MotorWeek | Retro Review: '88 Honda Prelude 4WS

[@jgravitas7008]

This car still looks good to this day. What a classic design.

[@Youcanonacanon]

+J Gravitas Agreed - one of the best 1980s designs, along with the 1988 Honda Legend coupe.

[@letsgonow5641]

+J Gravitas I had one in Red ( not 4ws)version loved that car.

[@johnmcgowan1574]

Luis

[@RobJaskula]

@@Youcanonacanon my 1989 Legend was one of the best cars I've ever owned. Great fun with a standard transmission and could really move.

[@CarGroves]

I had an 89 SI 4WS in High School, loved that car. Never should have sold it.

[@a32tl]

I owned an '80 Honda Prelude which was the very first generation Prelude. After high school and college, I sold it to my brother who ended up wrecking it. Later, I purchased an '87 Acura Integra. A distracted driver slammed into the back of me one day and knocked me into the car in front of me. Totaled my car. For my replacement, I purchased my second Prelude, a slightly used '88 Honda Prelude Si 4WS with a manual transmission. Loved that car. People got the biggest kick out of seeing the rear wheels turn. Mine was white just like the one in the video. Eventually, I sold it and bought a '94 Accord EX-L sedan. After the Accord, I went back to the Prelude model and purchased my 3rd and last Prelude which was a '94 Prelude VTEC. That car was a blast to drive but highly impractical. Have been loyal to the Honda/Acura brand since and currently own a '16 Acura TLX Advance. Will very likely remain with the brand as they've given me great service through the years. EDIT: Sold my '16 TLX and purchased a '21 Honda Accord Touring 2.0T. Love this car.

[@apexpredator5058]

Dude has had the most peak cars his entire life

[@noseefood1943]

honda needs to bring back prelude.

[@MaestroTJS]

They should, yes. But it's unlikely.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

There is no need to - the Accord V6 coupe is exactly what the Prelude would have been, given larger dimensional growth of cars over the years and bigger engines, with platform sharing. In fact ,that's what axed the car, since the two cars essentially converged into one model.

[@MaestroTJS]

oldtwins na I can sort of see what you are saying, but given that there used to be an Accord coupe at the same time as the Accord, I think the difference was that the Prelude was always a bit sportier and the Accord focused more on comfort.

[@Afrocanuk]

Noseefood, you have to be more specific, Honda needs to bring back the "1988 Prelude."

[@Freelandrew]

Prelude SUV .....All cars are suv today.

[@RockwoodJoe]

I miss pop up headlights :(

[@lild3838]

Pop pop pop pop pop

[@rafearcher7882]

pop pop pop pop up and down headliiiiights x'D

[@RockwoodJoe]

@@rafearcher7882 Are daytime running lights really that safe?

[@deltaboy767]

@@RockwoodJoe No!!!

[@deltaboy767]

@Rockwood Joe So do I. My first car when I turned 16 was this exact same car, color and everything. I drove my Prelude daily, then in 2005 I wanted to buy a brand new car to help my credit and bought a Civic EX. Needless to say the prelude and my Civic are the only 2 cars I've ever owned as I still have both of them and they both run excellent

[@michaelsnow5818]

Honda really needs to bring the Prelude back and as a REAL car, not some hybrid joke.

[@13thFlProductions]

Since the Accord coupe was discontinued, a modern Prelude would be a great replacement, but because of crossovers, it probably won't happen.

[@ciello___8307]

Yeah, the accord coupe was part of why the prelude was killed off. But it seems like the coupe market is really limited now, so I think the civic coupe is really the only one they could sell with good numbers. Thankfully, the new civic is a much more substantial car, so I think the Si might be a successor to it in spirit.

[@Sacapuntas69]

Limited because of the price of a 2 dr compared to 4 dr. People always think for couple hundred bucks more I can just get a larger 4 dr. Sadly just as I am ready for a new car, they stop making the 2 dr Accord.

[@Sacapuntas69]

But they also need to make sure it is not $40k

[@79tazman]

yes and 4 wheel steering

[@mlee6136]

My heart will always have a place for Honda’s prelude

[@dayun7830]

My 89 Prelude SI still driving at 2017

[@RevoltingSnakeman99]

John Smith Same with my '91:D

[@MattyIce250]

John Smith my best freind drives a 88 crx si, 89-90 accord, 88 (?) civic, 88 prelude si 4ws. also has a 90 prelude for parts.

