Faults:

VTEC valve accumulates dirt, causing the "Check Engine" light to come on (common codes include P1259) and preventing the variable valve timing system from engaging correctly.

The mechanism inside the steering column loosens or wears out, causing malfunctions when turning the key or sudden engine shutdowns while driving.

Engine speed tends to fluctuate constantly due to dirt in the IAC valve and air leaks in the intake system.

If used under demanding conditions, it consumes a lot of oil.

General Comments:

The most notable aspect of the car is the engine's immense power, especially considering its age. 185 hp from a 2.2-liter engine in the 90s was a lot; while it was a car with sporty aspirations, by the standards of that era, it was impressive. Infinitely faster and superior to the fastest Alfa Romeo 75 of them all (which I owned prior to the Prelude).

Blistering acceleration, a highly responsive engine across the entire rev range, and a level of ride smoothness that is hard to match. This versatile engine performs superbly in the city, as its flexibility allows you to drive with barely any need to shift gears; third gear acts almost like an automatic transmission.

However, it is on the open road that the car truly reveals its qualities. Once you leave the city behind, the kilometers fly by effortlessly. The driver quickly gets a feel for the car, which seems to have no limits. The front end is remarkably firm, and nothing seems capable of altering the trajectory set by the steering wheel. Major roads and highways pose no challenge whatsoever. Under these conditions, the ride comfort is worthy of a luxury sedan.

If you take the car onto secondary roads with the intention of making the tires squeal, its performance is surprisingly impressive; especially considering that, given its weight and size, it is not a vehicle designed for winding mountain roads.

The car's active safety is also excellent. Four-wheel steering system is effective, especially on slippery surfaces, as it precisely guides the rear axle. It is quite quick to react; indeed, during rapid changes of direction (such as a slalom maneuver), the beneficial effect of the steerable rear axle becomes apparent, a factor that directly enhances driver safety.

Very easy to handle and with excellent steering, the car is manageable and agile on any type of terrain.

Definitely a great car.

Faults:

Busted engine after having running it dry from engine oil.

(very much my own fault)

General Comments:

Good acceleration (0-50 kilometers/hour across a 2 lane road).

The 4 wheel steering is wonderful, you can do just about anything with the car, and I do mean that.

Beware of rust besides the gas lid.

(Rust there have eaten through on 2 of my 3 preludes).

Excellent comfort, my friends just love to join me for a ride, but who could blame them ;)

Just too bad the Si model don't have heated seats, rear fog lights and headlight washers. (The S model do).

There's no feeling in the world, well almost anyway, then to bring this baby up to 7450 RPM on each gear and just enjoy the nature flying by.

It'll ignite your soul in flames of passion for this car.