The Honda Prelude is an automotive legend in the fullest sense of the word. Introduced for the first time in 1978, the Prelude married slick styling with modern engineering practices-and Honda’s legacy of reliability. After a 23-year hiatus, Honda’s announcement in 2025 of the reintroduction of the Prelude as a hybrid sports coupe thrilled all auto enthusiasts. The article describes the evolution of the Prelude, its major highlights, and its contribution to the automotive world.
Generations of the Honda Prelude
First Generation
The first-generation Honda Prelude debuted in November 1978 as a direct response to sporty compact coupes like the Toyota Celica. Built on components shared with the Honda Accord, it stood out with a lower and wider stance. Honda added a futuristic touch with its unique “Concentrated Target Meter” dashboard and advanced gauge cluster.
Critics praised the Prelude’s build quality and refined driving dynamics. However, it wasn’t perfect—its cramped rear seats were a common complaint. Still, the car made a strong impression.
Honda sold over 313,000 units of the first-generation Prelude worldwide, with 80% exported outside Japan. This success laid the foundation for Honda’s future line of sporty coupes.
| Feature | Details |
| Debut | November 1978 |
| Engines | 1.6L (80 hp), 1.8L CVCC (90 hp) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 2/3-speed automatic |
| Weight | 900 kg (1,984 lbs) |
| Innovation | First Honda with power moonroof |
| Sales | 313,000+ units |
| Exports | 80% sold outside Japan |
| Weakness | Cramped rear seats |
Second Generation
The second-generation Honda Prelude produced between 1982 and 1987 was a testing ground for some very exciting changes. It sported pop-up headlights, a more elegant and aerodynamic design, and introduced Honda’s very first four-wheel steering (4WS) system. That mechanical 4WS added significantly to cornering with a sharper, more agile feel for the driver.
In the U.S. though, it was strong competition against the Toyota Celica and Nissan 200SX. Yet from 1983 to 1987, Honda sold a total of 336,599 units in the U.S. This generation helped firmly establish Honda as a leader in intelligent, forward-thinking design.
| Feature | Details |
| Years | 1982–1987 |
| Headlights | Pop-up |
| Engines | 1.8L SOHC (105 hp), 2.0L DOHC (up to 160 hp) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic |
| Innovations | 4WS, Anti-lock brakes (optional) |
| U.S. Sales | 336,599 units |
| Market Impact | Strong in Japan/Europe, tough in U.S. |
Third Generation
TThe third-generation Honda Prelude from 1987 to 1991 had a very upscale and stylish look. Modeled after the NSX, it had engineering-design attributes with better aerodynamic qualities, now having a drag co-efficient as low as 0.34. Performance improvements were made with the four-wheel steering system that began with a mechanical system and transitioned into an electronic system.
The sharp handling gained by the Prelude from this 4WS technology led to a lot of attention. In 1988, it was in third place in the European Car of the Year award: Quite rightfully, it was a car with an international appeal. U.S. sales of the car were 160,909 between 1988 and 1991, so it surely left its mark.
| Feature | Details |
| Years | 1987–1991 |
| Design | NSX-inspired, aerodynamic (0.34 Cd) |
| Engines | 2.0L SOHC (104–114 hp), 2.0L DOHC (135–160 hp), 2.1L DOHC (140–145 hp) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic |
| Innovation | Mechanical & electronic 4WS |
| Awards | 3rd in 1988 European Car of the Year |
| U.S. Sales | 160,909 units |
Fourth Generation
HIn its time between 1991 up to 1996, the Honda Prelude has come up with much more aggressive changes. Such included a more advanced and aggressive-looking car overall. It exchanged pop-up headlamps for fixed ones. This was, however, most notably the generation of headlights with an emerging VTEC engine under the hood, so-called because it quickly became a standard favorite for performance enthusiasts.
Honda is further on in its innovation. The new Prelude has also been provided with an electric four-wheel steering system, along with leather interiors and high-standard sound systems. These would make it more comfortable, if not too luxurious, in addition to its sporty exterior.
| Feature | Details |
| Years | 1991–1996 |
| Headlights | Fixed (no more pop-up headlights) |
| Engines | 2.2L SOHC (135 hp) , 2.3L DOHC (160 hp), 2.2L VTEC (190 hp) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic |
| Innovations | Electronic 4WS, leather interior, premium audio |
| Reception | VTEC model popular with tuners |
| U.S. Sales | 98,627 units |
Fifth Generation
The Honda Prelude, fifth generation, was manufactured and marketed between 1996 and 2001. As the last member of the legendary coupe lineup, it featured a far more angular and modern profile than curvy silhouettes of other predecessors.
