First generation

This is a middle class car with a coupe modification. It debuted on the market for the first time in 1978. The first generation had a 1.6 l / 80 hp engine. Until 1983, this class was produced based on the Accord model. Then the car underwent fundamental changes and became a modern independent unit, with a 12-valve engine with a 1.8-liter V-m with a capacity of one hundred and two horsepower.

Second generation

Honda Prelude was 4.9 m long, 1.635 m wide and 1.29 m high with a low and wide profile and leather interior. There were cars with a sunroof. Regarding the management of the car, it had only positive reviews. Some modifications had power up to 140 hp. By the end of its release, this generation is known for a transitional version with an engine up to 150 hp. Such models were produced in 1000 cars: half with the right, and half with the left control.

third generation

It made itself felt in 1987. Honda Prelude was sold on the domestic market and was distinguished by the “4WS” system - which makes it possible to control all 4 wheels. She inherited the popular concept of the second issue, which was especially popular with young people. It was nicknamed the "dating car" and was very reminiscent of the "Ferrari", as it had hiding headlights and a low nose.

Fuel consumption was 8-10 liters per hundred kilometers for one type of engine and 9-10 liters per hundred kilometers for the second. At the same time, the volume of engines was 2l / 137 hp. By 1990, a new 140 hp engine was released. Management "4WS" for this model was applied for the first time. For some Honda Prelude trim levels, buckskin and headlights on the front body were used, which were not hidden. It was a very manoeuvrable car.

Fourth and fifth generation

It was distinguished by a powerful engine - with a V-shaped 2.2 liter engine of the VTEC system and a power of 200 hp. This was the period from 1991 to 1996.

Subsequent generations of the Honda Prelude had a longer length of 3.5 m, which improved the comfortable rear ride, but gave an unpresentable look. However, technically this model had decent features: differential between the wheels, power steering, speed dependent, having excellent fuel economy, marked with the letters "VTEC". The fifth edition had two engine types:

• 2l / 133 hp;
• VTI 2.2L / 185 HP and VTI "S" 2.2l / 200 hp

The latest version of "VTI-S" had an improved power supply system and control unit. These are forced with a high service life of an internal combustion engine. These Honda Prelude models were equipped with mechanical and automatic transmissions. The 4WS system had a good suspension and the ability to install ATTS - a traction distribution system for a more loaded wheel. This model had one "but" - a high price, which reduced the demand for it.

Interesting facts of history

In 2000, production of the Honda Prelude ceased, although rumors about the development of the sixth generation sometimes leak. In any case, this car left a bright mark on the history of sports coupes. The 2.2 VTEC model stands out among the Honda Prelude: the ride on it has an aggressive character and literally cuts through the oncoming air flow ...

Serial production has been going on for more than thirty years. The body of the car is known for its frisky dynamics, sporty image and the elegance of the front bumper. In those days, rounded bodies were fashionable in Europe, and elongated ones in America. The Japanese have surpassed everyone and released an economical car with excellent aerodynamics.

This car got the melodic name "prelude", which was presented to her by Toyota. "Prelude" laid the foundation for subsequent models with "musical" names: "Honda Quint", "Honda Concerto" and "Honda Ballade".

Honda Prelude (Prelude) of the V generation retained the key features of the entire model line - it was still the same car for one person - for its own owner. The appearance of the model, at first glance, was radically different from the third version, but old fans of the brand liked it. The fifth generation was the successor not to the fourth, but to the third, most respected generation of sports coupes by consumers. Indeed, looking at this car, it is impossible not to notice its resemblance to the Prelude of the late 80s, which used the fashionable for that time lifting headlights. This time, of course, such a design was not used, due to harm to aerodynamics, but it created the feeling that the huge headlights of the new model were about to “slam” if you pressed the treasured button in the cabin.

