Honda is a Japanese automaker that produced the Prelude from 1978 to 2001. The two-door coupe, which was produced across five versions, was mostly based on the Honda Accord. Honda used the Prelude to launch its Japanese retail sales network, Honda Verno, with the model’s global introduction following soon after.
When the fourth-generation Integra was introduced in 2001, production of the Prelude came to an end.
Toyota had a trademark on the term “Prelude” at first, but Honda was granted permission to use it. Along with the Accord, Quintet, Concerto, Jazz, and Ballade, Honda employed a series of musically related vehicle names at the time, and the Prelude fit within that concept.
In This Article...
A Honda Prelude is what kind of vehicle?
Honda debuted the Prelude’s fourth generation in Japan in 1991 and on foreign markets the following year.
Honda only produced the Prelude for five years, but even so, the car was a fierce rival to other coupe cars on the market. The automaker used the same platform to build it as the fourth-generation Accord but incorporated the well-known VTEC engines.
Is a Honda Prelude a vintage vehicle?
Everyone recalls the Honda Civic, Integra, S2000, and NSX, but aficionados frequently overlook the Prelude, a neglected classic.
If you’ve long been a lover of 1990s JDM vehicles, chances are that you’ve occasionally wished you could build a Civic/Integra. Actually, it’s not at all a bad thing. Hondas from the 1990s have a large aftermarket following and are renowned for being entertaining vehicles on both the street and the racetrack.
Let’s face it: The NSX, S2000, and aforementioned Civic/Integra platform are always the top choices when discussing tuner Hondas. The Honda Prelude, on the other hand, kind of went unnoticed as its more compact brothers commanded attention. The Prelude has several hidden abilities that many are unaware of, and these are the things that people have forgotten about Honda’s underappreciated classic.
Is the Honda Prelude a quick vehicle?
To unlock the engine’s full 158 lb-ft of torque, though, you must crank the large four-cylinder past 5250 rpm when Honda’s VTEC variable valve timing and lift system finally engages and shifts to its higher-lift cam profile. Horsepower peaks at 7000 rpm, and the redline is at 7400 rpm, but if you keep your foot on the gas, the engine will spin up to its 8000 rpm fuel cutoff. When driven hard, the Prelude can sound and feel like a first-generation NSX for the masses. Despite its VTEC theatrics, the vintage Prelude is not as speedy as it seems. The Type SH will accelerate to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds at the test track and complete the quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds at 90 mph. A 5000-rpm launch causes some wheelspin. These numbers are about the same as those we set twenty years ago, but they are about a half-second slower than those of a 2019 Honda Civic Si, which has a new turbocharged engine that doesn’t have to work nearly as hard to provide full force.
The fifth-generation Prelude and other Hondas from the turn of the century are examples of vehicles that contributed to the brand’s development of a reputation for cutting-edge engineering, performance, and quality. Back then, they topped our comparative tests, and many of them often appeared on our list of the 10 Best Cars. It’s simple to see why after driving this brand-new Prelude Type SH for a week. No, it isn’t up to modern standards, but in many respects, it did so by establishing the norms of the day. What other interesting vintage vehicles do you have stashed away in dark places, Honda?
Do Honda Preludes have RWD?
Drive is front-wheel only in the Honda Prelude.
FWD cars typically have an engine and transmission located transversely at the front of the car, sending power to the front two wheels, which pull the car forward on their own. Only the rear wheels of a car with rear-wheel drive receive power from the engine.
A sports car, is the Honda Prelude?
Honda produced the Prelude sports vehicle between 1978 and 2001. All Honda Preludes had 2-door hardtop coupes with front-wheel drive and 4-cylinder (inline-4) engines. Five different designs (generations) of the Honda Prelude were produced. Honda created the Prelude to be a direct rival to other sports coupes available on the market. The Toyota Celica, Nissan Silvia, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ford Probe, and Mazda MX-6 were the primary rival vehicles.
The Honda Prelude has specific characteristics that set each version apart from the others. The Honda Prelude had updated body style, new engines, and a fresh set of amenities with each new generation. However, all variants of the Honda Prelude kept their core values and driving forces. Every Honda Prelude that was built was made to handle aggressively, be enjoyable to drive, and be nimble.
The Honda Prelude performed ok when it came to reviews. The Honda Prelude was on the annual 10 Best list of Car and Driver magazine ten times, from 1984 to 1986 and from 1992 to 1998.
What’s the value of Honda Preludes?
The popularity and price of Hondas have drastically decreased as a result of more recent models, like the Honda Acura Integra, being produced since 2001.
The 2001 Honda Prelude was priced at about $25,000 when it was first released. Now, you can get a second-hand Prelude for anywhere between $2,000 and $6,000. The latter will provide greater quality, lower mileage, and likely the best edition. If you are seeking for a traditional two-door coupe from Honda, the Prelude is certainly it. They are currently rather economical and can be simple to remodel and restore.
In conclusion, the 2001 Honda Prelude was an excellent vehicle for its time. It stood out among the other Honda Preludes because it had cutting-edge features that none of its rivals offered. If you enjoy classic cars from the aughts, it is now reasonably priced and worth the buy.
Honda stopped producing Prelude; why?
