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Honda Prelude (1992 - 2000)

COUPE WITHOUT COMPROMISE? (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY JONATHAN CROUCH

Introductionword count: 74

The early 1990s were glory days for Honda. On the Grand Prix circuits, their years of domination had sent rival manufacturers back to the drawing boards. Yet for all the money spent projecting a race-bred image for the company, buyers continued to think of Hondas only as common-sense cars. The Prelude coupe was supposed to change all that. It didn't and the result is that it makes a tempting proposition on the used market.

Modelsword count: 32

Models Covered: Fourth generation Prelude - March 1992 to 1997 (2.0 Coupe / 2.2 4ws VTEC Coupe / 2.3 4ws Coupe)Fifth generation Prelude - June 1997-2000 (2.0 Coupe / 2.2 VTi Coupe)

Historyword count: 173

The Prelude that replaced a car of the same name in early 1992 was a case in point. Here was a car with avantgarde styling, four-wheel steering and state of the art 'VTEC' engine options, yet the buyers who were most drawn to it were only those trading their old Preludes in for more of the same. The BMW buyers that the marque coveted remained unconvinced. Nevertheless, when the time came for yet another all-new Prelude in mid-1997, Honda continued the formula. The base model satisfies those who want a no-nonsense personal coupe, while the 2.2 VTi appeals more to the enthusiast. For the 1999 model year, the VTi's output went up from 185bhp to 200bhp, gaining as it did the more potent 2.2-litre VTEC engine from the Accord Type R. Whichever model and whichever shape appeals to you, if image isn't an issue, a used example is a particularly clever used buy. Honda's reputation for quality, reliability and rock-solid resale values is richly deserved. The Prelude was eventually phased out in 2000.

What You Getword count: 49

Whether you choose a fourth or fifth generation model, the same thing comes as standard - unusual styling. The latest design is, in fact, quite conservative, until your eyes reach the headlights. Some go so far as to call them ugly, but coupes are by nature a personal choice.

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Scoring (subset of scores)

Category: Coupes

Performance
60%
Handling
70%
Comfort
70%
Space
60%
Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

This is an excerpt from our full review.
To access the full content library please contact us on 0330 0020 227 or click here

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