2000 Honda Prelude problems

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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.

2000 Honda Prelude

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Common 2000 Honda Prelude problems

The Honda Prelude 2000 has been known to have several common problems, primarily related to its engine and transmission. Here's a detailed breakdown of these issues:

  • Alternator Bearing Failure: The alternator in the Honda Prelude 2000 is prone to bearing failure, which can cause engine whine. This issue is most likely caused by a front bearing failure in the alternator.
  • Clutch Master Cylinder Wear: The clutch master cylinder in the Honda Prelude 2000 can wear out, causing the clutch pedal to return slowly to its normal position and making it difficult to change gears. This issue can be resolved by replacing the master cylinder and potentially the seal if there is any fluid leakage.
  • Headlight Weakness: The headlights on the Honda Prelude 2000 are known to be weak, especially on low beam. This issue is more of a design flaw than a fault and can be addressed by installing HID retrofits.
  • Speedometer Issues: The speedometer in the Honda Prelude 2000 can malfunction, displaying incorrect speeds or not working at all. This issue is caused by a fault with the speedometer sensor and can be resolved by replacing the sensor.
  • Driveshaft Oil Seal Failure: The driveshaft oil seal in the Honda Prelude 2000 can fail, causing oil to leak onto the floor and making it difficult for the vehicle to change gears. This issue can be resolved by replacing the driveshaft oil seal.
  • Rust Around Wheel Arches: The Honda Prelude 2000 is prone to rust around the wheel arches, particularly on versions with stone chip protectors. This issue can be addressed by rubbing down the rusted area until all rust is gone, cutting out the rusted patch, and welding on a metal patch if necessary.
  • Ignition System Failure: The ignition system in the Honda Prelude 2000 can wear out quickly, causing the vehicle to stall with no obvious engine malfunctions. This issue can be resolved by installing a new ignition system.
  • Automatic Gearbox Failure: The automatic gearbox in the Honda Prelude 2000 can fail completely, requiring replacement . This issue affects 1997-2001 automatic models and can be resolved by replacing the gearbox.
  • Faulty ABS Speed Sensor: The ABS speed sensor in the Honda Prelude 2000 can fail, causing the ABS light to come on and potentially indicating an issue with the anti-lock brakes. This issue can be resolved by replacing the ABS speed sensor.

It is important to note that these issues may not affect every Honda Prelude 2000 and that some of these problems may be more prevalent in certain model years or conditions. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or address these issues before they become major problems.

2000 Honda Prelude engine

How long do Prelude engines last?

With basic maintenance these cars will last 250k+ with minimal problems, if you have a 5 speed. Keep the oil topped off the valves adjusted, and with regular tuneups every 40,000 miles, this car will never leave you stranded.

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.

Do Honda Preludes handle well?

The fifth-generation Honda Prelude showed up in late 1996 with great looks, a 200-hp four-cylinder engine, and an excellent manual transmission. It also handled so well that it was easy to forget the Prelude was front-wheel drive.

Why did Honda Prelude stop making?

Why did Honda stop making the Prelude? Unfortunately, as Honda's premium alter ego Acura gained in popularity, the Prelude's semi-lofty price tag cut sales significantly toward the end of the fifth-generation.

2000 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:

  • Power train problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2000 Honda Prelude vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2000 Honda Prelude complaints

The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2000 Honda Prelude.

2015-11-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-11-08
  • VIN: JHMBB6244YC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 HONDA PRELUDE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
2012-01-10

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-12-14
  • VIN: JHMBB6244YC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: AFTER ELEVEN YEARS OF OWNERSHIP AND 72,000 MILES, TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT AXLE SEALS OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR, CAUSING SERIOUS TRANSMISSION LEAKS. BOTH SEALS WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER. AFTER ONLY FOUR MONTHS, BOTH AXLE SEALS BEGAN SERIOUSLY LEAKING ONCE AGAIN. TRANSMISSION ALSO BEGAN TO MAKE WHIRRING NOISES ABOVE 30 MPH. DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF DIFFERENTIAL BEARINGS AND OFF-AXIS AXLES WERE WEARING OUT THE SEALS PREMATURELY. DEALER QUOTED $4,500 REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION AS ONLY REPAIR OPTION. *TR
2011-06-26

