Honda Prelude - wikipedia Honda Prelude Honda Prelude 1998 Honda Prelude VTi Overview Manufacturer Honda Production 1978 -- 2001 Assembly Sayama, Japan Body and chassis Class Sports coupe Body style 2 - door coupe Layout FF layout The Honda Prelude is a sports coupe which was produced by Japanese car manufacturer Honda from 1978 until 2001. The two - door coupe was loosely derived from the Honda Accord and spanned five generations. The Prelude was used by Honda to introduce the Japanese Honda retail sales chain Honda Verno, with the international release of the model following shortly after. Prelude competitors traditionally included the Toyota Celica, the Nissan Silvia and the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Production of the Prelude concluded in 2001 upon the introduction of the Honda Integra DC5. The Prelude name was originally trademarked by Toyota, but was amicably given to Honda for use. The Prelude complied to the series of music themed vehicle names which Honda used at the time, along with the Accord, Quintet, Concerto, Jazz and Ballade. Contents 1 First generation ( 1978 -- 1982 ) 2 Second generation ( 1982 -- 1987 ) 3 Third generation ( 1987 - 1991 ) 3.1 Mid-cycle refresh and Prelude INX 3.2 Prelude SiStates and Prelude SiTCV 4 Fourth generation ( 1991 -- 1996 ) 4.1 Models and Markets 4.2 F1 Safety Car 5 Fifth generation ( 1997 - 2001 ) 5.1 1999 Refresh 5.2 Canadian Market 5.3 Japanese - Exclusive Type S 5.4 Prelude Motegi 6 Sales 7 Safety 7.1 Australia 7.2 U.S. 8 Awards 9 Convertibles 10 Scale Models 11 References First generation ( 1978 -- 1982 ) First generation ( SN ) Overview Production 1978 -- 1982 Powertrain Engine 1,602 cc EL I4 1,751 cc EK I4 Transmission 2 - speed automatic 3 - speed automatic 5 - speed manual Dimensions Wheelbase 2,320 mm ( 91.3 in ) Length 4,090 mm ( 161.0 in ) Width 1,635 mm ( 64.4 in ) Height 1,290 mm ( 50.8 in ) Curb weight 900 kg ( 1,980 lb ) On November 24, 1978, the Prelude was launched to the Japanese market. It had its world premier at the 1979 AutoRAI in Amsterdam, two months later. In Japan it was only available at the newly established dealership sales channel Honda Verno. This dealership chain also introduced the Honda Quint, the Honda Ballade and the Accord - based Honda Vigor as its largest sedan and hatchback. The four - wheel independent struts, brakes, and engine were all borrowed from the first generation Accord, but the chassis was all new and developed by chief engineer Hiroshi Kizawa expressly for the sporting Prelude. At 4,090 mm ( length ) x 1,635 mm ( width ) x 1,290 mm ( height ), it had quite a low and wide profile. The wheelbase was 2,320 mm, and was 60 mm shorter than that of the original Accord. Honda appears to have followed the successful introduction of the Toyota Celica example by taking a small car, like the Accord, installing a more powerful engine, and giving the body a short trunk, and a long engine hood. The Prelude ( and period Accord ) were the first cars under two liters to receive standard power steering. The Prelude also benefited from Honda 's experience with roadsters like the Honda S800 and Coupe 1300. The Prelude was the first Honda model to offer a power moonroof as standard equipment, which eventually became a Prelude trademark. In Japan, the Prelude was available with a sliding metal sunroof, while US versions received a glass top which freed up more headroom. Japanese buyers were liable for slightly more annual road taxes over the smaller Civic, which also had a smaller engine. While marketed as a 2 + 2, the rear seat was not usable for anyone larger than a small child. Initial reviews for the Prelude were favorable. `` It is, '' wrote Brock Yates for Motor Trend, `` by any sane measurement, a splendid automobile. The machine, like all Hondas, embodies fabrication that is, in my opinion, surpassed only by the narrowest of margins by Mercedes - Benz. It is a relatively powerful little automobile by anybody 's standards. '' Motor Trend measured an early Prelude completing the quarter - mile in 18.8 seconds at 70 mph. In terms of underpinnings it was mostly a Honda Accord, although its more compact package and lower weight allowed for a marginally higher top speed and gas mileage. Rear view of SN Prelude The standard engine at the time of introduction was the `` EL '' SOHC eight - valve 1,602 cc ( non-CVCC ) inline - four rated at 80 PS ( 59 kW ) at 5,000 rpm and 12.9 kg ⋅ m ( 127 N ⋅ m ; 93 lb ⋅ ft ) at 3,500 rpm. It remained the only engine available for most markets, aside from the US and Japan. It featured a non-automatic choke with three positions and a two - barrel carburetor. In September 1978 the larger `` EK '' SOHC 12 - valve 1,751 cc CVCC inline - four was introduced in Japan, rated at 90 PS ( 66 kW ) at 5,300 rpm ( SAE gross ). Automatics had five less horsepower. It took until March 1979 for the Prelude to appear in the United States, then with 72 hp ( 54 kW ) at 4,500 rpm and 94 lb ⋅ ft ( 127 N ⋅ m ) at 3,000 rpm ( SAE net ) from the larger 1.8 engine. The EK engine made use of an engine oil cooler and transistor - controlled ignition system. Transmission choices were either the standard five - speed manual or initially a two - speed `` Hondamatic '' semi-automatic, which by October 1979 had been replaced by a three - speed automatic that used the final gear as the overdrive. In addition to the standard fabrics offered in most models, an ' Executive ' option was offered in some markets which added power steering and Connolly leather upholstery. Honda used a single central gauge cluster design in this car which housed the speedometer and tachometer in one combined unit where both instrument 's needles swept along the same arc. They also placed the compact AM / FM radio unit up high next to the gauge cluster. The Prelude featured intermittent wipers, tinted glass, and a remote trunk release. 