Sorry guys, we asked Honda a few times if it was for sale and sadly, it isn’t. But feel free to let us know in the comments how much you’d pay for this car if it were listed on Bring A Trailer?
Too damn much, bruh. I've had four of these, and my last one was even in this color, just a base model. Seeing you post this video, and the last one makes me want to get another one 😭 This car is my Eleanor.
Been waiting forever for this video, my affordabledream car in high school, was looking at the 4th gen Prelude as well. Car styling aged extremely well for a 25 year old design
Sofyan, I want to note that some of the OEM options include foglights that were placed below the turn signals (projector style for USDM, covers the whole housing for JDM), body kit, carbon fiber interior kit (and gauge cluster) that would spice up the look some. Also, you mention double wishbone. The Prelude, from 3rd gen to this 5th gen, are all 4-wheel double wishbone, not just the front. The SH was the best handing car under $30k (according to Car & Driver) due to the chassis and ATTS.
this is part of the reason why i think i will keep my prelude for the rest of my life. It's almost become an artifact. so rare to see these days and i always get compliments how clean mine is even though its my daily driver. This car will always have a special place in my heart
It is. It's a special car and there will never, ever be another car like it. Despite the cliche, they quite literally, cannot, make them like this anymore.
just beautiful. 1990 to 2000 was the golden generation of Japanese cars. they're timeless. Nowadays i dont think Honda could make a worthy successor of this one.
The S2000 was excellent, and more recently I’d say the previous gen Si was as close as you’re gonna get. Although much heavier than the prelude it still had a great high revving n/a that was great fun.
@@asdfghjqwertyu1858 Can't say I miss my 1985 Prelude one bit, and it is my least favorite vehicle that I owned. The dual carburetor setup was a nightmare, and I had to drive around with a can of starter spray to keep it able to start.
@@f181234 "Get's really hot in the summer and doesn't breath very well"...? Everything gets hot in the summer and the only thing that breathes is ventilated cooled leather seats but not all cars have them. I would rather sit in velour seats than standard leather in the summer, they're like fry pans when heated up and super sticky as your legs sweat. I always have a towel over my leather seats in the summer and those are like velour. Leather will also freeze your butt in the winter. Velour has a superior insulating effect in both temperature extremes. Yuck! Bring back the velour I say.
Pacific Blue I originally have leather seats in my lude, however i bought a pair of velour seats to avoid the fry pan effect of sitting on leather in the summer. I havent tried them in extremely cold temperatures yet, but i believe theyll provide more comfort then also. 🤙🏼
There were actual leather seats only available in the Canadian market... I'm still rather happy with my black velour seats. They still endure the test of time.
@@draino03 That car just had so much personality. My brother got a base auto back in 2006. It was slow as an economy car and less comfortable too, but something about that car had so much charm.
@@doctorferdinand1003 the Type S I had wasn't slow for those times and as a teenager it was amazing to me. but you said the exact thing, it had a ton of personality. That car has shaped how I look at vehicles my entire life. Every car I buy has to have something interesting now. I've owned an Camaro SS 1LE, and recently replaced it with an F Type R. Still, I wish I kept that little RSX man. I miss it.
Though my Prelude Type SH (in Ficus Green Pearl) is modded, tons of miles, and slower than my current car, it was, and still is a joy to drive. It's a mostly analog car of that era, and sitting behind the wheel for me is like sitting in Honda's rich automotive history. Much of the technology from the Prelude line (ex: ATTS) has lived on through other cars (ex: SH-AWD). I bought it new 20 years ago, and I hope to keep it indefinitely.
I plan to keep mine as well James. Had mine since Dec 2001. It still brings a smile to my face till this day, and when driven, its a different type of experience all together.
@@Kantoh22 you know what my other ride is these days 😁, but there's something about the Prelude that is part sentimental, classic, simple, emotional, and more that's just hard to quantify.
@@Joe_Friday no, no JRSC on mine. I had a chance to get that kit, but backed out. My other ride is a 2019 Kia Stinger GT1 AWD. It's not stock either. :)
I love these old Honda VTEC engines. I had a 1999 Civic Si for a while and I loved it. Yes it was pretty slow, but that didn't matter. These cars were never about raw speed, they were about driver engagement. I would love to see a modern interpretation of the Prelude, for sure.
Agreed. I owned a 3rd gen and still own a 5th gen. The very first time I sat in a 5th gen at an auto show, I felt like I've come home. As for the looks, my wife disagrees, she thinks the 4th gen was the best-looking Prelude. :p
In my opinion. The 4th Gen is by far the best prelude.. basically same power as the 5th Gen”h22” and also lighter than the 5th Gen. 3rd Gen is ridiculously slow.
I completely agree with you! Honda clearly has the powerful engines down pat. They NEED a roadster again, even though convertibles don't sell too well, that's the only thing I truly miss!
I have one of these with 120k miles 1 owner in Milano red & maaan this just makes me wanna collect a bunch of old Honda’s 👌🏼 amazing car & so damn simple! I love it!
Absolutely beautiful. I got my moms 1997 prelude and I love it. It was one of the first silver 5th gens in the US, she had to wait for it to get shipped in. It’s more worn down than this but still nice.
it's beautiful, my dream car when I was a kid, I finally got one recently, base model manual, just love how it drives and makes you feel, the visibility, handling, and shifter are so satisfying
It was fun to hear Soyfan say "this car has no torque", this brought back memories when i first bought my 2001 black prelude back in college. You really had to keep the revs up, but that being said is 75% of the fun. The engine screaming while taking tight turns in the canyon was what this car was designed for. Sadly had to sell the car with 56k miles. :'(
I’m keeping my 2001 base model since purchase new. It’s not fast. But the VTEC makes it so much fun to drive. And throttle by wire it has, you don’t find it anymore in any car nowadays. Easy to work on. I did the timing belt and water pump combo with just basic tools. The clutch is easy to maneuver. Handles corners great with aftermarket coil over.
