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1997 Honda Prelude Base 4AT

The 1997 Honda Prelude Base 4AT is a 195-hp 2.2-liter inline-4 sports coupe with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.

It makes 195 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 156 lb-ft of torque at 5250 rpm.

The Prelude measures 178.0 inches long on a 101.8-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,009 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeCoupe
PowertrainGas
Engine
Engine Type2.2-liter 16-valve DOHC VTEC inline-4 (H22A4)
Displacement2.2 L
Horsepower195 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Torque156 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Valvetrain16-valve DOHC VTEC, belt-driven
Bore and Stroke87.0 x 90.7
Compression Ratio10.0:1
Injection TypeMulti-Point Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission
Transmission4-Speed Automatic with Sequential SportShift
1st Gear2.528
2nd Gear1.427
3rd Gear0.976
4th Gear0.653
Reverse1.863
Final Drive4.785
Fuel Economy
Recommended FuelPremium Unleaded
Tank Capacity15.9 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent double wishbone, coil springs
Rear SuspensionIndependent double wishbone with trailing arms, coil springs
Front Stabilizer Bar25.4 mm
Rear Stabilizer Bar23.0 mm
Turning Diameter36.1 ft
Brakes
Front Brake Disc11.1 in ventilated disc
Rear Brake Disc10.2 in disc
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16 x 6.5 JJ alloy
Wheels Rear16 x 6.5 JJ alloy
Tires FrontP205/50R16 87V Bridgestone RE92 all-season
Tires RearP205/50R16 87V Bridgestone RE92 all-season
Dimensions & Weight
Length178 in
Width69 in
Height51.8 in
Wheelbase101.8 in
Front Track60 in
Rear Track59.6 in
Ground Clearance5.7 in
Cargo Volume8.7 ft³
Curb Weight3,009 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R)63% / 37%
Interior
Headroom Front37.9 in
Headroom Rear35.3 in
Legroom Front43 in
Legroom Rear28.1 in
Shoulder Room Front53.8 in
Shoulder Room Rear50 in
Hip Room Front52.1 in
Hip Room Rear41 in

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

5 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Honda PRELUDE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jun 29, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

NHTSA campaign 06E060000

Mar 23, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

NHTSA campaign 06E026000

Jan 28, 2005 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

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.

NHTSA campaign 05V025000

May 16, 2002 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

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.

Consequence: WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

NHTSA campaign 02V120000

May 10, 1999 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

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.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

NHTSA campaign 99V069000

66 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1997 Honda PRELUDE

Owner Complaints

66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Honda PRELUDE (3 mention a crash, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Power Train39
Electrical System7
Suspension7
Tires5
Engine And Engine Cooling4
Air Bags2
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 9, 2019 · Power Train
“I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND HAVE HAD GOOD LUCK WITH HONDA'S IN THE PAST BUT ABOUT 300 MILES OF ME OWNING THIS VEHICLE I WAS ENTERING A FREEWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST ALL POWER WITH CARS GOING…”
Apr 7, 2014 · Power Train
“ITS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IT ONLY HAS 136000 MILES ON IT AND I NEED A NEW ONE THAT'S REALLY LOW MILES FOR A 97 NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS EVER WITH ANY OF MY CARS. I HEARD ITS WITH ALL THE…”
Aug 7, 2013 · Electrical System
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA PRELUDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000…”
Jun 8, 2011 · Power Train
“WELL BASICALLY I BOUGHT MY 97AUTOMATIC PRELUDE, AND NOT MORE THAN A MONTH LATER OF HAVING THE CAR THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. BASICALLY IT WOULD SOUND LIKE A SCREW DRIVER WAS BEING FORCED…”
Aug 17, 2010 · Electrical System
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA PRELUDE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. SHE STATED SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND WHEN RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1997 HONDA PRELUDE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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