In short, no. The Honda Prelude was designed and sold as a front-wheel-drive sports coupe, and there were no factory all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions. Some models did feature four-wheel steering (4WS) to aid handling, but that does not make the car rear- or all-wheel-drive.
Drivetrain overview
Across its five generations, the Prelude used a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Honda also offered a four-wheel steering (4WS) system on select trims to improve low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. However, 4WS is a steering assist feature and does not convert the Prelude into an AWD or RWD vehicle. There were never factory AWD or RWD Prelude models.
Key drivetrain facts
Here is a concise outline of the drivetrain characteristics that define the Prelude lineup.
- Primary drivetrain: front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) across all Prelude generations.
- Four-wheel steering (4WS): available on some trims to improve handling; it changes steering response but does not provide AWD.
- AWD and RWD: never offered by Honda as factory configurations for the Prelude.
Bottom line: buyers should expect a FWD layout with occasional 4WS on certain trims, but there are no factory AWD or RWD Prelude variants.
Why the layout mattered for performance and maintenance
The FWD configuration helped with packaging efficiency and cost, yielding predictable handling characteristics for a front-drive sports coupe. The 4WS option aimed to enhance cornering feel and maneuverability without stepping up to AWD complexity. For enthusiasts, this meant a Prelude that prioritized torque distribution and steering input over the traction advantages of all-wheel drive.
Summary
The Honda Prelude is not rear-wheel drive. It remains a front-wheel-drive car throughout its production run from 1978 to 2001, with four-wheel steering appearing on select trims as an handling enhancement rather than an indication of AWD. If you’re seeking a Honda with genuine RWD, you’d look to other models such as the S2000 or the NSX, while the Prelude stands out for its FWD layout and 4WS history.