The 1988-1991 Honda
Prelude was the third generation Prelude, and a lot like the second.
Styling and engineering changes were evolutionary rather than
revolutionary, with one exception -- four-wheel-steering. Honda was the
first to offer what was once thought to be the next big thing.
Parking maneuvers were much easier with the tighter turning circle made possible with all four wheels steering. On the road, the 1988-1991 Honda Prelude had to be pushed hard to notice an advantage from 4-wheel steering. Most buyers chose not to spend the $1,300 to steer all four wheels.
The old carbureted engine soldiered on through 1990. The fuel-injected 2.0-liter gained dual-overhead-cams and power rose to 135-horsepower. A 2.1-liter 140-horsepower engine was added in 1990. The extra power was needed because the Prelude was gaining weight with each redesign.
Pluses of the 1988-1991 Honda Prelude:
52,541
Production of the 1989 Honda Prelude:
42,882
Production of the 1990 Honda Prelude:
37,814
Production of the 1991 Honda Prelude:
27,672
Specifications of the 1988-1991 Honda Prelude:
Length, inches: 175.6
Weight, pounds: 2,840
Wheelbase, inches: 101.0
Price, new: $13,495-$19,200 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1988-1991 Honda Prelude:
![]() 1988 Honda Prelude Si 4WS coupe. See more pictures of classic cars. |
The old carbureted engine soldiered on through 1990. The fuel-injected 2.0-liter gained dual-overhead-cams and power rose to 135-horsepower. A 2.1-liter 140-horsepower engine was added in 1990. The extra power was needed because the Prelude was gaining weight with each redesign.
Pluses of the 1988-1991 Honda Prelude:
- Oddity value of available four-wheel-steering
- Still pleasant to drive with either steering system
- Honda dependability
- Four-wheel-steering might be hard to repair
- Softer and heavier than previous Preludes
- Still unexciting
52,541
Production of the 1989 Honda Prelude:
42,882
Production of the 1990 Honda Prelude:
37,814
Production of the 1991 Honda Prelude:
27,672
Specifications of the 1988-1991 Honda Prelude:
Length, inches: 175.6
Weight, pounds: 2,840
Wheelbase, inches: 101.0
Price, new: $13,495-$19,200 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1988-1991 Honda Prelude:
Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
ohc I-4 | 119 cid | 104-105 | 1988-1990 |
dohc I-4 | 119 cid | 135 | 1988-1991 |
dohc I-4 | 125 cid | 140 | 1990-1991 |
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