On Track Preview:

The 1997 Honda Prelude

By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor

Other Available Photos:
Interior Photo
Racing to the Left
Racing to the Right
Track Overview

Like many of you, I grew up in an American household where buying American cars was the only choice. Since then, a lot of things have changed. Many of the foreign automakers--Mercedes Benz, Nissan, BMW, Toyota, Honda--have built plants in the United States. Today, I have no qualms about saying Honda makes some of the best cars in the world. The 1997 Prelude is no exception. It is better in every way than its' predecessor, and that is a tremendous accomplishment.

Since 1970, when Honda began operations in the United States, they have sold more than 10 million vehicles here. Last year, 77 percent of Honda cars sold in the United States were produced domestically. In the next year, Honda plans to increase production capacities and employees. A 50-percent increase in engine production capacity to 900,000 units and expansion of Honda R&D North America to 800 employees are just part of Honda North American plans.

The Prelude sales, like all sport coupes, have been sliding downward, consumers are trending towards larger vehicles such as sport-utility trucks or minivans. With this redesign, Honda hopes to turn the tide of their sport coupe. In that effort, they have reduced model choices to Prelude and Prelude Type SH. Few differences exist between the two models: the upper level Type SH features a leather shift knob, rear spoiler and ATTS.

For 1997, Honda has redesigned the Prelude, starting with the all-new exterior. The new exterior features a more classic edge design, similar to the 1983 Prelude. The exterior is conservative and reminds me of the Nissan 240SX, only smaller. The pictures you see here do not truly reflect the Prelude. At first, I thought the Prelude was unattractive, after I saw it in person I believe it has an excellent exterior design. The all-new exterior has led to a larger trunk and a more comfortable interior.

The interior of the previous Prelude was not well accepted by the public, most thought it was a bit weird. The new Prelude features a very Civic-like dashboard design; highly functional, yet, not busy or cluttered. Both the Prelude and Prelude Type SH feature extensive interior features most of which are standard. Some of those features are: power windows, locks and mirrors, cruise control, air-conditioning, dual airbags and a power moonroof (yes even the moonroof is standard).

Another surprising standard feature is the 6 speaker AM/FM/CD player stereo. This stereo features acoustic feedback control system. The system has a microphone built into one of the rear speakers that samples the sound in the cabin. The sound is then compared to the original electronic signal for any distortion; if distortion is detected the stereo compensates for it.

Both models of the Prelude feature the impressive 2.2L, 16-valve, 195 hp, aluminum VTEC engine. Suspension is of the sporty nature as well, with 4-wheel, double-wishbone and 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, but new for 1997 is the 4-speed automatic featuring Sequential SportShift. Sequential SportShift allows the driver the option of shifting manually similar to the transmissions on Formula One or IndyCar. The Prelude automatic also features grade logic control that selects and holds the appropriate gear when going up or downhill to avoid gear hunting.

The most important new mechanical feature of the Honda Prelude is the Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS). The system adjusts power to the front wheels while turning, to provide near neutral handling characteristics while cornering, greatly reducing vehicle understeer. What this really means is, when going through a corner at high speed, the engine directs more power to the outside wheel helping the car steer better through the corner. Similar to a row boat, when rowing backwards you use only one ore, the outside one, to make a tight turn.

During our on track ride and drive program Honda provided both a 1996 Prelude VTEC and 1997 Prelude and Prelude Type SH's. Having driven the 1996 and then the 1997 back-to-back, I can say, without a doubt, the new Prelude Type SH is a far superior car. To enhance the experience at the track, Skip Barber Racing School instructors rode, and drove, in the cars with us and literally showed us the right and wrong way to truly drive the new Prelude. Simon L. Kirkby, Vice President Special Projects Group, rode with me and really showed me how to drive the wheels off the car. I've been to many press events where driving instructors are brought in, but never have the instructors been so helpful.

Pricing and mileage ratings were not available at press time. During the 1997 model year, I'll be giving this car a detailed, week-long test drive. Just so you don't get sticker shock at the dealer, expect a fully loaded Prelude Type SH to go for about $25,000.