That's a gorgeous example of a '99 5thgen Prelude!! I actually have a '99 5thgen Honda Prelude in the same color (Nordic Mist), my 5thgen is a 5speed manual from the factory but not a Type SH. I also have factory black leather seats, factory foglights, factory spoiler and factory tethering anchor's for baby seats. My 5thgen Prelude was considered a Base Model (only difference is the lack of ATTS). Everyone of those options from black leather interior to factory spoiler was chosen by the original owner. I actually have all the original paperwork/stickers and service history that I got from the original owner when I purchased it from him. I love the 5thgen Prelude and it took over a year to find my 5thgen. I originally owned a '99 5thgen base model with an automatic sport shift model and I loved that car but as many enthusiasts know that the automatic transmissions has some issues with leaking. After I sold the automatic 5thgen and was on a mission to find an unmolested version of the 5thgen Honda Prelude. Thank you for showing that beautiful version of the 5thgeneration Honda Prelude.
My first decent car, an 85 prelude 1.8 manual was unbelievably fun to drive. It only had 100HP but the gearing was great, it was light and loved to Rev until it screamed. Great cruising at 65 on the interstate and if you revved up in 4th gear enough you could shift into 5th and top out right at 100mph.
I used to have a Black 5spd manual 86 Si w/ the pop up lights. I put some bad ass 5 spoke 16 inch alloy wheels on it, this was back in 97 I was 17. I was the SHIIIIT in that car. That car was bad ass i loved it all my friends loved it. It was the car i did Phx to La in just 4 hours. I drove so fast i blew the AC compressor when i got back the engine was just at full tilt for a long time. Other than that (and it was me squeezing it) it never had any issues. My brand new bf TOTALED IT! I remember waking up to the call and him telling me. I married him and its been 20 years! He was nice enough to pay me off. Which told me he was an awesome guy. And yea I agree they should bring it back.
Absolutely Stunning Prelude!! I owned a 2003 RSX Type-S for several years. WOW Do I ever miss that car! Excellent video as always. The Prelude is one of those examples of a timeless machine.
My first car was an 89 Honda Prelude. Loved that car! 5 speed manual with a sunroof and it revved! Could corner on a dime. I do wish Honda would bring back the Prelude.👍
Having a bone stock SH is an honor. I’ve owned Subarus, Datsun, Toyotas and the Acura CL w the SOHC F22B but nothing makes me smile like the SH. Thanks for a great review! Honda loooooove! ❤️🔥🏹🫡
I owned a 2001 5 speed base prelude for 5 years and absolutely loved it. I’ve owned cars with significantly more power and the prelude was by far the most fun to drive.
I loved this car. Had one from 2000-2007. Some of my best memories of driving were in that Prelude. Wasn’t the fastest, but it was never about that. It was always about that analog feel it provided. I felt like I could drive anywhere with so much confidence
That interior is better than 90% of the stuff you see today. No fake engine noise being pumped into the cabin, no piano black, actual physical buttons for everything like climate controls and volume, no stuck on tablet screen taking up space on the dash, actual physical easy to read gauges and instrument cluster, a manual parking brake. Where the only thing you do when you get in it is drive. People of today have forgotten that.
I owned one of these cars in ‘00s and drove all around Southern California when I was 2x years old. It was so pure with great experience and memory. Thanks a lot for this review. It brings me back to time. Loves.
Thanks for this, Sofyan. It's great to see my daily driver through someone else's eyes! I own the base 5 speed, not the SH, in the same crystal blue metallic color that only looks blue around dusk. Bought mine new in 1999 and it's given me so many fun miles since. It's not a great fit for my life now so I'm looking for a hatchback or very small SUV/crossover. But I know I will regret not having the fun of this late-'90s Japanese interpretation of a GT car. The engine is fantastic, the visibility is great, the understeer and skinny-for-today tires are simply part of the package. You're right about needing a sixth gear - at highway speeds it should be cruising at lower RPMs but it can't. On the other hand, I love that VTEC high torque band. It surprises me to this day that Honda dropped the Prelude from its lineup. This car is bare-bones when it comes to the tech we expect from today's models, but it remains a classy joy to drive, every damn time.
It surprises me too that Honda dropped the Prelude (and S2000 as well), and that Acura dropped the Integra. People will say they were low volume, but they weren't that low volume, and a company like Honda with high-volume sales of so many other models should have been able to keep these cars going. The amount of goodwill and enthusiasm it brought to the brand alone would have justified them, in my opinion.
I had a 97 SH. I regret getting rid of it. Amazing car, so much fun to drive and for the time it was definitely quick, handled incredibly well using torque to outside wheel. I kept that car until 2012 still to this day it’s my favorite car owned. RIP prelude. Don’t forget about it’s older AWD steering on earlier generation that was awesome. Fantastic engineering and reliability.
Loved these, and in 97 and 98 it won Car and Drivers best handling car under $30,000. They are/were a joy to drive and the VTEC noises are just amazing!
i bought a 99 typeSH in nighthawk black as my first new car, and your review was spot on. the 2 things i disliked about the car were the 2 cons you pointed out, which were the tires and the skinny steering wheel. the car originally came with bridgestone re92 tires, and those were horrendous. i literally shredded those tires in less than 5K miles. i replaced them with performance summer tires and that made a night and day difference. ATTS worked tremendously. you could literally floor the throttle while cornering, and the system would crisply pivot you around a corner without complaint. i took the car in for service one day and ended up trading in the lude and left with a brand new 2002 s2k in sebring silver. i was happy to own and drive the s2k, but i missed the lude. to this day, the lude has a special place in my heart. thanks for making this video. it certainly was nostalgic.
