1994 Honda Prelude Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Considered a perfect balance of reliability and performance, and called a serious sports car, the 1996 Honda Prelude makes drivers happy - and it got a bit of an upgrade this year.
The Prelude now comes standard with dual airbags, a welcome safety addition. The interior also got a bit of an overhaul, creating better interior ergonomics -not to mention the really hot smoked dashboard lens. And for the environmentally conscious, rest easy. Honda added CFC-free air conditioning.
But all that is minor when considering just how well this car performs with it 4 cylinder high-power engine. The base engine is a 135-horsepower 2.2-liter four that has pretty decent heft. And if you move up the line, you move up in hp as well.
And, drivers of the car - who've owned it for more than a decade - praise the lack of repairs, the great gas mileage, and the ability to just keep on going. You can still pick one up for between $4K and $5K in many areas.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1994 Honda Prelude
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Mike W
Nov 06, 2012
I like that this car will get up and go when you want it to, has a great sound to it. The dash lay out is unique. Very comfortable, smooth driving & just a good looking car! I replaced the headlights so they are brighter & the inside is black instead of crome. This car still has a lot of life in it just doesn't fit my life anymore. This is my second Prelude.Nov 06, 2012
by Anonymous
Jun 04, 2012
This car is real fun, drives safe, acceleration, braking and handling are all great. I love the sleek look of this car and the dashboard has a cool futuristic look with digital gauges. This car was never beaten on by the previous owners and the maitnence has always been kept up to par. I would recomend this car to anyone especially since the motor has 160k miles on it. Hondas live forever!Jun 04, 2012
by Matt W
Apr 13, 2012
Absolutely love this car.
It has been my summer car for two years now and it never fails to amaze me.
The car hauls ass pretty well, handles bends well, and looks stunning.
Maintenance has been a bit higher than I would like but it is a 1994, and I'm rebuilding it. Apr 13, 2012
User rating:
by Mike W
Nov 06, 2012
I like that this car will get up and go when you want it to, has a great sound to it. The dash lay out is unique. Very comfortable, smooth driving & just a good looking car! I replaced the headlights so they are brighter & the inside is black instead of crome. This car still has a lot of life in it just doesn't fit my life anymore. This is my second Prelude.Nov 06, 2012
by Anonymous
Jun 04, 2012
This car is real fun, drives safe, acceleration, braking and handling are all great. I love the sleek look of this car and the dashboard has a cool futuristic look with digital gauges. This car was never beaten on by the previous owners and the maitnence has always been kept up to par. I would recomend this car to anyone especially since the motor has 160k miles on it. Hondas live forever!Jun 04, 2012
by Matt W
Apr 13, 2012
Absolutely love this car.
It has been my summer car for two years now and it never fails to amaze me.
The car hauls ass pretty well, handles bends well, and looks stunning.
Maintenance has been a bit higher than I would like but it is a 1994, and I'm rebuilding it. Apr 13, 2012
by Doug M
May 21, 2011
sturdy durable speedy blast to own fun to drive hugs the roads clean classic lines dash lights up like the space shuttle honda quality cant be beat just a great all around car to own and drive too bad its in storage more then on the road May 21, 2011
by Wung Y
Sep 24, 2010
H22A! honda's BIG BLOCK! making a whooping 200HP and 161TQ! Featuring closed deck block and Fiber Reinforced Walls! one of Honda's finest motors coming out of the factory like this. Introducing the VTEC at 5000RPM! Feels like a 20+ HP gain! 10 Thumbs UP! Sep 24, 2010
by Armin Z
Jul 30, 2010
the car is very nimble great acceleration for a 4 cylinder as good as my v6 mustang
handling is amazing take corners good steering system fun to drive the car is a
great car with a good engine it is very small and very light the dash design is
modern and looks like no other car i love the combo of analog and digital guages
very small back seat no good for anyone fine front seating even for large adultsJul 30, 2010
by Zachary H
Jun 12, 2010
the car was fast. it had a dc sports short shifter,aem cold air intake,jdm type r full
exhaust, euro tail lights. it had a brand new h23a1.it had bent valves that i fixed.
fuel pump was out ignition timing off the drive shaft wasent in all the
way.transmission needed filled with oil. it need a lot of body work. it was in primer.
it was missing a quarter window turn signal didnt work. it didnt run right but it still
was amazing to driveJun 12, 2010
by Michael L
Jun 07, 2010
Performance - Excellent acceleration, braking, handling
Great Appearance - both interior and exterior styling
Fun Factor - is this car fun to drive?: Absolutely fun to drive and play with...