[@mrhappy8966]

i just got my 89 prelude si a few months ago its been a great car love it

[@PROFI_PS]

My Honda Integra works to this days (10.2018)

[@buddhull]

My 1991 SE-R is still cruising along at 145k too. Hope we both keep them going, dude!

[@BryceLovesTech]

This was one of the best cars I ever owned and the steering system was bulletproof

[@VWayyyyyyyy]

Bryce Hale The Lude feels so good on the road and hugging tight corners..

[@monkeywkeys3916]

Purely mechanical. 👍

[@frankserrano8168]

👍

[@Gerarghini]

👍

[@Desertduleler_88]

The Prelude reminded me of a cheaper version of the NSX in terms of handling and build quality.

[@markdc31]

30 plus years later, still a beautiful automobile. And anyone who ever sat in one of these should remember the incredible visibility all around. And if you drove one... Wow! You can see the Acura design themes in this. Almost like a baby Legend. Too bad Acura doesn’t make compact, efficient and sporty coupes anymore.

[@titusrome2863]

I had this car in red with blackish cloth interior. It was disgusting looking then and even uglier now so take it easy

[@audioisgood]

Yeah, Honda didn't include the Oil Pressure and Volt gauges cause that shit didn't break down!

[@jflow08]

Hahaha.

[@kyoakland]

audioisgood yup had two and this is true lol

[@Beer_Dad1975]

My sister had one briefly in '92 before she hurriedly traded it in, it was only a few years old but it was the most unreliable shit heap she has ever owned. Electrical faults, blown head gasket, reluctant start, broken plastic bits - maybe she just bought a lemon.

[@Cricis11700]

Matthew Sharpe could be man nothing is perfect haha, but for the most part this car was awesome.

[@jam63112]

My '89 gen3 was draining batteries and I also had issues with the ALB

[@Acc0rd79]

I own a '91 Prelude and its white just like this, I love that thing. Its my 3rd car and just a daily driver but it runs great! I really am sad Honda has taken a huge shit since the early 2000s and don't make a thing younger drivers want anymore. Would be nice to see a new Prelude hit the market!

[@VWayyyyyyyy]

Acc0rd79 Yea, I agree but you'll never know. I think it show be either rwd or awd tho.

[@Acc0rd79]

V-Way but the prelude was always front wheel so I doubt they would change it up or they would just name it something different.

[@thefuzzypickle8277]

Acc0rd79 why not? The impala used to be RWD now its FWD garbage

[@muhdewd9727]

The sporty models of the Civic aren't something younger drivers want?

[@reinbeers5322]

The problem with cars for a younger audience is that they often can't afford something real nice like this.

[@wleacock76]

I miss my 1988 Prelude 4WS so much. Most reliable car I ever had. Drove it for 300,000 miles, and the major problems only crept up after 250,000. And she looked so nice. Pain to work on, the engine compartment was incredibly cramped.

[@alemcodon]

