Why Honda Discontinued Prelude
The decision to discontinue the Honda Prelude was influenced by several factors, as indicated by various sources.
1. Sales and Market Competition:
– Slow sales and changing driver tastes were significant factors in the discontinuation of the Prelude. In 2002, U.S. Honda dealers sold only 3,500 Preludes in the first five months of the year, indicating a decline in demand.
– Honda’s decision to discontinue the Prelude was also influenced by the desire to avoid creating too much competition for its own products, particularly with the introduction of newer models like the RSX and the S2000.
– The Prelude was considered too expensive to keep in the lineup, as it had its own independent chassis and did not share many parts with other Honda vehicles, making it less cost-efficient in the automotive industry.
2. Technological Advancements:
– The introduction of newer technologies, such as the K-Series and i-VTEC in the RSX and Civic Si EP3, may have influenced Honda’s decision to discontinue the Prelude, which had the older H22A4 VTEC technology.
3. Production Costs and Pricing:
– The Prelude’s production and delivery costs were higher due to it being built in Japan and shipped to the U.S., and its price range of $23,600 to $26,100 made it more expensive than most competitors, further impacting its sales.
4. Replacement and Market Positioning:
– The availability of a legitimate replacement in the form of the RSX, along with the positioning of other models like the Accord 6-speed, may have contributed to the discontinuation of the Prelude .
In summary, the decision to discontinue the Honda Prelude was influenced by a combination of factors, including declining sales, market competition, technological advancements, production costs, and the availability of suitable replacements within Honda’s lineup.
If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to ask!
Contents
Will Honda ever bring back the Prelude?
Although its name is familiar, the Prelude will be a new addition to Honda’s lineup, and it will serve as somewhat of a replacement for the discontinued coupe versions of the Civic and Accord. We expect it to arrive for the 2026 model year, although the exact timing for the production model isn’t clear.
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.
What are the fastest Hondas?
The all-time best fast Hondas
- Honda Civic Type R 2001-2005.
- Honda S2000 1999-2009.
- Honda Integra Type R 1995-2001.
- Honda Accord Type R 1998-2002.
- Honda Civic Type R 1997-2000.
- Honda Civic Type R 2007-2010.
- Honda CR-X VTEC 1989-1992.
- Honda S800 1967-1970.
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.
How many miles do Preludes 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.
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.
What replaced the Honda Prelude?
Production of the Prelude concluded in 2001 upon the introduction of the fourth-generation Integra.
Are Honda Preludes fast?
Flat out, it managed to hit a GPS-verified top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). Bear in mind this is one of the lesser Prelude versions with only 133 horsepower and 132 pound-feet (179 Newton-meters) of torque. The most potent fifth-gen models offered a smidge over 200 hp and some variants also had rear-wheel steering.
How much is the 2024 Honda Prelude?
2024 Honda Prologue Pricing
| MSRP | AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Honda Prologue EX | $48,795 | +$3,000 |
| 2024 Honda Prologue Touring | $53,095 | +$3,000 |
| 2024 Honda Prologue Elite | $57,900 | standard |
Jan 25, 2024
When were preludes discontinued?
2001
Once considered Honda’s flagship model, the Prelude was discontinued in 2001 in favor of the Accord coupe (that was also eventually retired). The decision came after sales continuously fell from its peak of nearly 80,000 in 1986 to just 10,000 in 2000.
