Honda places a premium on handling in all its products, but few are as surgicallyprecise as the Prelude, particularly the Prelude Si and VTEC. Although our test car
exhibited traces of understeer--the tendency for the car to continue straight when it's
pushed too hard in a corner--it was easily controlled by a slight lift on the throttle,
bringing the nose of the car back on line.
Understeer is common to all front-drive cars, but the Prelude's suspension system
minimizes it more than most, if not all.
The power rack and pinion steering complements the Prelude's gunfighter reflexes with
a light touch, yet very good communication to the driver concerning where the front
wheels are pointing.
Considering its athletic nature, the Prelude's ride quality is remarkably supple,
something that can't be said for some sport coupes. The basic S model is the most
civilized member of the tribe in this respect, but there's nothing harsh about that
behavior of the Si or VTEC, even on rough surfaces.
While spring rates aimed at ride comfort also yield some body roll in maximum
cornering situations, it's well controlled and difficult to perceive from inside the