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-06-25
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: HI, I HAVE A 2000 HONDA PRELUDE. IT IS THE AUTOMATIC VERSION WITH THE SPORT SHIFTER. RECENTLY MY TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN ACTING MORE THAN USUAL. FROM WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR IN NOVEMBER OF 2009 AND UNTIL JUNE 18TH 2011, MY TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO EACH GEAR FINE, BUT DID HAVE SOME ABNORMAL SHIFTS ON SOME DAYS. FROM JUNE 18TH 2011 IN THE AFTERNOON AND UNTIL JUNE 25TH 2011, MY CAR'S TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP AND SHIFTED REALLY HARSH IN EVERY GEAR. THE WORST GEAR IS 3RD. THIRD GEAR SLIPS REALLY BAD AND HAS A LATE DELAY WHEN SHIFTING TO 4TH. *TR
2010-04-22

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-04-10
  • VIN: JHMBB6249YC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE, REPLACED ONCE ALREADY. NOW STARTING TO SLIP. *TR
2008-06-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-06-20
  • VIN: JHMBB6158YC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: I HAVE A 2000 HONDA PRELUDE TYPE SH. IT HAS BEEN MAKING A WEIRD SOUND SO I TOO IT TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THE AUTO TENSIONER AND TIMING BELT NEEDS REPLACED. THE SERVICE IS NOT SUPPOSE TO BE DONE UNTIL 105,000 MILES. THE CAR HAS 77,000 MILES. I RAN INTO THE SAME THING ON MY PREVIOUS PRELUDE WHICH WAS A 1999 BASE MODEL PRELUDE. HONDA WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL OR HELP FINANCIALLY. THIS COSTS AROUND A $1000 TO FIX. IF THE AUTO TENSIONER FAILS, THE TIMING BELT CAN BREAK LEADING TO A RUINED ENGINE. EVERYONE IN THE HONDA COMMUNITY KNOWS THIS. WHY CAN'T HONDA BE LIABLE TO FIX A DEFECTIVE PART THAT EVERYONE HAS TROUBLE WITH? *TR
2005-09-19

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-07-26
  • VIN: JHMBB6249YC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL FROM THE AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR COMPANY STATING THAT I NEEDED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE AUTHORIZED HONDA DEALER, DUE MY FROM MY CAR WHATSOEVER TRANSMISSION. 2 WEEKS LATER I WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE MY KEY FROM MY CAR WHATSOEVER REVERSE, OR PLACE MY CAR IN PARK SO THEREFORE I PARKED IN NEUTRAL WITH THE BRAKE ON MY RECALL NOTICE SPECIFICALLY STATED THAT THESE EXACT PROBLEMS WOULD OCCUR AND WOULD BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE OR REIMBURSED. AND HONDA DEALER I FOLLOWED INSTRUCTION FROM RECALL LETTER AND HONDA DEALER HAS FAILED TO REMEDY THE DEFECT IN MY VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE AND HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETELY REPAIRED BUT HOW CAN I COMPLETELY REPAIR IT IF THEY DON'T REIMBURSE MY MONEY AND KEEP MAKING ME PAY FOR REPAIRS OF A RECALL . *JB
2005-07-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-06-16
  • VIN: JHMBB6242YC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 2000 HONDA PRELUDE FUEL CAP WAS LOOSE, AND THE RADIO BECAME INOPERATIVE AFTER IGNITION SWITCH RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED.*MR THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE STARTER UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE TOOK LONGER THAN NORMAL TO START. *NM
2002-09-16

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-09-02
  • VIN: N/A
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: GEAR SHIFTER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SHIFTER BECOMES HARD WHEN DRIVING TO SHIFT INTO PLACE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS CHECKING IT OUT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
2002-08-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JHMBB6140YC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: LOSES COMPRESSION ON TWO CYLINDERS. MECHANIC SAID VALVES MIIGHT BE BENT
2002-04-22

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-03-01
  • VIN: JHMBB6245YC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION CASE IS CRACKED AND THERE WAS OIL LEAKING FROM VEHICLE. CONTACTED MECHANIC. *AK HONDA CORPORATE OFFERED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION FOR FREE. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY FRONT END COLLISION. *JG
2001-09-01

