subject: Honda Prelude For Sale [print this page] Honda Prelude For Sale Honda Prelude For Sale
The first Honda Prelude for sale on the market was the 1979 model in November 1978. This first-generation Prelude used the Honda Civic as a base, including the front fascia, the brakes, the floorpans, and the four-wheel independent struts. From this point on until the appearance of the Acura NSX years later, the Prelude served as Honda's flagship sports coupe. During that first generation from 1979 to 1982, Honda sold approximately 172,000 Prelude units in the United States alone.
The Honda Prelude for sale in 1983 marked the beginning of the model's second vehicle generation. It is during this period that Honda truly embraces the sports car spirit. While the first-gen engine option offered approximately 75 horsepower, both 1983 options exceeded 100. In addition, consumers had a choice of 2-speed automatic, 3-speed automatic, and 5-speed manual transmission. Honda also began offering Preludes in Si trims, which included fuel-injected versions of either the 1.8L or 2.0L engine.
The year 1988 marks the beginning of the Prelude's third generation, and although the Honda Prelude for sale this year looked very much like a second-generation Prelude, the looks were deceiving. One of the biggest changes was the addition of four-wheel steering on some models, and Honda widened the engine selection substantially. The base engine was a 2.0L I4 that offered 104 horsepower. Other popular options included the 135-hp 2.0L, and a 142-hp 2.0L.
The third generation lasted through 1991, but Honda gave the Prelude a facelift in 1990 that sets the 1990 and 1991 models apart visually from those in 1988 and 1989. The new look included distinctive rear taillights and a rear bumper that was rounder and smoother, and better complemented the racing-inspired spoiler that was such a focal point on the third-generation Prelude's rear end. The 1990 interior changes were equally dramatic, and they included such alterations as the dash bezel, door handles, window switches, and the contour of the steering wheel. These changes may seem minor individually, but in concert, it creates a dramatic effect.
The Honda Prelude for Sale in 1992 marked the start of the Prelude's fourth generation. The most significant change in this generation was the move from a traditional to an electronic version of the four-wheel steering. However, the most obvious difference is the loss of the pop-up headlights, which gave the Prelude such a distinct look. Perhaps it was necessary in order to maintain a modern look, but one can make the argument that the Prelude blended into the pack after this design change.
Honda introduced the fifth and final generation of the Prelude in 1997 and continued manufacturing it until 2001. This generation marked a return to the square body style that had been so popular in the 1980s. The Prelude wasn't selling well any longer, and it was clear that the model had lost something during that fourth generation. This was Honda's, unfortunately failed, attempt to reclaim that magic, but at this point the Prelude customer had moved on, and the redesign wasn't enough to draw them back in.
The Prelude peaked in the 1980s when Honda sold 350,000 units from 1983-1987, and then sold approximately 161,000 units from 1988-1991. Those numbers dwindled below 100,000 during the fourth generation, and then beneath 60,000 during the fifth generation. At the point, other options in Honda's lineup were selling far better, and it made little sense to keep this once proud nameplate alive.
