The last Honda Prelude was produced in 2001. This report traces the car’s production run, explains how many generations there were, and clarifies why the model ended after that year.
Five generations in brief: a timeline
The Prelude’s life is best understood through its five generations, each with a distinct era and design evolution. The timeline below provides the typical year ranges when each generation was sold.
- First generation: 1978–1982
- Second generation: 1983–1987
- Third generation: 1988–1991
- Fourth generation: 1992–1996
- Fifth generation: 1997–2001
Note: Year ranges reflect model-year coverage and can vary by market.
In sum, the Prelude ran from 1978 to 2001 across five generations, with production ceasing after the 2001 model year.
End of production and the model’s legacy
The early 2000s brought shifts in Honda’s lineup and in consumer preferences, leading to the discontinuation of the Prelude after the 2001 model year. Honda did not replace it with a direct two-door successor, instead focusing on other front-wheel-drive coupes and crossovers within its broader portfolio, such as the Civic, Accord, and the Acura line.
What collectors and enthusiasts note
Today, surviving Prelude models are regarded as nostalgic entries in Honda’s history, valued for their styling, lightweight handling, and, in some trims, five-speed manual transmissions and VTEC variants. Market availability and prices vary by condition, mileage, and generation.
Summary
The Honda Prelude ultimately ended production in 2001 after five generations spanning from 1978 to 2001. While there is no direct contemporary replacement in Honda’s lineup, the Prelude remains a notable credit in the brand’s engineering and design arc, celebrated by enthusiasts as a classic front-wheel-drive sport coupe.