Honda Prelude All Generations

The Honda Prelude: History, Generations, Models, and More

The Honda Prelude is a sporty coupe that was produced by Honda from 1978 to 2001. It was initially introduced as a compact sports car to compete with other vehicles in its class, such as the Toyota Celica and Datsun 280ZX. Throughout its production, the Honda Prelude underwent several changes and upgrades, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Honda Prelude, exploring its generations, models, and more.

Honda Prelude Essential History

The Honda Prelude was first introduced in 1978 as a two-door coupe. It was designed to be a sporty, yet affordable, alternative to the more expensive sports cars on the market. The car was initially powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four engine that produced 72 horsepower. However, in 1983, Honda released a second generation Prelude, which featured a larger, more powerful engine.

Honda Prelude All Generations

Over the years, the Honda Prelude continued to evolve. Each generation brought with it new features, more power, and improved handling. By the fifth generation, the Prelude had become a well-respected sports car that was popular among enthusiasts and casual drivers alike.

First Generation Honda Prelude: 1978-1982

The first generation Honda Prelude was produced from 1978 to 1982. It featured a sleek design with pop-up headlights and a unique "opera window" on the C-pillar. The car was powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four engine that produced 72 horsepower. It was available with a five-speed manual or a two-speed automatic transmission.

Despite its small engine and limited power, the first generation Honda Prelude was well-received by critics and consumers alike. Its nimble handling and affordable price made it a popular choice for drivers who wanted a sporty car that was easy to handle.

Second Generation Honda Prelude: 1983-1987

In 1983, Honda released the second generation Prelude. This version of the car featured a more aerodynamic design and a larger, more powerful engine. The car was powered by a 1.8-liter inline-four engine that produced up to 135 horsepower. It was available with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The second generation Honda Prelude was well-received by critics, who praised its improved performance and handling. The car also received several updates throughout its production, including a digital dashboard and an optional four-wheel steering system.

Third Generation Honda Prelude: 1988-1991

The third generation Honda Prelude was produced from 1988 to 1991. This version of the car featured a sleeker, more aerodynamic design and improved performance. The car was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produced up to 160 horsepower. It was available with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The third generation Honda Prelude was a popular choice among drivers who wanted a sporty car that was both practical and fun to drive. The car also received several updates throughout its production, including an updated suspension and a new dashboard design.

Fourth Generation Honda Prelude: 1992-1996

The fourth generation Prelude was introduced in 1992 and was a significant departure from the previous model. It featured a more angular body design, with sharp lines and a low-slung profile. The new design was aimed at giving the car a more aggressive look and improving its aerodynamics.

Honda Prelude The fourth generation

Under the hood, the fourth-generation Prelude came with a choice of two engines: a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower, or a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower. The latter was only available in the high-performance VTEC model.

The fourth-generation Prelude also featured an advanced four-wheel steering system, known as HWS (Honda Wheel Steering). This system allowed the rear wheels to turn in the same direction as the front wheels, improving the car's handling and stability.

Fifth Generation Honda Prelude: 1997-2001

The fifth and final generation of the Prelude was introduced in 1997 and featured a more rounded and streamlined design. It was also slightly larger than the previous model, with a longer wheelbase and wider track.

The fifth-generation Prelude came with a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine with 195 horsepower or a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine with 220 horsepower in the high-performance Type SH model. Both engines featured Honda's VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system, which improved engine performance and fuel efficiency.

The fifth-generation Prelude also featured a number of other upgrades, including an improved suspension system, larger brakes, and a more advanced traction control system.

Overall, the Honda Prelude was a popular sports car that gained a loyal following over the years. Its advanced technology, high-performance engines, and sleek design made it a standout in its class and an icon of the 1990s.