Honda Prelude: Is It Selling?

If you listen to the Internet, you’ll assume the new Honda Prelude exists as an affront to all things enthusiasts hold dear. The car is too expensive, too underpowered, and it doesn’t deliver a product worthy of the badge on the back. 

Good thing actual car buyers go out and experience things for themselves, right? Honda has moved 515 Preludes so far in 2026. Considering January and February are typically the slowest car-buying months on the calendar, that puts the Prelude on track for a strong year.

The Honda Prelude actually outpaced one of its main “competitors,” the Subaru BRZ, in February. Honda sold 299 Preludes to the Subaru BRZ’s 277 units. Oddly, the two cars are dead even so far in 2026, with 515 units each. Another enthusiast special sits just ahead of the Prelude. Mazda sold 330 Miatas in February and has sold 725 units year to date.

We still don’t have February sales numbers for the Toyota GR86, but it’s likely the best seller of the bunch. Toyota moved 711 units in January

Sure, those may not sound like huge numbers (and they’re not), but Honda says the Prelude is exactly where it needs to be in terms of sales. The company was aiming for 300 to 400 units per month in the US.

It will be interesting to see how the Prelude picks up steam as we slowly enter the warmer months of the year. Sales should continue to rise, and Honda should have no issue hitting its annual target of 4,000 units.

Motor1’s Take: Having driven the Prelude, we can say that it’s a delightful driving machine. Yes, it certainly feels like it’s priced a bit high. And we agree that an Si version would be a welcome addition to the Prelude lineup. But the car most certainly delivers a great balance of excellent daily drivability with just enough of a sporting edge to keep things fun.

It’s no surprise that people who spend money on such things would be interested in the Prelude—despite the Internet assuring you the car will be a sales disaster.