Which Prelude has 4WS?
The four-wheel-steering option was offered on the Honda Prelude’s third generation, produced from 1988 through 1991, and was available on select trims and markets. In other words, a 1988–1991 Prelude with the 4WS option is the model to look for.
Understanding 4WS and its purpose
Four-wheel steering, or 4WS, uses a rear-axle steering mechanism to slightly turn the rear wheels. At low speeds it helps reduce the turning radius and improves maneuverability; at higher speeds the rear wheels align with the front wheels to enhance stability. Honda marketed 4WS as a handling aid in the late 1980s Prelude, and the system remains a notable feature for enthusiasts and collectors today.
Which Prelude generations offered 4WS
To clarify which generations carried the 4WS option, note that it was a late-1980s feature tied to the third-generation Prelude. Availability varied by market and trim, and it was not a standard feature on other generations.
- Third generation (1988–1991): 4WS available on select trims and markets.
- Notes: Some late-1980s models and regional markets offered 4WS, but it was never a widespread option across all trims or generations.
The result is that the 4WS Prelude is tied to the late-1980s third generation and remains relatively rare outside enthusiasts’ circles.
How to identify a 4WS Prelude
To confirm a Prelude has 4WS, look for explicit 4WS markings and the mechanical components associated with rear steering. Useful indicators include:
- Badges or labels: a "4WS" badge on the trunk or rear fascia, or a trim designation indicating four-wheel steering.
- Rear steering hardware: a rear steering actuator and linkage connected to the rear wheels.
- Documentation: owner’s manual or service records noting the 4WS option code or trim specification.
Because the 4WS system is older and mechanically specialized, verify function with a test drive in a safe environment and review maintenance history with a knowledgeable technician.
Summary
In short, if you’re chasing a Prelude with four-wheel steering, target the third-generation model from 1988 to 1991, ideally in trims marketed with the 4WS option. Availability was limited by market and year, and current examples can be rare or require careful maintenance.
How much is a 1989 Honda Prelude Si 4WS worth?
The value of a 1989 Honda Prelude Si 4WS can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $16,800 for a 1989 Honda Prelude Si 4WS in good condition with average spec.
Does the 5th gen Prelude have 4WS?
Yes, some 5th generation Honda Prelude models, specifically the Type SH (Super Handling) trim, did not have 4WS, but the 4WS system was available on other models sold in Europe and Japan. The 5th generation Prelude Type SH had an advanced torque-vectoring differential instead of the 4WS system found in earlier generations.
- 4WS in earlier generations: Honda introduced a mechanical four-wheel steering system in earlier Prelude generations, which was mechanical and turned both the front and rear wheels.
- 5th Generation Type SH: This model replaced 4WS with a more advanced system called Super Handling (SH). This system used a torque-vectoring differential to improve handling by sending power to the outer rear wheel under cornering, which is not the same as the mechanical rear-wheel steering of previous generations.
- Available 4WS models: While the Type SH did not have it, some 5th gen models sold in Japan and Europe did come equipped with 4WS.
What Prelude has 4-wheel steering?
The Honda Prelude with four-wheel steering was the 1987-1991 third-generation and the fourth-generation (1991-1996), though the system was an option on the third generation and more common on the fourth generation. The fourth generation had both a mechanical and an electronic system depending on the model and year, but it was 4WS that was more standard on those models.
You can watch this video to see a 1991 Honda Prelude Si 4WS and learn more about it: 58sShooting CarsYouTube · Apr 21, 2025
Third generation (1987–1991)
- Honda introduced the world's first mechanical four-wheel steering (4WS) system in the Prelude in 1987.
- This system was an option and was known for its mechanical design that tied the rear wheels to the steering rack.
- At lower speeds, the rear wheels would steer in the same direction as the front wheels, and at higher speeds, they would turn in the opposite direction to improve stability during lane changes and cornering.
Fourth generation (1991–1996)
- This generation also had a four-wheel steering system, though it was not as standard as the third generation's system.
- Some models had an electronic four-wheel steering system, while others had a mechanical one.
- The 4th gen had issues with the 4WS system, which led to its discontinuation in the US in 1994.
Fifth generation (1997–2001)
- This generation had an electronic four-wheel steering system, but it was only sold in Japan and Europe.
- The 4WS system was phased out after this generation.
Is Honda Prelude 4WS?
Four-wheel steering (4WS) is a system that steers the vehicle using not only the front wheels, but the rear wheels, as well. In 1987, Honda introduced the world's first steering angle sensing 4WS system in the Prelude.
