Honda's Hidden Gem: Unveiling the Prelude's Untold History

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【Summary】The Honda Prelude started off with low horsepower and slow acceleration in its first generation, but improved significantly in its second generation with 100 horsepower and better handling. The second generation Prelude also introduced the Honda Prelude Si with a more powerful engine and electronic injection.

FutureCar Staff Oct 06, 2023 4:14 PM PT

Honda's Hidden Gem: Unveiling the Prelude's Untold History

The 1978 model year Prelude was not Honda's finest work. While it had an attractive design, its mechanical performance left much to be desired. With only 72 horsepower, it was not particularly powerful, and it took a leisurely 19 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour. Surprisingly, even the notoriously slow Zastava Yugo could complete a quarter-mile run in the same time.

Fortunately, the first generation Prelude was short-lived, lasting only until 1983. The arrival of the second generation Prelude brought significant improvements. With a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, it boasted 100 horsepower and offered better suspension, making it a more capable and enjoyable car to drive. Critics praised its performance and handling, noting that it was a significant upgrade over its predecessor. Additionally, it achieved a respectable 38 miles per gallon.

Honda continued to refine and enhance the Prelude, making it faster and more exciting to drive. In 1985, the Honda Prelude Si was introduced. It featured a larger 1.9-liter engine, producing an additional 10 horsepower. This model also incorporated electronic injection, a technology derived from Honda's Formula 1 experience, replacing the carbureted systems used in previous models. The second generation Prelude came to an end in 1987.