1980 saw the introduction of the CVCC - II engine which employed the use of a catalytic converter and several other refinements that improved driveability, the Prelude also received a mild facelift in 1981. This facelift meant a return to a more traditional dashboard, rather than the much critiqued `` Concentrated Target Meter '' used before. The 1981 Prelude also received a stainless steel trim strip along the bumpers and side moldings, as well as a new grille. There was a convertible model introduced by a Santa Ana California company named Solaire. Less than 100 were believed to be converted when new and they were sold through Honda dealerships with full factory warranty coverage. The Prelude was launched in Europe during 1979, but was not a strong seller, its high asking price not helping its chances of sales success. Second generation ( 1982 -- 1987 ) Second generation ( AB, BA1 / 2 / 3 / 6, BB ) Overview Production 1982 -- 1987 Designer Shinya Iwakura ( 1979 ) Powertrain Engine 1829 cc A18A / ET 12 - valve I4 1829 cc ES CVCC 12 - valve I4 1958 cc ' Honda A20A - 110bhp engine, ' B20A DOHC 16 - valve I4 Transmission 4 - speed automatic 5 - speed manual Dimensions Wheelbase 2,451 mm ( 96.5 in ) Length 4,374 mm ( 172.2 in ) Width 1,689 mm ( 66.5 in ) Height 1,295 mm ( 51 in ) Curb weight 918 kg ( 2,023 lb ) - 1,340 kg ( 2,954 lb ) ( depending on model ) The second - generation Prelude was released in Japan on November 25, 1982 and worldwide in the spring of 1983. Riding on an all - new platform, the Prelude was initially available with an A18A or ET - 2, 1.8 L 12 - valve twin carburetor engine, producing 105 PS ( 77 kW ). In Japan, Asia and Europe, it later became available with a 2 - liter DOHC 16 - valve PGM - FI engine ( JDM = BA1, EU = BA2 ) although this engine was not released in Europe until 1986. The JDM B20A produced 160 PS ( 118 kW ) at 6300 rpm, while the European B20A1 produced only 137 hp ( 102 kW ). This was the first generation of Prelude to have pop - up headlights, which allowed for a more aerodynamic front clip, reducing drag. Opening the headlights, however, especially at higher speeds, produced significantly more drag. The design retained nothing of the first generation, being considerably more aerodynamic and with large glass surfaces. As with the predecessor, it was amply equipped, with an air of `` mini-gran turismo '' rather than that of a sports car. It also offered, as an option, Honda 's new `` A.L.B. '' anti-lock brakes. In Japan, the Prelude was one of the key models sold at Japanese Honda dealership sales channels, called Honda Verno, which offered performance - oriented products. All Honda Verno products, like the Vigor, initially shared the concealed headlights introduced with this generation Prelude that would help identify `` sports '' products from Honda in Japan however, the approach was short - lived. The model with the 2.0 liter engine was regarded as the top level car in Japan because Japanese buyers were liable for a higher annual road tax over the car with the 1.8 liter engine. The Japanese 1.8 had CVCC and claimed 125 PS ( 92 kW ), considerably more than export models. When the 2 - liter 16 - valve DOHC engine came out the hood had to be slightly modified since the larger engine could not fit under the original hood. The original 1.8 - liter engine was developed specifically for the Prelude to allow a low hoodline, even tilting the engine backward to make it lower yet. The European version also saw slight modifications to the rear lights and revised front and rear bumpers which were now color - matched. Due to the fairly low weight of the car ( 1,025 kg or 2,260 lb ) and high power ( the 16 - valve engine produced 160 PS or 118 kW in Japanese trim ), the car was relatively nimble in comparison to its competitors, which most Preludes had not been up to that time. The North American 1983 model is identifiable by its standard painted steel wheels with bright trim rings ( although alloy rims were optional ). The 1984 - 87 base models had Civic - style full wheel covers. In Canada, a `` Special Edition '' trim was created, which is essentially the same as the USA 2.0 Si `` sport injected '' model. Fuel injection was introduced in the `` Si '' models in 1985. North American 1.8 's offered 100 hp ( 75 kW ), while the later 2.0 has 110 hp ( 82 kW ). This version of the Prelude was far more popular in Britain than its predecessor, and sold well at a time when sports cars were declining in popularity and many manufacturers were withdrawing from this market sector ; including Ford, who did not replace the Capri after its 1986 demise, even though it had been one of Britain 's 10 most popular new cars as recently as 1980. The European lineup originally consisted of the base Prelude, without power steering, and the well - equipped EX which was also available with an automatic transmission and the A.L.B. brakes. 