But, from the fourth generation, the fifth got a line of engines. As before, the Prelude used two motors - the "medium" F22B, and the powerful H22A. True, this time, the designers Honda out of two versions of the engine, they were able to make four variants of cars. The F22B was divided into a completely "strangled" 135-horsepower and more or less "driving" 160-horsepower. also had two variations - a powerful 200-horsepower, and a heavy-duty 220-horsepower. The last two options allowed Prelude in red letters fit on the page of the most powerful cars Honda in the history of production.

Two types of transmissions were installed in the kit for the engines - mechanical, and automatic transmission - tiptronic (indicated by the Honda S-Matic). The latter, which is uncharacteristic for the company's design solutions, was installed both on the weakest versions and on the 200-horsepower SiR.

The car's suspension has remained traditional for the Prelude - multi-link on both the front and rear axles. At the same time, the design of the rear suspension was, in its way, unique, thanks to the presence of the ATTS system, an extension of 4WS, the rear wheel steering system in the turn.

The appearance, as was said at the very beginning, was strikingly different from the third generation, but was largely close to the second. To be honest, the car, after the fourth version, turned out to be somewhat unsightly, angular, as if designed for options for further “refinement” with bumpers, body kits and a spoiler. Nevertheless, and perhaps for this very reason, the model was very popular with tuning companies that specialized in “finishing” the appearance of the model.

In the cabin, however, everything remains as before - in front there are two places for the driver (main) and a passenger (usually random). The interior space is emphatically focused only on the owner of the car around which the world should revolve. The interior trim is not to say that it shone with quality, it was solid and pleasant. The designers, despite the power contained in the engine compartment, managed to strike a balance between “sport” and comfort. The interior of the car was far from "racing", focusing more on "metrosexuality".

Honda Prelude V, was the last of the entire series of cars of this model. It cannot be called, in our opinion, the most beautiful (after all, in our opinion, this title should remain with the fourth generation), but it can undoubtedly be called the most advanced from a technical point of view. The designers managed to put together all the advantages of a powerful engine, good transmission, spectacular appearance, and comfortable interior. This model did not become a legend, like, say, the Accord Euro R, with the same engine, or

The fifth generation of the Honda Prelude is the latest in a line of models that have been in production for over 20 years. Some fans of "charged" cars tend to become owners of this sports coupe. But is it worth contacting him?

A long hood, a low roof, a predatory "mouth" of the air intake and a squat body - everything seems to radiate energy. Prelude resembles a predator before a jump. In this model, the “breed” of real sports cars is felt. She, like all other generations of Prelude, was produced only with a coupe body. Its galvanized panels resist corrosion well, only the arches of the rear wings are affected by the “red” disease. The presence of rust in other places can only mean one thing - this copy was poorly repaired after the accident. The sparkling body should also alert - perhaps the car was recently painted for the reason we have already named. In any case, when buying a Prelude, you need to show it to bodybuilders so that they can assess whether the body geometry is broken. Certain information can also be given by the "dispersers" by checking the angles of installation of all wheels in relation to the body.

Complete unity

Once in the car, you begin to merge with it. Landing on the front seats is sporty low, it seems as if you are sitting right on the pavement - straight legs are extended forward almost parallel to the floor. All the necessary controls are placed at your fingertips. In a semi-recumbent position, everything is visible - there are no comments on visibility. Even the rear clearance is easy to feel, especially in models with a rear spoiler. True, some drivers in versions with “mechanics” complain that when they turn on the second and fourth gears, they rest their elbows on the lid of the glove box located between the front seats. In addition, taller than average front passengers sometimes complain that even with the seat fully retracted, they cannot stretch their legs normally. Weak and soundproofing.

The landing formula of this compartment is “2 + 2”, but only the ignorant will willingly agree to keep the main crew company. First, getting in and out of the rear seats is like an acrobatics trick, and it's easy to hit the top of your head on a doorway. Secondly, having climbed there, you need to immediately tighten your legs, as there is a risk that the front passengers, adjusting their seats in length (this must be done every time after reclining it), will injure your lower limbs. Thirdly, you can sit in the back only by wrapping your knees around the backs of the front seats. And finally, when driving over bumps, passengers of slightly above average height can fill bumps on the glass of the trunk lid hanging overhead. But this “charged” coupe is not for carrying passengers!

