1988 Honda Prelude Reviews, Pricing & Specs

You never forget your first car. I bought it in January 2003, and managed to get it smashed by a Ford Explorer 3 months later. But I managed to drive about 4000 miles in that time, and had a great deal of fun with the car. It was nimble and lightweight, and while not a powerhouse, it had more than enough engine for its size. Managed to edge it past the 120 mph mark more than once. It had a solid feel that belied its weight and age. It actually rattled and squeaked less than the 1997 Prelude that replaced it. When I bought it, I didn't realize it needed new CV boots, and eventually managed to wreck both front axles. $600 to fix everything, then two weeks later I wrecked the car. It actually still ran, but there was a better deal to total the car and replace it than spend almost as much on bodywork. It was a shame to lose it so early, though. I have fond, albeit brief memories of that little car.Jan 03, 2013

fantastically fun car to drive, it doesn't have the most power in the world that's for sure, but it hugs a corner like a motorcycle. the 4ws is mechanical and speed compensated so it works great all the time. a great engine that last forever and tones of trunk room. but don't expect any more that two ppl in it. the frame is solid and has great rigidity for cornering. i love the front on it, it started the shape of the nsx. there are a few things i would change on it though, make it a little bit bigger over all, seeing as i'm a tall person i need to keep the sunroof insulation open to get my head in comfortably. i would recomend this car to anyone oloking for something fun.Jun 16, 2009

This is an '88 'Lude 2.0 Si with Four-Wheel Steering. Handles great! The body is in near-mint condition. It has new axles, belts, paint, and battery. However, the motor could use a little TLC. It's a pretty decent sports car, and wanna-be racer. I just don't have the money to spend on it now. It's been in the family for 3 generations now, and has been in one hydroplaning accident. There was no damage aside from some minor scratches. It's always had electrical problems, though. Overall, it's a fun car to drive, and it still runs good for being 20 years old and having 163k miles on it!Aug 18, 2008

Ok well looking objectively, I can say that overall it's just a solid car. Mine has over 200,000 miles on the engine and still runs like new. The car hasn't needed any major maintainance at all (just the usual stuff that gets worn - brakes, clutch, belts etc). With the 4-wheel steering nothing will outhandle you on corners - it makes this front-wheel-drive car handle like its on rails literally, not to mention makes parking and U-turning a breeze. This car has probably the best road feel I've ever seen, yet still delivers a smooth comfortable ride on the freeway. The interior is very spacious and the driver's seat with those adjustable side bolsters is without a doubt the most comfortable seat I've seen in a sport compact. It's not a powerhouse by any means but with all the bolt-ons mine has it hangs with most of the mid to late 90's VTEC Civics. Braking is the only area of this car that I have always wanted to improve, but its good enough to stop ya in a pinch.Apr 27, 2008

Why have they changed it? The 88' Lude is one amazing car. I have the 4WS model and I love it. The cornering is truly amazing. The look of the 88 is by far the best of all the preludes. The car has a sporty feel to it and when you sit behind the drivers seat you feel like you are in a race car. The 2.0 si provides more than enough jam, enough jam to get a ticket for doing 160 in a 90. The S3/S4 function is wicked too.Feb 12, 2008