Are Honda Preludes rare?
Honda Preludes are relatively scarce on today’s roads, especially well-preserved, stock examples. The model line ran from 1978 to 2001 across four generations and has been out of production for more than two decades, which has left a limited pool of surviving cars for collectors and enthusiasts.
Rarity by generation
The following generation-by-generation snapshot explains how commonly surviving examples appear in today’s market, with notes on typical condition and availability.
First generation (1978–1982)
Among the hardest to find in good condition. Early Preludes face age-related wear, rust, and parts availability challenges, making pristine survivors rare.
Second generation (1983–1987)
Still scarce in strong, rust-free condition, though slightly more common than the first gen in some regions. Clean examples tend to command interest from collectors and hobbyists.
Third generation (1991–1996)
More commonly encountered than the earliest generations, but quality examples (low mileage, stock condition) remain a niche find. Availability varies by country and export/import activity.
Fourth generation (1997–2001)
The most commonly seen Prelude in today’s market, yet still far rarer than mainstream modern Hondas. Manual transmissions and stock, well-maintained cars are the most sought after among enthusiasts.
Overall, the rarity is most pronounced for the older generations, while the final generation is the most accessible to buyers, albeit still far from ubiquitous.
Where to find Honda Preludes today
Finding a Prelude requires looking in channels that cater to classic or niche imports, as well as general used-car listings. The following sources are commonly used by buyers and sellers alike.
Online car marketplaces
Websites like AutoTrader, Cars.com, eBay Motors, and regional equivalents frequently list Preludes, especially the 4th generation, in various conditions and prices.
Enthusiast forums and clubs
Dedicated Honda and Prelude forums, social media groups, and clubs are good places to find owners looking to sell or trade, as well as trusted references for inspection.
Local classifieds and used-car lots
Some independent dealers specialize in older Japanese imports or sportier models, where Preludes can appear with varying mileage and documentation.
Importers and Japanese used-car exporters
Import specialists often have a rotating inventory of Primarily 4th-gen Preludes and well-kept examples, though shipping costs and compliance checks apply in each market.
Salvage yards and auctions
Survivors that meet require repairs or restoration projects sometimes surface in salvage or auction settings, appealing to repair-focused buyers.
Regional availability and import rules can significantly affect how often you’ll encounter Preludes, so persistence and being open to different generations can help.
What affects rarity and value
Several factors influence how rare a given Honda Prelude is and how much it’s worth in today’s market. Buyers should weigh these elements when evaluating a car’s rarity and price.
- Generation and model year: Older generations are less common, while newer ones are easier to locate but still scarce compared with mass-market models.
- Condition and originality: Rust-free frames, stock mechanicals, and original parts boost desirability and rarity value.
- Transmission: Manuals are typically more sought after by enthusiasts, increasing both rarity and value for those variants.
- Modifications vs stock condition: Factory-original cars generally fetch higher prices from collectors; heavily modified cars carve a niche but appeal to a different buyer group.
- Documentation and maintenance history: A documented history with service records, known mileage, and clean titles enhances perceived rarity and value.
- Regional availability: Import status and local demand can create hot spots where Preludes are rarer or more valuable.
Understanding these factors helps buyers and sellers gauge how rare a given Prelude is and what they might expect to pay or receive.
Summary
In today’s market, Honda Preludes are not equally rare across generations. Early models are notably scarce, while the 4th generation remains the most commonly found, albeit still far less common than mainstream cars. For collectors and enthusiasts, a clean, well-maintained, and preferably stock example—particularly with a manual transmission—remains the most desirable and, by extension, the rarest in practical terms. Prospective buyers should research regional availability, inspect for rust and originality, and rely on trusted sources such as enthusiast communities and reputable importers to navigate current listings.
Are Honda Preludes collectible?
The Prelude is still a valuable coupe on the used car market. The modern classic Honda fetches an average of $14,459 for the fifth generation. For perspective, the highest recent sale on the auction site Classic went for over $36,000, while the lowest sold for under $3,000.
How much is a Honda Prelude?
| Trim | Powertrain | MSRP1 |
|---|---|---|
| Prelude | Hybrid | $49,990 |
How many Honda Preludes were made?
The total production numbers for the Honda Prelude are not available, but 826,082 were sold in the U.S. alone during its 20-year run in the U.S. from 1978 to 2001. The car was produced for 20 years and was sold in various generations. The peak sales year for the Prelude was 1986 with 79,841 units sold in the U.S.
- United States sales: 826,082 units were sold in the U.S. from 1978 to 2001.
- Peak sales year: The highest sales year was 1986, with 79,841 units sold in the U.S.
What is the rarest Honda car?
The rarest Honda is the 2005 Honda NSX-R GT, with only five ever produced as a homologation special for a racing series. This ultra-exclusive model was built for the Super GT series and was never intended for mass public sale. Its scarcity is further heightened by the fact that only one of the five ever made was sold to a private collector, making it virtually impossible to find.
This video shows the rarity of the 2005 Honda NSX-R GT: 58sCar WizardYouTube · Feb 2, 2025
- Purpose: The car was made to allow Honda to enter the NSX-GT racing car into the GT500 class of the Super GT series.
- Rarity: Only five were produced, and the single example that was sold to the public was eventually sold to a collector.
- Cost: The original price was astronomical, costing around $\$470,000 in 2005, which is roughly $770,000$ 770 comma 000$770,000 in today's money.
- Exclusivity: It was only available in Japan and was built with specific modifications, such as a longer and wider body kit, to meet racing regulations.
