Reviews - Honda

Overall Rating

Last generation of the long-running Prelude, this refined coupe looks taut and poised. The engines are a joy, but it's just a little middle-aged and the cabin could be roomier.

• Sleekly styled and well built
• Excellent engines, especially the VTEC
• Honda reliability guarantees easy ownership

• Obsolete now and likely to date rapidly
• Restricted cabin space, especially in rear
• Some parts are expensive, as is insurance

This is an elegantly understated tourer rather than a blatant road-burner. That said, the 2.2 VTi with its VTEC engine and over 180bhp offers satisfyingly swift performance. Although it's quite a big car at nearly 15 feet long, Prelude's cabin is squeezed between a big bonnet and saloon-style boot. So it's not as spacious as its size suggests, and rear passengers can feel cramped and claustrophobic in longer journeys. It?s better up front, but there's not much headroom if you're tall. Prelude is hardly a youthful car; its target market is the mature, fairly affluent motorist who loves driving, values refinement and appreciates well-constructed machinery. Its handling is spot-on, with quick reflexes, precise steering and excellent roadholding. The 2.0 engine is lively enough and a refined cruiser; the 2.2 VTi is the cream on the cake. Equipment is generous, and the sportier Motegi editions from 1998 look the part.

NCAP: Not tested

Best Models: 2.2 VTi

Worst Models: None

Replacement: N/A

• Fiat Coupe
• Nissan 200 SX
• Toyota Celica (1994-99)