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JHMBB6148YC
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: HAVE COMPLAINED TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT POOR THROTTLE RESPONSE OR A DEAD SPOT IN THE THROTTLE OF PRELUDE DURING DAYS WHEN TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 80 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. THE PROBLEM APPEARS WHEN STARTING FROM A DEAD STOP UP THROUGH 3RD GEAR. PROBLEM EXHIBITS ITSELF AS A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN POWER WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP. AFTER 3RD GEAR PROBLEM IS NOT APPARENT. PROBLEM IS AMPLIFIED WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS OPERATING. AIR CONDITIONER MUST BE TURNED OFF WHEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS BECAUSE ROUGH ACCELERATION PUTS UNDUE AND IRREGULAR STRESS ON DRIVE TRAIN. UNDER CERTAIN TRAFFIC CONDITIONS THIS POWER INTERRUPTION COULD BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. DEALER FAILS TO RESOLVE PROBLEM EACH TIME OR REPORTS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM DESPITE THE PROBLEM BEING REPRODUCEABLE BY THE OWNER WHEN OUTSIDE AIR TEMP IS ABOVE 80 DEGREES. DEALERSHIP IS NOW UNRESPONSIVE. OWNER OF 2000 HONDA PRELUDE HAS REQUESTED THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A FACTORY ENGINEER INVESTIGATE TROUBLE. THE REQUEST HAS GONE UNANSWERED. OWNER OF THE 2000 PRELUDE HAS CONTACTED HONDA AMERICA TO COMPLAIN AND PROBLEM IS STILL UNRESOLVED AT THIS PRESENT TIME.*AK
2001-04-30

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
  • VIN: JHMBB6148YC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: VEHICLE STALLS, TOOK TO DLR AND THEY SAID EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CARBON WAS ON VALVES. DEALER CLEANED VALVES, AND IT WAS HAPPENING AGAIN. CONSUMER STATED THAT 5TH GEAR HAD TO BE REPLACED ALSO.*AK
2000-01-05

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-12-28
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JHMBB6149YT
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH HAD A FRONTAL IMPACT WITH A TREE IN WHICH THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED 3 SECONDS LATE, CAUSING OCCUPANT TO HIT THE STEERING WITH SEATBELT ON, AND SUSTAINING INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

2000 Honda Prelude recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2000 Honda Prelude.

2006-06-29
  • Manufacturer: AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
  • Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
  • Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
2006-03-23
  • Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
  • Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
2005-01-28
  • Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTERLOCK OPERATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO PARK.
  • Consequence: IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT CONFIRMS INTERLOCK FUNCTION. VEHICLES WILL BE UPDATED WITH A REDESIGNED INTERLOCK LEVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Negative 2000 Honda Prelude car reviews

  1. Merle VonRueden 2024-11-05

    This Honda car burns oil at a rate of at least a quart every 1,000 miles, and despite numerous attempts to address the issue with my dealership and American Honda, I have been told that this is simply how the car is built. Unfortunately, this lack of reliability has led me to the decision that I will not own another Honda. While the car is aesthetically pleasing, I do not believe it will last as long as Honda predicts their cars should last. It is worth noting that American Honda has received a failing grade from the BBB. Thank you for considering my experience.

  2. Stewart Powlowski 2024-02-04

    Be cautious when considering purchasing a Honda with an auto transmission. It's important to note that Honda has extended the warranty to 7 years / 100,000 miles due to some issues. Unfortunately, my experience with a Honda auto transmission was not positive. At only 39,000 miles, the transmission was leaking and required replacement. While I was initially pleased to receive a new transmission, I was disappointed to learn that it was remanufactured. Additionally, I was unable to purchase a new transmission in the USA. If you are a Honda employee reading this, please consider the impact on the company's reputation. Thank you.

