Honda's sporty Prelude still commands a premium

Here's a nice little article on everyone's favourite retired sportscar....
Like many of its competitors, the Honda Prelude gracefully bowed out of the sports car scene after 2001, having become a casualty of low sales volumes and increasing fuel and insurance costs.

Interestingly, even some years later, the last-generation of Honda’s coupe still commands relatively high premiums in the used market as a reliable and relevant sports car.

The fifth and last generation of the Prelude hit the scene in 1997, and all models were two-door, four-seat front-drive units with four-cylinder power. Said power came from a 2.2-litre VTEC engine with 195 or 200 horsepower, depending on model year. A manual five-speed transmission was standard, and a four-speed automatic was available optionally, and featured manual-mode shifting.

Features included ABS disc brakes, air, a sunroof, leather seating, and a CD-changer audio system. Exceptional handling and braking were part of the package. Prelude might not be Honda’s most practical used model, but many an owner say their machines deliver reliable driving enjoyment, day in and day out.

What Owners Like
Power, handling and driving dynamics were among the last-generation Prelude’s most highly-rated attributes according to owners. Reliability and fuel mileage are well-rated, too.

What Owners Hate
Prelude’s most common gripes centre around limited interior and cargo space, squeaks and rattles over time, and a rough ride on some surfaces.

The Verdict
At the end of the day, a relatively stock example of a Prelude that’s been well maintained and loved should give new owners few, if any problems.

Common Issues
Prelude doesn’t seem to suffer from any glaring or systematic problems, though several checks are advised. The Prelude’s H22 engine used a timing belt tensioner that could be a source of grief in the event of a malfunction that allows too much slack in the timing belt. This could cause skipped belt teeth and even potentially fatal engine damage.

Be absolutely sure to ascertain the engine’s timing belt situation. This very important belt needs to be changed at a prescribed interval before failure in order to prevent catastrophic engine failure. Checking the condition and level of all fluids is also advised, as is a full check of all interior accessories for proper operation.

Source;
http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver/life/article/593402--honda-s-sporty-prelude-still-commands-a-premium

IF there were to be a Next Gen Honda Prelude, It is Voted to get a High Performance 4 Cylinder Engine

Prelude Truck?

Found this link on Autoblog, I've seen conversion vehicles before, but never a Prelude/Truck. The owner calls this a 'CRUCK'.

Source; http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/car/732603318.html

Bring Back the Honda Prelude

Ever since Honda did away with the Prelude, fans have clamoured for a comeback. I think that with all of the reintroductions of the 'muscle cars', a la Camaro, Challenger, Charger, and even Toyota entertaining the idea of bringing back the Celica, that the time could be right for this to fly. Nissan has created a stir with finally bringing Skyline to North America, but not too many people will be willing for fork over the $100k+/- for the car. A $30-40k, pure sports car from a company that knows how to make a sports car would be nice.

Here are a couple of petitions to bring back the Prelude;
http://www.youchoose.net/campaign/bring_back_the_honda_prelude
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/bring-back-the-honda-prelude.html

Impending Import Sportscar Comeback

Well the domestic's started it first, by having their 'muscle car' comebacks with the new Dodge Challenger, Charger, old is new again Ford Mustang, and the coming GM Camaro/Firebird. All creating excitement for the respective brands with beautiful designs. (The Challenger and the Camero are going to be HOT cars!)

It looks like the Imports won't be taking this lightly, looking at reinstating some of the retired vehicles. Honda has already in a way entered the fray in 2006 with the Honda Civic Si, which has been argued to be the 'official' replacement of the Prelude. Nissan is rumoured to be bringing back the 240SX for 2010, which would fit nicely in a price point below the 350Z.

2010 Nissan 240SX?

Toyota; rumors of a new Celica are not offical, but some car magazines say that a newly revived Celica may be built by 2011 in front or all-wheel-drive, powered by a V-6, while the sibling Rear-wheel-drive Supra may possibly return as a 2010 model with a supercharged V-6 or hybrid model.

2010+ Toyota Celica?!?

2011+ Toyota Supra?!?

Honda is also talking about bringing back the CRX (see prev. posts) and another rumour is that they may re-badge the S2000 a Acura (here in North America) and bring out a 2 door version of the TSX called a 'Prelude Edition' of some sort. I am not so sure Honda is convinced that it needs another 2 door with the success of the new 2008 Honda Accord. They have the V6 wrapped up with the Accord and they have the 4Cylinder wrapped up with the Civic Si (and the 4Cylinder Accord).

2011 Honda CRX?!? Doubt it.