1984 Honda Prelude problems
The Honda Prelude (Japanese: ホンダ・プレリュード, Hepburn: Honda Pureryūdo) is a sports car produced by the Japanese company Honda over five generations from 1978 to 2001. It is a two-door coupé that was loosely derived from the Honda Accord and was the first Honda to feature a moonroof, a feature that remained standard equipment throughout its production. The Prelude was used by Honda to introduce the Japanese Honda retail sales chain Honda Verno, with the international release of the model following shortly after. Production of the Prelude concluded in 2001 upon the introduction of the fourth-generation Integra. The Prelude name was originally trademarked by Toyota, but was amicably given to Honda for use. The Prelude complied with the series of music-themed vehicle names which Honda used at the time, along with the Accord, Quintet, Concerto, Jazz, and Ballade.
First generation (1978)
On 24 November 1978, the Prelude was launched to the Japanese market. It had its world premiere at the 1979 AutoRAI in Amsterdam, two months later. In Japan it was only available at the newly established dealership sales channel Honda Verno. This dealership chain also introduced the Honda Quint, the Honda Ballade, and the Accord-based Honda Vigor as its largest sedan and hatchback. The four-wheel independent struts, brakes, and engine were all borrowed from the first-generation Accord, but the chassis was all new and developed by chief engineer Hiroshi Kizawa expressly for the sporting Prelude. At 4,090 mm (length) x 1,635 mm (width) x 1,290 mm (height), it had quite a low and wide profile. The wheelbase was 2,320 mm, and was 60 mm shorter than that of the original Accord. Honda appears to have followed the successful introduction of the Toyota Celica example by taking a small car, like the Accord, installing a more powerful engine, and giving the body a short trunk, and a long engine hood. The Prelude (and period Accord) were the first cars under two liters to receive standard power steering. The Prelude also benefited from Honda's experience with sporting cars like the Honda S800 and Coupé 1300.
The Prelude was the first Honda model to offer a power moonroof as standard equipment, which eventually became a Prelude trademark. In Japan, the Prelude was available with a sliding metal sunroof, while US versions received a glass top which freed up more headroom. Japanese buyers were liable for slightly more annual road taxes over the smaller Civic, which also had a smaller engine. While marketed as a 2+2, the rear seat was not usable for anyone larger than a small child.
Initial reviews for the Prelude were favorable. "It is," wrote Brock Yates for Motor Trend, "by any sane measurement, a splendid automobile. The machine, like all Hondas, embodies fabrication that is, in my opinion, surpassed only by the narrowest of margins by Mercedes-Benz. It is a relatively powerful little automobile by anybody's standards." Motor Trend measured an early Prelude completing the quarter-mile in 18.8 seconds at 70 mph. In terms of underpinnings it was mostly a Honda Accord, although its more compact package and lower weight allowed for a marginally higher top speed and gas mileage.
The standard engine at the time of introduction was the "EL" SOHC eight-valve 1,602 cc (non-CVCC) inline-four rated at 80 PS (59 kW) at 5,000 rpm and 12.9 kg⋅m (127 N⋅m; 93 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm. It remained the only engine available for most markets, aside from the US and Japan. It featured a non-automatic choke with three positions and a two-barrel carburetor. In September 1978 the larger "EK" SOHC 12-valve 1,751 cc CVCC inline-four was introduced in Japan, rated at 90 PS (66 kW) at 5,300 rpm (SAE gross). Automatics had five less horsepower. It took until March 1979 for the Prelude to appear in the United States, then with 72 hp (54 kW) at 4,500 rpm and 94 lb⋅ft (127 N⋅m) at 3,000 rpm (SAE net) from the larger 1.8 engine. The EK engine made use of an engine oil cooler and transistor-controlled ignition system.
Transmission choices were either the standard five-speed manual or initially a two-speed "Hondamatic" semi-automatic, which by October 1979 had been replaced by a three-speed automatic that used the final gear as the overdrive. In addition to the standard fabrics offered in most models, an 'Executive' option was offered in some markets which added power steering and Connolly leather upholstery. Honda used a single central gauge cluster design in this car which housed the speedometer and tachometer in one combined unit where both instrument's needles swept along the same arc. They also placed the compact AM/FM radio unit up high next to the gauge cluster. The Prelude featured intermittent wipers, tinted glass, and a remote trunk release. 1980 saw the introduction of the CVCC-II engine which employed the use of a catalytic converter and several other refinements that improved driveability, the Prelude also received a mild facelift in 1981. This facelift meant a return to a more traditional dashboard, rather than the much critiqued "Concentrated Target Meter" used before. The 1981 Prelude also received a stainless steel trim strip along the bumpers and side moldings, as well as a new grille. 313,000 units were manufactured by Honda from 1978 to 1982, with 80% being sold outside of Japan.