Positive 2000 Honda Prelude car reviews

  1. Emiliano Murray 2025-01-09

    Happy fifth anniversary to my trusty car! It has been a reliable companion for 50,790 miles and has never let me down. With a minimum of 24 mpg and often getting 26.5 mpg, it's been a cost-effective choice for my short commutes. Although it's not the most comfortable ride and can be a bit noisy, it's an attractive car that handles well. The trunk has plenty of space for a week's worth of groceries, but unfortunately, the back seat is not suitable for adults. Overall, it's been a great car, but I'm now looking for something more comfortable and practical.

  2. Lloyd Brakus 2024-11-14

    I'm so glad to hear that you've just purchased a 2000 P with 45k miles! It's a great car, but it's amazing how much technology has changed in 20 years. I can definitely relate to forgetting to put the key in the ignition to start!

  3. Brent Collins 2024-10-24

    I am confident in my assessment that purchasing a car with an automatic transmission was a mistake. Despite driving the car normally and it being stock, the transmission burned out in June, only two months after purchasing the car in April. Fortunately, Honda replaced the transmission under warranty, which was valued at approximately $5500. In hindsight, it would have been better to purchase the 5-speed option.

  4. Roberto Brekke 2024-10-06

    It sounds like you've had a few issues with your car, but most of them were due to your own mistakes (like trying to roll down a frozen window). You mentioned a couple of noises from the engine that the Honda dealer says aren't a cause for concern, and the clutch can sometimes slip and make a grinding noise. Additionally, the clutch can be a bit difficult to press. You've also had some trouble with the check engine light, but the dealer has assured you that everything is okay. Despite these issues, you've only had to pay for oil changes so far, and the car has held up well with 51000 miles. While the interior may look a bit outdated, the car is built to last. Keep in mind that the back seats are quite small, so it may not be the best choice if you're over 6 feet tall. Overall, it's a reliable Honda, but like any car, it's not indestructible.

  5. Micah Bradtke 2024-10-03

    This is the first car I bought for myself and it has been an absolute pleasure to drive. I have not experienced any mechanical faults and even after 3 years, I still feel a sense of pride every time I look back at my car. The exterior looks are stunning and I have not seen another car with such nice looks in this price range. I highly recommend getting leather seats installed.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2000 Honda Prelude problems:

Commonly known issues with 5th gen Preludes? | Honda Prelude ...
Commonly known issues with 5th gen Preludes? | Honda Prelude ...
https://www.preludepower.com/threads/commonly-known-issues-with-5th-gen-preludes.283210/

Jan 6, 2008 ... 1. Timing Belt Autotensioner failure. · 2. Ignition switch recall (applied to at least 97 and 98 models) · 3. The engine burns some oil, designed ...

2000 Honda Prelude Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
2000 Honda Prelude Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2000-honda-prelude/problems

Top 2000 Honda Prelude Problems · Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking · Misaligned Fifth Shift Fork May Cause Transmission to Grind on ...

What issues should you look for when buying A prelude? : r ...
What issues should you look for when buying A prelude? : r ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/hondaprelude/comments/n4rv5u/what_issues_should_you_look_for_when_buying_a/

May 4, 2021 ... Ignition Barrel: in my experience about 1/5 preludes will have a broken ignition barrel, where you can start the car fine only about 60% of the ...

:::Common Prelude Problems::: - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...
:::Common Prelude Problems::: - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-prelude-4/common-prelude-problems-1930447/

Mar 22, 2007 ... but for some common problems i've heard or ran into as of now is oil consumption problems at higher mileage h22's, water leaks due to the ...

2000 Honda Prelude Weird transmission problem?! | Honda Prelude ...
2000 Honda Prelude Weird transmission problem?! | Honda Prelude ...
https://www.preludeonline.com/threads/2000-honda-prelude-weird-transmission-problem.254125/

Mar 14, 2010 ... 30 mph in 4th gear is very likely a non-problem. 4th gear is the overdrive gear and the auto tranny will automatically shift to 3rd if you fall ...

Other years of Honda Prelude

honda prelude 2001 photo
Prelude 2001
Honda

21

3

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda prelude 1981 photo
Prelude 1981
Honda

2

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda prelude 1983 photo
Prelude 1983
Honda

2

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda prelude 1984 photo
Prelude 1984
Honda

5

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda prelude 1985 photo
Prelude 1985
Honda

7

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda prelude 1986 photo
Prelude 1986
Honda

15

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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