1986 Honda Prelude SE Rear 1986 -- 1987 Honda Prelude Si coupe ( Australia ) 1986 -- 1987 Honda Prelude Si coupe ( Australia ) Honda Prelude. 1987, Base 1.8 L DOHC, twin carb. ( Canada ) Honda Prelude. 1987, Base 1.8 L DOHC, twin carb. ( Canada ) Third generation ( 1987 - 1991 ) Third generation ( BA3 / 4 / 5 / 7 ) Overview Production 1987 -- 1991 Designer Masato Nakano, Tomoyuki Arai, Yusuke Saito ( 1985 ) Powertrain Engine 2.0 L B20A3 / A4 SOHC I4 2.0 L B20A DOHC I4 2.1 L B21A DOHC I4 Transmission 4 - speed automatic 5 - speed manual Dimensions Wheelbase 2,565 mm ( 101 in ) Length 4,460 mm ( 175.6 in ) ( 1988 - 89 ) 4,511 mm ( 177.6 in ) ( 1990 - 91 ) Width 1,694 mm ( 66.7 in ) ( Japan ) 1,709 mm ( 67.3 in ) Height 1,295 mm ( 51 in ) ( 1988 - 89 ) 1,250 mm ( 49.2 in ) ( 1990 - 91 ) Curb weight 1,060 kg ( 2,337 lb ) - 1,340 kg ( 2,954 lb ) ( depending on model ) On April 9, 1987, the third - generation Prelude was released in the Japanese domestic market and released later that year worldwide, being a 1988 model in North America. Featuring evolutionary styling from its predecessor, it shared design cues from the Honda NSX that would be introduced later in 1989. The Prelude featured innovative features for its time such as a 0.34 drag coefficient, roof pillars made of high - strength metal and its signature feature, the available option of the world 's first mechanical four wheel steering system available in a mass - production passenger car. Honda had expected 30 % of buyers to plump for four - wheel - steering, but the car was a runaway success in the home market and 80 % of buyers did in the first year. The third - generation Prelude was exclusively powered by variants of the Honda B20A engine, a base carbureted version with a SOHC 12 - valve valvetrain, or a DOHC variant with Honda 's PGM - FI fuel injection and 16 valves. The engine was tilted backwards by 18 degrees, which made it possible to make the hood 30 mm ( 1.2 in ) lower than on the previous generation. It was well received by judges of the European Car of the Year accolade for 1988, finished third in a contest where the Peugeot 405 was the runaway winner and the Citroen AX came second. This was one of the best performances by a Japanese built or branded car until the Nissan Micra won the award five years later. Third - generation Honda Prelude engines : B20A / B20A1 - 2.0 L DOHC PGM - FI 160 / 143 PS ( Japan / Europe ) B20A3 - 2.0 L SOHC 12v carb 104 hp North America B20A4 - 2.0 L SOHC 12v carb 114 PS ( 84 kW ) Global, except North America B20A5 - 2.0 L DOHC PGM - FI 135 hp ( 101 kW ) North America B20A6 - 2.0 L DOHC PGM - FI 142 PS ( 104 kW ) Oceania B20A7 - 2.0 L DOHC PGM - FI 150 PS ( 110 kW ) Europe B20A8 - 2.0 L DOHC PGM - FI 133 PS ( 98 kW ) Europe B20A9 - 2.0 L DOHC PGM - FI 140 PS ( 103 kW ) Europe B21A - 2.1 L DOHC PGM - FI 145 PS ( 107 kW ) Japan ( SI States ) B21A1 - 2.1 L DOHC PGM - FI 140 hp ( 104 kW ) North America In 1987, Road & Track published a test summary that shows the 1988 Honda Prelude 2.0 Si 4WS outperforming every car of that year on the slalom, with a speed of 65.5 mph ( 105.4 km / h ), even besting exotics such as Porsche and Ferrari. For reference, the 1988 Chevrolet Corvette C4 took the same course at 64.9 mph ( 104.4 km / h ). The Prelude was Wheels magazine 's Car of the Year for 1987. Mid-cycle refresh and Prelude INX Rare 1990 SiStates Prelude The facelift third - generation Prelude was revealed in Japan on November 21, 1989. The front and rear bumpers were revised on the new Prelude The rear front bumper and rear tail lights featured clear indicators and a revised parking light design. Many of the interior parts were also revised, including the dash bezel, the door handle and window switches. The Japanese version of the Si with the B20A was rated 140 PS with the JDM engine and was rated for 37 MPG. Along with the facelift, a new Prelude model was introduced to the Japanese domestic market, the Prelude INX. It featured fixed headlights, with a front fascia very similar to the contemporary Honda Legend coupe and Honda Accord of the same time period. It also featured chrome trim on the headlights front and rear bumpers, side moldings, tail lights and both front and rear windscreens to enhance the focus on luxury rather than sportiness. The Prelude INX coincided with changes to North American lighting requirements in the United States and Canada, and a greater focus on safety was offered with available anti-lock brakes and optional driver 's side airbag exclusively offered on the Si / SR / S models. In the US, the facelifted Prelude debuted for the 1990 model year, with the carbureted 2.0 S model being discontinued. The fuel - injected 2.0 Si became the entry - level model, being supplanted by a new Si model with the B21A1 engine, with Si 4WS or Si ALB ( ABS ) as optional trim models. The revised version of the B20A5, called the B21A1 was available. It was bored to 83 mm ( 3.3 in ) with a total displacement of 2056 cc producing up to 145 hp ( 108 kW ) and had a special cylinder liner featuring FRM ( fiber reinforced metal ) that is reported to be extremely tough. This causes premature piston ring wear contributing to exceptionally high oil consumption. For the Canadian market, the S, SR and SR 4WS models were introduced for 1990. In 1991, SR ALB and SE models were introduced. The SE model was