1989 Honda Prelude

• The 1989 Honda Prelude carried the same sharp coupe posture but added a facelift—cleaner bumpers, clear indicators, revised lighting.

• It retained its mechanical edge with a base SOHC 2.0-litre B20A engine (~109 hp) and optional DOHC 16-valve powerplants.

• What truly set it apart was the mechanical 4-wheel steering—still rare at this price point—helping it feel nimble on tight roads.

Changes You Actually Notice

On seeing the new 1989 Honda Prelude, the redesign is subtle, but it’s there. Bumpers are softer but sharper in effect, light clusters gone clear rather than amber, and along the side, the flow of clean, straight panels remains elegant. That profile—long hood, compact body, tight wheel arches—still captures what's special about a sporty compact coupe, but somehow just a bit more refined.

Under the Hood and in the Corners

Power train choices still revolve around the trusty B-series engines. Base models get a SOHC 2.0-litre B20A cranking out around 109 hp. Not earth-shaking, but enough to give this snappy coupe some pep. Step up to the Si or higher trims, and you get the dual-cam 16-valve unit—more rev, more character.

The real tactile surprise is the mechanical four-wheel steering, still mostly unseen in competitors at this level. Backed by Honda’s clever engineering, the Prelude doesn’t just turn—it pivots. Tight turns feel less like constraints and more like choreography.

Cockpit Cues, Familiar but Lean

Inside, there’s little that’s brand new—just cleaner design and that low-slung, driver-first layout one expects. Controls remain intuitive, the seating snug but supportive. It feels like the cockpit of a car designed for focus, not fluff. Peek over the dash, and the view through that glass or optional moonroof is steady. It’s a place where the driver stays centered.

Technical Specification

Performance (hp and kW)

• 2.0 L DOHC 16-valve B20A5 inline-4 (Si & 4WS trims): 135 hp (~101 kW), 127 lb-ft (~172 Nm) torque

Body Measurements (mm and in)

• Length: 4,460 mm (175.6 in)
• Width: 1,695 mm (66.7 in)
• Height: 1,295 mm (51.0 in)
• Wheelbase: 2,560 mm (100.8 in)
• Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in)
• Curb Weight: 1,065 kg (2,348 lb)

Powertrain & Drivetrain

• Engine: 2.0 L DOHC B20A5, PGM-FI (multi-port fuel injection)
• Transmission: 5-speed manual (standard)
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
• Suspension & Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes; independent front/rear strut suspension

Capacities & Utility

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 L
• Fuel Economy (estimated): ~23 mpg city / ~27 mpg highway
• Cargo Volume: approx. 379 L (13.4 cu ft)

Price (Historic Market)

• Original MSRP range: $14,175 to $18,680
• Contemporary collector value (in Good to Excellent condition): typically between $9,250 – $23,000

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