The Honda Prelude is a popular two-door coupe that has undergone several generations, each with its unique design. Let’s take a look at these generations and see which one is considered the best looking.
1. First Generation (1978-1982): The original Honda Prelude made its debut in 1978. While it shared some components with the Honda Accord, it had an improved chassis designed to offer a sportier driving experience. This generation set the stage for the Prelude’s legacy.
2. Second Generation (1982-1987): The second generation of the Prelude introduced a wedge-like profile, which would become an iconic design element. It featured a pointy front fascia with pop-up headlamps, which many enthusiasts still adore. This generation reinterpreted the coupe style for the ’80s.
3. Third Generation (1987-1991): The third generation continued the design evolution of its predecessor. While it maintained a boxy overall look, some of the sharp creases from the second generation began to soften in this iteration.
4. Fourth Generation (1991-1996): In 1991, Honda abandoned the concept of sharp lines, giving the entire body a smoother appearance. However, the placement of the cabin, the thin front end, and the large rear section still maintained recognizable links to the first-generation model.
5. Fifth Generation (1996-2001): The fifth generation, released in 1996, is a favorite for many enthusiasts. It combines the softness of the ’90s with some crisp design cues from the ’80s, making it a well-regarded generation. This generation was the last before the Prelude’s production ended in 2001.
Now, the Honda Prelude is making a return, at least for the Japanese market. The new concept retains the coupe body style but features a cabin placed farther forward and a departure from the general shape of previous models. While the classic generations have their unique appeal, the new Prelude concept signals a fresh start for this iconic nameplate.