That was my dream car back when I was in highschool. Prelude SH, Civic Si. I really wanted the S2000 the most but that was not ever going to happen. Had I known better the ITR would have been the best option.
Coupes and sports cars have never been money makers, but sports cars have always served as invaluable marketing tools. They create brand awareness and desire among the youth that creates loyalty to the makers for decades to come. The only reason I’ve owned a new Accord and two new pilots is because of my love for my Preludes and s2000s.
Honda bring this back! Keep styling clean like this, make the safety nannies optional and manual trans standard. The Prelude name will have ppl lining up if u don’t fock it up
Based on how FWD coupes sell, no they won't be. Sadly the market isn't there, and hasn't been for a while. This generation of prelude was killed off because of low sales too
"VTEC kickin' in" gave me goose bumps as I vividly remember that sensation at 5250. When I was 7, my uncle had a red 85 prelude and asked him if I can have it when I get my license. 12 years later, as my second car after 95 Integra, got myself a black 99 Prelude. Best car I've had to date hands down, including cars like G35 coupe, 335i coupe, couple Boxsters, E400 coupe. I just loved it and all the good memories that came along with the car. Thanks for the video.
I feel like the Prelude could possibly make a return as a coupe with the Accord 2.0T engine, with a choice between the 6 speed manual and the 10 speed auto (keep that filthy CVT away from my precious Prelude!). Probably based on the Accord platform, but a different body.
My wife bought a black 1998 base Prelude with the 4-speed Sportronic automatic transmission in March 1998 as her first car after graduating from college. Actually, I had intended to buy one after college, but she saw a red ‘97 Prelude on the cover of one of my Car & Driver magazines and she wanted one and beat me to it ! Yes, the interior certainly left much to be desired: slider climate controls, velour seats (pretty decently bolstered and comfortable), thin-handled steering wheel (never liked it). But when it came down to it, it was a blast to drive! I loved driving it through the twisties, so light and athletic with great feeling in the steering wheel. My favorite aspect of the Prelude was the engine, of course. It was still quick with the auto transmission. Whenever we were on open road, I’d flip the lever to manual mode and rev her to redline, feeling the power surge come on when the VTEC kicked in and hearing the engine scream. It was awesome! I even caught a couple of late 90’s Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T’s by surprise at stoplights. After my daughter was born, we held on to the Prelude and somehow squeezed a rear-facing baby seat in the back. A few years after my son was born, it was time to let our Prelude go. We sold her in February 2012 with over 150k trouble-free miles on her. I still think about that car😌.
Owned a 1999 Prelude Type SH when it was brand new. Probably one of the cars I've had the most emotional attachment. I've owned the Integra Type R and two S2000 (AP1 and AP2) when it comes to Honda cars. Currently drive a 2020 Civic SI as a daily beater. Man, I miss the Prelude SH. I've owned a ton of different cars over the years and Prelude still gets a reaction out of me.
My first car in 2003 was a used with only 23k miles Black 1999 Prelude SH. I think about my 20’s and that car in the ‘00s all the time!!! I miss that car!!!!!!
I’m about to get one from a lady. 1999 Honda prelude stock untouched. Only 100k miles and she only wants 3k. This almost feels like a dream. Everything is still original and there’s nothing wrong with the car.
Cars from this era were just perfect; simple, reliable, beautiful, engaging, and came with manuals. Cars like these are imo just superior to most modern computers on wheels. Those really were the glory days of the automobile.
Always wanted a Prelude, great review, Honda's of the 90's were the best value, combined great handling, fun to drive, and fantastic build quality unlike most cars of today.
It was your old videos and this 'era of Honda that got me into Honda! I now own a 2006 Accord V6.... It's freaking awesome! Thanks for getting me into Honda, Sofyan!
LUSTED after these back when I was in high school. Sad that Honda never produced a successor to it. Frankly, I doubt Honda would be able to produce a car as beautiful today. Perhaps it is better to let the Prelude name rest in peace, forever...
When I was in college, my grandfather gave me his 1987 Prelude Si with only 87,000 miles on it. Spent a month cleaning it up (he did smoke in it) and only kept it for a month after that (my parents wanted me driving a safer car). Still, it was a fun time driving that. The velvour seats in this one reminded me of that car.
Now is the time. Honda, Please bring back the Prelude. I have owned a '95, now own a '94 Si, all-stock. Still with 200k plus, drives amazingly. I would definitely purchase a new one! The Prelude, has been MY car over the years. 😁
My brother had a ‘98 metallic green prelude type R. It was fantastic! Loved riding in and driving that car! I had a 5 speed 97 civic coupe. Such fun cars to drive!
I just sold my 2.2 motegi manual (UK). It was burning oil and smoking blue smoke, I couldn't afford a rebuild so had to make a sensible decision. It was my dream car. It hurt but I had loads of fun amazing car.
This is awesome. Huge huge classic Honda Fan. I just got myself a 00 s2000 w/33k miles. Runs and looks in almost prestine shape. Also never modified. These classic Hondas are going up in value. And good reason why they don't break if prev owners did proper maintenance. As much as I love the Prelude dont think there's room in the lineup. I'd rather have a new s2000.
My mother owned 3 different Preludes from new. A mk3, mk4 and one of these mk5's. My personal favourite was the mk4 which is still one lovely looking car to this day. Thing about the Prelude was though, it always had real substance to back up the looks and not all coupes of this era did. Really miss the Prelude. Please Honda BRING BACK THE PRELUDE!
Mine was the 1997 in Forest Green. I miss it SOOOO much. Type-SH to be clear...slamming the throttle around corners was exhilarating as it would pull you around the corner and wag the rears a bit inducing a very subtle oversteer...
the idea of bringing back the prelude is a good one. unfortunately theres not enough demand for coupes in the current market. its about practicality, along with the "what else can this do" shopping trend is driving down sales of coupes. theres still demand, but very little for most companies to consider producing coupes right now.
