Honda Prelude

Honda Prelude
File:PreludeStock.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1978–2001
Assembly	Sayama, Japan
Body and chassis
Class	Sport compact
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	FF layout
Related	Honda Accord

The Honda Prelude was a sport compact manufactured by the Japanese automaker Honda from 1978 through 2001. The two-door coupé spanned five generations and was discontinued upon the release of the fourth-generation Honda Integra in Japan in late 2001, due to its decreasing sales and popularity.

The Prelude's perennial competitor has been the Toyota Celica, another I4-powered coupé introduced several years prior to the Prelude. Throughout the 1980s, it was challenged by the Nissan Silvia, Isuzu Impulse, Mitsubishi FTO, Mitsubishi Cordia (later the Eclipse), Ford Probe and Mazda MX-6.

1978

First generation
Overview
Production	1978–1982
Powertrain
Engine	1751 cc SOHC CVCC 72hp I4
Transmission	2-speed automatic 5-speed manual

The first generation Prelude was released in 1978, and was the third main model in Honda's modern line up, joining the Civic and the Accord. Its standard large glass moonroof was a feature seldom encountered in other cars at the time. Styling of the car was a combination of both then current Civic and Accord. The Prelude was equipped with a 1751 cc SOHC CVCC I4 engine that produced 72 hp (54 kW) and 94 lb·ft (127 Nm) of torque with a five-speed manual transmission, and 68 hp (51 kW) with a two-speed automatic called the Hondamatic. In 1980, the two speed Hondamatic was replaced by a modern four-speed automatic. In the UK, this car was mostly sold with a 1.6 litre engine.

1983

Second generation
Overview
Production	1982–1987
Powertrain
Engine	1.8L 100hp I4

The second generation Prelude was released in 1983 and was initially available with a 1.8-litre 12-valve twin carburettor engine, producing 100 hp (75 kW), and fuel injection was introduced in 1985, in the "Si" models. In Japan, Asia and Europe, it was available with a 2-litre DOHC 16-valve PGM-FI engine, although this engine was not released in Europe until 1986. This was the first generation of Prelude to have pop-up headlights, which allowed for a more aerodynamic front which reduced drag. Opening the headlights however, especially at higher speeds, produced more drag. The 1983 model is identifiable by its standard painted steel wheels with bright trim rings (although alloy rims were optional). The 1984-87 base models had Civic-style full wheel covers.

When the 2-litre 16-valve DOHC engine came out, the bonnet was slightly modified, since the larger engine could not be fitted under the standard bonnet. The European version also saw slight modifications to the rear lights and revised front and rear bumpers which were now colour-matched. Due to the fairly low weight of the (1025 kg) and high power (the 16-valve engine produced 137 hp (102 kW)), the car was relatively nimble in comparison to its competitors, which most Preludes had not been up to that time.

1988

Third generation
Overview
Production	1987–1991
Powertrain
Engine	2.0L 104 hp I4 2.0L 135 hp I4 2.1L 140 hp I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	101 in
Length	175.6 in (1988-89) 177.6 in (1990-91)
Width	67.3 in
Height	51 in (1988-89) 49.2 in (1990-91)

The third generation Prelude (released in 1987 in Japan) was similar to the second generation, however it gained four wheel steering on some models, as well as a 2.0-litre SOHC carburetted engine, an optional B20A DOHC EFI engine, or a slightly-larger B21A1 in 1990 and 1991.

The four-wheel steering system was a major piece of engineering. As of 2006, it is the only four-wheel steering system on a production car that is entirely mechanical in its design; that is, there is always a direct mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the rear wheels. This was praised for its feedback, especially in comparison with computer-controlled four-wheel-steering systems. The reduced-price two-wheel-steering version has been criticised for severe understeer.

The third generation Prelude also had some new external designs worth mentioning. The bonnet line was designed to be the lowest bonnet line of any front wheel drive car in the world, allowing for better forward visibility. The drag coefficient was at the very low rating of .34. This gave better fuel economy, lower wind noise, and a greater level of high-speed stability.

