If you grew up in the ’90s, chances are you either had a buddy with a Honda Prelude, saw one parked at your high school lot, or maybe even dreamed of owning one yourself. It was one of those cars that just looked cool without screaming for attention. The low stance, pop-up headlights (on some gens), and that classic Honda reliability—it was a recipe that made the Prelude an instant favorite in the US.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Honda just dropped a bomb: the Prelude is officially coming back. Yep, after two decades of being gone, the nameplate that disappeared in 2001 is about to roll back onto American roads. But here’s the catch—it’s not exactly the Prelude you remember. It’s a hybrid sports coupe.
Now the big question: is this Honda’s smart move to bring back an icon… or is it just a nostalgia cash grab? Let’s break it down.
A Quick Walk Down Memory Lane
(History of Honda Prelude)
The Honda Prelude first hit the US in 1978, back when disco ruled and gas was cheap. It wasn’t a full-on muscle car, but it wasn’t trying to be either. Instead, the Prelude carved out a sweet spot: sporty, stylish, and affordable.
By the late ’80s and ’90s, it became something of a legend. I still remember my neighbor’s older brother rolling up in a red ’94 Prelude Si with a manual transmission. That car had personality. It wasn’t the fastest thing on the block, but man, it had presence. You could hear the VTEC kick in, and suddenly, that “boring” Honda wasn’t so boring anymore.
The Prelude was also a tuner’s dream. Street racers, Fast & Furious fans, and anyone with a wrench in their garage loved modifying them. They weren’t Civics, they weren’t Integras—they had their own identity.
But by 2001, Honda pulled the plug. Why? SUVs were taking over, sports coupes weren’t selling like they used to, and Honda had the Accord Coupe and Civic Si covering the sporty crowd. Just like that, the Prelude faded into memory.
Let’s Enter the 2025 Honda Prelude
Fast-forward more than 20 years, and Honda decided it’s time for a comeback. They showed off the Prelude Concept at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show, and confirmed it’s not just for Japan—it’s coming to the US too.
So,What do we know so far?
It’s a hybrid coupe – which is both exciting and controversial. Honda is betting big on electrification, and the Prelude is part of that strategy.
Design-wise, it looks sharp—low, wide, and sporty, almost like a baby NSX mixed with a modern Accord Coupe. Clean lines, aggressive stance, definitely eye-catching.
Inside, expect the latest Honda tech: big infotainment screen, digital cluster, safety features, and a driver-focused cockpit.
Honda hasn’t dropped official horsepower numbers yet, but the hybrid setup suggests it’ll balance performance with efficiency.
On paper, it sounds like Honda wants to keep the Prelude’s sporty DNA alive while also making it future-proof for a hybrid world.
Why bring the Prelude back? Good question why now,After 20 years?
One big reason is nostalgia. Let’s face it—millennials who grew up drooling over Preludes in high school parking lots now have jobs, disposable income, and a soft spot for the cars of their youth. Just look at Toyota with the Supra and GR86, or Nissan with the Z. Nostalgia sells.
Second, there’s a gap in the market. Affordable sports cars are rare in the US. The Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, Mazda Miata—that’s pretty much the whole list. Honda probably looked around and thought, “Why are we not playing in this space?”
And finally, Honda is making a big push toward hybrids and EVs. Bringing back the Prelude as a hybrid sends a clear message: you can be sporty and eco-friendly.
Why Americans Love it or hate it?
This is where things gets interesting.
The case for loving it
It looks great. The coupe market is shrinking, and seeing something stylish with a Honda badge is refreshing.
Honda reliability. Let’s be real: owning a Honda means fewer repair bills compared to some European sports cars.
Hybrid efficiency. Imagine getting decent gas mileage while still having fun behind the wheel.
The case for hating it
It’s a hybrid. Hardcore fans wanted a turbocharged gas engine with a manual transmission. For them, hybrid = boring.
Price tag unknown. If Honda prices it too close to the Civic Type R or the Supra, people might just skip it.
Performance doubts. Can a hybrid really capture the raw fun of the old Prelude? That’s the million-dollar question.
Think of it like this: Imagine your favorite rock band from the ’90s announcing a reunion tour. You’re hyped. But then you hear they’re going to play acoustic-only versions of their hits. That’s kind of how Prelude fans feel right now. Excited, but cautious.
The Viral Debate
Scroll through car forums or TikTok, and you’ll see the divide. Some folks are already saving up, calling it the “perfect daily sports car.” Others are roasting Honda for “ruining another classic with hybrid nonsense.”
One meme floating around shows a classic ’97 Prelude with the caption: “What I ordered on eBay.” Next to it? The 2025 hybrid version with the caption: “What showed up.”
It’s classic internet drama, and honestly, it’s what’s keeping the hype alive. The Prelude name still carries weight, and that’s why people care enough to argue about it.
So ,is it worth the Hype?
Here’s the honest truth: it depends. If Honda nails the price (think under $35K), gives it enough power to be fun, and markets it as the stylish, reliable coupe it should be—the Prelude could totally crush it in the US.
But if they overprice it, underpower it, or make it feel too much like a Civic in fancy clothes? Fans will be disappointed, and the legend of the Prelude might take a hit.
Personally, I think there’s something special about Honda dusting off the Prelude name after all these years. Even if it’s not exactly what old-school fans wanted, it shows Honda is listening to the past while looking to the future.
My final Thoughts
At the end of the day the Honda Prelude isn’t just another car release in 2025.It’s a cultural moment for car enthusiasts in the US. It’s Honda saying: “We remember what you loved, and we’re bringing it back… but with a modern twist.”
The real test will be when it finally hits US showrooms. Until then, the debate rages on: is the new Prelude a bold reinvention, or should Honda have left the legend in the past?
So, what do you think—would you buy the new Honda Prelude, or are you sticking with the memories of the old one?