The Inevitable Changes
Honda usually introduces new models every four years, with a major revision somewhere in the middle. This major update usually includes alterations made to both the exterior and interior. The new exterior might get slightly different sheetmetal, new headlights and taillights, new wheels; an evolution of the original appearance. Internal differences might include an upgraded computer, revised engines making slightly more power, new seating fabrics, etc.
The fourth generation Preludes were kinda different, most notably the production ran for five years, from 1992 to 1996. The major update occurred in 1994. Here for you is a short list of the changes that were made, along with some of the happenings thrown in. (If you see anything missing, misplaced, or just plain wrong, please let me know.)
1992
-Fourth generation Prelude introduced to the USofA during Autumn, 1991. Three variations were sold: the S, Si, and Si with 4WS. The S's engine has 135 horsepower, both Si versions make 160.
-Car and Driver didn't seemed too thrilled with the new Preludes in the initial test report, but still gave the Prelude Si (2WS version only) a Ten Best medal.
1993
-Everyone rejoice! The Si-VTEC, with its 190 hp, is finally introduced to American lineup (Japan could get the VTEC in their Preludes with the 92 models).
-93 alone gets a different radiator and fan design for no specific reason.
-Prelude gets another C/D Ten Best medal.
1994
A bunch of revisions were made to Preludes this model year:
-Front turn signal lamps now clear/orange instead of all orange and different but un-noticable design.
-Headlight nostril vents now have two bars instead of the previous one.
-Lighter, directional, nine spoke alloy wheels (~15 lbs) replace the Si and VTEC seven spoke wheels (~17 lbs).
-Inside, Si's and VTEC's gets Lexus-like electro-luminescent displays
-With the "luminescent" interior, comes a lit up "auto" driver's side power window switch which the earlier ones don't have
-A revised center console with an inconvenient cupholder. The parking brake handle looks different.
-Big lump in the middle of the back seat has disappeared
-Dual airbags now standard.
-A/C now standard on S models
-Honda-made Prelude spoilers now have LED third stop light (VTEC's no longer have a CHMSL on the back windscreen, using the spoiler instead. To save costs, all the Preludes shared this spoiler).
-The "Si-VTEC" is now just called "VTEC".
-VTEC gets leather seating and a subwoofer as standard equipment.
-Prelude VTEC receives yet another C/D Ten Best medal.
1995
-Prelude Si with 4WS gets axed.
-Halfway through model year, SE (for "Special Edition") trim level introduced. Basically an Si with a make-over: it came with a rear spoiler, 5-spoke alloy wheels, leather seating, and a "Special Edition" badge. It came in your choice of dark green or some champagne color.
-Yep, Prelude VTEC gets a C/D Ten Best medal.
1996
-Prelude models now with OBD II (grrr), -there was a recall and Honda was fined big time.
-Speculation runs amuck regarding the replacement (5th gen) Prelude.
-Colors, although virtually the same, get renamed.
-Brock Yates, a C/D Editor-at-Large, likes the 96 Prelude VTEC (June, 1996).
-Speaking of C/D, surprise! Prelude VTEC gets a Ten Best medal.
Last edited by MidNiteMysT; 01-14-2005 at 11:54 AM.
92 was the only yr that had the extended center console that went all the way to the back seat. I've seen soo many 93 vtecs and non that did not have the huge/long center console. This applies for USDM cars, i know edm, jdm and cdm are slightly different which may of had the long console in 93 for those countries. 94-96 also got the nicer tweeter covers that have the nice black trim around them. 94-96 VTEC models only had the nice map light between the sun visors. Leather interior on 94-96 VTEC and SE models are preferated (has lil holes) as well has the door inserts are leather instead of the standard cloth inserts on the door/rear panels. Also the 94-96 models recieved slightly different front nostrils/vents. They have a double slit instead of a single on like the 92-93 models had. And from what i know all 93 vtec models had the center speaker/sub-woofer.
I remember seeing this somewhere on a website, I think it was Temple of VTEC. Other than that its good info to FAQ since this topic is commonly asked about.
__________________
93 Prelude VTEC - Turbo & Still Going!
94 Prelude VTEC - Parted & Crushed
92 Prelude 4WS -GONE!
94 Prelude SI -SOLD! 2 a
89 240sx Fastback - SOLD!
91 240SR Fastback -SOLD!
90 240sx Fastback -Gone to lil sis
98 240sx Kouki - In Progress
96 240sx Zenki - NEW Project!
funny, when i read that same exact info on that site many years ago i came to learn that some preludes had better engines, luminescent gauges and other perks my S model did not come with.....
notice that the car and driver named the 4th generation prelude to its ten best list every production year it was made. Another reason why the 4th gen is the best prelude ever made
Actually they made 4ws all the way thru 94, and i would love to get one of the electro luminescent 4ws gauges for my 93 4ws
yep definitely, 94 was the last year for 4ws in the US, though Japan had 4ws until 2001
Also, the center console in the back seat was axed somewhere between the 93 and 94 model years, as some 93s have it and some do not.
And pertaining to the japan got vtec preludes a year early, Japanese model years are different that US model years. In Japan the year of the car is the year it was manufactured. So a prelude built in december of 1992 would be a 1993 model year in the US, but it would be a 1992 model year in Japan, even though the two were built side by side.
The VTEC only came in Granada Black Pearl (and it's earlier counterpart, Berlina Black Pearl I believe), Milano Red and Azure Blue-Green Pearl (or Brittany Blue-Green Metallic for 93)
^^ yeah, of course, this whole thread covers the USDM Preludes ... otherwise this would get a lot more complicated... changes in JDM headlights from black to chrome, this feature, that feature, etc.
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