Compared to its predecessor, the interior of the Prelude V is simpler - an unremarkable dashboard with an instrument panel, on which large scales of pointers and a mechanical odometer flaunt.

Take a look at the owner

The range of engines designed for the Prelude included two gasoline engines - a 2.0-liter F20A4 and a 2.2-liter volume, which were successfully tested on their predecessor. The first power unit was borrowed from the Accord model. The second engine is equipped with a proprietary VTEC variable valve timing system and, depending on the degree of forcing, produces different powers - from 185 to 220 hp. With. (on right-hand drive Japanese versions). True, there is also a simple version of the 2.2-liter engine without VTEC (160 hp).

We officially sold cars with a 185-horsepower engine. This engine, especially when paired with "mechanics", gives amazing dynamics. Many call it "two in one". Thanks to the work of VTEC, it seems that two motors are installed under the hood. The first operates up to 5 thousand rpm, providing powerful smooth acceleration. But as soon as the tachometer needle passes the above line, the “second” turns on. It seems that the car has been pushed and given a second wind to accelerate.

On other Honda models, these same engines are able to "go out" under 400 thousand km, and on the Prelude they are often "rolled" to 150 thousand km.

According to the mechanics of the branded service station, on other models, Honda power units, with timely maintenance, are able to “go out” to overhaul almost 400 thousand km, but on the Prelude, excessively “hot” riders often “rolled” them already to 150 thousand km. Therefore, the residual life of the motor depends on the driving style of the car owner. Repairing the motor is expensive - about 8 thousand UAH. In general, there were no characteristic malfunctions of the Prelude motors.

Every 40 thousand km, the valve mechanism needs to be adjusted for thermal clearances. The timing belt is changed every 100 thousand km (period for the original spare part) along with the guide and tension rollers, as well as the balance shaft drive belt. The pump is also driven by the timing belt, but it is able to "go out" 2 of its service life.

Weird couple...

All Preludes are front-wheel drive vehicles. They were aggregated with 5-speed manual gearboxes and 4-speed Tiptronic automatics with the possibility of manual gear shifting. The "automatic" was equipped with an adaptive control program that adapts to the owner's driving style and changes the gearshift moment depending on this. 60% of these cars are equipped with "automatic", which is rather strange for a sports car.

As the mechanics said, an automatic transmission paired with a 2.2-liter engine, as a rule, does not serve for a long time - a powerful engine quickly “kills” them (“burns out” friction clutches, bearings, etc.). Depending on the temperament of the owner, the "machine" "lives" 20-100 thousand km. But the automatic transmission with a 2.0-liter engine “walks” much longer.

"Mechanics" is more tenacious, although "hot" heads manage to roll it too. Usually the synchronizers of 1st and 2nd gears "die" first. The first signs are difficult switching on when the oil is not heated, and in advanced cases - constantly. MCP repair is cheaper - about 600 UAH. spare parts and 1000 UAH. - Job. Although this is not the limit, if you have to replace other parts. The hydraulic clutch lasts for a long time and without problems.

It's nice to drive, but...

Many Prelude owners note that this car behaves confidently when driving at high speeds and excellent road holding during active cornering. And all this is thanks to the independent multi-link design of the front and rear suspensions, made according to a fundamentally identical scheme: two wishbones and one longitudinal, plus anti-roll bars. A serviceable suspension with “native” 16-inch wheels is characterized by moderate rigidity, allowing you to drive quite tolerably on our roads, and is distinguished by amazing “survivability”. But for tuning enthusiasts who install 17-inch wheels, the “chassis” becomes “stool” stiff and wears out faster.

However, when it does come time to repair the suspension, get ready for waste - it will cost a lot. So, for example, the upper arms are supplied together with ball bearings (even a non-original spare part - about 1000 UAH), the lower transverse levers - together with silent blocks (spare part - 1250 UAH), the rear bearing - together with the hub (spare parts - 1200 UAH .). The rest of the rubber bands are changed separately from the levers, for example, silent blocks of trailing levers (spare part - 300 UAH).

