Similar Honda Prelude reviews

1988
Australia Flag New Zealand Flag

Prelude Si

I wouldn't drive anything else

398 words
Australia Flag New Zealand Flag

Prelude Si

It is not a car if it is not Honda

364 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Prelude Si

A toss up between good and bad

345 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Prelude Si 4WS

A Fully Equipped Honda Powerplant

341 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Prelude Si

A good ride if you can find one that hasn't been driven to hell and back!

331 words
USA Flag Canada Flag

Prelude Si

Tons of zip, sporty handling, and unbelievable reliability

320 words

Prelude Si 4WS

278 words
All Honda Prelude reviews

1988 Honda Prelude Si 4WS review from North America

"A Fully Equipped Honda Powerplant"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Rotors were found to be warped, probably due to the older woman who owned it before me. Installed cross drilled rotors and metal matrix brake pads.

Seats are experiencing usual wear. i.e. Fading color.

Usual rust has formed below the gas tank and underneath each quarter panel. Probably due to the fact I found pounds of compacted dirt and sand underneath them after removed. WARNING: unscrew and clean underneath your quater panels one time a year, as moisture and dirt are perfect conditions for rust formation. You may save yourself loads of money and increase resale value of your car.

Paint on hood wearing away. Honda did not place the hood correctly, it gets extremely hot when running during the summer, causing paint fade and severe damage to any clear coat.

The "In car shower" many prelude owners experience is the result of trapped dirt and dust in the sunroofs drain channels. A flexible, soft rod needs to be worked down the channels and hot water poured down the channels. *Warning*: channels are rubber, any puncturing of these tubes may result in further, costly problems.

General comments?

Despite the three minor problems stated above, this car is excellent and with new tires it's 4 wheel steering radius is intriguing.

Couple of mods and this car is a excellent powerplant and very fun to drive.

It offers a panoramic view from all angles and is unique enough to stand out in a crowd.

I will definitely buy another prelude in my lifetime, but I will seriously miss the 4 wheel steering.

Honda got it right with these preludes, and they continue to do it right.

Parts wear they don't break. Change your timing belt every 50,000 miles, tune-up every 25,000 and change the oil every 2,500. You'll be glad you maintained it when you trade it in or resell it to a private party.

Safety may be of a concern, as the driver only sits above 6 inches from the asphalt. It tops out at 132 MPH and could use more low end power.

4 comments

Recommended reviews

USA Flag Canada Flag

1988 - Prelude Si 2.0

A toss up between good and bad

USA Flag Canada Flag

1988 - Prelude Si 1.9 DOHC 16v

A good ride if you can find one that hasn't been driven to hell and back!

All 1988 Honda Prelude reviews

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Year of manufacture1988
First year of ownership2001
Most recent year of ownership2002
Engine and transmission 2.0 DOHC Automatic
Performance marks 8 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 8 / 10
Dealer Service marks  
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 9 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks) 8.8 / 10
Distance when acquired74260 miles
Most recent distance95000 miles
Date of Entry 10th December, 2002

All Honda Prelude reviews

Other CSDO Media Sites: Airline Flight Reviews | Mobile Phone Reviews | Motorcycle Reviews