The Japan Mobility Show 2023 was an absolute hoot this year, showcasing a treasure trove of captivating concepts. Among the stars of the show was the revival of the Honda Prelude, a nearly production-ready concept that has rekindled our interest for this nameplate.
As enthusiasts with a penchant for both nostalgia and innovation, we can’t help but ponder: which generation of the Prelude boasted the most striking design? Join us in a quick journey through Prelude history to determine the most visually appealing iteration.
1st Generation 1978-1982
Being an enthusiast-oriented two-door coupe from day one, it stands to reason that aesthetics were always a focus for the series. Its journey began in 1978 when the first-generation Prelude made its debut. While it shared components like struts, brakes, and an engine with the Accord, the Prelude featured an improved chassis designed to deliver a sportier driving experience compared to the sedan.
With a cabin that leaned towards the rear of the car, the first-gen coupe was clearly trying to conceal the fact that it was front-wheel-drive. This design approach established a precedent for the following five generations of the Prelude. However, its distinctive upright grille and design elements from the late ’70s made it stand apart from its successors.
2nd Generation 1982-1987
In its second generation, the Prelude introduced the wedge-like profile that would define the car until the most recent concept. A pointy front fascia left a very small grille and brought the most adored of all design cues to the car: pop up headlamps. The coupe style was reinterpreted for the boxy ’80s, as this generation ran from 1982 to 1987.
3rd Generation 1987-1991
The third generation Prelude, introduced in 1987, continued the evolutionary design of its predecessor. While it maintained the boxy overall look, some of the sharp creases that characterized the second generation began to soften in this latest iteration.
4th Generation 1991-1996
In 1991, the concept of sharp lines was abandoned altogether, and the entire body was smoothed over. Still, the location of the cabin, the thin front end, and the big rear section all meant that the fourth-generation Prelude still had recognizable links to the first-generation model.
5th Generation 1996-2001
By 1996, the fifth generation of the Prelude was ready for the world. The generation I remember the best from my youth, I’ll freely admit that it’s my favorite. I think that its combination of ’90s softness with some of the crisp design cues from the ’80s, means that it combines the best of every generation.
New Honda Prelude Hybrid Concept (2023)
Of course, even though we thought it was the final generation when production ended in 2001, we now know that the name is being revived (at least for Japanese customers). Although the new concept is a coupe like Preludes of yore, its cabin is farther forward, and Honda’s designers have abandoned the general shape that all previous models shared.
Read: The Honda Prelude Returns As A Hybrid Coupe
All things considered, it’s probably for the best that Honda decided to work with the platform it had, rather than trying to force the shape to fit the current Civic’s platform. But will it be appreciated by true Prelude aficionados? Let us know in the comments, and let us know which generation is your favorite.
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