2026 Honda Prelude: Exciting or Disappointing? We Have Opinions

For many, the Prelude was more than just a car; it was a statement of style and performance. Joey Capparella, Deputy Editor of Rankings Content at Car and Driver, reflects on his fond memories of owning a 1999 Prelude, praising its unique identity separate from the Accord or Civic. The 2026 model, closely tied to the Civic lineup, doesn't quite capture the original's distinctiveness but still holds promise. Capparella views it as a spiritual successor to the Civic coupe, enhanced with features and chassis upgrades from the Civic Type R. Despite its departure from the Prelude's original ethos, he remains optimistic about its potential, driven by Honda's reliable hybrid powertrain.

Optimism surrounds the new Prelude for some, like Drew Dorian, Buyer's Guide Managing Editor, who sees the revival of a two-door form factor as a bold move by Honda. With 200 horsepower under the hood, the Prelude could offer a fun driving experience akin to the Civic Si and Civic Hybrid. Dorian applauds Honda's decision to reintroduce a model that harks back to the '90s era, despite the extinction of similar nameplates like the Probe and Eclipse.

Eric Stafford, Managing News Editor, offers a balanced perspective, akin to the film industry's reboots. While he wishes for more power than the Civic hybrid offers, he appreciates the Prelude's return. The price tag, likely exceeding $40,000, raises questions about its value compared to alternatives like the BMW 230i. Nonetheless, Stafford prefers a new hybrid Prelude over its complete absence, emphasizing the nostalgia it rekindles.

Skepticism isn't far behind, as the resurgence of the Prelude is met with critical eyes. Michael Simari, Senior Photographer, notes the car's hybrid powertrain lacks the performance edge associated with the Prelude's legacy. The design, reminiscent of the fourth-generation Prelude, diverges from Honda's current aesthetic, resembling a Prius coupe to some. The Prelude was once a pioneer in automotive technology, introducing innovations like four-wheel steering and VTEC engines. The sixth-generation, though borrowing some Civic Type R and Integra Type S components, doesn't break new ground.

For others, such as Rich Ceppos, Buyer's Guide Director, and Mike Sutton, Technical Editor, the Prelude's return is underwhelming. They argue that without the Type-R's powertrain and chassis, the Prelude is merely a Civic Hybrid coupe. This sentiment reflects a broader expectation for the Prelude to embody its sporty heritage rather than settling for hybrid practicality.

David Beard, Managing Testing Editor, encapsulates the extreme end of the spectrum with a dismissive "snooze alert." The broad range of opinions within Car and Driver highlights the challenge Honda faces in reviving a beloved nameplate. The Prelude must balance honoring its past with meeting modern expectations—a task that will only be truly assessed when enthusiasts finally get behind the wheel.