In terms of underpinnings it was mostly a Honda Accord, although its more compact package and lower weight allowed for a marginally higher top speed and gas mileage.

In September 1978 the larger "EK" SOHC 12-valve 1,751 cc CVCC inline-four was introduced in Japan, rated at 90 PS (66 kW) at 5,300 rpm (SAE gross).

[citation needed] Transmission choices were either the standard five-speed manual or initially a two-speed "Hondamatic" semi-automatic, which by October 1979 had been replaced by a three-speed automatic that used the final gear as the overdrive.

Honda used a single central gauge cluster design in this car which housed the speedometer and tachometer in one combined unit where both instrument's needles swept along the same arc.

1980 saw the introduction of the CVCC-II engine which employed the use of a catalytic converter and several other refinements that improved driveability, the Prelude also received a mild facelift in 1981.

Riding on an all-new platform, the Prelude was initially available with an A18A or ET-2, 1.8 L 12-valve twin carburetor engine, producing 105 PS DIN (77 kW).

The North American 1983 model is identifiable by its standard painted steel wheels with bright trim rings (although alloy rims were optional).

The European lineup originally consisted of the base Prelude, without power steering, and the well-equipped EX which was also available with an automatic transmission and the A.L.B.

At highway speeds lane changes required minimal steering input, and served as a safety feature providing more responsive and quicker maneuverability in adverse conditions.

[15] It was well received by judges of the European Car of the Year accolade for 1988, finishing third in a contest where the Peugeot 405 was the runaway winner and the Citroën AX came second.

It was bored to 83 mm (3.3 in) with a total displacement of 2,056 cc producing up to 145 hp (108 kW) and had a special cylinder liner featuring FRM (fiber reinforced metal) that is reported to be extremely tough.

Two major distinctions of the SiStates was that it was the same width as the Prelude sold in North America, from which it took its name, due to the wider side moldings.

The extra width and the larger engine combined to place the Prelude SiStates in a considerably higher road tax obligation; while this slowed sales it also targeted some status hungry buyers.

The Japanese model came with optional Honda Access accessories such as Typus ski racks, under dash lights, headrest covers, a cabin air filter, and floor mats.

[17][better source needed][18] Introduced on 7 November 1996, the fifth-generation Prelude retained an FF layout with an independent front suspension and 63/37 weight distribution.

Base curb weight increased by 145 pounds (66 kg) and interior dimensions are nearly identical but trunk space expanded by nearly 1 cubic foot.

ATTS was designed to counteract the understeer inherent in a front-wheel drive car, but the Prelude's 63.1 percent front weight distribution was too much for the system to successfully mask.

The SE was mechanically identical to base models, but it came equipped with perforated, heated leather seats, Type SH Enkei rims, Type SH spoiler, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and simulated carbon fiber trim kit on the door panels and audio panel.

The SE did not receive body-colored side skirts as standard like the Type SH, and also did not feature the active torque transfer system (ATTS).

Dealer accessories for Canadian vehicles included: carbon fiber audio panel, sunroof visor, 6-disc-in-dash CD changer, trunk-mounted CD changer, cassette player, roof rack, gold-plated emblem kit, gold-plated exhaust finisher, leather-wrapped shift knob, full and half nose mask, security system, and a cargo mat.

In addition to a higher output engine Type S and like all ATTS equipped Preludes featured an overhauled front suspension layout which offered a more effective camber curve.

The gearing on the Type S matches most other fifth-generation Preludes equipped with a manual transmission, excluding the five-speed 2.2 VTi VTEC which has a final drive ratio of 4.266:1.

The interior featured newly developed synthentic materials called Cabron and Excene to upholster the seats which most people perceive as leather and Alcantara laced with red stitching.

The name of this special edition derives from the Twin Ring Motegi motor racing circuit, located in Haga District, Tochigi, Japan.

Another example finished in red made its debut in July 2024 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the Prelude was also confirmed for a European release.

The sixth-generation Accord coupe received an exclusive front fascia, rear tail lights, wheels and many other body panels, now being marketed alongside the Prelude with shared brochures in Canada, yet its sedan roots gave it much more utility than the comparatively cramped Prelude, and the option of a V6 engine gave North American buyers an appealing alternative.

The exterior dimensions of the Prelude were no longer in compliance with Japanese government regulations, and the additional costs resulting from this contributed to the popularity of smaller Honda products.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States has determined frontal crash test ratings of Honda Preludes of different model years.

The Solaire Corporation, a company in Santa Ana California owned by Al Rowland & Jim Bruemmer, led the idea for mass market sales.

Solaire collaborated with other companies including Classic Touch, Con-tec, Silcco, Steas Industries and National Coach.