Key Points
- Honda is reviving the Prelude coupe after a 24-year hiatus in production.
- The new model will be a front-wheel-drive hybrid, aiming to strike a balance between performance and efficiency.
- Coupe models have declined in popularity, with SUVs now dominating today’s car market.
- The original Prelude was a 1980s icon known for style and youth appeal. Honda sees the Prelude as an emotional, heritage-driven offering.
In a striking move defying current automotive trends, Honda Motor Co. is set to reintroduce its legendary two-door coupe, the Prelude, this fall—marking its return after a 24-year hiatus. Originally launched in 1978, the Prelude became an icon during the 1980s, known for its retractable headlights, sporty styling, and youthful appeal. By the late ’80s, it was considered a quintessential “date car” among Japanese youth. However, due to shifting market dynamics, Honda ceased production in 2001.
Now, Honda is reviving the sixth-generation Prelude as a front-wheel-drive hybrid, aiming to combine performance with fuel efficiency. But the timing is bold—coupes have virtually disappeared from today’s sales charts, overtaken by SUVs, crossovers, and compact cars. According to the Japan Automobile Dealers Association, the only coupe to make the top 50 best-selling cars in 2024 was Toyota’s GR86, which ranked 44th with just 8,802 units sold, compared to the 167,000 units sold by the top-selling Toyota Corolla.
During Japan’s economic bubble in the late 1980s, coupes like the Nissan Silvia, Honda Prelude, and Toyota Soarer sold tens of thousands of units annually. However, over time, coupes lost favor as economic downturns shifted consumer priorities toward practicality and affordability.
Mobility journalist Masayuki Moriguchi notes that the rise of SUVs globally has replaced the public’s desire for sleek, fast cars with a preference for practicality, cargo space, and rugged appeal. “There was once a fascination with speed and sleek design,” he said. “Now, practicality dominates.”
Still, Honda President Toshihiro Mibe believes the Prelude can spark emotional appeal. He described the model at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show as “a pioneer that embodies Honda’s sports spirit and the joy of driving.”
As Japanese automakers face pressure from Chinese EV manufacturers and U.S. tariffs, the new Prelude might not just be a nostalgic comeback—it could reignite passion for driving and bolster Japan’s standing in the global auto industry.
