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1997
Honda Prelude

Starts at:
$23,200
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New 1997 Honda Prelude
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Cpe Manual
    Starts at
    $23,200
    23 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe Auto
    Starts at
    $24,200
    21 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe SH Manual
    Starts at
    $25,700
    23 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1997 Honda Prelude review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

I knew there was something different about Honda’s Prelude Type SH when I hustled it up my favorite piece of abandoned road faster than I have ever in another car.

There are two models of the all-new Prelude, but the Type SH is the most interesting from a technical perspective. It uses ATTS, or Active Torque Transfer System, to help take corners with more stability and control than would normally be found in a front-wheel-drive sports coupe. ATTS is not a traction control system, which limits the power sent to a spinning wheel, but a drive-torque distribution system that takes torque from the inside wheel and transfers it to the outside wheel so it actually rotates faster when the car is in a turn. The faster-turning outside wheel helps the vehicle turn with greater stability.

To understand how it works, imagine sitting in a wheelchair. When you hold the inside wheel still and push the outside wheel, the chair turns immediately. Conceptually, ATTS does the same thing.

In normal driving the system is nearly invisible. I noticed that the test car seemed to turn into corners a bit more enthusiastically than a regular car, but that is about it. However, in a controlled environment, it does allow you to go consistently faster through turns with less fuss.

Honda often uses the Prelude to showcase new technology, as it did with the VTEC engine and four-wheel steering, which is why ATTS has been used here. I would think this technology might have application to any passenger car, however, so it may see wider use.

The 1997 is the fifth generation Prelude, and it is designed to be “an aggressive sport coupe with superior handling,” according to Honda. The new body style, with flat, chiseled surfaces, is a significant departure from the last model. It has a bigger trunk and a bigger back seat, based on customer research, although the back seat is still fairly small. Tall, dual-stacked headlights give the front end a bright-eyed look.

The new body, however, is tighter and stiffer, and that translates into better ride and handling, not to mention reduced vibration and noise. The dual-wishbone suspension soaks up bumps well and gives the Prelude sports-car agility.

Aside from its handling prowess, the Prelude is defined by its powerful, 2.2-liter, VTEC engine. This gutsy four-cylinder powerplant is uncanny in its willingness to rev to more than 7,000 rpm. Coupled with the tight-shifting five-speed transmission, it feels like a motorcycle engine. Power output is 195 horsepower (190 with the automatic transmission). Because of the VTEC variable valve timing system, it has abundant power at both low and high speeds.

An automatic transmission with sequential shifting is available, although not with the ATTS system. This transmission can be left in automatic position or shifted manually. It’s too bad this unit won’t work with the torque transfer system.

Inside, the Prelude is typically Honda. That mean s logical, well-designed gauges and excellent outward visibility. The bucket seats are firm and have extra support on the sides, which is helpful when you test out the ATTS in a turn.

My only beef concerns the radio and its tiny buttons. I would also prefer rotary controls for heating and cooling, but that is fairly minor.

Price

The base price of our test car was $25,700. The addition of floormats, freight and California emissions equipment brought the sticker price to $26,282.

Warranty

The basic warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles.

Vehicles for The Star’s week-long test drives are supplied by the auto manufacturers.

Point: The torque transfer system seems to be a real breakthrough in cornering stability. Mate that to a great engine that winds up like a motorcycle and you get a very energetic, responsive sports coupe.

Counterpoint: The back seat remains very small, as do the radio buttons.

SPECIFICA ONS:

ENGINE: 2.2-liter

TRANSMISSION: Five-speed

WHEELBASE: 101.8 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,042 lbs.

BASE PRICE: $25,700

PRICE AS DRIVEN: $26,282

MPG RATING: 22 city, 27 hwy.

1997 Honda Prelude review: Our expert's take
By

I knew there was something different about Honda’s Prelude Type SH when I hustled it up my favorite piece of abandoned road faster than I have ever in another car.

There are two models of the all-new Prelude, but the Type SH is the most interesting from a technical perspective. It uses ATTS, or Active Torque Transfer System, to help take corners with more stability and control than would normally be found in a front-wheel-drive sports coupe. ATTS is not a traction control system, which limits the power sent to a spinning wheel, but a drive-torque distribution system that takes torque from the inside wheel and transfers it to the outside wheel so it actually rotates faster when the car is in a turn. The faster-turning outside wheel helps the vehicle turn with greater stability.

To understand how it works, imagine sitting in a wheelchair. When you hold the inside wheel still and push the outside wheel, the chair turns immediately. Conceptually, ATTS does the same thing.

