Which Prelude has pop-up headlights?
The Honda Prelude with pop-up headlights are the early generations of the model, specifically Generations 1 through 4 (1978–1996). The fifth generation (1997–2001) moved to fixed headlights, ending the pop-up era for the Prelude.
In this article, we trace the where and when of pop-up headlights on the Prelude, outlining the generation-by-generation styling and noting the shift that brought fixed headlights with the final two decades of the car’s production.
Headlight history by Prelude generation
Below is a concise timeline indicating which generations used the pop-up headlight design.
- Gen 1 (1978–1982): pop-up headlights
- Gen 2 (1983–1987): pop-up headlights
- Gen 3 (1988–1991): pop-up headlights
- Gen 4 (1992–1996): pop-up headlights
- Gen 5 (1997–2001): fixed headlights (no pop-up)
In short, the hallmark pop-up look defined the Prelude through four generations, before Honda shifted to fixed headlights in the fifth generation.
First generation (1978–1982)
The original Prelude debuted with pop-up headlamps that folded into the front fascia. This setup contributed to the car’s sporty silhouette and was a hallmark of the era’s design language.
Second generation (1983–1987)
With the 2nd generation, pop-up headlights persisted, accompanying a broader redesign that sharpened lines and updated the grille while keeping the retractable headlamps as a defining feature.
Third generation (1988–1991)
The third-generation Prelude retained the pop-up mechanism, even as styling evolved toward more angular headlights and upgraded front-end styling to match contemporary sports coupes of the era.
Fourth generation (1992–1996)
During the 4th generation, pop-up headlights remained part of the Prelude’s look. Honda refined the housings and lens treatments to align with late-90s automotive design cues while preserving the retractable headlamps.
Fifth generation (1997–2001)
The final Prelude generation moved away from pop-up headlights, adopting fixed, integrated headlamps that were common across contemporary Hondas at the time. The shift marked the end of the Prelude’s pop-up era and a broader trend in car design toward permanently visible lighting units.
Summary
The iconic pop-up headlights are most closely associated with Honda Prelude Generations 1–4, spanning 1978 to 1996. The fifth generation, produced from 1997 to 2001, adopted fixed headlights, signaling the end of the common pop-up design for this model. For collectors and enthusiasts, the early Prelude designs remain the clearest embodiment of the pop-up era in this line.
