The Honda Prelude’s last year of production was 2001.
The two-door sport coupe, launched by Honda in 1978, sailed through five generations before the nameplate was quietly retired at the turn of the century. As the automotive landscape evolved—with shifting consumer tastes and Honda reshaping its lineup—the Prelude found its final chapter closed in 2001, leaving behind a devoted fan base and a distinct chapter in import-performance history.
A quick look at the Prelude's generations
To understand when production ended, it helps to map out the Prelude’s five generations and their approximate spans.
- First generation: 1978–1982
- Second generation: 1983–1986
- Third generation: 1987–1991
- Fourth generation: 1992–1996
- Fifth generation: 1997–2001
These dates reflect global production timelines, with minor regional variations but a consistent overall span ending with the 2001 model year.
End of the road for the Prelude
The fifth generation, introduced in 1997, represented the Prelude’s modern era, bringing sharper styling, improved handling, and a VTEC-equipped powertrain in many markets. Yet as Honda redirected development toward other platforms and broader market segments, the company elected to discontinue the Prelude after the 2001 model year.
Final generation highlights
In its final years, the Prelude offered a refined chassis, more mature interior styling, and engine technology that kept it competitive among sport coupes of the era. Production ceased in 2001, and Honda has not revived the name since then.
As of 2024, there has been no official revival of the Prelude, though it remains a cherished collectible among Honda enthusiasts and a remembered symbol of late-1990s sport coupes.
Summary: The Honda Prelude’s production spanned from 1978 to 2001, with the last model year being 2001. Since then, the nameplate has remained dormant, cementing the Prelude’s legacy as a short-lived but influential chapter in Honda’s history.