What does 4WS mean on a Prelude?
The term 4WS on a Honda Prelude stands for Four-Wheel Steering. It is a steering system that actively turns the rear wheels to complement the front wheels, providing sharper low-speed maneuverability and greater high-speed stability.
Definition and purpose
In the Prelude, 4WS was a technology designed to improve agility in tight streets and confidence on highways by coordinating rear-wheel angle with front-wheel input. It was an optional feature on selected trims from the late 1980s into the 1990s, before Honda phased it out in favor of modern electronic stability systems.
How 4WS works
Note that the system relies on sensors, an electronic control unit and an actuator to adjust the rear steering in real time. The rear wheels typically steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds to shorten the turning radius, and in the same direction at higher speeds to enhance stability and handling in corners.
- The rear-wheel steering is powered by a dedicated actuator linked to the steering rack, managed by a control module.
- At low speeds, rear steering is counter-directional (opposite to the front wheels) to reduce turn radius for parking and tight turns.
- At higher speeds, rear steering aligns with the front wheels to improve high-speed stability and steering feel in bends.
- The system operates under automatic control but can be overridden by the driver through normal steering input if needed.
- Vehicle dynamics, suspension geometry, and weight distribution influence how noticeable the rear-wheel action is in practice.
In short, 4WS was designed to blend agility and stability by actively steering the rear axle, a hallmark of Honda’s handling-focused engineering during the era.
Availability and evolution in the Prelude lineup
4WS appeared on certain Prelude models in the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, typically as part of a higher trim or optional package rather than a standard offering. As generations advanced, Honda retired the system in favor of more comprehensive electronic stability and traction controls that were easier to maintain and compatible with newer safety systems.
Considerations for collectors and buyers
For prospective buyers of a used Prelude with 4WS, expect higher maintenance costs and potential scarcity of replacement components. Verification should include testing the rear actuators, ensuring the rear steering angle is correctly commanded by the ECU, and inspecting related wiring and hydraulic lines where applicable. A professional pre-purchase inspection is recommended to assess long-term reliability.
Summary
4WS, or Four-Wheel Steering, was Honda’s early experiment with active rear-wheel steering in the Prelude. It offered improved maneuverability at low speeds and enhanced stability at highway speeds, but the technology was phased out in favor of later stability-control systems. Today, 4WS remains a notable chapter in the Prelude’s engineering history and a reminder of the era’s experimentation with handling dynamics.
How much is a 2026 Honda Prelude?
$43,195
| Trim | Powertrain | MSRP Plus $1,1952 Destination Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Prelude | Hybrid | $43,195 |
What are the benefits of 4WS?
Available 4-Wheel Steer is designed to offer greater vehicle maneuverability while parking at low speeds and on tight off-road trails. The system increases low-speed agility and allows the driver to achieve a tighter turn circle. 4-Wheel Steer is also designed to help improve vehicle stability when towing a trailer.
What is 4WS in a Prelude?
In 1987, Honda introduced the world's first steering angle sensing 4WS system in the Prelude. At the time of the launch, the name of the technology was Steering Angle Sensing Honda Four-Wheel Steering System (Honda 4WS).
Why did GM stop Quadrasteer?
GM stopped making Quadrasteer because it was commercially unsuccessful due to its high cost, lack of consumer awareness, and niche appeal, despite its benefits in maneuverability for large vehicles. The system was an expensive option, initially costing around $7,000$ 7 comma 000$7,000 in 2002, and it was mostly desired by a small group of consumers who towed trailers.
- High cost: The option was very expensive, with initial prices around $7,000$ 7 comma 000$7,000, which many potential buyers were unwilling to pay, even when the price was lowered over time.
- Lack of consumer awareness and interest: GM surveys showed that while many were aware of the technology, they still didn't want to buy it. It was seen by some as a gimmick for a narrow audience, specifically those who towed frequently.
- Low sales: The combination of high cost and low demand resulted in poor sales numbers, making the system commercially unviable for GM.
- Limited availability: Quadrasteer was only offered on higher-end models, often the 3/4-ton variants of certain trucks and SUVs, further limiting its customer base.
