Driving Impressions

We've had a chance to drive Preludes on racetracks, as well as on the normal mix of public roads, and the experience has always been stimulating. With its precise steering, crisp response and superb braking, the Prelude still sets the handling standard for front-drive sport coupes, even over the new Eclipse/Talon. There Isn't much distinction in handling between the Si and the VTEC. But there's a substantial distinction when the VTEC engine revs up to its magic number: 5200 rpm. That is when the tiger comes out and horsepower soars, accompanied by an eager snarl from under the hood. The VTEC engine hustles the Prelude from 0 to 60 mph in about 7 seconds, and is capable of 140 mph, assuming you can find a proper place for this kind of exercise. Pretty good for 2.2 liters. Fuel economy is good, provided you're not exercising VTEC magic all the time; then the system gets mighty thirsty. Ride quality is smooth in all three Preludes, though it's a little stiffer in the Si and VTEC editions. Even so, the ride in a Prelude VTEC is more supple than some of its popular competitors: the Probe GT, for example, or the Talon TSi.

Final Word

The Honda Prelude, especially the VTEC, is a little more expensive than some popular small sport coupes such as the Probe or Celica. But this is an exceptional car - brilliant in concept, outstanding in execution and virtually unbreakable. If you want to save about $3000, the Si might be the better buy. Its performance is brisk and there's little to differentiate the Si and VTEC in terms of handling. Regardless of model, we think there should be a Prelude on every sport-coupe shopper's list. This car is the standard by which the others are judged.