Prelude (1988–) Price Guide

The Honda Prelude was Honda’s sports coupe from 1978 to 2001. Across the five eras, it has remained a front-wheel-drive two-door that introduced technologies that subsequently migrated to the rest of the Honda range. The Prelude was the first production car with four-wheel steering (1987), the first Honda with VTEC in the UK (1992), and the car that demonstrated Honda’s engineering ambition exceeded what the mainstream Civic and Accord could express.

A sixth-generation revival has been announced for 2026.

The Car

Five generations covered 1978 to 2001. The third generation (1987–1991) introduced mechanical four-wheel steering. The fourth generation (1992–1996) brought the H22A VTEC engine producing 185bhp. The fifth generation (1997–2001) used the H22A at 200bhp with ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) that varied torque between the front wheels for improved traction. The Prelude’s consistent innovation made it the technology showcase for Honda’s broader range.

Buying

The fourth and fifth-generation VTEC cars are the performance Preludes. The H22A engine is robust with correct maintenance. Rust in the sills and rear arches is the concern on UK-market cars.

The 2026 revival is already generating renewed interest, so we’ll be watching for any effect on the older models’ prices.