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1998
Honda Prelude

Starts at:
$24,300
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New 1998 Honda Prelude
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Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Cpe Manual
    Starts at
    $23,300
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe Auto
    Starts at
    $24,300
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe SH Manual
    Starts at
    $25,800
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

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Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years

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

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Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.6
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • Love the Prelude but…

    I’ve owned 2 Preludes (Type SH), fantastic cars. Lots of torque, stock stereo actually outperforms many aftermarket options. Would I pay $28k for one in 2023 because it’s a so called “collectors item”? Absolutely not. Ive had cars after the Prelude that just performed better (S2000, Cooper JCW, etc). Overall a great car but it’s dated and doesn’t live up to the hype.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • My first car

    This was my first car ever, learned to drive in it, and took my drivers test with it. Honestly is my baby, sad to have to let her go but man Is this car great. Not only is it beautiful in the outside, but it handles well, you really feel like the center of attention in it, i got so many compliments about it every time i went out. So fun to drive as well!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love the VTEC

    This car fits in the budget, and you can also enjoy the VTEC experience once it kicks in, you feel like you are in a race car. I always purchase a prelude in stock condition, so you get the original feel of the vehicle, and it is much easier to maintain as well.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable and fun car! Highly recommend!

    Comfortable to ride in and fun to drive with great handling. With right around 200 hp its quick enough to get you where you need to go safely. Memorable and delightful.
    • Purchased a Used 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
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • A classic that blends with modern traffic.

    The seats provide surprisingly comfortable lumbar support, car has well laid out easy to use utilities, smooth lines, and speed that kicks in after 6000 rpms.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best little sports car for the money!

    I loved the Prelude. It was tight on corners and comfortable for a small 4-seater. I had no problems with it when I sold it at 140k miles.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 1998 Honda Prelude

    I own this car. Engine runs excellent. You have to take care of this car from day 1, so you don't get into issues that you see on Honda Online Forums. Regular maintenance stuff like changing engine, transmission oil on its regular intervals, and also flushing all other fluids. I have enjoyed every single prelude I have even owned. These cars are powerful considering a coupe and fun to drive.
    • Purchased a Used 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
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Wonderful sport car

    I bought my 1998 SH in 2001. Now 18 years old it stills corners like it's glued to the road and handles just wonderfully. Sharp looking car, my velour seats make it extremely comfort over long periods. Seat is very comfortable, there's lots of room in the front, the back, no. You could get a small kid in there if they could climb past the front seats. Not meant to be a 4 seater. I would have preferred they just make the back all cargo space, as they did with the CRX. I keep it in top shape, fixing anything as it needs fixing, and doing the maintenance on schedule. That's the secret to longevity with a car. If you're buying one, be sure and have your mechanic check it out. They were prone to hot rodding and over revving by the kids. If the exhaust smokes, pass it by. If you find one with a good engine, GRAB IT!
    • 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
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • built to last

    i bought my first 1998 Honda Prelude a few years ago with 250 000km it now has 330 000km and it is still running strong and good the only thing i had to change was the timing belt and exhaust pretty reliable car it got me where i needed to be i highly recommend this vehicle
    • 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
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great Fun Car

    Great car to supe up and still get decent gas mileage! Loved to drive this on the highway and show at car shows. Most are surprised at the horse power!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    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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  • Beware of this Vehicle

    I personally reviewed this vehicle and alhough the dealership did an outstanding job polishing both interior and the exterior, this vehicle blew smoke and black fuild from the exhaust and the tail pipes were completely black. They pulled the vehicle inside for review and their best guess was at least 2k in repairs for value gaskets. I passed.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • LOVE my prelude!!!!!!!!!!

    I purchased my prelude when it was two years old and had 22,000 miles on it. That was eight years and 237,000 miles ago and I still love this car!! The handleing of this car is unbeatable! I also love the exterior styling. My only complaint (other than the fact that honda stopped making this car) is the lack of room for the rear passengers. Other than that, the prelude ROCKS!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Honda dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1998 Honda Prelude?

The 1998 Honda Prelude is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (2 styles)
  • SH (1 style)

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 1998 Honda Prelude?

The 1998 Honda Prelude compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 1998 Honda Prelude reliable?

The 1998 Honda Prelude has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1998 Honda Prelude owners.

Is the 1998 Honda Prelude a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1998 Honda Prelude. 93.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.7
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