I had a 91 with 4WS and drove it daily for 4/5 years, clocked around 80k in it. The 4WS is a marvel, and makes a MASSIVE difference to handling, but it took me about 18 months to master it and utilise its potential fully. Its brilliant for 90 degree city road's/turns, nothing else comes even close. You gotta learn to steer it in a constant motion, without jerks/changes in speed of steering to the get the 4ws's grip out - does take practice - get it wrong it will bite. It can fly around sharp corners at high speed with massive ease/grip. It also makes a huge difference at high speed cruising, you can snap/throw it in/out of lanes at 90/100mph without a sqeal. NOTHING i've driven since then comes close to the grip of this car - and i've driven plenty of supercars, mclaren's etc. You MUST have it lowered with some wider than stock rims to get the best out of it. Those factory bike wheels wont help. Also the newer preludes with electronic 4ws dont handle anywhere near as good, same bend(s) (queensway tunnel b'ham - 1st right/left bend off the a38 - google it) i took those bends COMFORTABLY at 80-85mph everyday in my '91, in both newer models at 60mph i nearly lost control - because the 4ws isn't instant, therefore pretty much useless except for manouvering at low speeds. I must have blown cops 30/40 times in my 91, flying around sharp bends at like 60-70mph, 3-4 corners later they lost, dnt know where the fuck they are - also a few idiots tried racing/chasing me around bends at the same speed as me and uherm, went flying off the road, dumb fucks. AND in case you didnt know, these cars chassis is made from re-inforced steel, skyscraper grade (not WTC though), one of few cars with re-inforced steel chassis, i rear-ended someone at 50mph at point of impact (from slamming brakes at 80ish), chassis was not bent, just a small kink, new bumper, rad, fender and lights, no jigging/welding, cars back on road 4-5 days later - driving perfectly straight!! that's never happened before they always go bent. went all over the country driving this machine very very hard, every single day, NEVER broke down once, oh yeah, and this car also uses a unique auto box single shaft mechanism which allows for super fast and crisp gear changes - it could get from 1st to 4th gear from stationary in around 3 seconds, and each gear had 2 modes almost making it feel like 8 gears at times. As you can tell, i loved my mother fucking Prelude, i had a Limited Edition with a flip pearlescant paint, green in the daytime, blue in the night, 17inch twin spoke momo's, lowered, exhaust etc. Had a plan to re-build the arches into NSX style ones but never got around to it. God dam shame.

[@brainwashingdetergent4128]

Sounds like you need to find another one and drive it like you stole it.

[@k24hybrid]

Nice!

[@tony_5156]

If you’ve driven McLaren lemme ask this question? You travel a lot? You own stock, and you got a fancy shmancy source of income?

[@tony_5156]

Would you recommend this as a first car? I mean it’s old and the safety is outdated but that won’t matter once I put a FIA grade roll cage in there so I can continue to survive.

[@michaelbronson7410]

Took you 18 months to 'master' its steering? Sounds like it just took you 18 months to learn how to park 🤣

[@SmangItDrums]

Hot damn, look at all the archived Motorweek reviews! Where did all of these come from all of sudden? Thanks, *****!

[@eltonjohn3236]

These were truly great cars in their time.

[@WelshyAutomotive]

My mom had the 87 Prelude and she loved it.

[@thedefinitive6296]

I really enjoy watching these older episodes. Thanks so much for posting them. I get to look at cars that were around before I could even spell the word "car" lol

[@paulmanzyuk]

i owned couple of these in my early days the 89 si that i owned was non 4ws, but i was able to retro fit the system from donor car that i found at the junk yard . One day in garage that was the best thing that i ever done to my prelude . 4WS always put a smile on your face. But my favorite prelude of all time is 91 Si in red with painted trim and rear spoiler and 1.5 drop at least..

[@suprastevio2264]

Pavel A Manzyuk Yessir!

[@MartyM.]

I remember those red Sis! Used to see them here and there on the road. Easily spotted from a long way away. :) Looked fun.

[@sbinsdca]

One of the best looking 80's cars

[@justaguy6415]

Agreed

[@rocnnrollbus]

The 1989 model was my first car back in 1994..absolutely loved it. I would buy this car today if I could find one.

[@TEDdotcom]

I miss pop-up headlights, but they cause a lot of aerodynamic drag especially at high speeds.

[@ChrisRedfield1]

I love this guy. I remember watching him on PBS review these cars in the 90s. What a time to be a teenager dude just finding out about these modern marvels.

[@chriscornelius2518]

I always liked this design of the Prelude the best of all their designs.

[@one7decimal2eight]

if I could find a car like this today in good shape, I'd buy it immediately.

[@airwolf-mq6pt]

2016 Australia: I have a '90 4WS and love it! 4WS is amazing for parking and helps steer on dirt roads but otherwise not life changing.

[@drmpilot365]

I owned an '86 Prelude and loved it! Today I still own a Honda.

[@TonyMontana-tm7ul]

What a gem 💎, honda should bring it back, 2023!

[@ElectoneGuy]

Beautiful Honda engineering.

[@akapantsusenpai181]

In my opinion, it's one of the best looking cars Honda has made.

[@lseh4720]

I have a 1988 Honda Prelude 4WS Si. I love this car, even if it’s going to cost me $7,000 today for maintenance.

