Prelude is Honda Motor Company's venerable two-door sports coupes. The freshly redesigned, fifth-generation, 1997 Prelude combines past successes intermixed with a sprinkling of new-wave technologies. Honda introduced the first-generation Prelude when disco music was all the rage (to some folks anyway) back in 1979. Honda enhances Prelude's rear seat comfort with 1.4 inches more headroom and two inches additional knee clearance. Fenders, doors, quarter panels and hood form from galvanized steel, reducing corrosion. Wheelbase (distance from front to rear axle) increases from 100.4 inches to 101.7 inches while overall length grows to 178 inches, almost five more than last year. Suspension, steering and body integrity also gain upgrades. Only two trim levels are available; Base Prelude and Prelude Type SH. Last model year, Honda offered three editions. Both incorporate a 195-horsepower, double overhead cam, VTEC engine with Honda-designed variable valve timing. This 2.2-liter, four-cylinder powertrain provides spunky pick up. Starting price for our front-wheel drive, five-speed manual, Base Prelude was $23,200. Prelude comes well-equipped with many standard features. Few options are available even in Base editions. Cruise control, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, rear-window defogger, power moonroof, power door locks and window and adjustable steering column are included. With floor mats and a $395 destination charge, the bottom line totaled $23,682. Anti-lock brakes and dual air bags come standard. However, traction control, which prevents wheel slippage during inclement conditions, is not offered. Standard four-wheel, double-wishbone suspension improves handling while power-assist rack-and-pinion steering enhances vehicle maneuverability, especially at slower speeds. Inside, cloth bucket seats support the back and offer decent comfort during long sojourns. Honda's redesigned instrument panel is a welcome addition. However, fan speed and temperature controls manipulate by a series of smaller-than- average buttons and levers. Windshield wipers and washer fluid activate from the turn-signal stalk. Trunk lid and fuel door release levers are found on the floor, left of the front bucket seat. Complimenting increased back-seat head and leg room are cup holders molded near the arm rests. The entire backrest folds down, gaining access to the truck and expanding cargo carrying options. Prelude's exterior presents a sporty, not overly-muscular look. It's a softened appearance from last year with updated taillamps and smoothed out back end. Both editions feature 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Type SH adds a standard rear spoiler. A new driver enhancement featured on Prelude Type SH is its Active Torque Transfer Systems (ATTS) designed for even better handling characteristics. Basically, its a system which improves cornering by adjusting power to front drive wheels while turning. Also available on Base models is an optional automatic transmission system featuring Sequential SportShift, combining manual-transmission performance with automatic transmission convenience. Fuel estimates for five-speed Prelude checked in at 22 miles per gallon city and 27 mpg highway. Our test-drive car, with 1,500 odometer miles, registered 23 in combined driving. The fuel tank holds 15.9 gallons of unleaded fuel. Unlike Honda's Ohio-built Accord sedan which enjoys a loyal following and strong sales, Prelude figures have declined steadily since 1992, when Honda sold more than 36,000 units. Honda expects selling around 20,000 units this year. Part of the Japan-built Prelude's dilemma stems from a $24,000 price tag, hefty in a four-seat vehicle. A consumer preference shift away from coupes and towards sport utility vehicles doesn't helped either. |