Your inquiries concern the Honda Prelude. The car has solutions. Here are some of the most often asked Prelude questions and their responses.
Is the Honda Prelude a good car?
Yes, if you’re okay with design and technologies that are at least 20 years old. Every Prelude generation was built when Honda was at the peak of its game, and it was evident in the production quality, engineering, and dependability. Drive a pristine Prelude till the wheels come off of it if you can.
Why did Honda stop making the Prelude?
Unfortunately, the Prelude’s semi-high price tag drastically reduced sales at the conclusion of the fifth generation as Honda’s premium alter ego Acura gained popularity. Only 58,118 units of the fifth-generation Prelude were sold in the United States, as opposed to the 336,599 that were sold during the third generation.
Will the Honda Prelude come back?
At this moment, it is quite improbable that the Prelude will ever again be produced, especially as Honda starts to devote more money and attention to Acura. The current Civic Type R or Honda Accord Sport should be a good fit if you’re looking for a speedy, high-tech Honda. Additionally, if you have the extra cash, the impending Acura Type S sports sedan/coupe will probably rank among Honda/best-driving Acura’s vehicles to date.
Is the Honda Prelude a sports car?
At this time, the Prelude’s revival is quite improbable, especially as Honda starts to give Acura more of its resources and attention. However, if you’re looking for a quick, cutting-edge Honda, the contemporary Civic Type R or Honda Accord Sport should be a good choice. Additionally, the impending Acura Type S sports sedan/coupe will likely be one of Honda/best-driving Acura’s vehicles to date if you have a little extra money to spend.
Why does VTEC exist?
Honda created the VTEC (Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control) technology to increase a four-stroke internal combustion engine’s volumetric efficiency, which leads to better performance at high RPM and less fuel usage at low RPM. The VTEC system alternates between two (or three) camshaft profiles using hydraulic pressure. Ikuo Kajitani, a Honda engineer, created it. [1][2] It differs significantly from conventional VVT (variable valve timing) systems, which just alter the valve timings and make no adjustments to the camshaft profile or valve lift.
How is VTEC put to use?
In essence, the VTEC system blends high-RPM performance with low-RPM fuel efficiency and stability. Additionally, the changeover happens smoothly, enabling consistent performance across the entire powerband. The engine computer manages the switching process between the two cam lobes.
What should I look for in a used Honda Prelude coupe?
Hondas have a reputation for reliability, and normally the Prelude is no exception. However, there have been some issues with the automatic transmission. The 2.2-liter engine models suffered the most, and full breakdowns weren’t unusual. The cost of replacing the unit is high.
The coupe has undergone a few recalls, so it’s important to confirm that the necessary repairs have been made. Steering joints may deteriorate and, in the worst scenarios, may fail and result in a complete loss of control. The ignition system had a malfunction as well, which may cause the car to stall.
FWD or RWD: Which is better for drifting?
- Rear-wheel drive enhances handling when it’s dry because “acceleration of load transfer and more even weight distribution
- Since the wheels hauling the cargo are closer to it, towing heavy loads is simpler. Additionally, steering is significantly simpler because the front wheels do the steering while the back wheels provide the power.
- Since there are fewer parts crammed into a smaller space, rear-wheel drive typically requires less expensive maintenance. Due to the need to remove more pieces in order to have usable access, front-wheel drive repairs and maintenance may be more expensive.
- You won’t encounter “The propensity of FWD vehicles to swerve to the right or left when accelerating is known as torque steer.
- Although most drivers do not advise it, it is simpler to drift with RWD than FWD or 4WD/AWD.
Rear-Wheel Drive Cons (Disadvantages):
- A little bit more materials result in a greater buying cost.
- Since more equipment must be stored underneath the trunk, there may be less trunk space.
- RWD has a harder time navigating slippery and snowy weather since it pushes the automobile rather than pulls it. However, this drawback is somewhat diminished by contemporary technologies, such as stability and traction control.
- Less interior space exists because the driveshaft and gearbox tunnel require more room.
- More weight is added by the driveshaft, which joins the front engine to the rear axle. RWD weighs slightly less than 4WD and AWD, but slightly more than FWD.
- Although rear-wheel drive vehicles may be more enjoyable to drive, they are also trickier to get the hang of. However, most drivers aren’t concerned about the driving differences of RWD thanks to current stability and traction controls.
Is the Honda Prelude pricey?
For $370 a month, a Pre-Owned 1989 Honda Prelude Si is also available. The body is a very 80s-style blue, and the engine is a 2.0L I4 FI. It has a four-speed automatic transmission and 79,755 kilometers on the odometer. According to Sanford Honda, the vehicle just underwent an inspection and complete detail.
Prices for other 1989 Honda Prelude Si cars listed for sale on Bring a Trailer are rather affordable. In August, a Prelude with 30,000 miles sold for $11,000. Another one with 84,000 miles was sold for $8,000. A yellow Prelude with 65,000 kilometers is among the priciest options offered in 2021. $21,000 was paid for this one.
Although the dealership’s inventory of cars appears to be in decent condition, why are the pricing so high? The fact that Bring a Trailer appeals to such a small group of fans usually causes people to demand outrageous charges. Are there a lot of Honda Prelude fans in North Carolina?