This car is beaaaauuuuutiful. Back in like 2004 i sent my car a 92 accord lx coupe, it was white with the nice factory spoiler. I sent it to a build shop for the H22A1 swap. Here in Canada in new Brunswick there's a company called downforce Motorsports they ordered me a 1997 engine from Tokyo motor Imports out of Quebec Canada, these engines come right from Japan with low mileage due to the expense of keeping an older car on the road so these engines are shipped out to North America and gobbled up by tuners. Anyway they install it into my 5-speed Accord what an amazing difference 75 extra horsepower zero to 60 in about 6 seconds a quarter mile of 14.8 this is 15 - 16 years ago so that's quick
I love old school Hondas. My first car was an 08 Honda Fit with the manual transmission. That car had some of the old Honda goodness. The engine loved to rev and sounded great, the handling was super sharp and responsive, and the shifter is still the best I’ve ever used.
Duuuuude!! I had that exact same car Type Sh!!! Same year, same color, same model etc. I miss that car. It was my first “new” car. I believe that specific color was called ‘Nordic Mist’.
This was a time when Honda was just in their glory days in terms of cars~~ The 90s and early 2000s when when they really were just putting out amazing cars like this Prelude. It's so timeless in its design, and who could forget that old school Honda VTEC engine that sounded so good, and it still sounds good to this day. Honda probably won't be able to make a successor to this car, but for what this car is, it was one of Honda's best cars in my opinion.
I love this car and the pristine condition it's in. But I wouldn't want to own it, as being a classic Honda in that kind of condition, it would certainly get stolen faster than some of the exotic cars he reviewed.
Great vid! I miss my black '98 Type S. Mine was slammed to the ground. It was built so well, had tight steering, and loved how it handled. Wide body beast!
Just got a prestine 66k mile 2001 Prelude. One of my favorite cars of all time in terms of just how enjoyable it is to drive. Honda should definitely bring it back and finally give it it's much needed type R treatment!
My dad owned a 2001 RSX. It was a great car. It had heated seats and an automatic transmission. You couldn't want anything more with these cars. Honda's and Acura's are excellent
There were optional fogs for the 5th gen, they were round and sat just below the turn signals, there were also JDM fogs that filled the entire spot below the turn signals.
My dad had one of these. I love it so much. Too bad he sold it to get a Civic Si. But yet again, he had a MK4 Supra as a first car. But still I want one of these Soo bad! Especially since you can get a good one for about $19,000, decent for $15,000, and a prestine one for $20,000 to about $30,000.
Sorry guys, we asked Honda a few times if it was for sale and sadly, it isn’t. But feel free to let us know in the comments how much you’d pay for this car if it were listed on Bring A Trailer?
Too damn much, bruh.
I've had four of these, and my last one was even in this color, just a base model. Seeing you post this video, and the last one makes me want to get another one 😭 This car is my Eleanor.
30k
Been waiting forever for this video, my affordabledream car in high school, was looking at the 4th gen Prelude as well. Car styling aged extremely well for a 25 year old design
4k at most.
Saw a really clean one for sale out on the road with 17ok miles for $2500.
Sofyan, I want to note that some of the OEM options include foglights that were placed below the turn signals (projector style for USDM, covers the whole housing for JDM), body kit, carbon fiber interior kit (and gauge cluster) that would spice up the look some. Also, you mention double wishbone. The Prelude, from 3rd gen to this 5th gen, are all 4-wheel double wishbone, not just the front. The SH was the best handing car under $30k (according to Car & Driver) due to the chassis and ATTS.
This generation of Prelude is beautiful.
*One of the most timeless cars ever made. Simply a masterpiece. Bravo, Honda.* 👍❤️
this is part of the reason why i think i will keep my prelude for the rest of my life. It's almost become an artifact. so rare to see these days and i always get compliments how clean mine is even though its my daily driver. This car will always have a special place in my heart
It is. It's a special car and there will never, ever be another car like it. Despite the cliche, they quite literally, cannot, make them like this anymore.
Great car
Keep it forever. Even as a daily. Whenever it develops a flaws fix it.
just beautiful. 1990 to 2000 was the golden generation of Japanese cars. they're timeless. Nowadays i dont think Honda could make a worthy successor of this one.
They could, but they won’t.
miss the 1983-2005 Honda. They just are not the same since 2006.
The S2000 was excellent, and more recently I’d say the previous gen Si was as close as you’re gonna get. Although much heavier than the prelude it still had a great high revving n/a that was great fun.
@@asdfghjqwertyu1858 Can't say I miss my 1985 Prelude one bit, and it is my least favorite vehicle that I owned. The dual carburetor setup was a nightmare, and I had to drive around with a can of starter spray to keep it able to start.
Regulations suck!
The seat fabric was velour, it’s still the most comfortable especially if you don’t like leather. Honda’s were fun to drive back then.
Pacific Blue it gets really hot in the summer and doesn’t breath very well
@@f181234
"Get's really hot in the summer and doesn't breath very well"...? Everything gets hot in the summer and the only thing that breathes is ventilated cooled leather seats but not all cars have them. I would rather sit in velour seats than standard leather in the summer, they're like fry pans when heated up and super sticky as your legs sweat. I always have a towel over my leather seats in the summer and those are like velour. Leather will also freeze your butt in the winter. Velour has a superior insulating effect in both temperature extremes. Yuck! Bring back the velour I say.
Pacific Blue I originally have leather seats in my lude, however i bought a pair of velour seats to avoid the fry pan effect of sitting on leather in the summer. I havent tried them in extremely cold temperatures yet, but i believe theyll provide more comfort then also. 🤙🏼
There were actual leather seats only available in the Canadian market... I'm still rather happy with my black velour seats. They still endure the test of time.