Another unique structural element of the third generation Prelude was the high-strength metal used in the six roof pillars. The roof pillars were so slim that all-around visibility was amazingly clear for 326°. Some call this Prelude the "baby NSX" due to some common design cues between the two cars, such as the excellent forward visibility via a low bonnet line, a front end resemblance, the suspension attributes (great handling with a smooth ride), and the design of the rear lights.

In 1987, Road & Track published a test summary that shows the 1988 Honda Prelude 2.0Si 4WS out slalomed every car of that year, including all Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Porsches. It went through the slalom at 65.5 mph, an amazing result for the time. For reference, the 1988 Corvette took the same course at 64.9 mph.

The Prelude was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1987.

1990

Rare 1990 SiStates Prelude

In 1990, the Honda Prelude was given a facelift from the previous third generation (1988-89) styling to a newer look. This facelift featured slightly smaller rear lights with clear indicators instead of the previous orange indicators. The top of the rear bumper was also changed to meet up with the smaller lights, and the bumper was also made into a rounder shape.

The front bumper on the 1990 Prelude was also changed to feature clear indicators and park lamps and different styling. Many of the interior parts were revised, including the dash bezel, the door handle and window switches, the steering wheel shape contours were changed, etc. The five-speed manual transmission had a unique gear ratio that offered easy acceleration at high speeds.

Honda also released the Prelude SiStates in 1990. Available only in Japan, this car was on a limited production run and very few were built. It featured four-wheel steering, ABS, limited slip differential (LSD), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear leaver, extra sound deadening on firewall and bonnet, rear windscreen wiper and washer, and many more features that were usually options. It also featured a unique B21A engine that was only produced for the SiStates.

1992

Fourth generation
Overview
Production	1991–1996
Powertrain
Engine	2.0L 135 hp I4 2.3L 160 hp 4 2.2L 195 hp I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	100.4 in
Length	174.8 in
Width	69.5 in
Height	50.8 in

In 1992, the fourth generation Prelude was released, after being released in Japan in 1991. The car had a 58% front and 42% rear weight distribution. The four wheel steering system was changed to an electronic version and the engine was increased in capacity from 2.1 litres to 2.2 litres for the base "S" model (SOHC F22A1 engine, 135 hp (101 kW) @ 5200 RPM, 142 lb·ft (193 Nm) @ 4000 RPM) and "VTEC" model (DOHC VTEC H22a, 190 hp (143 kW) @ 6800 RPM, 158 lb·ft (212 Nm) @ 5500 RPM), with a less performance-oriented 2.3-litre for the "Si" (DOHC H23A1, 160 hp (115 kW) @ 5800 RPM, 156 lb·ft (212 Nm) @ 5300 RPM). The VTEC Model had an upgraded brake system, going from a 10.3" front rotor to an 11.1" front rotor, utilizing a larger calliper and brake pad, similar to that from the Acura Vigor.

In the United Kingdom, there was also a 2.0i model that was rated around 133 bhp. 1993 was the last year that the "Si-VTEC" name was used, and starting in 1994 it shortened to just "VTEC" and stayed that way throughout the rest of the generation. In some countries, the Prelude with 2.2 VTEC engine was called the VTi-R. In Canada, the Si was called the SR, and the VTEC was called the SR-V.

This model also marked the end for the pop-up headlights and other design features that had become "Prelude standard". The rear end was rounded and fairly high in comparison to the previous, flat boot line. The front fascia of the car became wider with fixed headlights. The glass sunroof made way for a steel sliding roof which no longer retracted into the car but extended out and over it. This in effect creates a spoiler which reduced air noise when driving.

