When did Honda quit making the Prelude?
Honda stopped producing the Prelude after the 2001 model year; production ended in 2001.
Overview of the Prelude's run
The Prelude was Honda’s sport coupe lineup that dated back to 1978, spanning several generations and a devoted enthusiast following. Over its roughly two-and-a-half decades on the market, it showcased Honda’s engineering focus on balanced handling, a distinctive stance, and VTEC performance in later years. By the early 2000s, however, shifting buyer preferences and a shift in corporate priorities led to the model’s end.
Design and performance themes that defined the Prelude
Across its history, the Prelude emphasized agility and driver engagement, featuring two-door styling, lightweight construction, and, in later generations, more advanced engine technology and chassis tuning. This combination helped the Prelude stand out among affordable sport coupes during its run.
Why production ended
Industry observers and Honda officials cited a mix of fading sales in a crowded market segment, rising costs, and a strategic retreat toward more mainstream and higher-volume models. As Honda redirected resources toward the Civic line, the CR-V and other core products, the Prelude no longer fit the company’s product strategy.
Key milestones
Below are the pivotal points that marked the Prelude’s end and its place in automotive history.
- Last model year sold in the United States: 2001
- Global production wound down around 2001, with some markets receiving no further updates after that year
- No direct successor within Honda’s lineup; the company redirected resources toward more mainstream models
- Enthusiast recognition and aftermarket interest persisted, helping to keep the Prelude's memory alive
- Later Honda models attempted a similar spirit with the CR-Z, released for the 2010–2016 period, but it was marketed as a hybrid sports car, not a direct Prelude replacement
The list highlights the timing, strategic decisions, and the afterlife of the Prelude in Honda’s broader lineup and in car culture.
Legacy and afterlife
While Honda did not replace the Prelude with a direct successor, the model is remembered for its role in the brand’s performance heritage. The Prelude’s emphasis on handling balance and driver involvement influenced later sportier offerings and remains a touchstone for fans of Honda’s earlier sport coupes. Collectors and enthusiasts continue to seek well-preserved examples, and the Prelude is frequently cited in retrospectives about Honda’s performance-focused history.
Summary
In short, Honda ended production of the Prelude in 2001, closing a 23-year chapter in the brand’s sport coupe story. Its discontinuation reflected a broader shift in Honda’s product strategy, while the model’s legacy endures among enthusiasts and in the lineage of Honda’s performance-oriented vehicles.