Here it is driving!

The steering is quite sharp and informative. It is equipped with a power steering that changes the degree of gain depending on the speed of movement. There are no comments on the reliability of these nodes - even the steering tips are able to "go out" up to 100 thousand km.

In addition, on top versions with a 2.2-liter unit, a fully controlled 4WS system was used. It is arranged as follows. On the front steering rack there is a sensor that monitors the angle of rotation of the front wheels, which, together with the ABS speed sensor, transmits information to the 4WS system control unit. He, having processed it, in turn gives a certain command to the stepping motor, which turns the rear wheels by means of steering rods. At low speed, they turn in the opposite direction from the front wheels, and at high speed - in the same direction. 4WS provides the car with excellent maneuverability (the turning radius is 15% less than a conventional car - only 4.7 m) and amazing handling in turns at high speeds. Although many note that in winter on slippery roads it can cause more problems for an unprepared driver, as it falls into a skid more than front-controlled versions, and it is much more difficult to stabilize the car.

The main problem of many Prelude is overly active owners who simply "roll" this car.

Typical 4WS problems are wear on the working surface on the steering rack at the point of contact with it of the sensor of the fully controlled system. As a result, the sensor gives incorrect information, which leads to a failure of the 4WS - according to experts, it simply turns off and is inactive, without affecting the safety of the ride. Treatment of the "disease" - grinding the shaft. Otherwise, 4WS is reliable, and troubles arise due to unskilled intervention (for example, when adjusting the toe of the rear wheels) or after an accident.

There are no complaints about the reliability of the brakes - they serve for a long time and without problems. Although, when driving aggressively, owners often complain that regular brakes overheat and lose effectiveness. Experts advise tuning the brake system by installing more powerful brake mechanisms, for example, the American Power Slot kit (about 10,000 UAH). A more budget option is to use high-temperature sports brake pads, for example, Ferodo DS2000, DS3000 series.

Take your favorites

According to experts, the main problem of the Prelude is overly active owners, who rather quickly "roll" this car and, not wanting to get involved in expensive repairs, put it up for sale. If you do not want to throw away money to restore ruined components and assemblies, buy a car only after qualified diagnostics. And even better - a copy that was in the hands of a true fan of the model. As a rule, they watch and constantly care for their pets. True, such Prelude are noticeably more expensive.

If you are interested in this model, then the weekly catalog "Autobazaar" will help you find the car you need.

Before and after…

Fourth Generation Honda Prelude, like everyone else, is represented by one modification - a coupe. Many fans of this model believe that the fourth generation was more sporty than its successor, both in terms of design and driving qualities. Although in fact both generations are structurally similar - almost the same engines were used, multi-link suspension front and rear, steering with power steering that changes the degree of gain depending on speed, and fully controlled versions of 4WS. The characteristic disadvantages are also the same - the high cost of spare parts, a small interior, heavy wear and tear of many cars.

Prelude does not have a direct successor as such. Honda marketers decided to stop the unnecessary competition that arose within the company in the late 90s between small "charged" models of the Civic Type R, Civic Coupe Si, Integra Type R and Prelude. All competitors are produced to this day, but instead of just a “hot” Prelude coupe for lovers of dynamic driving, a more high-tech and uncompromisingly sporty 2-seater S2000 roadster is offered. Like classic racing cars, it has a rear-wheel drive transmission. The car is equipped with a 6-speed "mechanics" and only one power unit - the owner of the honorary title "Best atmospheric engine". It produces a record 120 hp without any supercharging. With. from every liter of volume! Acceleration to the first "hundred" takes 6.2 s. According to the domestic dealer, the cost of the S2000 in Ukraine is UAH 218,000.

