I'm not planning on racing but I'm looking for which gen would be overall the most reliable. I've heard the 5th gens tended to have transmission problems but not sure how true this is.

 

only the auto models had the tranny problems.

Engine wise bothe 4th and 5th gens with H22A motors are equally reliable engine-wise.

But basically a lower mileage car will be more reliable generally than a higher mileage, so 5th gen manual is probably better.

If you must have an auto, only the 5th gen had h22a/auto in USA. All 4th gen VTECs were manual

 

ive had no trasmission probs in my 5th gen. might be because it was a certified used car from a dealer but who knows. its all preference. some people like 4th gens, some like 5th. i suggest driving both and making a decision on your preference.

 

I say get a 4th gen lude. I love how the body looks, That why i got 2 lol

 

If you could score a 4th gen with ultra-low mileage... you'd be golden. There's just someting about a 4th gen that just screams SKEET SKEET SKEET! Sorry I'm a lilttle biased but what else can I say... it was love at first sight.

 

I have a 4th Gen. I think the styling was ahead of it's time because I still get people asking me what kind of car it is. When I tell them it is 12 years old, they can't believe it.

 

if your gonna race, you'd be better off with the 4th gen, it's lighter weight will say you some time around the track

 

I don't plan on racing in any way, just want something with a little more power than my Civic. Honestly, I like the 5th gen exterior styling overall, but there's something about the 4th gen that keeps me coming back. I found a 5th gen lude(5speed, of course) with 90k on it and it looks like its adult-driven and in prime condition. It's going for around $7-8k. Judging by that, do you think that's a fair price and worth jumping on?

 

man check out cars.com last time i checked i saw a blk prelude with 27,000 miles 5 spd SH going for $18,000. kinda pricey for a used car but miles are super low. i like the 4th gens performance and the front of the car! but im not a fan of the rear, if they made a prelude with 4th gen front clip with 5th gen back...that would be awesome. if racing isnt a factor then id go for 5th gen since mileage is better and u like the exterior. but both choices are good.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by reco2rip &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I don't plan on racing in any way, just want something with a little more power than my Civic. Honestly, I like the 5th gen exterior styling overall, but there's something about the 4th gen that keeps me coming back. I found a 5th gen lude(5speed, of course) with 90k on it and it looks like its adult-driven and in prime condition. It's going for around $7-8k. Judging by that, do you think that's a fair price and worth jumping on?</TD></TR></TABLE>

4TH gen it will grow on you lol. Any honda can be realiable it all depends how the car is maintaind.

 

I always loved the 4th gen prelude, because it's quick and stylish what more can i say.

 

90K mileage is right about when the timing belt/water pump is supposed to be replaced...I'd watch out for that and see if it has been done

 

generally the 4th gens seem to be more reliable, but it's a tough call.. very close. stay away from 5th gens auto and only other thing to keep in mind is mileage; ie a 4th gen with 80,000 miles is better than a 5th gen with 130,000 miles...

if you aren't going to do any mods, OBD2 might be better for you, so a 5th gen would be a good choice. anyways it depends on the looks you prefer, the engine you want (do you WANT a VTEC?), that kind of thing.

 

I think the '97 5-speeds had some issues w/ 5th gear & a shift fork, but I'm not familiar with the details

 

i love 4th gens i never had so many compliments from a car, i will own one again

 

i have a 4th gen too, i wana bone it everytime i see it lol

 

4th gen all the way if you can find a good one. I bought mine a year ago with 59k miles on a 93. I was sold on the car ever since I drove my friends while I had my civic dx. The style and feeling I get when I drive it never goes away. The seats hug your back, the car handles nice with stock suspension. Moderate power depending on the model you get. And oh yea chicks like them too

 

4th gen all the way "they're just seeexxxyy", women say.
i think they look way better especially with that mean jdm look

 

4th gen. it's a more unique of a car:

1st (with nsx) to have vtec.
the dash doesn't bulk up because of the tach (people always give compliments on that)
stock seats designed by recaro
pretty good placement on stock speakers
good gas mileage

unfavorable unique things:
most don't have cup holders, those that do usually have messed up ones
people complain about being crammed in the back esp. with the divider in the back

letterman- "and the #1 reason to get a 4th gen and not a 5th gen...it's not the lude that ended its production" j/k 5th gen guys