[@jadesmith6823]

I'm loving this channel. Mr Tyrrell, It's so nice to see your experience, knowledge and dry whittled English humour. You say it as you see and know it. You actually get engineering by sound, knowledge and feel without needing to plug and play. There's no "look at me" nor a flogging of sponsorship.. So, from a chap in Australia 🦘 I say thanks mate 👍

[@TheVapeCritic]

My first car was a 87 si and my 2nd car was a 89 si, there's just something special about them that i'll never forget

[@angelabryant9079]

Loved my black 91si. Still to this day, the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in.

[@AlanAkahoshi]

Owned an '86 Si exactly like the start of the video...with mods over time. I loved that car.

[@HAL-dm1eh]

Those seats were beautiful. Don't think I've ever seen that in a Japanese vehicle before. Of course I grew up on Toyotas, Nissans and Suzukis.

[@Kev_N_1976]

I loved this car when I was a kid. It got me into small cars from Japan. Never had one but it all started with Hondas for me.

[@blisterbrain]

My head was spinning trying to comprehend that steering demonstration! Wheels go this way, wheels go that way, wheels go wherever they feel like.

[@adamtrombino106]

Our trade school had 1 of these, given as a tax donation for a demo in the mid 90s, on how to align 4ws. It was the #1 car young guys in the classes asked about if it was for sale. The school couldn't sell it of course. Sadly the blue 5 speed went to the scrapper in the mid '00s as no one was using 4ws. it had just 55k on it.

[@briq4]

Thank GOD MotorWeek finally gave up on commenting when there is no Volt or Oil Pressure gauges. They were obsessed in the past.

[@idrive25]

MotorWeek! Can you do a review of the '86-'89 Accord?

[@97warlock]

Those things were a dream to drive. Took one on a 100 mile cruise once,just as an example. so very copmfortable riding, handling is my favioritem, trhe feel is very very very good.

[@Reloadeez]

I worked with a semi-retired older man 8 years ago, probably upper 60s, who had an immaculate ultra low miles 4ws 88 prelude. He would work about 15-20 hours a week, said it was for beer money. About once a month he would drive his prelude in.

[@jam63112]

I had a 89 model of these, the best car I ever had, the only issue was battery drains compared with 88 the 89 had an antilock brake system called ALB worked fine until some issue with high pressure fail

[@JoeDaFivefoota]

I bought a 91 Prelude Si when I was in the navy. I still miss that car! Black with tan leather interior. It was gorgeous and reliable.

[@BeingMe23]

My 2001 VOLVO S80 has passive rear steering. Basically it just compresses a bushing during hard turns.

[@Crabbyskunk]

I owned a black '88 Automatic, without the 4 wheel steering. The first really nice car I ever bought and to this day I miss it.

[@frederickarcala4749]

This was my dream car in the 80s. Still looks great.

[@blue_stryder6657]

just bought the '88 and now I'm doing deep research on it to take good care of it. Since the parts are near impossible to find.

[@dindog22]

I always loved how the Prelude looked. maybe 17K sounded expensive in 88 but in 2021 it doesn't sound so bad.

[@marshalmagooo3899]

42k in today's money

[@Preluding99]

I loved my 99 Prelude and I think Honda used this model when they made the last gen 'Lude. Even the A/C controls looked the same. Such a brilliant car.

[@any1younger]

I had one of these - it was amazing! Fantastic to drive and great looking.

[@OG-Silesian]

3:17 but theres more to the 88 Prelude than 4 wheel steering... LIKE THE *POP-UP HEADLIGHTS!* the most important thing

[@ConsciousRobot]

Such a beautiful car. I had an si without 4WS but it was still quite fun and very well-engineered. It's beautiful even by today's standards. I had to sell mine and I miss it every day. If I could afford any car on the planet, I would find another mint third gen Prelude so first. Then I would get an NSX or Audi R8.

[@minorsnow5306]

Conscious Robot ...I have one.Superclean interior.114,000 on engine.

[@ConsciousRobot]

@@minorsnow5306 How much?

[@johnjobber2219]

I owned one in 89 with a manual transmission and loved it. Didn’t have the 4 wheel steering. One of the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever driven.

[@TheBrowncoat2112]

This was the best looking generation of the Prelude, in my opinion.

