Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (228 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Positive among enthusiast owners for its driving dynamics, timeless styling, and Honda reliability when properly maintained.
7 problems reported (3 very frequent, 4 recurrent) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentAutomatic transmission failure
Very high failure rate, described as a near-guarantee, with 9 out of 10 units expected to fail. An acknowledged engineering flaw.
- Very frequentOil leaks
Multiple common sources: cam seals, rear main seal, VTEC solenoid gasket, and valve stem seals. Valve stem seals cause oil burning and smoke at idle.
- Very frequentSuspension wear
Bushings, ball joints, tie rods, and shock absorbers wear out due to age. Labor-intensive to replace compared to simpler Honda models.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentATTS system issues
(SH models only) Warning lights and system failure, often triggered by hard driving. Can cause rough idle. Complex and expensive to diagnose and repair.
- RecurrentIgnition barrel failure
Barrel becomes loose in the steering column, causing intermittent starting issues or stalling while driving.
- RecurrentFluttering idle / Idle hunting
Caused by a dirty or failing Idle Air Control Valve (IACV).
- RecurrentRust
Particularly in the spare tire well due to aged tail light gaskets, trunk seals, and clogged sunroof drains.
The version owners recommend
Manual transmission model is the only recommended version. The SH trim with a manual is favored by enthusiasts for its advanced ATTS system, though it adds complexity for modification. Base manual models are recommended for simplicity and modification potential.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Acura Integra, Acura RSX, Honda Civic Si, Toyota Celica and Mitsubishi Eclipse.
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Overall sentiment
Positive among enthusiast owners for its driving dynamics, timeless styling, and Honda reliability when properly maintained. However, long-term ownership is heavily conditional on transmission choice and diligent maintenance. The manual transmission is overwhelmingly recommended and praised for durability. The automatic transmission has a very high, widely reported failure rate, described as a known engineering flaw, making automatic models a significant liability. These cars are universally treated as project vehicles due to their age.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more premium, technologically advanced (with features like ATTS) and better-handling coupe compared to contemporary Civics and Integras. The SH model with ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) is noted for its unique handling characteristics but adds complexity.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is an absolute requirement. Thorough pre-purchase inspection for oil leaks (cam seals, rear main seal, valve stem seals), automatic transmission history, rust in the spare tire well, and suspension condition (bushings, ball joints). Avoid automatic transmissions at all costs.
General recommendations
Only suitable as a project or enthusiast car, not a primary daily driver for the non-mechanically inclined. Essential to budget for immediate suspension overhaul, seal replacements, and general refurbishment due to age. A manual transmission is non-negotiable. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with 5th-gen Preludes is critical to identify oil leaks, ATTS system health (if equipped), and hidden rust.
Remarks
The automatic transmission failure is the single most defining issue for this generation, drastically affecting resale value and owner recommendations. Community consensus is that automatic models should be avoided entirely. These vehicles are over 20 years old and require an owner willing to address age-related maintenance comprehensively. The "SH" model's ATTS, while innovative, is a complex system that can fail and is a consideration for long-term ownership. Knowledgeable owner communities provide extensive repair guidance for the common issues listed. Analysis based on historical ownership discussions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 21 | 3 | power train |
| 2000 | 13 | 3 | power train |
| 1999 | 31 | 4 | power train |
| 1998 | 70 | 5 | power train |
| 1997 | 74 | 5 | power train |
| 1996 | 4 | 6 | engine and engine cooling |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices26 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2001 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E060000
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."
2001 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E026000
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.
2001 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 05V025000
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.
2000 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E060000
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."
2000 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E026000
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.
2000 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 05V025000
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.
1999 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E060000
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."
1999 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E026000
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.
1999 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 02V120000
ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.
1999 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 05V025000
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.
1998 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E060000
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."
1998 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E026000
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.
1998 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 02V120000
ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.
1998 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 05V025000
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.
1998 · suspension:front:control arm:lower ball jointcampaign 99V069000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.
11 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: BF1
2.0 i-MMD e:HEV
Hybrid · 184 hp · FWD · automatic (CVT)
Built 2026