closer to the JDM and EDM models in that it was fully optioned with leather interior and was equipped with both 4WS and ALB. Prelude SiStates and Prelude SiTCV Honda released two new special limited edition trim models in Japan in 1989 for the facelift Prelude, the Prelude SiStates and Prelude SiTCV. These cars were a limited production run and very few were built. SiStates catalogues indicate 3000 built. They both featured standard 4WS, ALB, Viscous LSD transmissions, TCS ( SiTCV only ), leather - wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, extra sound - deadening insulation on the firewall and hood, and many more features that were usually options. The SiStates also featured a Japanese version of the 2.1 liter B21A 1 engine called the B21A rated at 150 PS ( 110 kW ). Two major distinctions of the SiStates was that it was the same width as the Prelude sold in North America, from which it took its name, due to the wider side moldings. The other being that it was over 2.0 liters, a limitation in engine displacement in Japan for insurance reasons. The extra width and the larger engine combined to place the Prelude SiStates in a considerably higher tax bracket ; while this slowed sales it also targeted some status hungry buyers. The SiStates model was only available with the MY8A LSD equipped automatic transmission. The SiTCV model was available with the MY8A automatic or the D2E4 manual 5 - speed transmission. 90 - 91 Front bumper 88 - 89 Rear bumper and tail lights 90 - 91 Rear bumper and tail lights Fourth generation ( 1991 -- 1996 ) Fourth generation ( BA8 / 9, BB1 - BB4 ) Overview Production 1991 -- 1996 Powertrain Engine see chart Transmission 4 - speed automatic 5 - speed manual Dimensions Wheelbase 2,550 mm ( 100.4 in ) Length 4,440 mm ( 174.8 in ) Width 1,765 mm ( 69.5 in ) Height 1,290 mm ( 50.8 in ) Curb weight 1,288 kg ( 2,840 lb ) On September 19, 1991, the fourth - generation Prelude was introduced in Japan, and in Europe from early 1992. The car had a 58 % front and 42 % rear weight distribution. The four wheel steering system was changed to an electronic version and the engine was increased in capacity from 2.1 liters to 2.2 liters for the base model `` S '' ( SOHC F22A1 engine, 135 PS ( 99 kW ; 133 hp ) at 5200 rpm, 203 N ⋅ m ( 150 ft ⋅ lbf ) at 4000 rpm ) and `` VTEC '' model ( DOHC VTEC H22A1, 190 PS ( 140 kW ; 187 hp ) at 6800 rpm, 207 N ⋅ m ( 153 ft ⋅ lbf ) at 5500 rpm ), with a 2.3 - liter for the `` Si '' ( DOHC H23A1, 160 PS ( 118 kW ; 158 hp ) at 5800 rpm, 212 N ⋅ m ( 156 ft ⋅ lbf ) at 5300 rpm ). The Japanese Si came with the F22B ( 2.2 L DOHC non-VTEC, 160 PS ( 118 kW ; 158 hp ) ). The VTEC model had an upgraded brake system, going from a 10.3 '' ( 262 mm ) front rotor to an 11.1 '' ( 282 mm ) front rotor and utilizing larger brake caliper and pads, similar to those found in the Honda Vigor. Its styling approach is similar to the Honda Ascot Innova during the same time period. Additionally, a 2.0 i, single overhead cam ( SOHC ) model was released in Europe, rated at 133 PS ( 98 kW ; 131 hp ). 1993 was the last year that the `` Si - VTEC '' ( BB4 ) name was used, and beginning in 1994 it was shortened to just `` VTEC '' and stayed that way throughout the rest of the generation. In some countries, the Prelude with 2.2 VTEC engine was called the VTi - R. Later the 96 prelude SI / SR was introduced with a 2.3 Non-VTEC engine. In Canada, the Si was called the SR, and the VTEC was called the SR - V. Due to the width dimensions and the engine displacement exceeding Japanese government regulations for vehicles classified as `` compact '', this generation Prelude obligated Japanese owners to yearly taxes, and the Prelude became known as a luxury car in Japan as a result. This model also marked the end for the pop - up headlights. The 1992 Prelude incorporated other design features that had also become the `` Prelude standard ''. The rear end was rounded and fairly high in comparison to the previous square trunk line. The front fascia of the car became wider with fixed headlights. The glass moonroof made way for a steel sliding sunroof which no longer retracted into the car but extended out and over it. The light blue back lighting introduced in the third generation was continued. Later models ( 1994 and on ) also featured translucent speedometer and tachometer needles. All VTEC & SE models received leather interior. Also featured was an 8 - speaker audio system ( Gathers DSP 8 Speaker System ) which included a center dash - mounted speaker and rear center subwoofer, while the U.S. version received only 7 speakers ( center dash speaker not included ). The Japanese version also included a digital climate control system. The Canadian version received some options which were not available in the United States. For instance, the Japanese Prelude had power folding mirrors as well as a rear windscreen wiper, while the Canadian market was the one to have heated mirrors and optional heated seats. The Japanese model came with optional Honda Access accessories such as Typus ski racks, under dash lights, headrest covers, a cabin air filter, and floor mats. Some of the Japanese domestic market fourth generation Prelude VTECs did not come with options such as a sunroof and 4 - wheel steering, as it was possible to skip these options when buying in Japan. The fourth generation Prelude also shares some