In normal driving the system is nearly invisible. I noticed that the test car seemed to turn into corners a bit more enthusiastically than a regular car, but that is about it. However, in a controlled environment, it does allow you to go consistently faster through turns with less fuss.

Honda often uses the Prelude to showcase new technology, as it did with the VTEC engine and four-wheel steering, which is why ATTS has been used here. I would think this technology might have application to any passenger car, however, so it may see wider use.

The 1997 is the fifth generation Prelude, and it is designed to be “an aggressive sport coupe with superior handling,” according to Honda. The new body style, with flat, chiseled surfaces, is a significant departure from the last model. It has a bigger trunk and a bigger back seat, based on customer research, although the back seat is still fairly small. Tall, dual-stacked headlights give the front end a bright-eyed look.

The new body, however, is tighter and stiffer, and that translates into better ride and handling, not to mention reduced vibration and noise. The dual-wishbone suspension soaks up bumps well and gives the Prelude sports-car agility.

Aside from its handling prowess, the Prelude is defined by its powerful, 2.2-liter, VTEC engine. This gutsy four-cylinder powerplant is uncanny in its willingness to rev to more than 7,000 rpm. Coupled with the tight-shifting five-speed transmission, it feels like a motorcycle engine. Power output is 195 horsepower (190 with the automatic transmission). Because of the VTEC variable valve timing system, it has abundant power at both low and high speeds.

An automatic transmission with sequential shifting is available, although not with the ATTS system. This transmission can be left in automatic position or shifted manually. It’s too bad this unit won’t work with the torque transfer system.

Inside, the Prelude is typically Honda. That mean s logical, well-designed gauges and excellent outward visibility. The bucket seats are firm and have extra support on the sides, which is helpful when you test out the ATTS in a turn.

My only beef concerns the radio and its tiny buttons. I would also prefer rotary controls for heating and cooling, but that is fairly minor.

Price

The base price of our test car was $25,700. The addition of floormats, freight and California emissions equipment brought the sticker price to $26,282.

Warranty

The basic warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles.

Vehicles for The Star’s week-long test drives are supplied by the auto manufacturers.

Point: The torque transfer system seems to be a real breakthrough in cornering stability. Mate that to a great engine that winds up like a motorcycle and you get a very energetic, responsive sports coupe.

Counterpoint: The back seat remains very small, as do the radio buttons.

SPECIFICA ONS:

ENGINE: 2.2-liter

TRANSMISSION: Five-speed

WHEELBASE: 101.8 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,042 lbs.

BASE PRICE: $25,700

PRICE AS DRIVEN: $26,282

MPG RATING: 22 city, 27 hwy.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
10 years old or newer from their original in-service date at the time of sale.
Basic
100 days / 5,000 miles
Dealer certification
112 point inspection

Consumer reviews

5.0 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.1
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.9
Value 4.9
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.9

Most recent

  • Powerful, responsive, cool

    This machine makes you feel like you own the road! In no time you find yourself treating other drivers with condescending amiability. Manual 5 speed empowers you to do whatever you please and be absolutely confident about the outcome. It's a Porsche 911 you don't have to sell your kidney for.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • This was the best car I ever owned!

    This car ran forever, it had incredible MPG and it was super sporty and fun to drive. She took corners like a dream and I never had a problem with her dependability!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • I will miss this car!

    I'm selling my first car, the '97 Prelude (with 123,000 miles) after 8 years of reliable performance. I'm only getting a new car because the heat core is broken and I need something a bit bigger. This car has been so fun to drive, It has a lot of pep to say the least. I have NEVER had any issues starting the car. Very reliable! Very easy to steer and parallel park. The drive is pretty bumpy (pot holes are your enemy in this car). And the cloth interior is very difficult to vacuum. I will definitely miss this little car, I had a blast driving it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Attached to this car

    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.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • Perfect car if you drive like a nut.

    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.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • The Battlecat

    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....
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • most reliable car i have owned

    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
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
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  • Engineering Masterpiece

    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?
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • Amazing

    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.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • A Prelude to Die for.

    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!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • Owned 97 Prelude for 10 Years

    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!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • amazing car

    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!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1997 Honda Prelude?

The 1997 Honda Prelude is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (2 styles)
  • SH (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 1997 Honda Prelude?

The 1997 Honda Prelude offers up to 23 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1997 Honda Prelude reliable?

The 1997 Honda Prelude has an average reliability rating of 4.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1997 Honda Prelude owners.

Is the 1997 Honda Prelude a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1997 Honda Prelude. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

5.0 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.1
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.9
  • Value: 4.9
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.9
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