The Prelude was introduced in Europe during 1979, but was not a strong seller, its high asking price not helping its chances of sales success.
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Common 1984 Honda Prelude problems
The 1984 Honda Prelude, while a classic car, has several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues primarily revolve around the engine and carburetors, which can be quite complex and challenging to deal with, especially for those without extensive experience in automotive repair.
One of the most significant problems with the 1984 Honda Prelude is related to the carburetors. These carbs, which were not very reliable even when new, have become even more problematic with age. Some of the issues include leaking fuel, rotten gaskets and seals, and vacuum hoses that are difficult to diagnose and repair.
Another common problem with the 1984 Honda Prelude is related to the distributor. Some owners have reported that there is no spark when starting the car, which can be caused by issues with the distributor itself. This can be a challenging problem to diagnose and repair, as it requires a good understanding of the car's electrical system.
In addition to these specific issues, the 1984 Honda Prelude has a reputation for being a "money pit" that may not be worth the cost of repair. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to sell the car for parts or to look for a different vehicle that is in better condition.
In summary, the 1984 Honda Prelude has several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues primarily revolve around the engine and carburetors, which can be quite complex and challenging to deal with. If you are considering purchasing a 1984 Honda Prelude, it is important to be aware of these potential issues and to budget accordingly. If you are not experienced in automotive repair, it may be wise to seek the help of a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair any problems that arise.
Are old Honda Preludes reliable?
Honda quality means the Prelude generally stands up well in service, as long as they're looked after and see a mechanic regularly. Regular oil changes are important, along with regular oil changes for the automatic transmission, which prefers Honda trans fluid.
Is the Prelude a good car?
The final generation of the Prelude is a fantastic car for your money. I predict value of clean examples will continue to increase in the future. With basic maintenance these cars will last 250k+ with minimal problems, if you have a 5 speed.
Is a 1986 Honda Prelude good?
1986 Honda Prelude owners love their cars, saying they are extremeley reliable, suprisingly peppy, and very fun to drive. Some drivers have had a problem with rust and flaking paint, and many complain that the backseat is way too small.
What is the top speed of a 1984 Honda Prelude?
- 188 km/h.
- 9.7 sec.
- 117 mph.
- Acceleration, 0-60 mph. 9.1 sec.
1984 Honda Prelude car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Prelude problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Honda Prelude vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1984 Honda Prelude complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Honda Prelude.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-06-15
- VIN: JHMAB5228EC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: ORIG. POWER STEERING RACK CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES. REPLACEMENT RESEALED AFTER 1 MONTH, CRACKED AND REPLACED AFTER APPROX. 3 YEARS. CONTACTED HONDA, THEY DID NOT RESPOND. SECOND REPLACEMENT NOW HAS PROBLEMS.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-01
- VIN: JHMAB5225EC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-12
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MUFFLER FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-05
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. THE OWNER WILL BE CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED. *AK
1984 Honda Prelude recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1984 Honda Prelude.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: IF THE PLASTIC COATING OF THE FUEL FILLER AND/OR BREATHER PIPE IS DAMAGED, SALT WATER MAY ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE PLASTIC COATING AND THE STEEL PIPES, AND THE ACCUMULATION COULD CAUSE CORROSION WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY RUST THROUGH THE AFFECTED PIPES, ALLOWING GASOLINE FUMES AND FUEL TO LEAK.
- Consequence: GASOLINE FUMES AND/OR FUEL LEAKAGE THROUGH THE FILLER ORBREATHER PIPES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: REPAIRS WILL BE MADE TO VEHICLES WITH CORRODED FILLER OR BREATHER PIPES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1984 Honda Prelude problems:
3rd gen Lude common problems. | Honda Prelude Forum
Jun 14, 2004 ... Maybe we could list them in a single thread with links to threads discussing answers. Like for example the red light in A/C button issue, or ...
1984 Honda Prelude Reviews - Carsurvey.org
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troubleshooting 84 2nd gen | Honda Prelude Forum
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Q&A: Honda Prelude Headlights - 1988 Si 4WS, Pop Up Lights ...
Dec 30, 2007 ... How about the wiring diagrams. graphic. I have never had to diagnose these headlights. Not a common problem that I have seen anyway.
Other years of Honda Prelude
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