1997 Honda Prelude

Rating from thaas34

(5)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"My 97 Prelude SH continues to draw compliments based on its looks, despite the fact that it's 16 years old now, and has 201k miles. Honda certainly created themselves a timeless automobile with the 5th generation Prelude, back in 1997. Since I bought mine in 2008, it has never failed to start up. It has served as a perfect vehicle for commuting to school and work. It's good on gas, I average about 27mpg. It's also been the perfect vehicle for two-person road trips, as it leaves plenty of room for the driver and front seat passenger. Although, if you plan on making a passenger travel for an extended period of time in the rear seat, then you're probably part evil. The back seat is really only big enough for a small child, but works in a pinch if you have to transport an extra buddy. And, ultimately, the Prelude is not invincible. Undoubtedly due to the owner before me having a lead foot or something--a few thousand miles after I bought it I found out the piston rings were fried, which called for an engine re-manufacture. Many miles later my head gasket blew. It has cost me what I paid for the car to keep repairing it, but I believe I'm finally in the clear, and it is a truly magnificent car. If you don't beat on it and keep it regularly maintained, then you've got yourself an excellent car on your hands."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from billybobjack smith

(5)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"The Prelude is fun for 2 reasons, the handling and the engine. Let?s talk about the handling. The steering is a masterpiece. It?s heavy, very precise and gives excellent feedback on how the tires are interacting with the road. The chassis gives remarkable grip and the car will EVEN perform lift-off over-steer in lower gears at high engine speeds! It?s a blast. Then there?s the engine. V-tech is no joke. It revs to 7500 rpm and at 5K the second stage of the cam kicks in and makes the engine very urgent and dramatic. It?s super reliable too. The one things that I?m less than happy with is the loud road noise, the jarring ride and the gloomy black interior. It?s not a comfy car, at all. However, all things considered it?s a heck of a car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Thickback

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I had a Black 97 Prelude, up until 15 hours ago cuz some chic pulled out in front of me.... :( ....anywho, I bought the car to save gas for $3000 with 250,000 miles on it and it drove like it was brand new almost. The 2.2L vtec engine was more than enough fun on a daily basis. When the vtec kicks in at 5200-5500 rpm the fun truly doubles! The car revs high on the highway tho and could've used a 6th gear. The exhaust tone was throaty but not over bearing. All in all a great car....Im going to miss my Battle Cat...."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from truth

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"i own tis car also ihtz very nice... i have had for more then a year without any troubles... the driving is very comfortable. economy wise is not too bad as its a 2.2 L so for me this ride is cooL"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

Primary use for this car: N/A

Rating from Discriminating Driver

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Honda got this car right. 5-speed version is an absolute blast to drive. Nice simple 4-cyl engine is a breeze to maintain, and needs nothing but stated routine maintenance. 195 hp is more than enough for this weight vehicle...this puppy gets up and goes like a cheetah going after dinner...it doesn't get much better than this. Sweet spot pricewise in a used vehicle right now -- why spend huge $$ on a sports car when you can get one of these in nice shape for 1/8 the cost?"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

Primary use for this car: N/A

Rating from Prelude owner

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Best value for the money. Great car. Get one. You wont regret it. Have yet to have any problems with it. Plenty of aftermarket parts to make it your own."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from lude-lover

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Anyone who is a lude lover will tell you they live and breath speed, superb handling and classy looks. My pearl white lude with tan/black interior is hot on the outside and modest on the inside. Sportin after market exhaust and a ram air intake, my lude treats me right. the 200hp I4 is enough to earn some respect on the streets and the looks are enough to get the ladies. I'm happy for every cent i spent on my lude. Get one, your gonna love her!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Doug

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Having driven a 97 Prelude for 10 years, I continue to be impressed with the reliability, durability and performance this vehicle provides. 160,000 miles w/ original engine & manual tranny. Honda reliability is well worth the extra few dollars you pay up front when purchasing. Awesome vehicle!!!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A

Rating from Rabbit<3'sHonda

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"A '97 Prelude was my first car & it is the most amazing car i have ever driven. It is a very good driving car although it is pretty much for the driver and front passenger. The back seat is small and will not fit large people. For small to medium sized people the back is adequate for short trips. The trunk is pretty big for a small sports coupe in my opinion. Perfect for grocery shopping or trips to Walmart, but you won't be taking it to Home Depot. The car has power & will show it if you want it to. It's quick, & handles very well, although bumpy roads are not its best friend. I would recommend this car to anyone, it's truly an excellent car; in fact I'm planning on buying my second one!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A

Rating from ZAWelch

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I bought a 97 Prelude SH a few weeks ago and it is great! It has a small leak at the V-Tec switch, which does not seem to affect performance. Over all, I love the Prelude and I'm glad I bought the car. It is also mechanic friendly; there is lots of room under the hood which makes repairs easy and general maintenance a snap. A few things I would like to see in this car are leather seats, climate control, and an onboard computer (like outside temp, direction, and average epa). If you're into after market performance and styling, there are many options to chose from. I would recommend this car to anyone. I love that it is unique. Don't worry too much about parts, the Accord and Prelude are very close mechanically. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A