Good looking and excellent cornering which gets your adrenaline rushing...... won't lose out to other cars in terms of looks and performance
Jun 07, 2010
by Marco V
Dec 17, 2009
JDM H22A motor. Vtec. Rare Glass Sunroof mod from 5th Gen prelude. Gas Mileage++. Fast++. Clean, perfect interior. No Problems, Ran like Brand New. Honda = Easiest to work on. Swapped Motor, tranny, stage 2 clutch myself. Stage 2 Clutch, Short shifter, Complete Custom Exhaust from DC Headers, to a Custom Mandrel Bent 2.25" pipe, back to Skunk2 Muffler.Dec 17, 2009
by Sheldon H
Oct 15, 2009
This car with a little work will destroy all and kill all who appose it. this 4th gen prelude with my driving skills are unlimited not only by possiability, physically, and style. catch me if you think you can. Later.Oct 15, 2009
by Shaulan S
Aug 30, 2009
great sporty looks, low cost, cheap, fun, great handling car though does use premium fuel, could do with more power, needs good front tiers, suggest the VTEC models, suspension upgrades, small performance upgrades and wider wheels. built well, though interior looks low cost.Aug 30, 2009
by Radoslav S
Aug 01, 2009
Honda Prelude 4 gen. This is the best car I've ever had. The performance is good, the exterior is gorgeous. Interior is unique. Driving this car is like having non-stop sex with a beautiful girl. And i love sex... ;) H-o-o-o-n-d-aAug 01, 2009
by Sid S
Jan 06, 2009
I bought this car as a treat for myself and have been delighted with it ever since, acceleration, braking and handling are all great and I feel quite safe in it even tho I regularly push it. I have it since 2005 and apart from getting the timmeing belt done in 2008, its cost me nothing in repairs, servicing and regular running costs aside and thats not much either. MPG is'nt as bad as one would think. I drive it every day and always have the grin factor.Jan 06, 2009
by Eric E
Aug 01, 2008
Pros: Sporty aerodynamic look
Stock horsepower is 175 on Si non-VTEC
Handles like a dream
Good gas mileage
A lot of fun to drive
Cons: Extremely small backseat
mine was automatic :(
i would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for something fun to drive. i am sure others will enjoy it as much as i do.Aug 01, 2008
by Erick H
Jun 26, 2008
its really amazing! 4th gen of prelude is for really fans of japan motorsports! h22 series on 92/96 ludes are really the best engine type for street racing!! if u know about honda u knows that i have the reason... HONDA THE POWER OF DREAMSJun 26, 2008
by James B
Jun 16, 2008
seriously, it was the shitJun 16, 2008
by John H
Jun 07, 2008
ENGINE:
magnaflow exhaust
iceman cold air intake
crane cams ignition
nology plugs & wires
custom ecu
headers
EXTERIOR:
18" chrome wheels
carbon fiber hood
body kit
altezza tail lights
INTERIOR:
red painted accents
touch screen Excelon dvd stereo
momo shift knob
sony speakers w/ alpine amp
10" apline sub w/ alpine amp
Astra 2-way car alarm w/ LCD remote
Jun 07, 2008
by Tom N
May 31, 2008
pretty good car...a lil old thoMay 31, 2008
by Adam L
May 09, 2008
I have this car in a 5 speed manuel transmission.
The styling is sweet.
The handling is pretty tight.
The acceleration with the S is obviously a little lacking, to be expected.
Braking is good.
Shifts are superb.
276,658 miles and the engine still won't die!
Its a honda so it's cheap to fix!May 09, 2008
by Devin P
Mar 01, 2008
Great car although it's getting a bit outdated with newer technologiesMar 01, 2008
by Tom H
Jan 10, 2008
2.2 v-tec engine, full de-cat stainless exhaust, cold air induction, cross drilled +vented discs, stage- 1 exedy clutch, green stuff brake pads, Rare H22a jap spec engine 240 bhp approx, 17 " Akuma jap deep dish alloy wheels.Jan 10, 2008
by Anonymous
Oct 27, 2007
The body style has good sports car look to it and is fun to drive on the weekends. Oct 27, 2007
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1994 Honda Prelude?Compare this car
1994 Honda Prelude Pricing
Original MSRP
$18,450 to $24,850Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent