I don't think Honda intended the prelude to compete with the GSR....though that's what it ended up as. I suspect it was more geared towards the BMW 3series

 

I doubt it since it was pretty much a coupe version of the Accord when it began. If you're talking 5th gen, I'm incredulous to that...the Lude never had much in the way of luxury, 2 different types of cars.

 

The Prelude is probably dead and gone. Atleast for a while. The CL has some chances of sticking around, depending on Sales which have been better now that it has the 6-speed. I think that if the next version has a better exterior and even more power, it will rule the 330ci and G35 coupe.

 

A lot of people keep saying the Prelude is dead forever because of the RSX, when in fact the RSX made the Integra extinct.
Personally, I feel the V6 Accord Coupe for '03 is going to be the temporary replacement for the Prelude.
If you look back into automotive history, perennial top sellers that died have come back. Celica, MR2, Z, eventually the RX, possibly Supra and 240.

 

u mean the integra name is extinct... in the u.s. right?

 

1. Celica never really died.

2. The Nissan 240SX is still dead and has no sight of coming back to the USA.

3. All the other cars are real sport cars with power to back it up. Something the Prelude has never claimed. It was a nice sport coupe, but it wasn't in the league of the 300Z or Supra or even the old MR2 turbo.

The Prelude never had the commanding sport car image of the Z, RX, or Supra. Unless there's a surge for sport coupes again for the US market, I don't see the Prelude coming back with the RSX and Accord coupe covering whatever potential niche the Prelude would've taken. I highly doubt Honda will drop the Accord coupe, a better recognizable name, for the Prelude. I really don't see how the name can come back. I'm sadden by the Prelude name dropping, but it is reality and makes business sense. :wtc: I only hope if the Prelude name does come back, it doesn't come back as a Spyder only model like what Toyota's done with the MR2, but this is the only product I see Honda is missing.

 

Extremely good post, kazi. Honda is missing a convertible, though. Your only options are the S2K and the NSX (Targa). Maybe a Prelude will come with a convertible or Targa option?

 

FWD convertible = :nono:

 

Seems to work for everyone else

Honda needs a happy-go-lucky car. They are missing that right now.

 

On another front, the Solara Convertible is probably the worst Toyota current manufactures. Tons of cowl shake and no imspiration...it actually finished behind the Rustang in a Comparo!