The last year Honda produced the Prelude was 2001, ending the model’s five-generation run that began in 1978. There has been no new Prelude since then, making 2001 the definitive final model year for the nameplate.
Timeline in focus: tracing the Prelude through five generations
To understand why 2001 marks the end, it helps to review the Prelude’s generations and their production spans. Each generation refined Honda’s two-door sport coupe formula, but changing market tastes and corporate strategy ultimately led to its retirement.
Here is a concise overview of the Prelude’s generations and their production years.
- Gen 1: 1978–1982
- Gen 2: 1983–1987
- Gen 3: 1988–1991
- Gen 4: 1992–1996
- Gen 5: 1997–2001
In short, the fifth generation (1997–2001) was the final chapter, with 2001 serving as the last model year in most markets.
Why the Prelude ended
Honda discontinued the Prelude after the 2001 model year as consumer demand shifted toward SUVs and crossovers, while the company redirected resources toward other models and initiatives, including the S2000 roadster and core family cars. The decision reflected broader industry trends at the turn of the century and a strategic reevaluation of Honda’s sport-compact lineup.
Legacy and collector interest
Today, the Prelude holds a durable place in enthusiast circles. Clean, well-maintained examples—especially late-model fifth-generation cars—can attract collector interest and command favorable resale values relative to other aging coupes.
Summary: Honda’s Prelude ended with the 2001 model year, capping a 23-year run across five generations. Its legacy endures among collectors and fans who remember it as a distinctive sport coupe that marked a turning point for Honda’s lineup in the early 2000s.