[YK86]

Good points posted so far. I'd also like to throw in Preludes are ridiculously expensive to insure. If I remember right, a 97 Civic was $1400 a year full coverage and -15 (43% or whatever it was) discount for me. A 97 Prelude was $2200 a year, same coverage, same discount. My 99 Mustang GT convertible was roughly $300 a year cheaper to insure than the Prelude.

Nicely modded Preludes seem to be a dying breed especially after it got discontinued. I used to see so many with nice OEM lip kits, OEM JDM fogs, etc and now, not so much.

In the end, it comes down to what you want in a car. Preludes are fairly fast from the start, look great, and the seats and layout of the car is comfortable. But if you always carry more than 2 people, the backseat area is very small and cramped, and having only 2 doors can get annoying at times.

Civics are simple family cars that are great on gas and just generally cheap to own. Aftermarket support is huge and there are always used parts and stuff for sale. Lots of options for motors/swaps as well. The sedans are comfortable for 4 and also for carrying stuff like I do for work or when I go snowboarding. Down side is they are a dime a dozen and interior design does feel cheap compared to a Prelude.