| • Science | • People | • Locations | • Timeline |
| Honda Prelude | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Honda |
| Production: | 1978– 2001 |
| Class: | Sportscar |
| Body Styles: | 2-door coupe |
| Predecessor: | none |
| Successors: | Acura RSX, Honda S2000 |
| Shares components with: | Honda Accord |
| Similar models: | Toyota Celica Acura Integra Mitsubishi Eclipse |
| This article is part of the automobile series. | |
The Honda Prelude is a front wheel drive (FWD) four-cylinder coupe that was manufactured by Honda between 1978 and 2001. It spanned five generations of cars, but was discontinued upon the release of the fourth-generation Honda Integra in Japan in late 2001.
The Prelude's perennial competitor has been the Toyota Celica, another FWD four-cylinder coupe introduced several years prior to the Prelude, and throughout the 1980s, which was known as the decade of inexpensive Sports carHonda NSX sports car TVR Tuscan sports car A sports car is a car designed for sporting performance above utility. While opinions differ as to the exact definition, most sports cars have two seats and two doors, and are designed to excel at a combination os, it was challenged by the Nissan Silvia (180/240SX), Isuzu Gemini/Piazza/Impulse, Mitsubishi Cordia (later Eclipse), Mazda MX-6 and its cousin, the Honda-built Acura Integra.
The first generation Prelude was released in 1978 and had a CVCCCVCC is a trademark by the Honda Motor Company for a device used to reduce automotive emissions called a Compound Vortex Combustion Chamber, and it allowed Honda's cars to meet the 1970s US Emission requirements without a catalytic converter. It is a form engine. It was the third main model in Honda's lineup, joining the Civic and the Accord.
The second generation Prelude was released in 1982 and was initially available with a 12-valve dual carburetor engine, and fuel injection was introduced in 1985. In Japan and Asia, it was available with a DOHC 16 valve PGM-FI engine.
The Third generation Prelude was built upon the success of the second generation, however it gained 4 wheel steering, as well as a 2 liter SOHC carburetor engine or a DOHC EFI engine, which was increased to a 2.1 liter engine with the second series in 1990 and 1991.
1992 saw a major overhaul of the prelude. The 4 wheel steering system was changed to an electronic version and the engine was increased in size from 2.1 liters to 2.2 for the base "S" model and "VTEC" model, with 2.3 liters for the "Si".
The Fifth and final generation of Prelude saw enhancements from the forth generation and sadly in 2001 the Prelude was discontinued.
The fifth generation Prelude had an SH version or "Super-Handling" which feautured an ATTS or Active Torque Transfer System. This system allowed Honda to overcome the front wheel drive limitation somewhat and in 1997 Car and DriverCar and Driver is a popular automotive enthusiast magazine with a paid circulation of some 1. It is owned by Hachette Filipacchi Magazines. It once featured PJ O'Rourke, Bruce McCall and Dick Smothers as writers. Former editors include William Jeanes and named the Prelude SH the "best-handling car under $30,000."