Story

10. 1996 Fifth generation Honda Prelude debuts. Versions with all steerable wheels are presented - 4WS and the ATTS system (active differential that redistributes engine torque between the drive wheels).
12. 2001 Prelude discontinued

Alternative

The most affordable of the listed competitors mainly due to the greater age of this generation of Celica. It differs from rivals in the largest number of modifications - hatchback, coupe and roadster. The last two versions were intended only for the Japanese and American markets and are rare in our country. The most widespread in Ukraine were weak 1.8-liter versions of 116 hp. s., providing a modest dynamics of 10.2 s to “hundreds”. If you are not just a fan of original cars, but are fond of active drive, look for the GT version - acceleration from 0-100 km / h in 8.1 seconds.

We, as a rule, operate versions with a hatchback body, but it is extremely problematic to find Spyder convertibles. This model was assembled in America at a common plant with Chrysler. Eclipse (2G) still has a "double brother" Eagle Talon, although in Ukraine they can also be counted on one hand. The advantage over competitors is the availability of all-wheel drive versions, however, front-wheel drive "brothers" come across more often. The most powerful modifications with a 2.0 liter Turbo engine are a rarity with us. The 2.0-liter atmospheric versions are more widespread, although they are not very dynamic - acceleration to “hundreds” takes 9.4 s.

Like the Honda Prelude, the Nissan 200 SX (S14) comes in just one modification - the coupe. It differs from all of the above competitors by the classic rear-wheel drive transmission layout. It is equipped with only one engine - 2.0 l Turbo, which provides the stock car with excellent dynamics - 7.5 s to the first "hundred". Another "plus" is an excellent weight distribution along the axes. True, to find a 200 SX in the “14th” body, you will have to try hard - it is less common than other competitors. Although this kind of exclusivity, on the contrary, amuses the pride of the owners.

Average prices for new non-original spare parts, UAH*
Front brake pads
Rear brake pads
Air filter
Fuel filter
Oil filter
Front/rear bearing hubs
Shock absorber front/rear
Spherical bearing
Tie Rod
Clutch kit
timing belt
Timing tensioner
* Prices may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and modification of the car. Prices provided by the company "Autotechnics"

Summary of "Autocentre"

Honda
Total information
body type	coupe
doors/seats
Dimensions, L/W/H, m	4545/1750/1320
Equipment weight / full, kg	1240/1680
Trunk volume, l
Tank volume, l
Engines
Petrol 4-cyl.:	2.0 L 16V (133 HP), 2.2 L 16V (160 HP),2.2 l 16V VTEC (185 hp), 2.2 l 16V VTEC (190 hp), 2.2 l 16V VTEC (200 hp), 2.2L 16V VTEC (220 HP)
Transmission
type of drive	anterior
	5-st. fur. or 4-st. ed.
Chassis
Brakes front/rear	disk. vent./disk
Suspension front/rear	unmarried / unmarried
	195/60 R15, 205/50 R16
We are standing. in Ukraine, $	from 13.3 thousand to 18.0 thousand
According to the catalog "Autobazaar"

Julius Maksimchuk
Photo by Andrey Yatsulyak

The editors would like to thank the service station of the Dnipro Motor Invest company for their help in preparing the material

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

The fifth generation was the last among the rather rare Honda coupes called Prelude. This time he will pay attention to this beautiful and powerful car produced from 1996 to 2001. In technical terms, it is impossible to call 5 a novelty, it is built on the developments of the previous - fourth model, from which they were borrowed: engines, chassis, rear wheel steering system, as well as power steering that changes the force on the steering wheel, but the appearance and interior of the new Japanese coupe have undergone significant changes .

Take a look at the photo of the Fifth Prelude, notice that its headlights are "stretched" vertically and the taillights are "stretched" horizontally. Stylistically, the optics of the fifth model is fundamentally different from the optics of the previous one. models, and this is good, because in the shapes and proportions of the body itself, the Prelude of 1991 is still recognizable. The car of the fifth generation became heavier: if the lightest Fourth Prelude had a curb weight of 1190 kg, then the 1996 model weighs at least 1240 kg in curb condition. With a body length of 4545mm, the wheelbase of the Japanese woman is 2585mm, and the ground clearance is 140mm. The width of the body of the Japanese two-door is 1750mm, and the height is only 1315mm - this is a low, sports car that easily cuts through the air and tenaciously clings to the track. As in the case of its predecessor, the body of the Japanese woman is protected by zinc and the appearance of rust on it speaks only of poor-quality repair of the damaged body panel.

