The 1983-1987 Honda
Prelude was bigger and better than the first generation. The new for
'83 Prelude had a lower nose for a sportier look and improved
aerodynamics. A new double-wishbone suspension made a lower hood-line possible and also helped make the Prelude one of the best handling front-drivers available at the time.
In '84, discs replaced the rear drum brakes. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with dual carbs was carried over from the previous car. In late 1985 the Si joined the base model. The Si added a fuel-injected 2-liter engine, alloy wheels, and an upgraded interior. The new engine offered better drivability and felt stronger than its 10-horse increase suggested.
Pluses of the 1983-1987 Honda Prelude:
41,188
Production* of the 1984 Honda Prelude:
66,924
Production* of the 1985 Honda Prelude:
75,938
Production* of the 1986 Honda Prelude:
79,841
Production* of the 1987 Honda Prelude:
72,708
*U.S. calendar year sales.
Specifications of the 1983-1987 Honda Prelude:
Length, inches: 68.9-172.0
Weight, pounds: 2,266-2,379
Wheelbase, inches: 96.5
Price, new: $9,987-$15,475 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1983-1987 Honda Prelude:
 1983 Honda Prelude coupe. See more pictures of classic cars. |
In '84, discs replaced the rear drum brakes. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with dual carbs was carried over from the previous car. In late 1985 the Si joined the base model. The Si added a fuel-injected 2-liter engine, alloy wheels, and an upgraded interior. The new engine offered better drivability and felt stronger than its 10-horse increase suggested.
Pluses of the 1983-1987 Honda Prelude:
- Handling
- Well-built
- Smooth-running engine (Si)
- Handling comes at the price of a rough ride
- Lacks excitement
- Too plain to be noticed by the collector's market in the near future
41,188
Production* of the 1984 Honda Prelude:
66,924
Production* of the 1985 Honda Prelude:
75,938
Production* of the 1986 Honda Prelude:
79,841
Production* of the 1987 Honda Prelude:
72,708
*U.S. calendar year sales.
Specifications of the 1983-1987 Honda Prelude:
Length, inches: 68.9-172.0
Weight, pounds: 2,266-2,379
Wheelbase, inches: 96.5
Price, new: $9,987-$15,475 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1983-1987 Honda Prelude:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| ohc I-4 | 112 cid | 100 | 1983-1987 |
| ohc I-4 | 120 cid | 110 | 1985-1987 |
Want more information about classic cars? See:
- Classic Cars
- Honda Cars
- Muscle Cars
- Sports Cars
- Consumer Guide Auto
- Consumer Guide Auto Used Car Search