suspension components with the fifth generation ( 1994 -- 97 ) Honda Accord. It also shares many suspension components with the 5th generation Prelude 's that are not equipped ATTS system. Models and Markets Model Engine Steering Chassis code Markets Code C / R Power Japan USA Canada Europe Australia Si F22B 9.5 : 1 160 PS 2WS BA8 4WS BA9 SiR VTEC H22A 10.6 : 1 200 PS 2WS BB4 4WS BB8 F22A1 8.8 : 1 135 PS 2WS BA8 Si H23A1 9.8 : 1 160 PS 2WS BB2 4WS BB2 SE ( 1995 ) H23A1 9.8 : 1 160 PS 2WS BB2 VTEC ( 93 - 96 ) H22A1 10.0 : 1 190 PS 2WS BB1 Prelude F22A1 8.8 : 1 133 PS 2WS BA8 SR H23A1 9.8 : 1 160 PS 2WS BB2 4WS BB2 SR - V ( 93 - 96 ) H22A1 10.0 : 1 190 PS 2WS BB1 2.0 i F20A4 9.5 : 1 133 PS 2WS BB3 2.3 i H23A2 9.8 : 1 160 PS 2WS BB2 4WS BB2 2.2 i VTEC ( 93 - 96 ) H22A2 10.0 : 1 185 PS 2WS BB1 4WS BB1 CV / S F22A1 8.8 : 1 131 PS 2WS BA8 Si H23A1 9.8 : 1 160 PS 4WS BB2 SRS ( 91 - 93 ) H23A1 9.8 : 1 160 PS 4WS BB2 VTi - R ( 94 - 96 ) H22A1 10.0 : 1 190 PS 4WS BB1 1996 Prelude Si ( Australia ) F1 Safety car The Prelude was used in Formula One as its Safety Car during the 1994 Japanese Grand Prix. Fifth generation ( 1997 - 2001 ) Fifth generation ( BB5 - BB9 ) 2001 Prelude SE Manual Overview Production November 1996 -- October 2001 Powertrain Transmission 4 - speed automatic 5 - speed manual Dimensions Wheelbase 2,586 mm ( 101.8 in ) Length 4,521 mm ( 178 in ) Width 1,753 mm ( 69 in ) Height 1,316 mm ( 51.8 in ) Curb weight 1,340 kg ( 2,954 lb ) ( Base ) 1,380 kg ( 3,042 lb ) ( SH ) Introduced on November 7, 1996, the fifth generation retained an FF layout with an independent front suspension and 63 / 37 weight distribution. Most fifth - generation Honda Preludes came with 16 - inch ( 410 mm ) aluminum alloy wheels with all - season 205 / 50 R16 87V tires, featured the 11.1 '' front brakes like the ' 96 VTEC model, and most Preludes also received a five - lug hub ( not the four - lug wheel hub of older models ). The Prelude was only available in three models for Canada and two models for the US ( the Base and Type SH ). All models came with 16 - inch alloy wheels and 200HP ( 203 PS ). The 2.0 i and JDM Si trims came with 195 / 60 R15 steel wheel, and the JDM Xi came with 14 '' steel wheels. Unlike the North American market Preludes, JDM Preludes came with rear windscreen wipers, except for the Xi. The fifth - generation Prelude marked a return to the more square body style of the third generation ( 1987 -- 1991 ), in an attempt to curb slumping sales of the fourth - generation body style. All models and trim packages stayed within the BB - chassis code ( BB5 - BB9 ) and housed either an H - series or F - Series engine : Model Engine Steering Chassis code Markets Code C / R Power Japan USA Canada Europe Australia Xi F22B 8.8 : 1 135 PS 2WS BB5 Si F22B 9.2 : 1 160 PS 2WS BB5 4WS BB7 SiR H22A 10.6 : 1 200 PS 2WS BB6 4WS BB8 SiR S - spec H22A 11.0 : 1 220 PS 2WS BB6 Type S H22A 11.0 : 1 220 PS 2WS BB6 Base H22A4 10.0 : 1 203 PS 2WS BB6 Type SH H22A4 10.0 : 1 203 PS 2WS BB6 SE H22A4 10.0 : 1 203 PS 2WS BB6 2.0 i F20A4 9.5 : 1 133 PS 2WS BB9 2.2 VTi H22A5 ( 97 -- 98 ) H22A8 ( 99 -- 01 ) 10.0 : 1 11.0 : 1 185 PS 200 PS 2WS BB6 4WS BB8 2.2 VTi - S H22A5 ( 97 -- 98 ) H22A8 ( 99 -- 01 ) 10.0 : 1 11.0 : 1 185 PS 200 PS 2WS BB6 Si F22Z6 10.0 : 1 160 PS 2WS BB5 VTi - R H22A4 ( 97 -- 98 ) H22Z1 ( 99 -- 01 ) 10.0 : 1 200 PS 2WS BB6 ATTS H22A4 ( 97 -- 98 ) H22Z1 ( 99 -- 01 ) 10.0 : 1 200 PS 2WS BB6 1999 refresh For the 1999 model year, the Prelude received a mid-cycle refresh, this included a 5 hp ( 4 kW ) bump in power for manual ( 200 hp ( 149 kW ) from 195 hp ( 145 kW ) ) and automatic ( 195 hp ( 145 kW ) from 190 hp ( 142 kW ) ) transmission models, a new front grille featuring a small `` Prelude '' badge, a cabin air filtration system, and changes to available colors. Canadian market Canadian - market Preludes were very similar to US models, although all were equipped with heated seats as standard equipment, and received a 4.5 L washer fluid reservoir in place of the smaller 2.5 L US spec. In 2001, Canada received a replacement for the Type SH, the SE trim level. The SE was mechanically identical to base models, it came equipped with perforated, heated leather seats, Type SH Enkei rims, Type SH spoiler, a leather - wrapped shift knob, and simulated carbon fiber trim kit on the door panels and audio panel. The SE did not receive body colored side skirts as standard like the Type SH, and also did not feature the active torque transfer system ( ATTS ). Dealer accessories for Canadian vehicles included : carbon fiber audio panel, sunroof visor, 6 - disc - in - dash CD changer, trunk mounted CD changer, cassette player, roof rack, gold plated emblem kit, gold plated exhaust finisher, leather shift knob, full and half nose mask, security system, and a cargo mat. Japanese - exclusive Type S 1998 Honda Prelude VTi 1997 -- 2001 Honda Prelude VTi - R ATTS, Australia 1999 Honda Prelude Australian VTi - R ATTS model, front One version of the fifth generation Prelude, a high - performance model called the Type S, was only available in Japan. It was equipped with the 2.2 L H22A, featuring VTEC and producing 217 hp ( 162 kW ; 220 PS ) at 7,200 rpm and 163 lbf ft ( 221 N m ) at 6,500 rpm. With a compression ratio of 11.0 : 1, 87.0 mm ( 3.4 in ) bore x 90.7 mm ( 3.6 in ) stroke and VTEC - valve timing, lift and duration were adjusted to 12.2 mm ( 