 
			The Good
Emotionally, the 1991 Prelude offers an engaging, sporty driving experience with its precise handling and timeless design. Practically, it's celebrated for Honda's renowned reliability, decent fuel efficiency for a sports coupe, and a surprisingly comfortable cabin. Its strong build quality also contributes to good long-term value, making it appealing for both enthusiast drivers and sensible owners.
The Bad
Common weaknesses include rust, particularly around the rear wheel wells and rocker panels. The B21A1 engine in Si models is known for oil consumption. Power steering pump and hose leaks are frequent. Age-related issues like worn suspension components, failing headlight motors, and dashboard cracks are also prevalent. Parts for the 4WS system can be hard to find and expensive to repair.
1991 Honda Prelude: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:- 2.0L SOHC 12-valve inline-four (B20A3) for the "S" trim.
- 2.0L DOHC 16-valve inline-four (B20A5) for the "Si" trim (early models).
- 2.1L DOHC 16-valve inline-four (B21A1) for "Si" and "Si 4WS" trims (1990-1991).
 
- Horsepower:- B20A3: Approximately 104 hp.
- B20A5: Approximately 135 hp.
- B21A1: Approximately 140 hp.
 
- Fuel Economy (EPA estimates):- SOHC (manual): ~22 MPG city / 27 MPG highway.
- DOHC (manual): ~20 MPG city / 26 MPG highway.
- Overall range: 20-28 MPG combined, depending on engine and transmission.
 
- 0-60 MPH Times:- S trim: ~10-11 seconds.
- Si/Si 4WS trims: ~8-9 seconds.
 
- Towing Capacity:- Not officially rated for significant towing; typically not recommended for sports coupes.
 
- Trim-Level Features:- Prelude S: Base model with 13-inch steel wheels, manual windows and locks, AM/FM stereo cassette player, basic cloth interior.
- Prelude Si: Upgraded DOHC engine, 14-inch alloy wheels, power windows and door locks, power sunroof, cruise control, sport seats, rear spoiler, and air conditioning (often optional).
- Prelude Si 4WS: All features of the Si, plus Honda's innovative mechanical four-wheel steering system, which improved low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. These models often came with premium audio systems and larger tires.
 
1991 Honda Prelude Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1991 | 
| Make | Honda | 
| Model | Prelude | 
| Trim | - | 
| Style | - | 
| Type | Sedan | 
| Category | Minicompact Car | 
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan | 
| Manufacturing City | SAYAMA | 
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door | 
| Curb Weight | - | 
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - | 
| Overall Height | - | 
| Overall Length | - | 
| Overall Width | - | 
| Wheelbase Length | - | 
| Standard Seating | - | 
Engine & Performance
| Engine | - | 
| Engine Size | - | 
| Engine Cylinders | - | 
| Transmission | - | 
| Transmission Type | - | 
| Transmission Speeds | - | 
| Drivetrain | - | 
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - | 
| Steering Type | - | 
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - | 
| Invoice Price | - | 
| Delivery Charges | - | 
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 1991 Honda Prelude Have?
How long will the 1991 Honda Prelude last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
For entertainment, standard models came with an AM/FM stereo cassette player. Higher trims often included a more premium sound system with additional speakers, and a CD player or changer was sometimes available as a dealer-installed option or an aftermarket upgrade.
Driver-assistance features were minimal. Power steering was standard on higher trims, as was cruise control. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were an optional feature, typically found on the Si and Si 4WS models, offering an extra layer of braking safety. Modern driver-assistance systems like traction control, stability control, lane keeping assist, or blind-spot monitoring were non-existent.
Safety features primarily consisted of manual lap and shoulder seat belts for all occupants, energy-absorbing bumpers, and impact-resistant door beams. Airbags were not standard equipment and were only beginning to appear as optional features in some vehicles during this period, often a driver's side only, though generally not on the 1991 Prelude. Crash-test ratings from contemporary organizations like NHTSA or IIHS are not available or directly comparable to modern testing standards. Vehicle safety was judged on different metrics, focusing more on structural integrity and passive restraints.
What Colors Options are Available?
1991 Honda Prelude Prices and Market Value
Today, current used market prices vary wildly based on condition. A rough, high-mileage example might fetch $1,500-$4,000. Good condition, well-maintained cars typically sell for $5,000-$10,000. Exceptional, low-mileage, or collector-grade Si 4WS models can command $10,000 to over $20,000, showing an appreciation for pristine examples. Factors affecting resale value include the vehicle's overall condition, presence of rust, service history, originality (unmodified cars are preferred), and the functionality of the 4WS system. The Prelude has transitioned from a depreciating used car to a 'youngtimer' classic, with values now appreciating for specific, well-preserved examples.
1991 Honda Prelude Cost of Ownership
1991 Honda Prelude Fuel Efficiency
1991 Honda Prelude Safety Rating
NHTSA
1991 Honda Prelude Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1991 Honda Prelude Compare to Other Sedan?
In terms of performance, the Prelude Si 4WS stood out. Its unique mechanical four-wheel steering system offered superior agility and high-speed stability that most front-wheel-drive rivals couldn't match. While the Nissan 240SX offered a rear-wheel-drive platform, appealing to a different driving dynamic for enthusiasts (especially for drifting), the Prelude's FWD handling was exceptionally well-tuned. The Toyota Celica GT-S and Mazda MX-6 (especially the turbo GT) offered competitive straight-line speed, but the Prelude often had an edge in overall chassis refinement and cornering prowess. The VW Corrado G60 had a supercharged engine, giving it strong acceleration, but often came with higher maintenance complexities.
For features, the Prelude's 4WS was its killer app, an innovative piece of engineering rare for its class. Rivals offered similar amenities like power windows, sunroofs, and cruise control, but few had such a technologically advanced chassis system.
Reliability was a strong suit for the Prelude, upholding Honda's reputation. It generally outperformed the Volkswagen Corrado in long-term dependability and was on par with the strong reliability of the Toyota Celica. The Nissan 240SX and Mazda MX-6 also had good reliability records, making Japanese coupes generally more dependable than European counterparts.
Pricing when new was competitive across the board, with top trims of all these vehicles hovering in the $18,000-$23,000 range. In the used market, the Prelude, particularly the Si 4WS, maintains good value for well-preserved examples, often on par with clean 240SXs (which can command a "drift tax") or Celica GT-S models.
Similar Alternatives: The Toyota Celica GT-S (for similar FWD sporty feel and reliability) or Mazda MX-6 GT (for its sportiness and available turbo engine).
'Better' (depending on preference) Alternatives: The Nissan 240SX (for RWD dynamics, customization potential), or a Volkswagen Corrado (for a more unique, Euro-sport aesthetic and driving experience, albeit with potential higher ownership costs).