The Prelude, according to its drivers, does everything precisely right with regard to handling and VTEC firepower. Critics would say, however, that it was built a little heavier than its earlier iterations. The car, however, fleeted with a slow market and was discontinued in 2001.
In fact, only 58,118 units were sold in the U.S. between 1997 and 2001. This was the last straw, or the last branch, which a previous line of Prelude ended. In the final era of the business, Honda would want to never turn a blind eye to performance and technology again.
| Feature | Details |
| Years | 1996–2001 |
| Design | Angular, modern styling |
| Engine | 2.2L VTEC (200 hp, 220 hp in Japan Type S) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual / 4-speed SportShift auto |
| Innovations | ATTS (Type SH), SportShift automatic |
| Reception | Praised for handling, criticized for weight |
| U.S. Sales | 58,118 units |
Prelude’s Return (2025)
After 23 years, Honda brought forth a name brand with the sixth generation of the Prelude concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, calling it a hybrid sports coupe.
Expected Features
- Powertrain: Petrol-hybrid
- Design: A sleek three-door liftback coupe
- Positioning: Somewhere between the Civic Type R and Honda’s forthcoming electric sports cars
Why It Matters
The new Prelude revives a legendary name; it connects performance and hybrid efficiency. Designed to compete with Toyota GR86s and Mazda MX-5s, Honda would be taking a bold step toward the future of hybrids that are fun to drive.
Read More: Sedans With All Wheel Drive: Luxury & Performance Leaders
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
What Honda has revealed is that the hybrid system is the power source of the Prelude concept. Perhaps this could mean a variation of the hybrid system as seen in models like the CR-V, Accord, and the forthcoming 2025 Civic hybrid. The hybrid systems in the Accord are good for 204 horsepower, supplied by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, but given the performance intent of the Prelude, we hope it has more power than that. Well, sadly enough, I don’t think this time will see a manual transmission.
2026 Honda Prelude: The Sporty Hybrid Coupe Returns
The Honda Prelude returns again after a time abroad of 25 years. This popular car will compensate for the two door discontinued Civic Coupe. This is altogether different from Pretender from the past; hybridization will enter into the equation, but in the vein of sportiness.
Pricing & Availability
Honda has officially not disclosed pricing for the model. Given, however, the starting price for the Civic Hybrid was at $28,950, the starting pricing for Prelude will probably be pegged between $30,000 and $35,000, thus directly competing with animals like the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86.
The Prelude will be released at the end of 2025 as a 2026 model. There are no indications of preorders available at this point.
Trim Levels & Features
So far, there is not much information available, but it will likely have many tech components shared with the Civic Hybrid. Some of the features are:
- New for Honda’s-S+ Shift drive mode
- paddle shifters
- four-seat layout
More information about the cargo space and complete feature list will be made available closer to launch.
Performance:
There won’t be a manual transmission for the Prelude, a first for the nameplate. The new vehicle will use the hybrid powertrain – probably that of the 200-hp Civic Hybrid. While many enthusiasts will surely miss a stick shift, Honda is going to make driving much more engaging with:
- Paddle shifters
- S+ Shift mode (optimizes gear changes for performance)
- Sport-tuned suspension (for sharper handling)
- Actual times of 0-60 and horsepower numbers are still not revealed.
Safety and Warranty
The Prelude is going to come with the Honda Sensing safety suite, which includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane-Keeping Assist
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
Warranty coverage should probably be the same as any other Honda hybrid.
- 3 years/36,000 miles (basic)
- 5 years/60,000 miles (powertrain).
FAQ’s
Q1) How much horsepower will the new Prelude have?
Exact figures have not been confirmed; however, since performance is emphasized, it should exceed 204 horsepower from the Accord Hybrid.
Q2) Will a manual transmission option be available?
A manual transmission is not anticipated. The Prelude will likely have an automatic with paddle shift.
Q3) How many seats will be available in the Prelude?
It will have a four-seat configuration and remain true to its original coupe styling.
Q4) What new features can be expected?
Anticipated features, including Honda’s new S+ Shift mode, paddle shifters, and hybrid driving improvements will have more detailed specifications nearer the date of release-to-be-shared.
Q5) Is the Prelude replacing the Civic Coupe?
Indeed, buyers must consider it the spiritual descendant of the gone Civic Coupe, with a fun and sporty alternative to offer in Honda’s range.
