1997 Honda Prelude consumer reviews

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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 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

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?

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.

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!