Honda Prelude Problems

The third-generation Honda Prelude coupe is getting a little long in the tooth, yet remains popular with young drivers who appreciate its classic shape and innovative engineering.MODEL WATCHThe third-generation Prelude followed the recipe established with previous models, with a stylish two-plus-two coupe body, transverse four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive.Honda developed a new engine for the third-generation Prelude that could be laid back to get the low stance the designers wanted. That allowed them to design a sleeker, more aerodynamic shape, and also distributed the weight more efficiently between front and rear.The third-generation Prelude predated things such as variable-valve timing, such an advance for small engines, including Honda's. However, as with all Honda engines, the Prelude's 2.0-litre all-alloy, twin-cam fuel-injected four-valver was a jewel.Peak power was 106kW at 6000rpm and, coupled with peak torque of 174Nm at 4500rpm, made the Prelude a slick performer while still delivering good fuel economy.Transmission choices were a five-speed manual and a four-speed auto. When pressed, a manual Prelude could reach 100km/h in9.9 seconds from launch, and cover the standing 400m sprint in 16.5 seconds.There were few changes through the life of the third-generation Prelude. The Si had plenty of standard features, including cruise, central locking, power windows and mirrors, power steering and a radio/cassette sound system. An update in 1989 gave it alloy wheels.A facelift in 1990 brought neater front and rear treatments. There was also a limited-edition model with ABS and leather trim and, a year later, the Cita limited-edition model had a spoiler, CD player and factory mats.IN THE SHOPHonda quality means the Prelude generally stands up well in service, as long as they're looked after and see a mechanic regularly.Regular oil changes are important, along with regular oil changes for the automatic transmission, which prefers Honda trans fluid. Check for sludge under the oil filler cap (it indicates mediocre servicing) and look for signs of oil smoke from the tail pipe.It's crucial that the cam timing belt be changed every 100,000km – most third-generation Preludes are around the mileage a second belt change is required.Also check the auto transmission fluid for any signs of being burnt (by discolouration or smell) and make sure it engages gear smoothly when selecting drive or reverse, and shifts gears smoothly without snatching.Most owners know the problem of the igniter failing – the car won't start if it does. Once replaced, they won't have a problem, says Honda specialist Adam Kovarik.On older cars such as the third-generation Prelude, anticipate they've had a scrape or two over the years, so look for both minor paint chips and dings from small prangs. Makes sure doors open and close smoothly, same for the boot and bonnet.Look carefully at the paint. Faded paint means it hasn't been well cared for and blotches suggest it's been left outside, open to attack from bird droppings and tree sap.Inside, look for cracked dash pads and rear parcel shelves from exposure to the sun, and wear on front seat bolsters.CRUNCH TIMEFour-wheel steering endowed the Prelude with responsive handling that improved its ability to avoid a crash, which is a blessing in cars that predated airbags.HONDA PRELUDE 87-91Look for signs of accident damage on bodyCheck for sludge under oil filler capRegular servicing is crucialLook for signs of smoke from exhaustCheck transmission fluid for any signs of burningAgile handling with four-wheel steeringGood looks and good all-round visibilityRATING15/20 With its stylish lines, great engine and responsive handling, the third generation Prelude is one the few classics to come from the 1980s.