The main difference between the Fifth Prelude and the Fourth, which you can see in the salon, consists in the front panel, which has become much more simple and traditional, it no longer has an electronic fuel gauge and engine temperature. All devices fit under the visor - in front of the driver. No more, "stretched" along the entire torpedo dashboard, which looked so impressive on the previous Prelude model. After the "spacecraft" tidy 4, the ventilation sliders on the dashboard of the 5th model look, to put it mildly, outdated. The fact that the two-door Honda is not a “drift car” is indicated by the handbrake shifted closer to the passenger - you can see this in the photo. Otherwise, landing in front - as in the 4th Prelude - is almost on the floor, with a large margin of legroom, and in the back, as in most two-doors, there is quite a bit of space, but this can hardly be called a minus, given the class and purpose of this car. The trunk capacity of 284 liters, as for a coupe, is not bad, in terms of volume it surpasses even some hatchbacks.

Specifications Honda Prelude 5, 1996 - 2001

The base two-liter F20A4 engine with a power of 133 horses accelerates the Honda Prelude to 100 km in 9.2 seconds. Of course, in itself, such an acceleration rate is not very bad, but for a car with a sporty image, these are not impressive numbers.

The 2.2 without Vtech develops 160hp, but the 2.2 VTEC produces 185hp and allows the owner of a Japanese woman to catapult to hundreds in just 7.5 seconds, in addition to this, it is very important that the Vtech 2.2 provides an excellent set not only from a standstill, but also on the move.

Honda motors are not equipped with hydraulic lifters and every 40,000 km they need to adjust the thermal gaps. The timing belt, with all rollers, as well as the balancing shaft drive belt, should be changed every 100,000 km (when using original spare parts). The pump takes care of two timing belt life.

"In-line" cars can be equipped with the 4WS system, which turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds, and towards the front wheels at high speeds. Thanks to the 4WS system, the maneuverability of the Japanese woman was improved by 15%, stability on the track increased significantly, but according to the owners, it is more difficult to get a fully controlled car out of a skid, this requires experience in driving a car with rear wheels that can be turned in extreme situations.

Honda Prelude 5 price

You can buy a Honda Prelude 5 in a normal, not rolled condition for $8,000. It is not uncommon for a Honda Prelude 5 to cost $10,000.

As in the case of the fourth generation model, the reviewed Japanese woman on the secondary is almost always offered with a base, two-liter engine. Yes - this engine confidently (by the standards of ordinary cars) pushes the coupe forward, but it does not have that excitement that is present on VTEC cars. For this reason, fans are looking for a Honda coupe with this engine.

Honda Prelude

Model Description

Honda Prelude is a classic compact coupe that was produced from 1978 until the end of 2001. Among Honda's sports lineup, the Prelude sits between the small Integra and the NSX sports car.
Honda Prelude competitors: Toyota Celica, Nissan SX/Silvia, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Opel Calibra and other small sports coupes.

Such cars are created for active driving, and an important component of this is a powerful engine. The 4th generation Honda Prelude engines are the F20A, F22A, F22B, H22 and H23A inline-fours. The wave output of these engines is typical for compact coupes of the 90s and varies from 133 to 200 hp. On Prelude 5, in simple trim levels, F20A and F22B engines were used, the power of which is 133 and 160 hp. For the top versions, they left the H22A, which, depending on the version, shows from 185 to 220 hp.

Below you will find out which engines were installed on the Prelude and what are their differences, the characteristics of these engines, their problems and the causes of these problems. And also, engine oil for these engines, their approximate resource, of course, there are tuning options, we will tell you how to increase the power of your Prelude and make it go even better than it is now.