[@frankcrawford5404]

!!!!!!!!!! Super car !!!!!!!!! I've got an 87 Prelude 2.0Si 4ws w/5sp-4sp-3sp (change trans gear's w/ button beside the gear selector) auto trans and LOVE IT!!! books out retail at around $5,500 U.S. won't sell mine for less than $10,000 U.S . FLAT OUT FUN TO DRIVE!!!!!!! ( still the fastest car on ROAD & TRACK's slalom course (wiki)with a speed of 65.5 mph (105.4 km/h), even besting exotics such as Porsche and Ferrari. For reference, the 1988 Chevrolet Corvette C4 took the same course at 64.9 mph (104.4 km/h)

[@TimJoseph08031990]

This car with the 4WS gave way to Acura's PAWS system for FWD versions. If Acura combined both SH-AWD and PAWS together, then they would make the vehicles handle better and make parking easier at low speeds. It might seem impossible, but other automakers in the past have done it before.

[@andrewdawson357]

This car still looks great in 2020

[@tedschmitt178]

This is the kind of Honda engineering which has seemingly disappeared here in 2023.

[@jwc3104]

I think the late 80's and early 90's were the BEST time for Honda. Prelude, CRX, Integra, NSX... all of them look so beautiful and still turn heads today.

[@MrTrevorkemp]

I owned a two-wheel steering version of this car for the exact same year. It was pretty fun and I typically found that I could get mid to upper 20s for fuel economy. Although that car was a car that came from a country town and was a straight pipe exhaust, not a catalytic exhaust with a muffler. It freed up a little bit more horsepower throughout the entire rev range. Even on the low end it freed up more horsepower to not have a catalytic converter and it really opened it up on the mid to high end which is why I got so much better fuel economy than all the other 88 preludes.

[@michaelmassart2349]

The 3rd Gen is the best looking Prelude, sleek and still attractive to this day.

[@hakeemsd70m]

I agree, the 3rd and 5th gen Preludes are the best! I would love an 88 Prelude, stock and painted black...wait, silly question but do stock Preludes still exist?

[@michaelturner1831]

@@hakeemsd70m oh yes they do.. the cig lighter in my 89 si has never been used. I changed out the tape deck. But still have it

[@Andyface79]

Best looking Sport Coupe of its era, still looks great. A guy at my High School had a facelifted one of these, I remember being super jealous of him.

[@mas3399]

Trunk space is really good, you can fit three people in there with the seats folded down, plus the carpeting in there makes it comfy

[@rocnnrollbus]

This was my first car back in 1994. Can't agree with the issues with the 4WS because the only major maintenance I did on this car was a timing belt change, an alternator, and CV boots, and I had the car for 7 years. Awesome car. I'd buy this car today if I could find one and wouldn't look back.

[@ralphlouismendoza1977]

honda perfecting the no front grill design.

[@HELLH0WND]

I always thought that the Prelude would make a great convertible.

[@bradfromthevalley]

they used to sell used for cheap as they were a bit under the radar. Really cool design.

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

Still a classy looking car!

[@jbm0866]

I had a 1990 Prelude Si 4WS in highschool, same body style and color as this one..but with a rear spoiler and white alloy wheels. I loved that thing, still running strong with over 98k on the clock when i got it, (original clutch still had life, but I replaced it) but I really couldnt tell the 4WS steering did anything other than make parking awkward until I got used to it. The mechanicals were strong, but the gawdawful door mounted seatbelts, power windows and moonroof all had annoying issues I had to fix. The door mounted seatbelts made removing and reinstalling the door panels form new window regulators needllessly frustrating...hurray for the airbag era. One thing we'll never see again is a slim, sloping front end on mainstream cars...too many European pedestrian safety regulations. My advice? Dont walk in the street unless you are ok with vaulting over a hood.

[@KenKellySWFL]

The handling was great, and the seating was so low… it really felt like a go-cart!

[@767driver]

My first car was a 5 speed 1985 Honda Prelude. Still my favorite car ever owned. Bring it back Honda!

[@atreyu4ws]

Hello from 2020. My 1989 Prelude Si 4WS is still all original and still running strong!

