1987 Honda Prelude Si 2.0

Summary:

Great car for the price and miles

Faults:

Replaced the alternator at 110,000 miles.

Replaced exhaust system at 98,000.

Replaced brake system at 95,000.

Carpet torn.

Rust throughout, especially gas tank area.

General Comments:

This car drives very nicely.

It really takes off when stopped.

If I didn't fear that the body would completely rust out on me, I would probably keep this car for another 50,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th February, 2003

1987 Honda Prelude Si 2.0

Summary:

Fun that doesn't cost a ton.

Faults:

The alternator went out at around 170,000 miles. This was a $200.00 fix.

The original stock AM-FM stereo cassette stopped working at 190,000 miles.

During the course of my one year ownership, I had to replace a few miscellaneous electrical fuses here and there. In a car equipped with power everything, this can be expected.

General Comments:

My 1987 Honda Prelude Si was the funnest car that I've ever owned, and I've had six cars!

When I bought my Si, it was already thirteen years old, with 161,000 miles on it, and I was surprised at the performance, economy, dependability, and first-rate craftsmanship of the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th January, 2003

1987 Honda Prelude 1.8 Gas

Summary:

A real gem of a car... sometimes

Faults:

Rust all over body, frame, panels, floor, rockers, everywhere except the doors.

Full exhaust system replaced.

Front disk brakes and rear drum brakes replaced.

Windshield replaced.

Engine rebuilt.

Carpet torn inside.

Sunroof jammed (rust seized the motor)

Alternator, water pump, battery, and dozens of fuses.

Timing belt broke, causing lots of engine damage.

All the gears inside the automatic transmission melted, causing the car to be virtually useless at anything faster than 30 kph.

General Comments:

This having been my first car, was not a good investment. It took well over a year to have it road-legal. Virtually everything needed to be replaced, the most apparent problem, however, was the amount of rust and general deterioration of the body on this car.

However, when everything was working good on it, it was magnificent! It idled peacefully, and howled when tempted! It handled like a true sports car, was comfortable for both city driving and long trips, and although the engine was rated at a mere 100 HP, it could move. No Ferrari was it, but a great little car for anyone who enjoys driving... at any speed.

All in all though, if you're ever looking at one, take someone who is familiar with older cars, specifically Honda's. These cars are known for a lot of problems, especially the bodies here in Eastern Canada, but if the problems aren't properly addressed, it's usually not long before it's a vital problem. After owning the car for around 2 and a half years, it had problems frequently and needed about an extra $3000 worth of repairs before the transmission let go.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th November, 2002