Honda like most manufacturers has a range of excellent cars in it. This includes the likes of the Honda S2000, NSX, and various Civic Type Rs but some models find themselves lost in the milieu of JDM excellence. Classics of the JDM scene often find themselves forgotten in favor of the Toyota Supras and Nissan Skylines of the 90s and early 00s. However, the JDM should not constrain itself to these tuning sports car legends. Honda produced an excellent grand tourer in the form of the Prelude.
According to Honda, this model formed part of the brand's "Growing Up" which came as a result of the Accord, the brand's long standing sedan. The Prelude came as the coupe version of the model. Comfortable yet more sporting. The Prelude came to the Accord as the 4 Series does to BMW's 3 Series. As a result of not appearing in iconic films of the past few decades, the JDM scene skips past the Prelude. Despite the car's innovative four-wheel steer system.
An affordable alternative to a GTR or Supra, the Prelude is an underrated JDM car.
The Prelude Offers More Than Most Classic Cars.
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In production for 4 model years from 1988, the third generation of Prelude takes the shape of a classic 1980s sports car. With plenty of sharp edges, this takes stylistic hints from wedge designs like the Toyota AE86 or Lamborghini Countach. An undeniably 80s car this stands out in the lineup of normal JDM icons. With a long hood and short trunk, this almost follows classical European proportions. In 1990 the car received a modest facelift as well as the addition of side airbags and anti-lock brakes in a newfound focus on safety.
Famously this third-generation car had the first 4-wheel steer system available in the United States. A technology that Honda and Nissan raced to bring to market. Nissan won, however it features on the much rare R31 Skyline. Classic, an aggregator of used car sales, only has four recorded auctions. According to Classic, these cars on average sell for $4,500. Although they do not have a recorded sale of the GTS-R, this model's equivalent to the GT-R. In comparison, Classic recorded 14 third-generation Preludes for sale.
With far more models available the marvels of four-wheel steer are within reach for many. At higher speeds, the car's rear wheels turn up to 1 degree. Yet at low-speed manouvers, they turn up to 5 degrees in the other direction. This does not seem like much but it reduces the car turning circle dramatically.
The Prelude Offers Excellent Performance
The Honda has a lot more going for it than you'd initially think, even after acknowledging the four-wheel steer system. Japanese sports cars took over the mantle from British convertibles and coupes for many. Like the hot hatchbacks that took over from JDM cars, the Prelude uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. All of the third-generation cars came with variations of Honda's B20A producing up to 160 horsepower. This might not seem like much but approaching 40 years old this meets its contemporary competition.
These engines only rev out to around 6,500 rpm. This car is a Honda but predating the NSX it also thus predates VTEC. But as a twin cam engine with a more traditional exhaust, the third generation Prelude opens you up to an older school of motoring experience.
What isn't traditional is the drivetrain, a front-wheel drive system. This may disappoint you somewhat. After all, this might not offer as engaging a drive as other JDM icons. Yet some of the world's most loved vehicles use front-wheel drive setups. These include the Golf GTI, Fiesta ST, and Civic Type R.
This Is How Much A Prelude Costs
According to Classic, the average third-generation Prelude on sale comes in at only $13,617. Cars with the desirable four-wheel steer system sell for slightly above average with current examples exceeding $14,000. Undeniably this car seems like an undeniable bargain. With a unique exterior design, the flair of a JDM car, and 4 wheel steer that exclusively comes as the domain of much more expensive modern cars or the most valuable classic JDMs like the R34 Skyline GTR.
In regards to interior quality 1990s JDM cars never really invested heavily into luxury, unless of course, you're purchasing a Lexus of Toyota Century. With interiors dominated heavily by cheap plastics, the Prelude pulls from the same parts bin. So although these cost less, a buyer today won't suffer for their choice.
In comparison to the more obvious JDM icons, the Prelude seems like an excellent value. A turbo 4th generation Supra will likely cost a gearhead more than $90,000. An R32 Skyline GTR moves for over $40,000. A classic NSX will likely cost you over $100,000, a more premium model from the Honda range. However, from behind the Prelude has a hint of the NSX. With shared cabin materials, design language, and low ride height this also has a hint of NSX for those of you on a budget.