0.5 in ) intake and 11.2 mm ( 0.4 in ) exhaust. Honda also overhauled the air box and replaced it with a more efficient design that is often referred to as Dynamic Chambering, along with a larger throttle body design bored to 62 mm ( as opposed to the previous 60 mm ). The exhaust system was also treated to a redesign, with the pipe cross sections becoming more cylindrical rather than oval. The three - way catalytic converter was also increased in size, as well as the exhaust piping from 2 to 21⁄4 in ( 51 to 57 mm ) ( tToV ). In addition to a higher output engine both Type S and USDM Type SH featured an overhauled front suspension layout which offered a more effective camber curve. The fifth generation curb weight was 1,310 kg ( 2,890 lb ), and ground clearance was 140 mm ( 5.5 in ). Unlike the SiR S - spec that had an LSD, the Type S acquired the Honda technology known as the Active Torque Transfer System ( ATTS ). The gearing on the Type S matches all other fifth - generation Preludes that had a manual transmission except for the five - speed 2.2 VTi VTEC and had a final drive ratio of 4.266 : 1. The Type S had an Active Control ABS system, different from the others which had the standard ABS systems. The interior featured newly developed synthentic materials called Cabron and Excene to upholster the seats which most people perceive as leather and Alcantara laced with red stitching. Manufacturer styling options included seat lettering. The exterior styling of fifth generation Preludes was standardized for most models. All had a sunroof except for the Type S model. Prelude Motegi Honda also released a special edition fifth generation Prelude, called Motegi. The name of this special edition derives from the ' twin - ring Motegi ' motor - racing circuit, located in Haga District, Tochigi, Japan. This track was built in 1997 by Honda as part of their effort to bring the IndyCar series to Japan. The Motegi edition Prelude featured an OEM Honda body kit, 17 '' Honda alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension and a Motegi badge on the trunk lid. All of these items, with the exception of the trunk lid badge, were optional on non-Motegi models. Sales Sales were not strong, particularly due to competition from Honda 's other offerings. The sixth - generation Accord coupe received an exclusive front fascia, rear tail lights, wheels and many other body panels, now being marketed as a somewhat separate model from the family - oriented sedan, yet its sedan roots gave it much more utility than the comparatively cramped Prelude. The sixth - generation Civic Si coupe has also gained a reputation in its own right and was considerably less expensive than the Prelude. The exterior dimensions of the Prelude were no longer in compliance with Japanese government regulations, and the additional costs resulting from this contributed to the popularity of smaller Honda products. US sales figures below. Generation Model Years Units 1st 1979 -- 1982 171,829 2nd 1983 -- 1987 336,599 3rd 1988 -- 1991 160,909 4th 1992 -- 1996 98,627 5th 1997 -- 2001 58,118 1st - 5th 1979 - 2001 826,082 Safety Australia In Australia, the safety performance of Honda Preludes manufactured between 1983 and 2001 was assessed in the Buyers Guide to used Car Safety Ratings 2006, which was published by the Roads and Traffic Authority ( RTA ) ( a New South Wales, Australia, government agency ). This publication concluded that the level of occupant protection in Preludes from 1983 to 1996 was at an `` average '' level, while in Preludes from 1997 to 2001 is `` significantly better than average. '' US The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ) in the United States has determined frontal crash test ratings of Honda Preludes of different model years. Model year Make Model Type Curb weight ( lb ) Frontal driver rating Frontal passenger rating 1980 Honda Prelude 2 - Door 2,545 1984 Honda Prelude 2 - Door 2,780 1990 - 91 Honda Prelude 2 - Door 2,659 1992 - 94 Honda Prelude 2 - Door 2,765 Awards The Prelude was on Car and Driver magazine 's annual Ten Best list ten times : three times from 1984 to 1986, and then seven times from 1992 to 1998, although the biggest complaint over much of the Prelude 's lifespan was the lack of availability of a V - 6 engine option, especially in the US. Convertibles 1981 Prelude Cabriolet ( Tropic conversion ) Through the years, several German and US companies have converted Preludes into convertibles. Currently, there have been convertibles made from the first, second and fourth generation Preludes. First generation Preludes were modified into full convertibles by several companies in both the US, Canada and Germany. The Solaire Corporation, a southern based company in Santa Ana California, owned by Jim Bruemmer, lead the idea. He brought in craftsman, Bruce Meyers ( Known for the famous Meyers Manx Dune Buggy ) to help design the tooling for production with the conversion. A believed 150 Preludes, between 1981 - 1982, were modified and sold to US Honda dealerships with full factory warranties. Dealer prices ranged from $14,000 - $15,000. Solaire collaborated with other companies including Classic Touch, Con - tec, Silcco, Steas and National Coach. It was marketed as `` Honda 's 450 SL '', drawing aesthetic comparisons to the Mercedes 450SL. Tropic Design, located in Crailsheim, Germany. Company owner Jürgen