Honda Prelude
Indy Allante, sexy Prelude
Sexy Honda Prelude: Like an Allante, a sports coupe is a selfish device that’s supposed to be strictly sharp-looking and a kick to drive.
Honda’s revamped 1992 Prelude is the first Prelude that is a true sports coupe. I found while testing the car that it has soul-stirring acceleration and remarkable agility.
The front-drive Honda Prelude has been around since 1979, but has been too conservative to be a true sports coupe. In a marked break from its past, the 1992 model has voluptuous lines, at least from the front end to its door handles. The two-door car’s rear half looks bizarre, with a pinched tail and enormous tailights that look like they’re yanked from an old Jaguar XJS.
The base Honda Prelude S costs $16,550 with a five-speed manual transmission and $17,300 with a four-speed automatic. The higher-line Si stickers at $19,550 with manual and $20,300 with automatic. I tested the $19,550 model.
Even the base S is well-equipped, with cruise control, power windows, power sunroof, rear-window defroster and AM/FM stereo cassette. The Si adds a better engine, anti-lock brakes, bigger tires, air conditioning and power locks.
The Si also comes with a package that contains a new electronic four-wheel steering system that enhances handling, rear spoiler and front-passenger air bag. The four-wheel-steer model costs $21,870 with manual and $22,620 with automatic.
The regular Honda Prelude handles great, so the four-wheel steering package isn’t necessary unless you want the or passenger air bag or nearly-useless spoiler.
All Preludes have a driver’s air bag and, most importantly, good, easily fastened three-point front seat belts.
The base model has a decent 2.2-liter, 135-horsepower four-cylinder, while Si models are motivated by a masterful, 2.3-liter 160-horsepower four.
The 2.3-liter engine, alone, is worth the extra money. It’s a smooth, high-revving unit that highlights Honda’s genius in designing small engines. The sporty-sounding motor has double overhead camshafts and a dual-stage intake manifold for good throttle response at all response.
The Honda Prelude Si’s performance-oriented gearing causes the motor to turn at a high 3,500 r.p.m. at a typical highway cruising speed of 70 m.p.h. That’s why Si delivers only an EPA-estimated 26 m.p.g. on the highway. American luxury sedans have a higher highway rating than the small, 2,866-pound Honda Prelude. City economy with the 160-horsepower engine also is just so-so at 22 m.p.g.
Hook either Honda Prelude engine to the car’s manual transmission because it best suits the auto’s sporty nature. Although sometimes notchy, the manual generally shifts well and works with a light, short-throw clutch. The five-speed helps the Honda Prelude Si do 0-60 m.p.h. in a quick 7.2 seconds.
Handling is so good it’ll make Si owners feel like better drivers than they actually are, and the sophisticated suspension delivers a pleasant ride despite the car’s short, 100.4-inch wheelbase.
Steering is quick and accurate, with the right amount of power assist and good road feel. Power four-wheel disc brakes provide sure stops, and the brake pedal is easy to modulate.
But Honda, which usually designs great instrument panels, struck out with the Honda Prelude’s. The analog speedometer and tachometer in front of the driver are fine. But weird vacuum-fluorescent fuel and temperature gauges are stuck way out in the center of the dashboard, and they nearly vanish in daylight if headlights are switched on.
Comfortable front bucket seats offer outstanding side grip and dashboard controls are easily reached and work with smooth precision. Front-seat room is generally good, although the sunroof cuts into headroom of taller drivers.
The glove box is a long, deep hard-to-reach bin in the center of the rear seat. It’s there because the new Honda Prelude dashboard is made to handle the four-wheel-steering model’s passenger air bag, leaving no space for a glove box in the conventional dashboard spot.
The rear-seat area is cramped for anything other than small children or medium-size dogs. Cargo room is decent, and the trunk lid opens to bumper level for easy loading.
My test car felt solid, and its quality was high, so it was surprising when rough roads elicited some squeaks and rattles.