The dashboard was generally accepted as the extraordinary feature of this model. The dashboard stretched from left to right in the car, being equal in height over the full length and housing all dials and indicators. The light blue back lighting introduced in the third generation was continued. Later models (1994 and on) also featured translucent speedometer and tachometer needles. In Japan, there was also an in-dash television set available as an option; as a result, many enthusiasts have tried to modify the dashboards of their Preludes in order to fit a small television set. The Japanese version of the Prelude also had certain options which were never found in state-bound models but did show up in the Canadian market. For instance, the Japanese Prelude had power folding mirrors as well as a rear windscreen wiper, while the Canadian market was the one to have heated mirrors and optional heated seats. The Japanese model came with optional Honda Access accessories such as Typus ski racks, under dash lights, headrest covers, an air refiner, and floor mats. The fourth generation Prelude also shares suspension components with the fifth (1994-97) and sixth (1998-2002) generation Honda Accord.

In the UK, the Honda Prelude was never considered an essential purchase by the majority of sports car enthusiasts who overlooked it for the more trendy Toyota MR-2 and other well-known rivals. This might be partly due to the Prelude's reportedly cramped interior, though perhaps the Prelude was also overshadowed by more prominent performance Hondas, such as the NSX and later the S2000. However, the Prelude is competitive in terms of style, speed and build quality, and it has achieved something of a cult status in the UK and US where demand is still high for the sportier, manual transmission versions.

1997

Fifth generation
Honda Prelude USDM 2000
Overview
Production	1996–2001
Powertrain
Engine	2.2L 195 hp(97-98) I4 2.2L 200 hp(99-01) I4
Transmission	automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	101.8 in
Length	178 in
Width	69 in
Height	51.8 in

The fifth generation of the Honda Prelude saw enhancements over the fourth generation, including new body styling and handling characteristics. In 2001 the Prelude was discontinued.

The fifth generation retained an FF layout with an independent front suspension. The car had a 63/37 weight distribution. All fifth-generation Honda Preludes came with 16 inch aluminium alloy wheels with all-season 205/50 R16 87V tires, except the Xi (14 inch steel wheels with full covers and 195/65 R14 89H tires) and Si (15 inch aluminium alloy wheels with all-season 195/60 R15 88H tires) on which aluminium alloy rims came as a dealer option. Unlike the USDM Preludes, JDM Preludes came with rear wind screen wipers (except the Xi). All Prelude models now featured the 11.1" front brakes that the 96' VTEC model came with, and the prelude also received a 5-lug hub, as opposed to the 4-lug wheel hub of older models.

The fifth-generation Prelude marked a return to the body style of the late 1980s, or third generation, in an attempt to curb slumping sales of the fourth-generation body style. The fifth-generation was assembled and distributed to many parts of the world, including Japan, the UK, the US, and Germany, among others. All models and trims stayed within the BB-chassis code (BB5-BB9) and housed either the H-series or F-series engine. Models available to the Japanese market included (engine compression ratio in parentheses): SiR (10.6), Xi (8.8), Si (9.2), SiR S-spec (11.0) and the Type S (11.0). The US received a Base model and Type SH. Canada received the Base model, SE, and Type SH. Europe received the 2.0i (9.5) and 7.9 VTi VTEC (10.0). Australia received the Si (10.0) and the VTi-R (10.0). All fifth generation Preludes came with an H22A except: Xi (F22B), Si (F22B), 2.0i (F20A), Si (F22Z). BB5 was the Xi, and Si-2WS trim. BB6 was the SiR-2WS trim, SiR S-spec, Type S, Base model, Type SH, SE, 2.2 VTi VTEC-2WS trim. BB7 was the Si-4WS trim. BB8 was the SiR-4WS trim, and 2.2 VTi VTEC-4WS trim. All Preludes had a fuel tank capacity of 60 l (15.9 US gal).

