The value of a 1996 Honda Prelude in the United States can vary significantly based on factors such as condition, mileage, trim level, and market demand. This model, part of the Prelude’s fourth generation (1992–1996), has garnered attention in recent years as a classic Japanese sports coupe with a growing enthusiast following.
Contents
- Pricing Range
- Trim Levels and Rarity
- Factors Influencing Value
- Market Trends
- Why are Honda Preludes so expensive?
- Is Honda Prelude a rare car?
- How many miles can a Honda Prelude last?
- What’s so special about Honda Prelude?
- How much does a Honda Prelude sell for?
- Are preludes reliable?
- How much was a 1996 Honda Prelude?
- Was the Honda Prelude fast?
- What is special about Honda Prelude?
- Why was the Prelude discontinued?
- Why are Honda Preludes so expensive?
- Is Honda Prelude a rare car?
- How many miles can a Honda Prelude last?
- What’s so special about Honda Prelude?
- How much does a Honda Prelude sell for?
- Are preludes reliable?
- How much was a 1996 Honda Prelude?
- Was the Honda Prelude fast?
- What is special about Honda Prelude?
- Why was the Prelude discontinued?
Pricing Range
In the current market, the 1996 Honda Prelude typically falls within the following price ranges:
- Fair Condition (high mileage, cosmetic and mechanical issues): $2,000–$5,000. These vehicles may require significant repairs or restoration.
- Good Condition (moderate mileage, well-maintained): $5,000–$10,000. Examples in this category are often unmodified and show regular upkeep
- Excellent Condition (low mileage, pristine): $10,000–$15,000+. These cars, especially in rare trims or with desirable features, command a premium among collectors.
Trim Levels and Rarity
The 1996 Honda Prelude was available in several trims, which influence value:
- S Trim: Base model with a single-cam 2.2L engine, generally the least expensive.
- Si Trim: Mid-tier model with a more powerful DOHC 2.3L engine.
- VTEC Trim: Top-tier performance model featuring the highly sought-after 2.2L DOHC VTEC engine, often fetching the highest prices in the market.
Factors Influencing Value
Mileage: Lower mileage vehicles typically command a higher price.
Condition: Original, unmodified cars are favored, as modifications can impact reliability and resale value.
Regional Demand: Enthusiast communities in certain areas may drive up prices.
Rarity: Limited production trims, such as the VTEC model, are particularly valuable.
Market Trends
The demand for 1990s Japanese sports cars, including the Prelude, has grown as these vehicles are now considered modern classics. This surge in popularity has led to appreciating values, particularly for well-preserved examples or performance-oriented trims.
A 1996 Honda Prelude in the U.S. can range from $2,000 to over $15,000, depending on its condition, mileage, and trim. Enthusiasts seeking a reliable, stylish, and increasingly rare vehicle may find the Prelude a worthwhile investment, especially as its status in the collector car market continues to rise.
Why are Honda Preludes so expensive?
Preludes were produced and fully assembled in Japan and then shipped to the states via boat. That’s part of the reason. That is one of the main reasons. The import taxes on them were ridiculous, thus the reason why the acuras are so expensive as well.
Is Honda Prelude a rare car?
There is nothing wrong with it, but since these cars are rare, it sucks to see fewer stock Preludes on the road today. The fifth-generation Honda Prelude only sold 58,000 cars from 1997 to 2001. Out of those 58,000, only 10,000 were 2001 models.
How many miles can a Honda Prelude last?
With basic maintenance these cars will last 250k+ with minimal problems, if you have a 5 speed. Keep the oil topped off the valves adjusted, and with regular tuneups every 40,000 miles, this car will never leave you stranded.
What’s so special about Honda Prelude?
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, which was later shared with the Honda …
How much does a Honda Prelude sell for?
The price of the 2026 Honda Prelude is expected to start around $31,000 and go up to $38,000 depending on the trim and options.
Are preludes reliable?
Hondas have a reputation for reliability, and generally the Prelude is no exception. However, the automatic gearbox has caused some problems. Those fitted to the 2.2-litre engine suffered the most, with complete failures not uncommon. Replacing the unit is expensive.
How much was a 1996 Honda Prelude?
Used 1996 Honda Prelude Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat’l average) | |
|---|---|---|
| S Coupe 2D | $20,340 | $2,540 |
| Si Coupe 2D | $23,035 | $2,708 |
| VTEC Coupe 2D | $26,260 | $3,035 |
Was the Honda Prelude fast?
By modern standards, this 1997 Honda Prelude is not fast by any stretch of the imagination. It takes a little over nine seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill, which even a three-cylinder subcompact turbocharged hatchback can do these days.
What is special about Honda Prelude?
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, which was later shared with the Honda …
Why was the Prelude discontinued?
Why did Honda stop making the Prelude? Unfortunately, as Honda’s premium alter ego Acura gained in popularity, the Prelude’s semi-lofty price tag cut sales significantly toward the end of the fifth-generation.
Why are Honda Preludes so expensive?
Preludes were produced and fully assembled in Japan and then shipped to the states via boat. That’s part of the reason. That is one of the main reasons. The import taxes on them were ridiculous, thus the reason why the acuras are so expensive as well.
Is Honda Prelude a rare car?
There is nothing wrong with it, but since these cars are rare, it sucks to see fewer stock Preludes on the road today. The fifth-generation Honda Prelude only sold 58,000 cars from 1997 to 2001. Out of those 58,000, only 10,000 were 2001 models.
How many miles can a Honda Prelude last?
With basic maintenance these cars will last 250k+ with minimal problems, if you have a 5 speed. Keep the oil topped off the valves adjusted, and with regular tuneups every 40,000 miles, this car will never leave you stranded.
What’s so special about Honda Prelude?
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, which was later shared with the Honda …
How much does a Honda Prelude sell for?
The price of the 2026 Honda Prelude is expected to start around $31,000 and go up to $38,000 depending on the trim and options.
Are preludes reliable?
Hondas have a reputation for reliability, and generally the Prelude is no exception. However, the automatic gearbox has caused some problems. Those fitted to the 2.2-litre engine suffered the most, with complete failures not uncommon. Replacing the unit is expensive.
How much was a 1996 Honda Prelude?
Used 1996 Honda Prelude Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat’l average) | |
|---|---|---|
| S Coupe 2D | $20,340 | $2,540 |
| Si Coupe 2D | $23,035 | $2,708 |
| VTEC Coupe 2D | $26,260 | $3,035 |
Was the Honda Prelude fast?
By modern standards, this 1997 Honda Prelude is not fast by any stretch of the imagination. It takes a little over nine seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill, which even a three-cylinder subcompact turbocharged hatchback can do these days.
What is special about Honda Prelude?
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, which was later shared with the Honda …
Why was the Prelude discontinued?
Why did Honda stop making the Prelude? Unfortunately, as Honda’s premium alter ego Acura gained in popularity, the Prelude’s semi-lofty price tag cut sales significantly toward the end of the fifth-generation.