This and the rsx were just the perfect cars. Everything you needed, nothing you didn’t.
I bought an RSX when I turned 18 and kept that baby for 11 years. It's probably nostalgia kicking in but it's still my favorite car I've ever own.
@@draino03 That car just had so much personality. My brother got a base auto back in 2006. It was slow as an economy car and less comfortable too, but something about that car had so much charm.
I have an 06 TL and I gotta tell you with minor rust spots ....thing is a beaut
love the 1990 to 2005 nsx as well.
@@doctorferdinand1003 the Type S I had wasn't slow for those times and as a teenager it was amazing to me. but you said the exact thing, it had a ton of personality. That car has shaped how I look at vehicles my entire life. Every car I buy has to have something interesting now. I've owned an Camaro SS 1LE, and recently replaced it with an F Type R. Still, I wish I kept that little RSX man. I miss it.
"She ain't so tight anymore" - No comment.
Its funnier to me because he's gay lol
Sam Lung Proof?
@@ATH-camChannelwithNoName
He's married to a man lol and even before that it was obvious he was gay
Sam Lung Source?
@@samlung2724 tell me your joking
"VTEC kickin' in, yo!" I knew that was coming! Bring it back, Honda.
Though my Prelude Type SH (in Ficus Green Pearl) is modded, tons of miles, and slower than my current car, it was, and still is a joy to drive. It's a mostly analog car of that era, and sitting behind the wheel for me is like sitting in Honda's rich automotive history. Much of the technology from the Prelude line (ex: ATTS) has lived on through other cars (ex: SH-AWD). I bought it new 20 years ago, and I hope to keep it indefinitely.
I plan to keep mine as well James. Had mine since Dec 2001. It still brings a smile to my face till this day, and when driven, its a different type of experience all together.
“Ficus Green Pearl”. Honda had. Knack for color naming back in the day. (I had a Clover Green Pearl 2000 Integra.)
@@Kantoh22 you know what my other ride is these days 😁, but there's something about the Prelude that is part sentimental, classic, simple, emotional, and more that's just hard to quantify.
@@JamesSarino What's your other ride? And did you install a Jackson Racing supercharger in your SH?
@@Joe_Friday no, no JRSC on mine. I had a chance to get that kit, but backed out. My other ride is a 2019 Kia Stinger GT1 AWD. It's not stock either. :)
I love these old Honda VTEC engines. I had a 1999 Civic Si for a while and I loved it. Yes it was pretty slow, but that didn't matter. These cars were never about raw speed, they were about driver engagement. I would love to see a modern interpretation of the Prelude, for sure.
Loved and still love this Honda Prelude! Great video, so happy you were able to drive this
I still have my 2000 Prelude in the same color and 99% still stock. Almost as clean as this one. It still gets so many looks and compliments.
I like how this 5th gen is kind of a ‘retro’ design, modernizing design cues from the 3rd Gen Prelude.
Agreed. I owned a 3rd gen and still own a 5th gen. The very first time I sat in a 5th gen at an auto show, I felt like I've come home. As for the looks, my wife disagrees, she thinks the 4th gen was the best-looking Prelude. :p
Yeah, thoes headlights definitely scream, "if it wasn't for regulations, i would be pop up"
In my opinion. The 4th Gen is by far the best prelude.. basically same power as the 5th Gen”h22” and also lighter than the 5th Gen.
3rd Gen is ridiculously slow.
They need to bring this and the S2k back!
I completely agree with you! Honda clearly has the powerful engines down pat. They NEED a roadster again, even though convertibles don't sell too well, that's the only thing I truly miss!
And the lntegra.
Do people not understand that vehicles like this and the S2000 are now prohibited due to regulations?
Toby Corbin what is the regulation that prohibits them?
@@verdict1163 Yes. And they suck.
I have one of these with 120k miles 1 owner in Milano red & maaan this just makes me wanna collect a bunch of old Honda’s 👌🏼 amazing car & so damn simple! I love it!
Absolutely beautiful. I got my moms 1997 prelude and I love it. It was one of the first silver 5th gens in the US, she had to wait for it to get shipped in. It’s more worn down than this but still nice.
it's beautiful, my dream car when I was a kid, I finally got one recently, base model manual, just love how it drives and makes you feel, the visibility, handling, and shifter are so satisfying
It was fun to hear Soyfan say "this car has no torque", this brought back memories when i first bought my 2001 black prelude back in college.
You really had to keep the revs up, but that being said is 75% of the fun. The engine screaming while taking tight turns in the canyon was what this car was designed for.
Sadly had to sell the car with 56k miles. :'(
Watching this in 2024, now that they’re bringing back the Prelude!!!! I have been waiting for so long!!!
I’m keeping my 2001 base model since purchase new. It’s not fast. But the VTEC makes it so much fun to drive. And throttle by wire it has, you don’t find it anymore in any car nowadays. Easy to work on. I did the timing belt and water pump combo with just basic tools. The clutch is easy to maneuver. Handles corners great with aftermarket coil over.
That's a gorgeous example of a '99 5thgen Prelude!! I actually have a '99 5thgen Honda Prelude in the same color (Nordic Mist), my 5thgen is a 5speed manual from the factory but not a Type SH. I also have factory black leather seats, factory foglights, factory spoiler and factory tethering anchor's for baby seats. My 5thgen Prelude was considered a Base Model (only difference is the lack of ATTS). Everyone of those options from black leather interior to factory spoiler was chosen by the original owner. I actually have all the original paperwork/stickers and service history that I got from the original owner when I purchased it from him. I love the 5thgen Prelude and it took over a year to find my 5thgen. I originally owned a '99 5thgen base model with an automatic sport shift model and I loved that car but as many enthusiasts know that the automatic transmissions has some issues with leaking. After I sold the automatic 5thgen and was on a mission to find an unmolested version of the 5thgen Honda Prelude. Thank you for showing that beautiful version of the 5thgeneration Honda Prelude.