Weber learned this trade in the United States. In all, they modified 47 Preludes, most of which were exported to the US, where Weber had connections. Very few have remained in Europe, initially all in Germany. Some have been sold over time to nearby countries, at least one to the Netherlands, one to France and one to Belgium. Second generation Preludes were modified by another German company ; some 100 Preludes were modified. No DOHC engine - equipped models have been known to be converted into convertibles, however. Three versions were available : a basic version, one which had more luxurious options, and one which added a body kit. There is believed to be a few third generation preludes made however it is not confirmed how many were made. There is currently one confirmed Japanese imported third generation prelude currently in Australia though not much is known of its history. Of the fourth generation Preludes, only some 15 were modified into a convertible by German company Honda - Autohaus Manfred Ernst. No details are known about the engine types and other specifics. Since only 15 were ever made, they are assumed by many to be custom - built. Scale models Corgi and Neo have produced 1 : 43 models of the first generation. Minichamps and Neo have produced 1 : 43 models of the fourth generation. References ^ Jump up to : Braunschweig, Robert ; Büschi, Hans - Ulrich, eds. ( March 6, 1980 ). `` Automobil Revue ' 80 '' ( in German and French ). 75. Berne, Switzerland : Hallwag, AG : 330. ^ Jump up to : Enklaar, Gert ( 1979 - 03 - 24 ). `` Rijden met Honda Prelude '' ( Test drive : Honda Prelude ). Autovisie ( in Dutch ). Amersfoort, Netherlands : Arnold van der Wees. 24 ( 6 ) : 32. ^ Jump up to : Yamaguchi, Jack K. ( 1979 ), Lösch, Annamaria, ed., `` The Year of Uncertainty ? '', World Cars 1979, Pelham, NY : The Automobile Club of Italy / Herald Books : 66, ISBN 0 - 910714 - 11 - 8 ^ Jump up to : スポーティ タイプ の 2 ドア ・ フィックス ト クーペ 「 ホンダ プレリュード 」 を 新 発売 ( New release, sporty two - door fixed - head coupe : the Honda Prelude ) ( Press Release ) ( in Japanese ). Honda Motor Company. 1978 - 11 - 24. Jump up ^ von Fersen, Olaf ( 6 March 1980 ). `` Automobiltechnik an der Zeitenwende / La technique de l'automobile à un tournant '' ( Automobile technology at a turning point ). Automobil Revue ' 80 ( in German and French ). Berne, Switzerland : Hallwag, AG. 75 : 105. Jump up ^ James M. Flammang ( 1994 ). Standard Catalog of Imported Cars, 1946 - 1990. Iola, WI : Krause Publications, Inc. p. 287. ISBN 0 - 87341 - 158 - 7. ^ Jump up to : Hogg, Tony ( ed. ). `` 1981 Buyer 's Guide ''. Road & Track 's Road Test Annual & Buyer 's Guide 1981 ( January -- February 1981 ) : 100. ^ Jump up to : De Leener, Philippe ( 1983 - 06 - 02 ). `` Essai Détaille : Honda Prelude EX ''. Le Moniteur de l'Automobile ( in French ). Brussels, Belgium : Editions Auto - Magazine. 33 ( 770 ) : 16 -- 17. Jump up ^ De Leener, p. 15 Jump up ^ `` Patent USD298522 ''. Retrieved 28 March 2015. ^ Jump up to : Klingstedt, Dag ( 1987 - 09 - 16 ). `` Fyrhjulsstyrd '' ( Steering with all four ). Teknikens Värld ( in Swedish ). Stockholm, Sweden : Specialtidningsförlaget AB. 39 ( 20 ) : 10. Jump up ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk2gldyFogst=23m52s Jump up ^ https://justgivemethedamnmanual.com/wp-content/plugins/pdfjs-viewer-shortcode/pdfjs/web/viewer.php?file=https://justgivemethedamnmanual.com/manuals/2000_honda_prelude.pdf&download=true&print=true&openfile=false Jump up ^ `` Buyers Guide to used Car Safety Ratings 2006 '' ( PDF ). Roads and Traffic Authority ( RTA ). June 16, 2006. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on July 27, 2008. Retrieved January 3, 2009. Jump up ^ `` NHTSA Crash Test Results For 1997 US NCAP ''. SafeCarGuide.com, Inc. Retrieved January 2, 2009. ^ Jump up to : Heitz, Rudolf, ed. ( 1982 ). Auto Katalog 1983 ( in German ). 26. Stuttgart : Vereinigte Motor - Verlage GmbH & Co. KG. p. 47. Wikimedia Commons has media related to Honda Prelude. Look up prelude in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. `` previous -- Honda road car timeline, 1980s -- present Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 0 5 6 7 8 9 0 5 6 7 8 9 0 5 6 7 8 9 0 5 6 7 8 Kei car Today Today Life Life Life Today Associe Life That 's N - ONE Life Dunk Zest N - WGN Acty Street Street N - BOX Vamos Subcompact City / Jazz City Logo Brio City Brio Amaze Civic Civic Civic Civic Civic Fit / Jazz Fit / Jazz Fit / Jazz Ballade Ballade Concerto Domani Fit Aria / City City City / Grace Compact Domani Civic / Hybrid Civic / Hybrid Civic / Hybrid Civic Quint Quint Integra Integra Integra Integra Ascot Innova Integra SJ Accord Accord Accord Accord CB Accord CD Accord CF Insight Vigor Vigor Ascot Ascot Torneo Vigor Rafaga Accord Inspire Accord CB3 / CC Accord CG7 / CH5 Crider Mid-size Vigor Accord CG Accord CL Accord CU Accord Inspire Inspire / Saber Inspire / Saber Inspire / Accord UC FCX Clarity Clarity Full - size Inspire / Accord CP Legend Legend Legend Legend Legend Coupé Ballade Sports CR - X CR - X Civic Coupe Civic Coupe Insight CR - Z Integra Coupe Integra Coupe Integra Coupe Accord Coupe Accord Coupe Accord Coupe Prelude Prelude Prelude Prelude Prelude Legend Coupe Legend Coupe Roadster Beat S2000 S660 Convertible City Cabriolet CR - X del Sol Sport compact Civic Type R Civic Type R Civic Type R Civic Type R Civic Type R