The Best Prelude Isn't the New One—It's on the Used Market

BrendaSci/Tech2025-07-288130

The Best Prelude Isn't the New One—It's on the Used Market originally appeared on Autoblog.

A Modern Take on a Classic Nameplate

After over two decades, the Honda Prelude is officially returning for the 2026 model year. The Japanese marque's new take on its classic two-door coupe rides on the Civic's platform and features a 2.0-liter two-motor hybrid powertrain, producing around 204 horsepower. It's front-wheel drive only and swaps the traditional transmission for a direct-drive hybrid setup with simulated shifts, courtesy of Honda's new S+ Shift system.

While this modern approach aligns with Honda's push toward electrification, it's not exactly what fans of the original car had in mind. The lack of a manual transmission, a CVT-style driving feel (despite not actually being a CVT), and Civic underpinnings have left many enthusiasts cold.

So if you're someone who wants a “real” Prelude experience – manual gearbox, naturally aspirated revs, and old-school Honda dynamics – there's a silver lining: the used market is looking very tempting right now.

Adam Lynton/Autoblog

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Peak Honda Coupe for the Right Price

If you're after the best-driving Prelude ever made, look no further than the fifth generation, sold from 1997 to 2001. It came standard with a high-revving 2.2-liter VTEC engine, with the top Type SH trim featuring the brand's innovative Active Torque Transfer System, which is essentially a mechanical torque-vectoring setup for a FWD car, dramatically improving cornering performance.

The result was a sharp, agile coupe with genuine enthusiast credentials. Better yet, it came with a proper 5-speed manual transmission and a classic coupe silhouette that has aged remarkably well.

A quick search on AutoTempest reveals a handful of promising listings for clean, pre-loved Prelude Type SH in the US. Prices vary, depending on the mileage, though most are listed under $20,000, making them pretty accessible to those on a budget.

However, there's one that stands out among the cars listed, and it's priced above $67,000. This 2001 Prelude Type SH only has under 5,000 miles on the clock, which means it is still in pristine condition, possibly a time capsule of Honda's golden years.

Honda

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Should You Wait for the New One or Buy Used Now?

If you're intrigued by the new Prelude's tech, hybrid efficiency, and potential future performance variants, like the rumored Type R, waiting might pay off. But that means accepting a car without a manual, likely at a higher price point, and with less mechanical involvement overall.

On the other hand, buying a fifth-gen Prelude today gets you a known quantity –pure, analog driving enjoyment, solid reliability, and a direct connection to Honda's mechanical era. Sure, you won't get modern safety features or a factory warranty, but what you lose in tech, you gain in character.

For purists and bargain hunters, the used Prelude can go beyond being a better deal – it might still be the better car.