"She ain't so tight anymore unfortunately over the years..." 😆😆 Jokes aside, this was a nice trip down memory lane
I've always loved the Prelude. Honda needs to bring it back.
My first decent car, an 85 prelude 1.8 manual was unbelievably fun to drive. It only had 100HP but the gearing was great, it was light and loved to Rev until it screamed. Great cruising at 65 on the interstate and if you revved up in 4th gear enough you could shift into 5th and top out right at 100mph.
I used to have a Black 5spd manual 86 Si w/ the pop up lights. I put some bad ass 5 spoke 16 inch alloy wheels on it, this was back in 97 I was 17. I was the SHIIIIT in that car. That car was bad ass i loved it all my friends loved it. It was the car i did Phx to La in just 4 hours. I drove so fast i blew the AC compressor when i got back the engine was just at full tilt for a long time. Other than that (and it was me squeezing it) it never had any issues. My brand new bf TOTALED IT! I remember waking up to the call and him telling me. I married him and its been 20 years! He was nice enough to pay me off. Which told me he was an awesome guy. And yea I agree they should bring it back.
Absolutely Stunning Prelude!!
I owned a 2003 RSX Type-S for several years. WOW Do I ever miss that car! Excellent video as always. The Prelude is one of those examples of a timeless machine.
My first car was an 89 Honda Prelude. Loved that car! 5 speed manual with a sunroof and it revved! Could corner on a dime. I do wish Honda would bring back the Prelude.👍
3rd gens are the greatest Lude ever. No doubt about that.
It was such a treat to see this in person the other day 😁 that 90’s Honda smell is intoxicating LOL
The nostalgia....all the memories flooding back of when I owned one. Was in my 20s. I LOVED this and the previous gen prelude.
Having a bone stock SH is an honor. I’ve owned Subarus, Datsun, Toyotas and the Acura CL w the SOHC F22B but nothing makes me smile like the SH. Thanks for a great review!
Honda loooooove! ❤️🔥🏹🫡
Thanks for making me feel old. Honda from my childhood was the late 70’s civic. We called it the puddle jumper
Just pure and simple stuff, all we need. Sometimes I wish to be living back in the 90’s.
I had this exact year and optioned car in the tri-coat white and LOVED IT!!! Thx for bringing back those memories for a Honda/Acura guy!
I would totally want a new version of this. I was just 17 or 18 when this first came out and always wanted one back then
I owned a 2001 5 speed base prelude for 5 years and absolutely loved it. I’ve owned cars with significantly more power and the prelude was by far the most fun to drive.
Had a 98 Prelude. Automatic. I miss it 😪 Such a great car.
I loved this car. Had one from 2000-2007. Some of my best memories of driving were in that Prelude. Wasn’t the fastest, but it was never about that. It was always about that analog feel it provided. I felt like I could drive anywhere with so much confidence
That interior is better than 90% of the stuff you see today. No fake engine noise being pumped into the cabin, no piano black, actual physical buttons for everything like climate controls and volume, no stuck on tablet screen taking up space on the dash, actual physical easy to read gauges and instrument cluster, a manual parking brake.
Where the only thing you do when you get in it is drive. People of today have forgotten that.
I owned one of these cars in ‘00s and drove all around Southern California when I was 2x years old. It was so pure with great experience and memory. Thanks a lot for this review. It brings me back to time. Loves.
This made me miss my old Prelude bad, it was my young man college ride. Same color, manual but no rear spoiler, oh, the memories.
Thanks for this, Sofyan. It's great to see my daily driver through someone else's eyes! I own the base 5 speed, not the SH, in the same crystal blue metallic color that only looks blue around dusk. Bought mine new in 1999 and it's given me so many fun miles since. It's not a great fit for my life now so I'm looking for a hatchback or very small SUV/crossover. But I know I will regret not having the fun of this late-'90s Japanese interpretation of a GT car. The engine is fantastic, the visibility is great, the understeer and skinny-for-today tires are simply part of the package. You're right about needing a sixth gear - at highway speeds it should be cruising at lower RPMs but it can't. On the other hand, I love that VTEC high torque band. It surprises me to this day that Honda dropped the Prelude from its lineup. This car is bare-bones when it comes to the tech we expect from today's models, but it remains a classy joy to drive, every damn time.
It surprises me too that Honda dropped the Prelude (and S2000 as well), and that Acura dropped the Integra. People will say they were low volume, but they weren't that low volume, and a company like Honda with high-volume sales of so many other models should have been able to keep these cars going. The amount of goodwill and enthusiasm it brought to the brand alone would have justified them, in my opinion.
I had a 97 SH. I regret getting rid of it. Amazing car, so much fun to drive and for the time it was definitely quick, handled incredibly well using torque to outside wheel. I kept that car until 2012 still to this day it’s my favorite car owned. RIP prelude. Don’t forget about it’s older AWD steering on earlier generation that was awesome. Fantastic engineering and reliability.
Loved these, and in 97 and 98 it won Car and Drivers best handling car under $30,000. They are/were a joy to drive and the VTEC noises are just amazing!
i bought a 99 typeSH in nighthawk black as my first new car, and your review was spot on. the 2 things i disliked about the car were the 2 cons you pointed out, which were the tires and the skinny steering wheel. the car originally came with bridgestone re92 tires, and those were horrendous. i literally shredded those tires in less than 5K miles. i replaced them with performance summer tires and that made a night and day difference. ATTS worked tremendously. you could literally floor the throttle while cornering, and the system would crisply pivot you around a corner without complaint. i took the car in for service one day and ended up trading in the lude and left with a brand new 2002 s2k in sebring silver. i was happy to own and drive the s2k, but i missed the lude. to this day, the lude has a special place in my heart. thanks for making this video. it certainly was nostalgic.
