Honda Prelude 4th Gen
The 4th generation Honda Prelude is a 90s Japanese sports coupe known for its futuristic styling, high-revving VTEC engine, and available 4-wheel steering. The market is growing, with a wide price gap between average examples and low-mileage VTEC manual cars.
Find one with Spotter →Honda Prelude 4th Gen sold for a median of $9,700 over the last 12 months, based on 7 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $8,500 and $12,325. 547 currently for sale.
The 4th generation Honda Prelude, sold from 1992 to 1996, represented a bold styling shift with its wedge profile and futuristic, sweeping dashboard. It was a showcase for Honda's engineering, offering features like an available 4-wheel steering system (4WS) and, most notably, the high-revving H22A1 VTEC engine in the top-tier Si VTEC model. The H22 produced 190 horsepower and gave the Prelude a dual-personality character that defined 90s Honda performance.
Collectors appreciate the 4th gen for its unique design and engaging driving dynamics, especially in VTEC-equipped, manual transmission cars. It's a high point for front-wheel-drive Japanese sports coupes, combining reliability with a rev-happy engine that's fun to push. Finding an unmodified, well-preserved example is becoming difficult, which increases their desirability.
The market for these Preludes is heating up, following the trend of other 90s Japanese icons. While the average sale price sits around $11,000, pristine, low-mileage manual VTEC cars can fetch up to $40,000. Many have been modified or neglected, so original, clean examples command a significant premium.
Buying Tips
- Check for rust in the rear quarter panels and around the wheel arches. Clogged sunroof drains can also cause rust on the floor pans.
- The H22A1 VTEC engine is known to burn oil, so look for blue smoke from the exhaust. Ask for maintenance records, as infrequent oil changes can cause issues.
- The automatic transmission is a common failure point. During a test drive, ensure it shifts smoothly without slipping or hesitation.
- On models with 4-wheel steering, verify the system is working and that there isn't a 4WS warning light on the dash. Repairs can be complicated.
- Inspect the interior carefully. The dashboard top is prone to cracking from sun exposure, and the electroluminescent gauges can fail.
Based on 27 recent sales, prices range from around $5,100 for driver-quality cars to $40,000 for pristine, top-spec examples.
1,150 Honda Prelude 4th Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 547 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Honda Prelude 4th Gen cost?
Over the last 12 months, Honda Prelude 4th Gen sold for a median of $9,700 across 7 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $8,500 and $12,325. There are 547 currently for sale.
How many Honda Prelude 4th Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 547 Honda Prelude 4th Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.