Comprehensive Guide to the Honda Prelude Sports Coupe

Discovering the Honda Prelude Sports Car

The Honda Prelude stands out as a stylish and high-performance sports coupe designed for driving enthusiasts. Its superior handling ensures smooth navigation through winding roads, while its twin-cam VTEC engine delivers exhilarating sound and rapid acceleration. Inspired by Honda's Accord, the Prelude remains a favorite among sports car fans. Before diving into its features, let’s explore its reputable manufacturer.

About Honda
Established in Japan, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a global automotive leader manufacturing cars, motorcycles, and power tools. Known for producing over 14 million internal combustion engines annually, Honda has built a strong reputation worldwide.

The company was founded in 1948 and boasts a large, loyal customer base.

Performance and Powertrain
The Prelude features a 2.2-liter four-cylinder dual overhead cam engine equipped with variable valve timing, generating 200 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. It offers a standard five-speed manual transmission, with an optional automatic transmission featuring sequential SportShift. The VTEC engine’s sound in higher RPMs is impressive, with a growling tone that appeals to sports car aficionados. When pushed, it delivers a surge of power, especially in lower gears, similar to turbocharged vehicles. The 2.2-liter engine allows the Prelude to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about seven seconds.

Interior Comfort and Space
The Honda Prelude comfortably seats four, with a foldable rear seat suitable for children and supportive front bucket seats. Its upright design maximizes interior room compared to similar sports coupes, offering ample space for occupants. The dashboard features a sleek, functional layout typical of Honda, with multiple compartments for small items. Its taller roofline provides increased glass surface, improving rear visibility for the driver.

Innovative ATTS System
The Prelude showcases Honda’s Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS), a cutting-edge technology that enhances handling by mimicking rear-wheel drive dynamics. Typically, front-wheel-drive vehicles tend to understeer, but ATTS reduces this tendency by enabling rapid steering adjustments and more balanced traction, making cornering more precise.

Standard Convenience Features
Equipped with air conditioning, a power sunroof, cruise control, adjustable driver’s seat, tilt-steering wheel wrapped in leather, map lights, an ignition switch light, plus power windows, mirrors, and locks, the Prelude offers comfort and ease. Its six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system features an Acoustic Feedback System that adjusts volume based on cabin noise, enhancing the listening experience. Leather seats are not included to keep costs low.

Safety Features
Safety essentials such as ABS brakes, dual airbags, side-impact protection, and child safety seat anchors are standard. Honda also includes a key code security system for added protection.

Trim Options
The Prelude is available in two trims: standard Prelude and Prelude Type SH. The latter adds the ATTS system for an extra $2,500, ideal for those who enjoy spirited driving on twisty roads. The Type SH also features a rear spoiler, leather-wrapped shift knob, and 16-inch alloy wheels, enhancing sporty aesthetics.

Overall, the Honda Prelude is a remarkable sports coupe offering innovative features at an accessible price point, despite minor interior flaws.