Is the Honda Prelude a rare car?
Not generally considered rare in the classic sense, but certain well-preserved or limited-market examples are prized by collectors.
The Honda Prelude, a sporty two-door coupe produced from 1978 through 2001, spans five generations and still has a loyal enthusiast following. This article examines how rare it is today, what factors drive rarity, and what to look for if you’re shopping for one.
Overview of the Honda Prelude
Launched to slot into Honda’s sport-compact lineup, the Prelude emphasized light handling and a youthful image. It evolved across five generations, each bringing styling updates, refinement, and improved handling. Today, the Prelude remains a familiar sight in used-car lots but is far less common on the road than mainstream coupes, placing it firmly in the realm of a niche classic or enthusiast vehicle rather than a mass-market staple.
Is it rare?
Rarity varies by generation, market and condition. In most global markets, the Prelude is not rare in the way that limited-production icons are, but certain trims, generations, and well-preserved examples can be hard to find. The most desirable cars tend to be low-mileage, original-condition Fifth Generation models, or early generations preserved in good shape in markets with fewer surviving examples. Availability has tightened as the cars age and more have been scrapped or heavily modified.
Generational snapshot
The Prelude's five generations each have their own fan base and supply dynamics. Here is a concise look at how common or collectible each generation tends to be in today's market.
- First generation (1978–1982): The earliest Prelude is now a vintage entry with a niche following; good-condition examples are relatively scarce on the open market.
- Second generation (1983–1987): More widely seen in the 1980s, but pristine, low-mileage cars are still not abundant today.
- Third generation (1988–1991): A transitional design with growing popularity among enthusiasts; decent numbers remain but condition is key for rarity value.
- Fourth generation (1992–1996): Usually viewed as a design refinement with better chassis dynamics; early-to-mid-1990s examples in good shape are more sought after, especially in the U.S. and Europe.
- Fifth generation (1997–2001): The most refined and widely exported, with the strongest collector interest among enthusiasts when clean, low-mileage examples appear.
In summary, rarity in the Prelude lineup tends to center on age, condition, mileage, and originality rather than generation alone.
What makes a Prelude particularly valuable to collectors?
Several factors determine whether a Prelude catches the eye of collectors or shows up at the premium end of the used-car market. Cars that were rare in production, stayed in original form, and remain rust-free often command more attention today.
- Low mileage and well-preserved original condition increase desirability.
- Unmodified examples with factory parts and documentation tend to fetch higher prices.
- Limited-market trims or regional variants can become rare finds in other markets.
- A clean, rust-free body—especially in drier climates—helps keep a Prelude attractive to buyers.
For buyers and sellers, understanding these factors helps explain why certain Prelude are considered rare while others are more common in the used market.
Market presence today
Today’s market treats the Prelude as a niche sport coupe—affordable compared with modern performance cars, but with a dedicated fan base that values its 1990s styling and driving experience. Availability can vary by region, with dry-climate markets and import-heavy regions holding more pristine examples. Collectors often seek out Fifth Generation cars for their balance of performance, styling, and era-defining character; however, many mid-generation cars remain affordable and common in various markets.
If you’re evaluating a Prelude, look for signs of rust, check service history, and be aware that parts availability varies by generation. Enthusiast communities and specialist shops can be helpful resources for maintenance and value trends.
Summary
The Honda Prelude is not broadly classified as a rare car, but it has a dedicated niche within the enthusiast community. Rarity and value hinge on generation, condition, mileage, and originality. For buyers, the best prospects are low-mileage, well-documented cars—especially Fifth Generation models—while many mid-generation cars remain affordable in today’s used-car market. As with any classic or semi-classic, patience and market awareness are key to finding a Prelude that is both enjoyable to own and holds its value over time.
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 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.
How much is the 2026 Prelude?
$43,195
After a 25-year hiatus, the Honda Prelude returns as a sportier and pricier 2-door Civic. The reborn 2026 Honda Prelude costs $43,195, including destination fees, and comes only in one well-equipped trim, Honda announced Tuesday.
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.
