## Honda Prelude: A Sports Coupe Legacy ### Introduction The Honda Prelude is a sports coupe manufactured by Honda from 1978 to 2001, with a revival in 2025. It has been a significant model in Honda's lineup, known for its sporty design and engineering innovations. The Prelude has evolved through six generations, each introducing new features and improvements. ### First Generation (1978-1983) The Prelude debuted on November 24, 1978, based on the Honda Civic II generation. It featured a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a fixed-roof coupe body. In Japan, it was available with a removable hardtop. Sales reached 171,829 units. ### Second Generation (1982-1987) Introduced in 1982 on a new platform, the Prelude II saw sales of 336,599 units. It offered improved performance and styling compared to its predecessor. ### Third Generation (1987-1991) Launched in 1987, the Prelude III featured Honda's first production four-wheel steering (4WS) system, which was fully mechanical. It won the European Car of the Year award in 1988. Sales totaled 160,909 units. ### Fourth Generation (1991-1996) The Prelude IV, introduced in 1991, shared components with the Honda Accord. It featured a computer-controlled 4WS system and sold 98,627 units. ### Fifth Generation (1996-2001) The Prelude V, launched in 1996, offered engines up to 220 kW (295 hp) with VTEC technology. Sales reached 58,118 units before production ended. ### Sixth Generation (2025-Present) Honda revived the Prelude in 2025, introducing a hybrid engine shared with the eleventh-generation Civic. The model is available as an Advance trim. ### Key Features and Innovations - **Four-Wheel Steering (4WS):** Introduced in the third generation, this system improved handling at high speeds. - **Engine Options:** The Prelude featured various engines, including SOHC and DOHC configurations, with displacements ranging from 1.8L to 2.2L. - **Performance:** The fifth generation's Type-S model produced 220 kW (295 hp), making it one of the most powerful Prelude models. - **Design Evolution:** Each generation saw updates to the body style, with the fourth generation sharing design elements with the Accord. ### Sales and Legacy Over its production history, the Prelude sold more than 826,000 units. It remains a beloved model among enthusiasts for its sporty character and technological innovations. ## Specifications - **Production Years:** 1978-2001 (6 generations), 2025-present - **Total Units Sold:** 826,082 - **Key Engines:** B20A series (1.8L), B20A/B20A1 (2.0L), B20A5/B20A7 (2.0L DOHC), H22A series (2.2L VTEC) - **Notable Features:** 4WS, VTEC technology, various trim levels (EX, Si, Type-S) ## Images [Prelude I](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Honda_Prelude_I_1978.jpg) [Prelude II](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Honda_Prelude_II_1982.jpg) [Prelude III](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Honda_Prelude_III_1987.jpg) [Prelude IV](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Honda_Prelude_IV_1991.jpg) [Prelude V](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Honda_Prelude_V_1996.jpg) [Prelude VI](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Honda_Prelude_VI_2025.jpg) ## References - [Honda Prelude Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Prelude) - [Honda Prelude I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Prelude#Prelude_I) - [Honda Prelude II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Prelude#Prelude_II) - [Honda Prelude III](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Prelude#Prelude_III) - [Honda Prelude IV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Prelude#Prelude_IV) - [Honda Prelude V](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Prelude#Prelude_V) - [Honda Prelude VI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Prelude#Prelude_VI)