[@marcusperdue5862]

This was my first car in high school. I purchased in 2001 and it was already 13 years old with 114k miles on it. My favorite car I ever had pre-30s.

[@dougsmith7908]

I had an 88 Prelude S with standard steering and 4 wheel discs brakes and 5spd manual . Drive the heck out of it, great handling, styling!! Sold it but miss it!!!

[@mattwolf7698]

These retro reviews are addicting.

[@damnhockey]

Excellent retro review of a cool car. My cousin bought a regular prelude and a friend also bought a regular prelude, it is still running today. The prelude was an excellent car. A coworker bought a 4dw version like your test vehicle, she complained about the brakes and she did get into an accident and it was extremely expensive to fix the 4wd system. Also pricey to buy, she bought it for the safety value, quicker steering in an emergency situation. We suggested to her to just buy the regular Prelude.

[@sideburns2009]

4 wheel steering, not 4 wheel drive. Either way. Pricey to repair.

[@eg6082]

I had the exact car in high school . It was my second car in high school . The first was a 1986 prelude . Fun cars and fun times .

[@davidaubin3902]

Seems like all Hondas have their cruise control buttons on the right. Even today. My 2007 Fit Sport has them on the right to.

[@6694carlisle]

I had that exact 88 down to the color in automatic. Head gasket and rust is what ended mine😢

[@alexeivoloshin5984]

Amazing how composed the car is in any situation.

[@peterzebot9863]

I look forward to this grand innovation in the coming years.

[@arthurherrera9880]

bought this car without the 4 way steering option. Best car i ever owned.

[@AndrewBergey]

It was black. I love that car but then again my new truck came in and I gave it back. I probably was a little spoiled when I was little younger. My dad bought it from my mom, but she didn’t drive that much so I drove it.

[@rsoul7282]

This 4ws system did what was intended and was reliable. For the generation of prelude after this one, Honda tossed it in the bin, and fitted an electronic system, that was total shit, and difficult to repair. The computer alone was the size of a briefcase. Nice work gentlemen.

[@earthling2007]

This was my dream car as a high schooler.

[@arden40]

I had an '89 Si in white. I still miss it.

[@UHPdriver]

My dads friend had a white Prelude just like this when I was a kid. I thought it was a really cool car.

[@philliprumans753]

I was 19 when this came out and I wanted one so badd but they were so expensive back then. Now 32 years later I have a 2019 Honda Civic SI that is white.

[@johnkueneman9860]

I have one of these. Starting the build now as we speak.

[@Dungzoo]

I love how the interns run out to the driver at full speed, after a test.

[@fleuger99]

I don't think the pricing is high. In 1988 I had a Toyota Corolla nicely equipped and it was priced at $12700 which is not far from the Prelude $15K.

[@thetreblerebel]

Great looking Honda. I'd flip if I seen this in real life .!

[@dsuess]

3:06 Host: Parking (with AWS) takes some practice Reality: Parallel Parking took 0-practice on day 1, even with a manual I miss driving this AWS car. Great video, thank you for sharing!

[@stusrt]

I owned this car in the 1990's. The most fun car I've ever owned. The power steering died on it, and was more expensive to fix then the car was worth.

[@horusgarcia1]

These cars look so cool to drive. Even better than the newer preludes. I would like to built one.

[@jeffancelet7366]

I owned an '88 Si 4WS in black with gold BBS wheels. I miss that car.

[@EdgeRatedR007]

That seatbelt is a nightmare

[@jgizzy]

Get the Canadian-spec model if you can, they have normal seatbelts can be imported without any issues.

[@JuanFernandez-zv2oz]

nah, you just unhooked it like a normal one. The automatic ones were the nightmares.

[@diamari91]

I always wanted one of those cars with the mechanical seatbelt... It just looks so cool 😂

[@coltonkazarian1198]

I never left the seat belts buckled in my old ‘89 Si. Just unbuckled them when I got out like any other car.

[@markdc31]

Yeah, I had one in my Accord. I think those were government mandated though, no?

[@knytrydr73]

Anyone else remember the Prelude commercials with Jackie Mason? "You turn like this, the wheels go like that, the cars goes like this, and the next thing you know, your going like that! You don't know why, but it's you there in a way you never thought before. And how does it do this? ...... I don't know."🤣🤣🤣