What year does the Honda Prelude have pop-up headlights?

The pop-up headlights appeared on the Honda Prelude from its debut through the 1991 model year.

This article breaks down which Prelude generations used the distinctive pop-up design and when Honda shifted to fixed headlights in later years, clarifying a common point of confusion for collectors and enthusiasts.

Headlight timeline by generation

Pop-up headlights: Generations I–III

Overview of the early Prelude generations that retained the classic pop-up headlamp design.

• First generation (1978–1982): pop-up headlights


• Second generation (1983–1987): pop-up headlights


• Third generation (1988–1991): pop-up headlights

In short, the Honda Prelude retained pop-up headlights through the 1991 model year, spanning the first three generations.

Fixed headlights: Generations IV–VI

Overview of the later Prelude generations that moved to fixed headlamps.

• Fourth generation (1992–1996): fixed headlights


• Fifth generation (1997–2001): fixed headlights


• Sixth generation (2002–2006): fixed headlights

Starting with the 1992 Prelude, Honda transitioned to fixed headlamps across the lineup, a change that persisted through the end of the model’s run in 2006.

What this means for buyers and collectors

Knowing the headlight design helps dating a Prelude by model year and can influence restoration choices, originality concerns, and value in the eyes of enthusiasts who prize the pop-up era for its classic late-20th-century styling.

Summary

Pop-up headlights were a hallmark of the Honda Prelude from its inception in the late 1970s through 1991, encompassing Generations I–III. Beginning with the 1992 model year (Gen IV), the Prelude adopted fixed headlights, a design that continued through the final generation in 2006.

What year to avoid Honda Prelude?

Reliability on Fourth-gen Honda Prelude models is less impressive, however, with the most problems and concerns relating to 1992 models.

What gen Prelude has pop-up headlights?

Second Generation: 1983–1987
In the same year that the Honda Accord won our 10Best award for the first time, Honda introduced a new generation of the Prelude. Its far more modern design introduced a wedge shape and pop-up headlights.

What is the 2001 Honda Prelude worth today?

Estimated Values
Estimated Trade-In Values for the 2001 Honda Prelude Coupe 2D range from about $3,350 to $4,375 depending on vehicle condition. Estimated Private Party Values range from about $4,175 to $5,350 depending on vehicle condition. Valid for ZIP Code 29401 through 4/14/2026.

What year did Honda have pop-up headlights?

Production vehicles