Is Honda bringing back Prelude?
There is no official confirmation that Honda plans to bring back the Prelude. The automaker has not announced a revival of the model as part of its current product roadmap.
The Prelude, a two-door sports coupe popular in the 1990s and early 2000s, remains a touchstone for Honda’s sporty heritage. Enthusiasts have often speculated about a modern reinterpretation, but Honda’s recent moves emphasize electrification, crossovers, and the revival of other nameplates rather than a return of this specific coupe. Here’s what we know about Honda’s strategy and what would be needed for a Prelude comeback.
Honda's current sports car and EV strategy
Key moves in Honda's lineup over the past few years illustrate the brand’s direction: reviving nostalgic names in new forms, advancing electrification, and refining performance models. There is no public indication that a Prelude revival is in development, and executives have not signaled such a plan.
Recent signals from Honda
While Honda has explored reviving classic names—most notably the Integra for U.S. markets—its broader strategy centers on electrification and practical performance. The company has also introduced all-electric and hybrid models and continues to develop performance variants like the Civic Type R and updates to the NSX.
The following list summarizes recent moves relevant to any potential Prelude revival, illustrating how Honda’s priorities might intersect with a new two-door coupe:
- Integra revival in the U.S., signaling a willingness to bring back nostalgic, sport-oriented names in modern packaging.
- Prologue, Honda's all-electric SUV project developed with GM, underscoring a major push into electrification.
- Ongoing refinement of performance-focused models such as the Civic Type R and the NSX, maintaining a link to sport-oriented engineering.
- Strategic emphasis on electrified platforms and scalable architectures for future models.
These moves suggest Honda is prioritizing electrification, platform efficiency, and a balanced mix of practical and performance models. Whether a Prelude revival could fit into that mix would depend on cost, market demand, and whether a two-door coupe aligns with the brand’s long-term strategy.
Could a Prelude revival happen?
Industry observers note that a modern Prelude would appeal to nostalgia and enthusiasts, but there is no public indication of such a model in Honda’s near-term plans. The company has signaled a clear trajectory toward electrification and utility in its mainstream lineup, with sports cars taking a more specialized role. A revival would hinge on several strategic factors:
- Evidence of sustained market demand for a new two-door coupe in key markets, particularly the U.S. and Europe.
- The ability to develop the car on a cost-effective platform, potentially sharing underpinnings with existing models.
- Alignment with Honda’s brand strategy after reviving other nostalgic names and prioritizing electrified offerings.
- Regulatory and environmental considerations that favor electrified or efficient performance.
At present, Honda has not announced any Prelude revival, and the company’s public product roadmap emphasizes existing nameplates, electrification, and market-responsive sport options rather than reintroducing a classic coupe as a stand-alone entry.
Bottom line
Bottom line: No official plan to revive the Prelude has been disclosed. Honda’s current focus centers on integrating electrification, expanding its lineup with revived nameplates like Integra, and delivering performance through models such as the Civic Type R and NSX. Enthusiasts will continue to watch for signals, but any Prelude comeback remains speculative until Honda makes a formal announcement.
Summary: While the Prelude remains a beloved chapter in Honda’s history, there is no public confirmation of a revival. Honda’s recent strategy favors electrification, nameplate revivals like Integra, and performance-oriented models, leaving a Prelude return to rumor unless and until the company provides new guidance.
