Is a Honda Prelude manual?
Yes, the Honda Prelude was available with a manual transmission. The Prelude was a popular sports car produced by Honda from 1978 to 2001, known for its sleek design and sporty driving dynamics. Throughout its production run, the Prelude was offered with both manual and automatic transmission options, catering to the preferences of different drivers.
The Honda Prelude's Transmission Options
The Honda Prelude was available with a variety of transmission choices over the years, including:
- 5-speed manual transmission
- 4-speed manual transmission
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- 5-speed automatic transmission
The manual transmission options were particularly popular among enthusiasts who wanted a more engaging driving experience. The Prelude's manual gearboxes were known for their smooth, precise shifting and contributed to the car's sporty character.
Reasons to Choose a Manual Prelude
There are several reasons why someone might have opted for a manual Honda Prelude:
- Enhanced driving experience: The manual transmission allows the driver to have more control over the vehicle, providing a more engaging and responsive driving experience.
- Improved fuel efficiency: Manual transmissions are generally more fuel-efficient than their automatic counterparts, which can be beneficial for those looking to save on fuel costs.
- Increased performance: The manual transmission can often provide better acceleration and responsiveness, especially in a sporty car like the Prelude.
- Tradition and preference: Some drivers simply prefer the feel and connection to the vehicle that a manual transmission provides, as it has been a staple of sports cars and enthusiast vehicles for decades.
Ultimately, the choice between a manual or automatic Prelude came down to personal preference and driving style. Both transmission options offered their own unique advantages and contributed to the Prelude's overall appeal as a sporty and engaging compact car.
Is the Honda Prelude automatic?
Prelude shown with Blue/White Leather. The new Honda S+ Shift, alongside four unique drive modes, maximizes driver-vehicle synchronization, simulating a traditional dual clutch automatic transmission.
Will the 2026 Prelude be manual?
2026 Honda Prelude won't get a manual version due to hybrid engine. Sorry manual fans, the 2026 Honda Prelude's 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain is incompatible with a clutch pedal.
Does the new Prelude have a transmission?
No, the new 2026 Honda Prelude does not have a traditional or CVT transmission; it uses a two-motor hybrid system that drives the wheels directly. However, it features the "S+ Shift" system, which uses paddles to simulate the sensation of shifting through gears for a more engaging driving experience.
This video explains why the new Honda Prelude doesn't have a transmission: 1mJavier MotaYouTube · Nov 5, 2025
- No traditional transmission: The Prelude's powertrain consists of a 2.0L four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, with no gears or belts in a traditional sense.
- Direct drive: The electric motors can directly power the wheels, providing instantaneous torque. The engine is used to power a generator, or it can be clutched to the wheels at higher speeds.
- Simulated shifts: The S+ Shift system allows drivers to use paddle shifters to engage simulated gear changes. This includes features like rev-matched downshifts and enhanced engine sounds to mimic the feel of a conventional transmission.
You can watch this video to learn more about how the S+ Shift system works: 55sCar and DriverYouTube · Sep 4, 2025
Is the Honda Prelude manual?
No, the new 2026 Honda Prelude is not manual; it comes exclusively with an automatic hybrid transmission. Honda has confirmed there will be no manual option for the new model because its hybrid powertrain is not compatible with a traditional manual gearbox.
- Transmission type: The Prelude uses a hybrid automatic setup.
- Simulated manual shifting: It features an S+ Shift mode that simulates gear changes using paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience, though it is not a true manual transmission.
- Reasoning: Honda stated that the design of its hybrid system makes a manual transmission impossible to implement.
- Older models: Older, used Honda Prelude models from past generations were available with manual transmissions.
