1993 Honda Prelude Si from UK and Ireland - Comments

Has a small seepage of engine coolant from the rear of the head gasket, but it's been like that since I bought the car.

Usual Honda ultra reliability.

The world's most amazing noise when the engine comes on cam at 5200rpm, but the fuel doesn't last long at those rev's.

Electric everything, very comfortable multi adjustable electric seats.

Climate control can be a bit either roasting or freezing, difficult to set to a mid temp.

4 Wheel Steering just superb for all driving.

Traction control superb in wet weather, even better in deep snow, it just keeps going no matter how deep or steep the hill.

Original stereo system is good when working, especially with the 13 speaker Digital surround Sound Processor, My autochanger's constantly playing up.

Handling nothing outstanding, it is a heavy car though, even although it's a coupe.

Automatic gear box is extremely lazy and very unpredictable at changing gears itself, you have to use the gears manually to go quicker.

Only real pain is it likes the juice, averages 26mpg, treating it easy.

Mate, I don't know where you got all that weird crap from, all 1993 Honda Preludes did NOT come with 4-wheel steering, 1988-1991 models had 4-wheel steering. And traction control? Where did you pull that from? They don't have traction control.

Some preludes do have traction control, the import si I am buying at the moment does, I`m curious to hear that you feel the car does not handle well, when it has won so many acclaims to its brilliant handling...

I used to work in the motor trade (fortunately only for a brief spell) and only once had the pleasure of driving a Prelude 2.2 V-TEC. Have to say that without doubt, it was the best car I have ever driven - ie Impreza Turbos, 328i's, Fiat 20V Turbo Coupes etc. The Prelude was a '96 on an N-plate. It had 4-wheel steering but I don't know if it had traction. I took it for a blast round my private test track which included a tightening curve slip road onto the motorway. Most other sports cars started to get out of shape at 60mph on this bend. The Impreza to it's credit held on to 70mph, but all were well and truly whipped by the Predule which took the bend at 80. I thought things were about to go pear-shaped, but the 4 wheel steering came into its own and the car went round with no drama at all. It may not be as quick as a Scooby Turbo, but in my book, the Prelude is in a different league from the Impreza for driving enjoyment. It's quick, refined, handles like nothing else, and is pure ecstasy to drive (getting carried away here!). I'm now on the look out for a good import V-TEC. Unfortunately, there are too many import dealers out there selling rubbish which appears clocked, accident damaged, and comes with no history (not that I can read Japanese anyway, but it would be nice). With salesmen that tell you the SVA test makes sure the car is safe, not stolen, and not clocked, you've got to steer past the crap and use your nogin.

This is for the mate. 1993 Honda Preludes do have 4WS. I never heard of them having traction control and 13 speakers? I wish mine does.

The mate is probably from Ireland where they import a curious mix of Japanese jobs. However, I never heard of traction control on the lude until the later face lift model... but that was more like limited slip on front diff axel/gearbox than true Traction control. I have a '93 si non 4 wheel steering, and I have to say the handling is outstanding. You can see why when you stoop over the engine bay with the hood up. The engine is engineered to sit as low as practically possible. This keeps center of gravity sucking towards the road and you really appreciate the effect it has. Only bad thing about the car is the seats are of poor ergonomic design and promotes a bad back. I guess after market seats could improve matters. Also the head gaskets MLS construction have a tendency to weep/seep coolant into the oil...a potential disaster for your main bearings leading to knocking and major bottom end rework or new engine. Dizzy is also weak in the top bearing and ignitor areas. Rads can crack. Top hose splits. Odd minor electrical glith. Otherwise great car!