Tag Archives: Prelude

Motorsport

Before The Honda Prelude Returns, Here’s A Classic Review Of The Fourth Gen

The Honda Prelude Concept has sparked excitement for the iconic nameplate, although the company has not officially confirmed where a production version will be available. Motorweek has seized on the renewed interest in this sports coupe by revisiting the TV show’s review of the fourth-gen model from March 13, 1992. Host John Davis starts by expressing his frustration with the homogeneous look of many new cars, but he makes an exception for the fourth-gen Prelude, praising its distinctive design features.

The model was lauded for its wedge-shaped crease on the hood leading to the center of the nose, and the rear was likened to a Jaguar XJS. The up-level Prelude Si, which MotorWeek tested, was equipped with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 160 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque, with a four-speed automatic transmission.

In comparison, a 1992 Toyota Celica GT-S made 135 hp and 145 lb-ft from a 2.2-liter four-cylinder, while a 1993 Mazda MX-6 with a 2.5-liter V6 produced 164 hp and 160 lb-ft. On MotorWeek’s track test, the Prelude achieved a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds, placing it on par with its competitors at the time.

Motorsport

See Fifth-Gen Honda Prelude SH Get First Wash In 10 Years

The Honda Prelude, produced from 1978 to 2001, was a front-wheel drive sports coupe based on the Honda Accord. Although some enthusiasts may overlook it in favor of the Acura Integra and Honda S2000 as more performance-oriented sports cars, the Prelude offered a variety of features including a powerful 2.2-liter VTEC engine, a precise five-speed manual transmission, and quick reflexes.

Recently, the WD Detailing crew decided to give some love to a Honda Prelude SH that had been sitting dormant for over 10 years. They set out to give it a makeover. The Prelude is mostly clean, straight, and unmodified, but it does have some rust issues, particularly around the rear quarter panels. The SH trim level was the top of the line for the fifth and final generation of the Prelude, featuring an upgraded handling package with a stability control system known as the Active Torque Transfer System or ATTS.

As is typical in WD Detailing videos, there’s always a surprise. This time, it was a dead bird found in the footwell of the back seat. It remains a mystery how a bird ended up in an enclosed car with the windows up, but fortunately, cleaning it up was easier than dealing with a rodent infestation or bug problems.

One useful car cleaning tip shared in the video is to start by washing the wheels first. This might seem counter-intuitive, especially for those who wash their cars from top to bottom. However, WD Detailing suggests that washing the wheels first can minimize the risk of spraying dirt and grime from the wheels all over the freshly cleaned paint.

Overall, the Prelude remains in good shape except for the rust. The interior is remarkably clean, with no noticeable tears in the upholstery, and the dashboard is free of cracks or warping. According to the owner, the car was in running condition when parked, which means the Prelude could serve as a nice, original 1990s sports coupe or a solid platform for serious performance upgrades.