Every* Honda Prelude Generation, Ranked

Five generations of Honda's sports car, ranked by fun and historical significance.

In case you've missed it, the Honda Prelude has returned for 2026. After a quarter-century absence, the storied nameplate is back, affixed to a pretty hybrid that takes its place as the only coupe in Honda's current lineup.

To celebrate the occasion, American Honda Motor Co didn't just bring media to drive of the '26 Prelude—stay tuned for our first drive soon—but also brought every single previous generation of the car to the event. These are well-cared-for examples from Honda's own museum, essentially the closest one can reasonably expect to drive them in like-new condition. In other words, a total treat.

We experienced them all, not just because they're cool, but because they provide important context for the new model. After all, the time between fifth and sixth generations is longer than all five of these were in production.

Which won our hearts? There were some surprises for sure, and we're positive your list might look different from ours, so make sure to sound off in the comments section.

* - We intentionally didn't include the new model because, well, it's not a classic (yet)!

Here in present times, the sophomore effort from Honda feels stuck between two eras. While undoubtedly stylish with its newly angular bodywork, and benefitting from one of the earlier examples of Honda's double-wishbone suspension, the second-generation Prelude struggles to stand out amongst its more famous siblings. There's a useful bump in power here as the carbureted 1.8-liter makes an even 100 horsepower; a later fuel-injected 2.0-liter engine in the Prelude Si adds an extra 10 ponies.

The second-gen model is nonetheless important for setting the blueprint not just for the Prelude but Honda in general through the '80s and '90s. It's easy to see out of and is blessed with well-judged, well-weighted steering.

We're surprised, too. The fifth-generation model is one beloved by the Gran Turismo generation for being the "big-block" muscle coupe of the '90s Honda lineup. It had a look all its own, revved to 7,400 rpm with all the intensity of VTEC, and had that bulletproof, last-forever feel shot through every panel.

But it's also just a little boring. No doubt the fifth-gen is quick, but for all the mechanical trickery of its Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) it doesn't feel particularly nimble. The slow-geared steering doesn't help; it requires a conscious rethink around our short Oceanside drive loop. Despite being the largest Prelude, this 1999 model also feels tight inside, with a headliner brushing our scalps. The cabin also lacks the whimsy found in older models, replaced with sober, mature straight lines.

This is where it began. The original Prelude seems miles away from everything else, right down to its squished-muscle-car looks, from a time before Japan really had its own strong automotive design philosophies. That also makes it a friendlier shape; indeed, this is the model we get the most questions about during our drive. Seems everyone has a Prelude story.

This 1979 model is in tip-top shape, and we drive it how it's parked: with the windows down and the (power!) moonroof open. With just 72 horsepower from its 1.8-liter engine it's not quick, but this is a featherweight by modern standards so it nonetheless keeps up with traffic. The clutch is hard to judge and the throttle, freed from all the electronic softening of modern machines, is almost comically sensitive. New cars spoil us.

The cabin is a joy to be in: all burgundy tones, squishy-comfy seats, and oodles of natural light. Honda went wild with the instrument cluster and its nested gauges, so much so that it was redone two years after launch, but I like the layered approach. The steering is the early sort of power-assisted, in the sense that it barely feels like it's powered at all.

The first Prelude earns its spot for its significance and for setting a blueprint for every car to wear this badge. It featured a more comprehensive feature list that felt borderline luxurious back in the '70s.

I'll level with you: the top two spots could swap around depending on my mood. For me, the third-generation model is Peak Prelude. That ultra-low nose, the tech-forward approach, all paired with the innately good driving dynamics of Hondas at that time—it's what I picture when I close my eyes and think "Prelude."

The ultra-low nose, pop-up headlights, and ample glasshouse combine for a sporty car that still has decent second-row space for people. A big instrument cluster houses multiple controls right by the driver's hands, and those corduroy-like seat are so danged comfy. The power steering is too light at walking pace but quickly and beautifully weights up once on the move. The Prelude was a reminder that buying a reasonably priced car didn't preclude you from having something genuinely enjoyable.

If the previous Prelude was the peak, the following fourth-gen was when Honda took a big swing. This model was developed in the late '80s, right at the height of Japan's bubble economy. The Prelude went weird.

A substantial growth spurt saw a completely different, smoothed-out design aesthetic, with a hawk-like front-end complete with small vents beside the headlights. The tail grew taller with large, triangular taillights.

Then there's the cabin, accurately predicting the pillar-to-pillar screens of modern cars. How about the door-mounted air-con vents, a needless complication just because?

As the first Honda-badged model on these shores to use VTEC, the fourth-gen Prelude is still quick enough by modern standards, and the 190-horsepower H22 sounds great making progress. Its five-speed gearbox is as friendly as ever. The steering is a little slow, but still feels sharper than the fifth-gen.

Every generation of Prelude had character and a consistent sense of quality. While they're all impressive in their own ways, at the end of a very special day it was this sweet fourth-generation model that won me over. Now to start combing the classifieds...

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