1990 Honda Prelude Si 4WS 2.1 DOHC

Summary:

Sharp, Fast, Nimble, Comfortable, Reliable, Fuel efficient... Need I Say More

Faults:

Fluctuations with the oil level have left me confused. It Doesn't seem to burn oil, but at times the level is lower than others. Nothing else to report.

General Comments:

These cars are very rare and I was blessed to find one in Perfect condition with such low mileage. Surely it will be a collectors item. The 4 Wheel Steering genuinely works. Major differences can be felt at highway speeds as well as when cruising around town. It's a sensation I wish you all could enjoy. I hope to own this car for another 20 years. Honda was ahead of their time with the Prelude Si 4WS!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2004

1990 Honda Prelude 2.0S 2.0 4 cylinder

Summary:

Fast, reliable, stylish transportation

Faults:

I recently have had to put some real money into my Prelude. My exhaust rotted out after 175000 miles, and the rear braking system seized shortly after.

These two repairs were relatively costly. Honda parts aren't cheap. Prelude parts are the most expensive of all the Honda parts.

Other than those repairs: new distributer cap, 4 new tires, changed oil, brake pads all around once. Easy stuff.

General Comments:

This car is really quick. Going from my Neon, I was amazed. The first time driving my Prelude, I couldn't get used to how much gas you have to give it to make smooth starts and shifts. This car wants to scream.

It red lines very high, and I keep it high. The majority of power comes in at 3500, and goes all the way to 6000.

The handling is good, but the 13" wheels and tires are way to small.

Great gas mileage, engine will run forever, great car!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th September, 2002

9th Jan 2003, 20:02

I thought that all the honda preludes from 1988 had 14" rims not 13", I personally tried to fit a 13" steel rim onto my prelude (1992 model UK - last 3rd gen with flick up lights) and I found that the 13" rim wouldn't fit over the caliper on the front hub.

7th Dec 2003, 16:08

I have an 89 honda prelude and it doesn't have 13 inch rims... it has 13 and a half inch rims stock. Makes it very hard to find tires for. But I totally agree that they are way too small.

27th Jan 2004, 10:16

I have a 1989 Honda Prelude S. I love it. The US 1988 and 1989 S model only came with 13" wheels. The engine had less power than the Si and smaller front brakes. With a few modifications, the S can be just as fast as the Si. The only problem is that not many people know how to squeeze power out of the carburetors.

27th Dec 2004, 23:43

What modifications are there for the S model? You mentioned squeezing power out of the carbureted... I have an '88 S.

23rd Mar 2008, 14:20

I have a 90" Honda prelude. my first car and I love it. I'm putting a new muffler system on her (cherry bomb). It was funny because all of yours have like 13's and 13'6" but mine has 14's. I'm the second owner. also the person before me put a trashy tip on the muffler and makes it sound weird. I have the s series. pretty nice little car. its got get up and go to it.

9th Jun 2008, 04:08

I have the 1990 Honda 2.0S. It is a great little car, however it is very hard to get into and out of.

My question is would larger tires and wheels make this process easier?

How would this effect the gas mileage?

What is the best size recommended?

1990 Honda Prelude Si 2.1 4-cylinder

Summary:

A reliable and well thought piece of engineering

Faults:

At 160,000 miles the car needed a new timing belt.

Corrosion appeared on exhaust system at 159,000 miles.

The cooling compressor started to become weaker, this was noticed at 145,000 miles.

Front and rear struts were replaced at 161,000 miles.

The variable speed sensor failed at 153,000 miles.

A new water pump and alternator were installed at 159,000 miles.

The pan gasket and crank seal were replaced at 156,000.

General Comments:

The car sounds more powerful than it really is.

The design is classy for it's time.

The car handles extremely well, especially in bad weather.

The low profile and wide wheel base hugs the road.

Over 3,000 RPM's you really hear the engine putting out.

The engine is slightly louder than most cars, but is overall an awesome piece of machinery.

It can really move out on the highway and has excellent gas mileage. (Decreased severely by use of the air conditioner)

*When the air conditioner runs it severely hinders the car's overall performance.

The seats are nice and hug your back, but are very uncomfortable after long rides.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2002

12th May 2003, 11:51

Sometimes mistakes are made about the HONDA PRELUDE the 1989 2.0S is A auto trans type with A speed chip & the criuse control works very well plus long distance traveling is wonderful= 2 cross country trips from NY to UTAH with tons of comfort makes this car a winner in my book. Only bad thing is you can't get high performance racing parts for this model yet.