Automotive
Honda attempted to revolutionize the sports compact market with the fifth generation of the Prelude, which was unveiled in late 1996 for the 1997 model year. However, the outcome did not meet the company’s expectations.
As customers began to gravitate toward crossovers and SUVs, Honda aimed to revitalize the sports compact segment with the 1997 Prelude. Launched in November 1996, the new model showcased significant technical advancements. The fifth generation featured a revised design language with more angular shapes inspired by the car’s third generation. While the interior was less aggressive compared to the 1992 Prelude, it retained the standard power sunroof found in previous versions.
The front of the 1997 Honda Prelude was particularly noteworthy, with redesigned headlights that replaced the previous generation’s wide horizontal units. The new free-form reflector headlights, with separate low and high beam elements, improved road illumination by 60% for low beams and 10% for high beams. Despite these improvements, the design did not align with customer expectations. A slim, wide grille between the headlights altered the car’s sleek appearance. To address cooling requirements, Honda incorporated an additional air intake in the apron, flanked by side scoops housing the turn signal and parking lights.
The car’s profile retained the low cowl hood characteristic of the Prelude since its second generation. However, Honda moved away from the bio-design era, introducing more angular shapes visible on the lower sides of the front and rear windows. A creased line ran the length of the bodywork, connecting the headlights to the corner-mounted taillights. The 1997 model featured five-lug wheels instead of the previous four-lug design. At the rear, a short, flat deck was positioned behind the sloping rear window. The rear fascia adopted a more conventional design with wide rectangular taillights, while the bumper prominently displayed the Prelude nameplate.
Inside, Honda opted for a more conservative dashboard compared to the previous generation. The driver faced an instrument cluster that consolidated all essential information. Circular dials for the speedometer and tachometer were flanked by gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. The center stack housed the HVAC controls and stereo system. A narrow center console separated the front bucket seats and accommodated the gear stick, handbrake, and an armrest with a storage compartment below. The fifth generation offered improved legroom and headroom in the rear, thanks to a 35 mm (1.3 inches) longer wheelbase and a steeper rear windshield.
Underneath its exterior, the 1997 Honda Prelude showcased advanced engineering solutions. In addition to the renowned VTEC engines, the car featured an active torque transfer system (ATTS) that directed more torque to the outer wheel during cornering. The double-wishbone suspension, fitted at all corners, ensured exceptional handling. However, the 63/37 weight distribution resulted in less balanced performance compared to its predecessor. Despite offering powerful engines for its class, with up to 200 PS (197 hp) in some markets, the fifth generation Prelude recorded the lowest sales in the model’s history. Consequently, Honda discontinued the model in 2001 without an immediate replacement.
