1988-1991 Honda Prelude
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.
1988 Honda Prelude Si 4WS coupe. See more pictures of classic cars .
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:
- Oddity value of available four-wheel-steering
- Still pleasant to drive with either steering system
- Honda dependability
Minuses of the 1988-1991 Honda Prelude:
- Four-wheel-steering might be hard to repair
- Softer and heavier than previous Preludes
- Still unexciting
Production of the 1988 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: