Preludes are refined, well balanced, and feel luxurious, even with cloth seats. There's plenty of leg room in front, but you can forget the back seats for anything but grocerys. Since Preludes had low production (average 14,000 per year 1997-2001), you'll be very unique. I have one of 3 known crystal blue metallic Preludes in northeast Ohio -- not just Cleveland, but all the surrounding counties. And one of my friends has the only 2001 Agean Blue in northeast Ohio. She has the sport shift, though. I would obviously recomend the Prelude. I know I'm biased, but a Civic hatchback compared to a Prelude is like comparing hamburger to filet mignon.