1990 Honda Prelude

1990 Honda Prelude

The 1990 Honda Prelude is a compact sports car that was produced from 1990 to 1991. The Prelude was available with two engine options: a 2.0-liter inline-four and a 2.1-liter inline-four. Both engines were paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The Prelude was also available with a four-wheel steering system, which was a first for a production car.

The Prelude was praised for its handling, performance, and affordability. However, it was also criticized for its lack of rear seat space and its cramped interior.

Engine

2.0-liter Inline-Four

• Blown head gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue is caused by a faulty head gasket that allows coolant and oil to leak into the combustion chamber. Symptoms include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and loss of power.
  • Solution: The solution is to replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing belt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue is caused by a worn or broken timing belt, which can cause the engine to skip time or even break down. Symptoms include a loss of power, a rattling noise from the engine, and an illuminated check engine light.
  • Solution: The solution is to replace the timing belt.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

2.1-liter Inline-Four

• No major issues found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Grinding gears
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue is caused by worn or damaged gears in the transmission. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, a grinding noise when shifting, and a loss of power.
  • Solution: The solution is to replace the damaged gears.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn struts
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue is caused by worn or damaged struts, which can cause the vehicle to handle poorly and to bounce excessively. Symptoms include a rough ride, a loss of stability, and premature tire wear.
  • Solution: The solution is to replace the struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per strut
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken springs
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue is caused by broken springs, which can cause the vehicle to sit low in the front or rear. Symptoms include a rough ride, a loss of stability, and premature tire wear.
  • Solution: The solution is to replace the springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per spring
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue is caused by a failed alternator, which can cause the battery to drain and the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include dim headlights, a flickering check engine light, and a dead battery.
  • Solution: The solution is to replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue is caused by a failed starter, which can prevent the engine from starting. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the engine, a dead battery, and a lack of power.
  • Solution: The solution is to replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust is a common problem on the 1990 Honda Prelude, especially in areas where the vehicle is exposed to salt or moisture. Rust can cause the body panels to deteriorate, which can lead to leaks and other problems.
  • Solution: The solution is to prevent and treat rust by regularly washing and waxing the vehicle, and by applying rust-resistant treatments to the undercarriage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the severity of the rust
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue is caused by exposure to sunlight and heat, which can cause the dashboard to crack and deteriorate. Symptoms include a cracked or peeling dashboard, a loss of visibility through the windshield, and a reduction in the value of the vehicle.
  • Solution: The solution is to replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken climate control knobs
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue is caused by worn or damaged climate control knobs, which can make it difficult to adjust the temperature or fan speed. Symptoms include broken or loose knobs, a lack of response from the climate control system, and a loss of comfort.
  • Solution: The solution is to replace the climate control knobs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1990 Honda Prelude is a reliable and enjoyable car to own. However, there are some common issues that owners should be aware of. The most serious issues include a blown head gasket, timing belt failure, and alternator failure. These issues can be costly to fix, but they are relatively rare. Overall, the Prelude is a good value for money and is a great choice for those who are looking for a fun and affordable sports car.