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1998 Honda Prelude consumer reviews

$23,300–$24,300 MSRP range
side view of 1998 Prelude Honda
(15 reviews)
93% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.6
  • Reliability 4.7
Explore the 1998 Honda Prelude

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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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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!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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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

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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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!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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