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About Prelude

The Honda Prelude was the stylish one, the coupe that made Honda look glamorous. It debuted in 1978 and ran through five generations until 2001, each a showcase for the company's engineering. The third generation introduced a mechanical four-wheel-steering system that amazed reviewers, and later Preludes added VTEC engines and the clever torque-vectoring ATTS system on the Type SH. Its pop-up headlights and low hoodlines defined Honda style in the 1980s.

After two decades away, the name returned for the 2026 model year on a new hybrid coupe, previewed by a concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. It uses a two-motor e:HEV hybrid system and Honda's S+ Shift technology, which simulates gearshifts and engine sound to make the drive more engaging, and it borrows chassis hardware from the Civic Type R. Critics have praised its handling and comfort while debating whether a hybrid without a real manual gearbox can satisfy enthusiasts, and some have found it a bit too quirky.

The Prelude occupies a small but interesting niche, competing with the Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda's own Civic Si and Type R. Its S+ Shift system is already spreading to the Civic hybrid. Follow reviews and comparison tests, pricing and trim changes, regional launches, accessory and HRC news and how the revived Prelude sells as Honda bets on keeping fun alive in a hybrid age.