Integra Type R Integra Type R Sports car Accord Type R Accord Euro - R Torneo Euro - R NSX NSX NSX Type R NSX - R Subcompact crossover Z BR - V HR - V Vezel / HR - V XR - V WR - V Compact crossover Crossroad Element CR - V CR - V CR - V Mid-size crossover Crosstour Pilot Pilot SUV Jazz CR - V CR - V Passport Passport Pilot Horizon MDX Crossroad Station wagon Civic Country Civic Shuttle Civic Shuttle Orthia Airwave Fit Shuttle Fit Shuttle Accord Wagon CB9 Accord Wagon CEI Accord Wagon CF6 Accord Wagon CM Accord Tourer CW Avancier Avancier Mini MPV Capa Mobilio Spike Freed Spike Freed Spike EV Plus Mobilio Mobilio Compact MPV Stream Stream S - MX Edix / FR - V Jade Stepwgn Stepwgn Stepwgn Stepwgn Stepwgn Minivan Shuttle Odyssey RA6 Odyssey RB Odyssey RB3 Odyssey RC Odyssey LaGreat / Odyssey RL Odyssey RL3 Odyssey RL5 Elysion Elysion Pickup Tourmaster Ridgeline Ridgeline Microvan Acty Van Acty Acty Acty Van City Pro Civic Van Civic Pro Civic Pro Partner Van Partner 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 0 5 6 7 8 9 0 5 6 7 8 9 0 5 6 7 8 9 0 5 6 7 8 Honda Motor Company Divisions and subsidiaries Acura American Honda Honda Canada Canada Manufacturing Aircraft Performance Development India Motorcycles Racing F1 Taiwan China ( 65 % ) UK Joint ventures and shareholdings Bangladesh Honda Private Limited ( 70 % ) Dongfeng Honda ( 50 % ) GE Honda Aero Engines ( 50 % ) Guangqi Honda ( 50 % ) Everus Mobilityland ( 100 % ) Aircraft MH01 MH02 HA - 420 Honda Cars Accord Accord Hybrid Amaze Brio / Brio Satya City / Grace / Greiz Civic Civic Si Civic Type R Crider Clarity Elipe Fit / Jazz Gienia Legend N - Box N - One NSX Robins S660 Spirior Pickup trucks Acty Ridgeline Crossovers / SUVs Avancier / UR - V BR - V CR - V Pilot / MR - V Vezel / HR - V / XR - V WR - V Vans Acty Freed Jade Mobilio Odyssey ( International ) / Elysion Odyssey ( North America ) Shuttle Stepwgn Tambor Vamos / Vamos Hobio Historic and discontinued 1300 Airwave / Partner Ascot Avancier Ballade Beat Capa City / Jazz Civic Hybrid Civic GX CR - X CR - X del Sol CR - Z Crossroad Crosstour Concerto Domani Doal Element Elysion EV Plus FR - V Horizon Inspire Insight Integra Life Dunk Life Lily Logo Mobilio Spike N360 N600 Orthia / Partner Passport Prelude Quint Rafaga S500 S600 S800 S2000 S - MX Stream T360 / T500 That 's Today Torneo Tourmaster Z Zest Racing Curtiss Special R800 R1300 RA270 RA271 RA272 RA273 RA300 RA301 RA302 RC100 RA099 RA106 RA107 RA108 Aguri SA05 Aguri SA06 Aguri SA07 Aguri SA08 HSV - 010 GT Acura ARX - 01 Acura ARX - 02 ARX - 03 HPD ARX - 04b Concept Argento Vivo Dualnote FC Sport FCV Concept HP - X HSC J - VX New Small Concept OSM Quilt Remix Spocket U-3X Urban EV Concept WOW Bikes Motorcycles CB series CBF series CBR series CG125 CJ series CM / CMX series CR series CRF series CTX series CX series DN - 01 Fury GL series NC700 series NR series NSR series RC series ST series VF / VFR series VT series VTX series XR / XL series XRE300 Transalp Africa Twin Deauville Bros / HawkGT NX250 Pacific Coast TL Series ( Reflex ) Valkyrie X4 Scooters Activa Aero Big Ruckus Dio Elite Express Helix Juno CHF50 Motocompo NH series Reflex Ruckus Sparta Spree Ruckus / Zoomer Silver Wing Vision Other Ape Click / Vario CT series Cub F Cub series Gyro Integra NM4 Motra P50 PA50 PC50 ST series / Dax Wave series Winner Z series Engines A-series B - series B20A C - series CVCC D - series E-series E07A F - series F20C G - series H - series J - series K - series L - series Circle L Diesel N - series Diesel P - engine R - series VTEC I - DSi Honda HI3R Honda HI4R Honda HI5R Honda HI6R Honda HI7R Honda HI8R Honda HI9R Honda HI10R Honda HI11R Honda HI12RT Honda HI13RT Honda HI14TT Honda HI15TT Honda HI16TT Honda HI17TT Honda HI18TT Aero - Engines HFX - 01 Turbofan HFX20 Turbofan HF118 Turbofan HF120 Turbofan Robots Honda E series Honda P series ASIMO People Soichiro Honda Takeo Fujisawa Tadashi Kume Shoichiro Irimajiri Nobuhiko Kawamoto Takeo Fukui Tadao Baba Takahiro Hachigo Other Honda Type R Honda Collection Hall Honda FC Mugen Motorsports Keihin Corporation Showa Corporation Internavi Suzuka Circuit Twin Ring Motegi Autobacs Racing Team Aguri Super Aguri F1 Team Takuma Sato Gil de Ferran Jenson Button Geier v. 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Oberg Honda Malaysia Racing Team Commons Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Honda_Prelude&oldid=865885000 '' Categories : Honda vehicles Coupés Front - wheel - drive sports cars Front - wheel - drive vehicles Sport compact cars Vehicles with four - wheel steering 1970s cars 1980s cars 1990s cars 2000s cars Cars introduced in 1978 Touring cars Hidden categories : CS1 German - language sources ( de ) CS1 French - language sources ( fr ) CS1 Dutch - language sources ( nl ) CS1 uses Japanese - language script ( ja ) CS1 Japanese - language sources ( ja ) CS1 Swedish - language sources ( sv ) All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from January 2012 Talk Contents About Wikipedia Afrikaans Беларуская Български Čeština Dansk Deutsch Ελληνικά Español فارسی Français Italiano Magyar 日本 語 Norsk Polski Português Русский Slovenčina Suomi Svenska ไทย Türkçe Тыва дыл Українська 15 more Edit links This page was last edited on 26 October 2018, at 20 : 20 ( UTC ). 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Question: when did they stop making the honda prelude
Answer: 2001