I miss my white 98 prelude type sh! Looking for another at the moment.
I had the same year and model, miss it.
That was my dream car back when I was in highschool. Prelude SH, Civic Si. I really wanted the S2000 the most but that was not ever going to happen. Had I known better the ITR would have been the best option.
I have a 98 white type sh. It's a great car!
Coupes and sports cars have never been money makers, but sports cars have always served as invaluable marketing tools. They create brand awareness and desire among the youth that creates loyalty to the makers for decades to come. The only reason I’ve owned a new Accord and two new pilots is because of my love for my Preludes and s2000s.
Honda bring this back! Keep styling clean like this, make the safety nannies optional and manual trans standard. The Prelude name will have ppl lining up if u don’t fock it up
If they bring this back, it will probably be an EV or Hybrid. Perhaps with a different name as well.
Based on how FWD coupes sell, no they won't be. Sadly the market isn't there, and hasn't been for a while. This generation of prelude was killed off because of low sales too
I got one with just over 9k miles. Base model in red. I love it.
"VTEC kickin' in" gave me goose bumps as I vividly remember that sensation at 5250. When I was 7, my uncle had a red 85 prelude and asked him if I can have it when I get my license. 12 years later, as my second car after 95 Integra, got myself a black 99 Prelude. Best car I've had to date hands down, including cars like G35 coupe, 335i coupe, couple Boxsters, E400 coupe. I just loved it and all the good memories that came along with the car. Thanks for the video.
Nobody:
Sofyan: "You can eat off of this engine"
I feel like the Prelude could possibly make a return as a coupe with the Accord 2.0T engine, with a choice between the 6 speed manual and the 10 speed auto (keep that filthy CVT away from my precious Prelude!). Probably based on the Accord platform, but a different body.
And some debates suggested that the 2016 Accord Coupé is "actually a Prelude" but I'd say otherwise.
@@donluasco7115
Accord Coupe was never a Prelude..
Accords never had 4ws
Nope. The prelude was its own platform.
My wife bought a black 1998 base Prelude with the 4-speed Sportronic automatic transmission in March 1998 as her first car after graduating from college. Actually, I had intended to buy one after college, but she saw a red ‘97 Prelude on the cover of one of my Car & Driver magazines and she wanted one and beat me to it ! Yes, the interior certainly left much to be desired: slider climate controls, velour seats (pretty decently bolstered and comfortable), thin-handled steering wheel (never liked it). But when it came down to it, it was a blast to drive! I loved driving it through the twisties, so light and athletic with great feeling in the steering wheel. My favorite aspect of the Prelude was the engine, of course. It was still quick with the auto transmission. Whenever we were on open road, I’d flip the lever to manual mode and rev her to redline, feeling the power surge come on when the VTEC kicked in and hearing the engine scream. It was awesome! I even caught a couple of late 90’s Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T’s by surprise at stoplights. After my daughter was born, we held on to the Prelude and somehow squeezed a rear-facing baby seat in the back. A few years after my son was born, it was time to let our Prelude go. We sold her in February 2012 with over 150k trouble-free miles on her. I still think about that car😌.
Owned a 1999 Prelude Type SH when it was brand new. Probably one of the cars I've had the most emotional attachment. I've owned the Integra Type R and two S2000 (AP1 and AP2) when it comes to Honda cars. Currently drive a 2020 Civic SI as a daily beater. Man, I miss the Prelude SH. I've owned a ton of different cars over the years and Prelude still gets a reaction out of me.
Of all the Hondas the PRELUDE, specifically the 5th gen is the most beautiful car they every made... I have a 2001 and I love it, will never sell it
My first car in 2003 was a used with only 23k miles Black 1999 Prelude SH. I think about my 20’s and that car in the ‘00s all the time!!! I miss that car!!!!!!
I’m about to get one from a lady. 1999 Honda prelude stock untouched. Only 100k miles and she only wants 3k. This almost feels like a dream. Everything is still original and there’s nothing wrong with the car.
I wanted one that wasn’t modified and cheap but the cards never favored me
you got it? that's a steal
Cars from this era were just perfect; simple, reliable, beautiful, engaging, and came with manuals. Cars like these are imo just superior to most modern computers on wheels. Those really were the glory days of the automobile.
I had a 2001 Prelude SH for few years and sold it for a G35 coupe; I love preludes; Honda needs to bring it back in the line up
Always wanted a Prelude, great review, Honda's of the 90's were the best value, combined great handling, fun to drive, and fantastic build quality unlike most cars of today.
I have never been been a Honda/Acura fan. But back in '99 I was a sophomore in HS and always liked this car.
It was your old videos and this 'era of Honda that got me into Honda!
I now own a 2006 Accord V6.... It's freaking awesome!
Thanks for getting me into Honda, Sofyan!
This video gave me goosebumps. That is the cleanest Prelude in the world!
LUSTED after these back when I was in high school.
Sad that Honda never produced a successor to it. Frankly, I doubt Honda would be able to produce a car as beautiful today. Perhaps it is better to let the Prelude name rest in peace, forever...
“The back just equally clean just like the front” 😜😜sorry, Iol I couldn’t resist
Don't get it....
Anthony C Brown congratulations you have a clean mind.
I love mine.
Cammed, tuned, full bolt ons.
Fresh white paint and ground control suspension.
Love it. Gets tons of looks
Pree-lude. The way we call it in Australia.
