1988 Honda Prelude
US · Subcompact Cars
The 1988 Honda Prelude is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.0L 4-cylinder (16 VALVE) (FFS) (MPFI)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.0L 4-cylinder (16 VALVE) (FFS) (MPFI) | |
| Displacement | 2.0 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 4 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
4 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 7, 2026.
95V103001: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES. CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. CHECK THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE…
Reported May 24, 1995. View on NHTSA
89V097000: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPER MAY BE BENT WHEN EXCESSIVE DOWNWARD FORCE IS APPLIED AFTER PEDAL HAS CONTACTED THE STOPPER.
Remedy: INSTALL A SUPPORT TO PREVENT STOPPER FROM BENDING.
Reported June 13, 1989. View on NHTSA
89V093000: SEATS
THE REAR INBOARD SEAT ANCHORAGE BRACKET FOR THE FRONT SEATS MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE FORCE REQUIRED BY FMVSS 207.
Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCING PLATE TO REAR INBOARD SEAT ANCHORAGE BRACKET FOR EACH FRONT SEAT.
Reported June 8, 1989. View on NHTSA
88V059000: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
VIBRATION AND HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES COULD CAUSE POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE AT THE CONNECTOR CLAMP SEAL TO DEVELOP A FLUID LEAK.
Remedy: INSTALL AN IMPROVED POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE ASSEMBLY.
Reported April 6, 1988. View on NHTSA
87V171000: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, SECTIONS 6A AND 6B WAS OMITTED FROM THE MANUAL.
Remedy: UPGRADE EXISTING MANUALS BY INSERTING ADHESIVE BACKED CORRECTION PAGES.
Reported October 29, 1987. View on NHTSA
87V122000: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
A SMALL AMOUNT OF COOLANT SEEPAGE MAY OCCUR, AND EVENTUALLY RESIDUE MAY ACCUMULATE ON THE THROTTLE VALVE.
Remedy: REPLACE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY.
Reported August 4, 1987. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 21, 2026
Data verified: October 22, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1987 Honda Prelude
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) - 1989 Honda Prelude
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS) 2 barrel carb), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS) fuel injection) · FWD
22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1988 Honda Prelude have?
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((16 VALVE) (FFS) (MPFI)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1988 Honda Prelude?
Combined fuel economy is 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1988 Honda Prelude front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 1988 Honda Prelude?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 7, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.