Is this the greatest small sport coupe you can buy?
The answer to that question depends on how much you want to spend. And how you define the word greatest.
Turbocharged versions of the Toyota Supra, Nissan 300ZX, Mazda RX-7 (which is turbo only) and Mitsubishi Eclipse/Eagle Talon twins all offer more power and quickness. And with the exception of Eclipse/Talon, all have rear-wheel drive, making even the non-turbo versions a little more agile in terms of absolute handling.
But the Supra, 300ZX and RX-7 are all far more expensive than even the top of the Prelude line. The Prelude price range puts it into the same league as less expensive entries such as the Eclipse/ Talon, Ford Probe, Mazda MX-6, Toyota Celica and Nissan 240SX.
Measured against the Probe, Talon and the others mentioned, the Prelude is a standout. Like just about every Honda made, it's a superb piece of engineering - innovative, competent and beautifully finished.
So if you're after real sport-coupe virtues - precise handling, lively performance, distinctive good looks - and $30,000 represents the absolute limit of your budget, the Prelude is tough to top.
Our model, the Prelude VTEC with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and leather trim, sells for close to $26,000.
Whether it's the base S model, Si model or the VTEC, the Prelude looks like it means business. One of the keys to its purposeful appearance is the relationship of wheelbase to overall length, a
Honda trademark. The Prelude's front and rear overhangs are shorter than those on most sport coupes, putting more of the car's mass between the front and rear wheels.
Beyond that, the prelude's track - the width between the wheels - is wide and the car is only 50.8 in. high. It is a look that says the car is ready to race, with the handling to back it up.
There are three engines available in the Prelude family, all 4-cylinders and all jewels. The Prelude S is powered by a 2.2-liter SOHC 4-cylinder rated at 135 hp. The Si gets a 160-hp 2.3-liter DOHC engine, while the 2.2-liter DOHC VTEC puts out a phenomenal 190 hp.
A word about Honda's VTEC technology: VTEC stands for Variable-valve Timing and lift Electronic Control, and its net effect here is to provide two engines for the price of one - docile for normal cruising, fierce when the tachometer hits 5200 rpm. And it achieves this without the complications and drawbacks that go with turbocharging.
Prelude transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, standard for all models, and an optional 4-speed automatic for the S and Si.
There are two keys to the prelude's excellent handling. First, a strong chassis, arguably the greatest in its class. Second, the prelude's independent suspension system, which uses honda's excellent double wishbone control arms at all four corners rather than the MacPherson struts that are on most competing sport coupes. The benefit is better control in hard cornering.
All Preludes are equipped with a very good 4-wheel disc brake system, and ABS is standard on the Si and VTEC.
About the only significant change to the Prelude lineup for 1995 is the absence of the 4-wheel steering option previously offered on the Si, and the addition of an SE model in late spring that has the luxury features of the VTEC model, minus the VTEC engine itself.