Pray-lude 🤣
The sexyness of this car!!!!!! 😍😍😍😍
When I was in college, my grandfather gave me his 1987 Prelude Si with only 87,000 miles on it. Spent a month cleaning it up (he did smoke in it) and only kept it for a month after that (my parents wanted me driving a safer car). Still, it was a fun time driving that. The velvour seats in this one reminded me of that car.
If Honda could bring this back with a v6 engine with 380 or 320 hp limited with a removable roof like the corvette 😍😍
When car cabins were designed without rear view cameras....man I forgot how much easier it was to see out of the older cars
Now is the time. Honda, Please bring back the Prelude. I have owned a '95, now own a '94 Si, all-stock. Still with 200k plus, drives amazingly. I would definitely purchase a new one! The Prelude, has been MY car over the years. 😁
My brother had a ‘98 metallic green prelude type R. It was fantastic! Loved riding in and driving that car! I had a 5 speed 97 civic coupe. Such fun cars to drive!
I just sold my 2.2 motegi manual (UK). It was burning oil and smoking blue smoke, I couldn't afford a rebuild so had to make a sensible decision. It was my dream car. It hurt but I had loads of fun amazing car.
Maybe Honda's most gorgeous cars.
I love those Honda Prelude
This is awesome. Huge huge classic Honda Fan. I just got myself a 00 s2000 w/33k miles. Runs and looks in almost prestine shape. Also never modified.
These classic Hondas are going up in value. And good reason why they don't break if prev owners did proper maintenance.
As much as I love the Prelude dont think there's room in the lineup. I'd rather have a new s2000.
My mother owned 3 different Preludes from new. A mk3, mk4 and one of these mk5's. My personal favourite was the mk4 which is still one lovely looking car to this day. Thing about the Prelude was though, it always had real substance to back up the looks and not all coupes of this era did. Really miss the Prelude. Please Honda BRING BACK THE PRELUDE!
Mine was the 1997 in Forest Green. I miss it SOOOO much. Type-SH to be clear...slamming the throttle around corners was exhilarating as it would pull you around the corner and wag the rears a bit inducing a very subtle oversteer...
the idea of bringing back the prelude is a good one. unfortunately theres not enough demand for coupes in the current market. its about practicality, along with the "what else can this do" shopping trend is driving down sales of coupes. theres still demand, but very little for most companies to consider producing coupes right now.
I have a 01 with 124k miles pearl white super clean. Man I love it. Got so many offers from collectors.
This car is beaaaauuuuutiful.
Back in like 2004 i sent my car a 92 accord lx coupe, it was white with the nice factory spoiler. I sent it to a build shop for the H22A1 swap. Here in Canada in new Brunswick there's a company called downforce Motorsports they ordered me a 1997 engine from Tokyo motor Imports out of Quebec Canada, these engines come right from Japan with low mileage due to the expense of keeping an older car on the road so these engines are shipped out to North America and gobbled up by tuners. Anyway they install it into my 5-speed Accord what an amazing difference 75 extra horsepower zero to 60 in about 6 seconds a quarter mile of 14.8 this is 15 - 16 years ago so that's quick
I love old school Hondas. My first car was an 08 Honda Fit with the manual transmission. That car had some of the old Honda goodness. The engine loved to rev and sounded great, the handling was super sharp and responsive, and the shifter is still the best I’ve ever used.
I’d love for Honda to bring back the Prelude. This is a beautiful 🚗💨🍃.
Finally, I been waiting for this. I just retrofitted my headlights and its my favorite mod
Duuuuude!! I had that exact same car Type Sh!!! Same year, same color, same model etc. I miss that car. It was my first “new” car. I believe that specific color was called ‘Nordic Mist’.
Crystal blue metallic
This was a time when Honda was just in their glory days in terms of cars~~ The 90s and early 2000s when when they really were just putting out amazing cars like this Prelude. It's so timeless in its design, and who could forget that old school Honda VTEC engine that sounded so good, and it still sounds good to this day. Honda probably won't be able to make a successor to this car, but for what this car is, it was one of Honda's best cars in my opinion.
I love this car and the pristine condition it's in. But I wouldn't want to own it, as being a classic Honda in that kind of condition, it would certainly get stolen faster than some of the exotic cars he reviewed.
Marlon Johnson That is true. I would be more paranoid about parking this at the mall than I would about a new AMG. ANY new AMG.
The Prelude is a legend and Honda should definitely bring it back.
No, the Legend was an Acura =P
@@joetron5114 didn't even think about that when I wrote the comment lol!
Beautiful car. Should be kept in the museum.
Great vid! I miss my black '98 Type S. Mine was slammed to the ground. It was built so well, had tight steering, and loved how it handled. Wide body beast!
Honda Prelude is so iconic the best two door sport car back in the 90s
Just got a prestine 66k mile 2001 Prelude. One of my favorite cars of all time in terms of just how enjoyable it is to drive. Honda should definitely bring it back and finally give it it's much needed type R treatment!
My dad owned a 2001 RSX. It was a great car. It had heated seats and an automatic transmission. You couldn't want anything more with these cars. Honda's and Acura's are excellent
I assume you mean 2001 integra?
@@AlexSchwartzATVSorry, it was an RSX but in 2002. We got it in December of 2001.
There were optional fogs for the 5th gen, they were round and sat just below the turn signals, there were also JDM fogs that filled the entire spot below the turn signals.
Bring it back! I'm sure there are tons of followers.
ATTS was the predecessor to SH-AWD
My dad had one of these. I love it so much. Too bad he sold it to get a Civic Si. But yet again, he had a MK4 Supra as a first car. But still I want one of these Soo bad! Especially since you can get a good one for about $19,000, decent for $15,000, and a prestine one for $20,000 to about $30,000.
"Feels mechanical and analog" ....YES PLEASE! ANY DAY!
Trippin the Electra blue is the signature color for the prelude for sure