One version of the fifth-generation Prelude, the Type S, was only available in Japan. It was equipped with the 2.2 l H22A, featuring VTEC and producing 217 hp (162 kW) @ 7200 RPM and 163 lb·ft (221 Nm) @ 6500 RPM. With a compression ratio of 11.0:1, 87.0 mm bore x 90.7 mm stroke and the VTEC-valve timing, lift and duration were adjusted to 12.2 mm intake and 11.2 mm exhaust. Honda also overhauled the air box and replaced it with a more efficient design that is often referred to as Dynamic Chambering, along with a larger throttle body design bored to 62 mm (as opposed to the previous 60 mm). The exhaust system was also treated to a redesign, with the pipe cross sections becoming more cylindrical rather than oval. The three-way catalytic converter was also increased in size, as well as the exhaust piping from 50.8 mm (2.00 in) to 57 mm (2.25 in) (tToV). The fifth generation curb weight was 1310 kg (2882 lb), and ground clearance was 140 mm (5.5 in). Unlike the SiR S-spec that had an LSD, the Type S acquired the Honda technology known as the Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS). The gearing on the Type S matches all other fifth-generation Preludes that had a manual transmission except for the five-speed 2.2 VTi VTEC and had a final drive ratio of 4.266:1. The Type S had an Active Control ABS system, different from the others which had the standard ABS systems. The interior featured leather laced with red stitching. Manufacturer styling options included seat lettering. The exterior styling of fifth generation Preludes was standardized for most models. All had a sunroof except for the Type S model.

The USDM fifth-generation Preludes also saw enhancements in the engine, with the full line now offering VTEC H22A4 engines, an evolution of the H22A1 with higher flowing heads, making 195 hp (143 kW) @ 7000 RPM and 156 lb·ft (212 Nm) @ 5250 RPM from 1997 to 1999, and the same torque readings with 200 hp (147 kW) @ 7000 RPM from 1999 to 2001 with a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The USDM fifth-generation had a Type SH ("Super-Handling") trim which featured the ATTS, and, along with the five-speed base model, shared the same gearing as the Type S and SiR-S spec trims in Japan. This system allowed Honda to overcome the limitations of front-wheel drive somewhat, and in 1997, Car and Driver named the Prelude Type SH the "best-handling car under $30,000."

File:PreludeInterior.jpg

5th Generation Interior

In the fifth generation Prelude, all models with an automatic transmission featured SportShift technology. This 4-speed transmission allowed the driver to manually change gears in a manner similar to the Porsche tiptronic system. Gear selection was enabled by sliding the shifter horizontally from D4, the standard automatic position, to a separate track that allowed the shifter to be pushed forwards or backwards. At the time of the Prelude's release this type of feature was relatively rare, having been recently introduced in the Porsche 911 in the early 90's, but soon afterwards it became common in many sport coupés and sedans.

Safety

In Australia, 1983-2002 Honda Preludes were assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006.[1]

• Prelude (1983-96) - "average" level of occupant protection
• Prelude (1997-2002) - "significantly better than average"

Awards

The Prelude was on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list ten times, from 1984-86, and from 1992-98.

Convertibles

Through the years, several German companies have converted Preludes into convertibles. Currently, there have been convertibles made from the first, second and fourth generation Preludes.

File:Convertible Prelude.jpg

5th Gen Convertible Prelude Concept Art

First generation Preludes were modified by a company called Tropic Design, located in Germany. In all, they modified 47 Preludes, most of which were exported to Japan and the US. Very few have remained in Europe, initially all in Germany. Some have been sold over time to nearby countries, at least one to the Netherlands and one to Belgium.

Second generation Preludes were modified by another German company; some 100 Preludes were modified. No DOHC engine-equipped models have been known to be converted into convertibles, however. Three versions were available: a basic version, one which had more luxurious options, and one which added a body kit.

Of the fourth generation Preludes, only some 15 were modified into a convertible by German company Honda-Autohaus Manfred Ernst. No details are known about the engine types and other specifics. Since only 15 were ever made, they are assumed by many to be custom-built.

External links

• Lude Behaviour UK Prelude Owners Club
• Prelude time line at honda.co.jp
• Honda Prelude specs
• Honda Prelude web forum
• PreludeDriver.com - Honda Prelude Forum
• Honda Prelude UK web forum
• PreludeOnline.com - Honda Prelude Web Forum
• NationalPreludeMeet.com - Annual National Prelude Meet
• Prelude Australia - Australian Based Honda Prelude Forum