Honda Prelude IV from the 90s – the coupe still drives car enthusiasts crazy

The fourth generation Honda Prelude is a sports coupe that many people like in appearance. Those who have encountered this by car Personally, they certainly can’t forget its impressive handling for a production car and high-revving engines.


The Honda Prelude IV also has its haters. They claim that this model failed to become a sports car. Where would that be, if the engines in the lineup are only naturally aspirated, and the drive is front. The latter does not allow increasing the power more than 250 hp. More precisely, there is no point in this - the car will "grind" on the spot at the start.

There are few fourth-generation Honda Preludes left in Russia. There's nothing to be done - it's a Japanese model with its inherent "resistance" to corrosion. And these Hondas were beaten periodically, so only "lucky" examples have survived to this day. And even those are often in a deplorable state of bodywork.


There are usually about a dozen Honda Prelude IVs on sale. A third of them are right-hand drive, which means they are unacceptable for many Russian drivers. The remaining “correct” examples are offered in the range of 380 to 900 thousand rubles. This is expensive, especially considering that the model was produced from 1991 to 1996.

History

The first generation Honda Prelude appeared back in 1978. It was a “trial balloon” in the class of affordable coupes with a 2+2 seating formula.

The car had a number of specific characteristics that they tried to preserve in all subsequent generations:

✅ Front-wheel drive platform
✅ Compact dimensions
✅ Four-cylinder engines only

The model was not a hit, but sales were good. The most interesting thing is that the coupes were bought up primarily by Americans. About 15% of the cars produced were sold in Japan.


The second generation of Honda Prelude debuted in 1982. The developers have already specially adapted the model for the US market. Therefore, the coupe received higher quality finishing materials.


The third generation appeared in 1987 and was produced until 1991, having gone through one restyling. It was already a famous car in its class. It even received a new 2,1-liter engine with two camshafts and rear steering suspension.

The fourth generation, produced from 1991 to 1996, is considered the most stylish and beautiful. The car received a streamlined and fast body. But sales of this model were several times smaller than in the third generation.

Honda Prelude V, produced from 1996 to 2001, received a new "chopped" design, but this did not save it. The coupe was taken reluctantly, sales fell even more compared to the fourth generation.


But let's return to the Honda Prelude IV. Especially since in Russia they are asking no less for this generation than for the last one, that is, the fifth.

Appearance and body

Despite the years, the car still attracts attention. Moreover, people turn their heads at the Honda Prelude IV. The designers managed to create a masterpiece - smooth lines harmoniously coexist with rare angular elements.


When choosing a Honda Prelude IV, you need to be prepared to invest in the body. Here it will be corroded in more than 80% of cases. If not, then the car was recently re-welded and repainted, and perhaps not for the first time.


As for the condition of the body, you need to understand that no one will give away a “live” car cheaply. In the worst case, it will have problems with the technical part. But if you take a Honda Prelude IV with an eye on body repair, the main thing is that the power elements of the structure are intact.

It is difficult to find spare parts for a car on the used market. You will have to search long and tediously at dismantlers. And not only in Russia. Japan is also not very "rich" in these parts.

Salon

Honda Prelude IV is a car for the driver. Even the front passenger inside the coupe will feel temporary, although the seat is comfortable for him. It is worth warning right away - a person of any build can sit behind the wheel, but you still need to get there. And a low coupe and a large driver do not go well together.

The back row is something nominal. It is comfortable there, and even then, conditionally, it will be only for preschool children. For this reason, the seat is used as a luggage compartment. Moreover, the latter does not shine with volumes - there are only 278 liters.

But the Honda Prelude IV dashboard is a masterpiece of design. When sitting behind the wheel, you get the impression that this is a military cabin Aircraft.

The interior of cars is often in good condition. This is due to high-quality finishing materials. And the owners often monitor it. The main thing is to avoid examples with a tuned music system and a scattering of lights around the interior. As a rule, all this is not done by specialists, and the wiring is then twisted.


The main thing about the interior is to check the operation of the heater or air conditioner. It should blow where it is directed. If not, mechanics and electricians have already been there and assembled it incorrectly.

Motors

The Honda Prelude IV engines are quite large for a compact coupe – from 2,0 to 2,3 liters. The models that are found on the Russian used market most often have basic engines under the hood.


2,2-liter engines come in three versions. They differ primarily in power - 160, 185 and 200 hp. There is also a 2,3-liter engine, developing 160 "horses". The H22A power unit is considered the most valuable. It is also the most powerful and reliable.


Honda Prelude IV engines are checked according to one algorithm. First, the car should start immediately. Second, valve knocking when cold is not normal. When you press the gas pedal sharply, a cloud of smoke from the exhaust indicates wear of the piston.

Also, Honda Prelude IV engines should not be in oil. Shaking during operation is also bad. The latter indicates that the engine mounts have exhausted their service life.

Other performance characteristics

The rear axle steering system of the Honda Prelude IV is called 4WS. It is easy to check its functionality. It is enough to ask the owner of the car to turn the steering wheel on the spot with the engine running.

The rear wheels must turn. If not, the system does not work. Moreover, on most models, the rear axle places the wheels straight when the steering wheel is turned, if the engine is turned off.

Honda Prelude IV gearboxes are mostly mechanical, but there are also automatic transmissions. It is recommended to buy a model with a manual transmission. They are more reliable, are much cheaper to repair, and cars with such a transmission are faster.


The coupe has independent spring suspensions in the front and rear. It is advisable to check them before buying - repairs are expensive, since the spare parts are mostly original. And you still have to wait for them to be ordered.

Brakes, if they are in good condition, work 100% in conjunction with any engine. If they start to "beat" at a speed of 100 km/h, this is a replacement of the disks or their turning.

To sum it up, it is worth noting that the Honda Prelude IV is a beautiful, but old and therefore problematic car. If it is in perfect condition, there will be no issues with the car. But it is unlikely that you will be able to find such a specimen, and even for a reasonable price.