The Prelude was discontinued after the 2001 model year; production effectively ended in 2001.
The Honda Prelude was a long-running two-door sports coupe produced by Honda from 1978 through 2001. Over five generations, it blended sport handling with Honda reliability, but market trends and strategic shifts led Honda to end the model after the 2001 lineup year. There has been no official revival announced since then.
Generation-by-generation timeline
Below is a concise timeline of the Prelude’s five generations and their approximate production spans.
- First generation: 1978–1982
- Second generation: 1983–1987
- Third generation: 1988–1991
- Fourth generation: 1992–1996
- Fifth generation: 1997–2001
These years map the evolution of the Prelude from its early design through its final, fifth-generation form, which concluded in 2001.
Why Honda ended the Prelude
The decision to discontinue the Prelude stemmed from a combination of declining sales in the crowded compact-sport segment, shifting consumer preferences, and Honda’s broader product strategy. While the Prelude remained popular among enthusiasts for its handling and styling, Honda redirected resources toward other models and platforms, including the development of new sports and performance-oriented offerings. The company ultimately chose not to replace the Prelude with a direct successor.
Legacy and current status
Since the end of production in 2001, Honda has not introduced a direct Prelude replacement. The model today enjoys a devoted following among collectors and enthusiasts, with active aftermarket support and a place in automotive history as a representative of late-20th-century Japanese sport coupes. While rumors of a revival occasionally surface, there is no official plan or timeline for bringing back a Prelude-branded model.
Summary
The Honda Prelude ceased production in 2001 after five generations spanning 23 years. It remains a notable chapter in Honda’s history, remembered for its sporty dynamics and role in shaping late-1990s automotive design, even as the brand moved on to new models and innovations.