09, 2010

Fun to drive. The looks at the time were ahead of the time. The car is heavy for the size but handles very well with just a few ride upgrades. Torque steer and wheel hop is an issue. With any front drive car with power, putting it to the ground is an issue. Once it hooks up it is very strong. Does better when already rolling rather than from a stop. May 20, 2010

Great car, great style, top speed of 235 km/h ... Reliable sports car. A history of burning oil, had to add oil between oil changes. A bit pricey for what it is, holds it value pretty good. Next car for me is a Hyundai Genesis I think... havent test driven one tho... If your wanting to do 1/4 and racing, this car weights alot, so if you dont plan on gutting it, it wouldnt be my first choice.Jan 06, 2010

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. Jul 22, 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.May 18, 2009

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 Dec 04, 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. May 18, 2008

Of the six cars I have owned, this is definitely my favorite. When this body style was originally introduced in 1997 I didn't really like it, but I think it has aged very well. I have not had any serious issues with the car, other than a tendency to burn a little more oil than I would like. This is apparently a problem with all of the H22A engines and it does not detract from my enjoyment of the car in any way. It could use more power, but all cars could use more power! I plan on keeping this car as long as possible.Apr 16, 2008