The fifth generation Honda Prelude sports coupe was greeted with dismay when it launched here in 1996. With styling that could best be described as ‘plain’ – some other less than kind motoring writers used terms like ‘bland’ and ‘boring’ – it seemed like a step backwards at first glance.Prelude had been a much loved nameplate in the Honda family, and there was a feeling that Honda had somehow turned what had been a great sports coupe into something to appeal to the blue-rinse set.If the looks were a let down for some, fortunately no-one was disappointed when it came to the driving experience. The ‘bland’ Prelude was anything but ‘boring’ once you climbed behind the wheel.MODEL WATCHAfter the aggressive curves of the preceding fourth generation Prelude the new model caused quite some consternation when the wraps came off at its Tasmanian launch in 1996.Those who were looking to another aggressively styled sports coupe were left wondering if they’d wandered into a time transporter by mistake and been whisked back a couple of generations.With its large unbroken surfaces, soft lines, and square headlights either side of a grille slot it appeared to have more in common with the third generation coupe than it did with the one it followed. For some it was too much, others reserved final judgement for the drive, after all it’s the drive that matters most in a sports coupe.While Honda’s motives for the change in styling direction was hard to fathom at the time, it turned out that it was based on sound research which showed that the fourth generation failed to excite the market in the way the third generation had. Hence the apparent resemblance to the more popular predecessor.The research also showed that Prelude buyers wanted room for rear seat passengers and more luggage space.As a result the new model was 35 mm longer in the wheelbase, 25 mm higher thanks to a taller roof line, and 105 mm longer overall. All of that equated to a more comfortable ride for those consigned to the rear seats, and a larger boot for the luggage they wanted to take with them.Along the way Honda’s engineers were able to increase the rigidity of the body, using thicker sheetmetal, more spot welds, more cross beams and heavier load bearing members, along with redesigned side sills and rear bulkhead. All of which added up to greater safety and reduced noise, vibration and harshness.Rear seat passengers would also appreciate the changes made to the rear suspension mounts, along with the reinforced wheel houses, both of which helped cut annoying road noise.Honda offered a choice of two engines, both 2.2-litre double overhead camshaft 16 valve four cylinder units with fuel injection, one with Honda’s renowned VTEC variable valve timing system.If you chose the base Si coupe you got the 118 kW engine without the variable valve timing, but if you opted for the hot VTiR you got the sizzling 143 kW VTEC engine.Transmission options were a slick shifting five-speed manual gearbox, and a new four-speed Sportshift auto. The auto trans was the big news, it offered the option of full auto function or race car style manual shifting for those times you felt like letting your hair down.Honda also introduced the option of a smart new drive system, dubbed Active Torque Transfer System or ATTS, which transferred power to the outside wheel during hard cornering for better drive when the load was on that wheel.On the road the Prelude had a wonderful poise that inspired the sporty driver, particularly when coupled to the fabulous VTEC engine.There was also plenty of standard features. The Si boasted ABS, power steering, alloy wheels, cruise, central locking, power windows, and a four-speaker sound system.When you ticked the VTiR box you also got air-conditioning, a leather trimmed steering wheel, and a power sun roof.IN THE SHOPHondas generally stand up well to the rigours of a hard life, not that many Preludes are actually driven as hard as they might be, but you should anticipate regular brake pad changes.Clutches can be a regular service item on manuals, and front tyres wear out quite quickly, particularly if driven with gusto.Little trouble is likely with the body and trim, Honda build quality ensures they’re stitched together pretty well.Inside, look for heavy wear on the seat side bolsters from occupants sliding in and out and brushing across the pronounced side support hump.Lift oil filler on engine and peer inside looking for the presence of sludge that might indicate a lacking of servicing.Check for a service record to verify maintenance has been done.IN A CRASHEarlier Preludes were rated average in the recent used car safety survey, but increased structural integrity, dual door beams, and a full width crossmember through the dash should mean improved crash protection on the fifth generation model.Dual airbags also add to the Prelude’s overall safety picture.OWNERS SAYDavid Taranto’s 1999 Honda Prelude VTiR manual has covered 68,000 km with the only parts needing to be changed were clutch and brake pads so far. He says it’s a great car to drive, and averages 10 L/100km in peak hour traffic and with some spirited driving thrown into the mix.LOOK FOR• plain ‘love it or leave it’ looks• improved roominess and luggage space• great performance from VTEC engine• safe balanced handling• beaut auto with sports shift function• renowned Honda build qualityRIVALS• Nissan 200SX – 1994-2000 – $15,500-$31,000• Toyota Celica – 1994-1999 – $17,000- $29,500• Holden Calibra – 1991-1998 – $10,000-$23,000THE BOTTOM LINERoomier, quieter, more refined sports coupe with brilliant handling and power train, but let down by ‘grandma’ looks.RATING70/100