2001 Honda Prelude Type: Set to make a return in its sixth generation, the Honda Prelude has always represented a more playful side of Honda’s lineup. While it may not boast the high-octane thrills of the S2000 or the Integra Type R, the Prelude has carved out its own niche as a sporty and enjoyable coupe.
It’s positioned as a step above the Accord and Civic, offering a blend of affordability, quality, and a touch of flair, making it a strong candidate for a modern classic.
Take, for instance, this 2001 Prelude Type SH, currently up for grabs on Bring a Trailer (a platform under the Hearst Autos umbrella, just like Car and Driver).
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This model has everything an enthusiast might desire: a robust VTEC four-cylinder engine, a five-speed manual transmission for a more engaging driving experience, a minimalist yet functional interior free from the clutter of modern screens, and features like air conditioning and a CD player.
What sets this particular Prelude apart is that it’s the top-tier Type SH version, which offers the best handling available in the U.S. market for this model.
In a 1997 comparison test involving six vehicles, when this model was fresh off the production line, the Prelude Type SH was deemed the best-handling car under $30K, even surpassing notable competitors like the E36 BMW 3-Series and the Mazda Miata.
The decision wasn’t just based on lap times but rather on the overall refinement and sophistication of the vehicle.
When Honda hits the mark, they truly excel, and that was certainly the case with the fifth-generation Prelude.
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This era of Honda was a golden one, showcasing engineering excellence. The Prelude featured a control-arm suspension, a responsive rack-and-pinion steering setup (with a quicker ratio in the Type SH), and a chassis that was significantly stiffer than its predecessor.
Under the hood, a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine provided solid torque for daily driving and peaked at 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm.
Unlike the modern Civic Si, which maxes out at 6,600 rpm, the Prelude’s engine could rev beyond its 7,400 rpm redline, reaching an impressive 8,000 rpm fuel cut.
The Prelude feels quicker than its numbers suggest, thanks to the VTEC system kicking in at 5,250 rpm, giving the driver a thrilling surge toward the redline.
This characteristic is part of what makes the Prelude a joy to drive, but the true magic lies in how all of its components work together in harmony.
It’s been called a “poor man’s NSX,” but it’s also far more practical as a classic car than the mid-engine Acura.
The challenge with the Prelude is finding one that has survived the past 20 years unscathed. During its heyday, it was just an affordable, sporty coupe, not yet appreciated as a classic.
The rise of compact performance cars, spurred by the Fast and Furious franchise, didn’t help its survival rate either. Many have been modified or neglected, making well-preserved examples rare.
The good news is that this particular 2001 Prelude has only 47,000 miles on the clock. While it’s had some paint touch-ups, the Carfax shows no accident history, and its silver-over-black color scheme is both timeless and durable. Keeping this car looking as good as it did in 2001 should be straightforward.
As for the upcoming Prelude, Honda has remained tight-lipped about the powertrain, but it’s unlikely to be a two-door Civic Type R.
There’s speculation that the new model could feature a hybrid setup or the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine from the Civic Si. Whatever the case, the new Prelude has a lot to live up to.
In the meantime, you can still get your hands on a Prelude from a time when nearly every Honda was something special. It’s about time the Prelude is recognized as a collectible classic.