I bought the 2026 Honda prelude, first impressions.

[pillred3]

In France, the price of the base version without options is the same, regardless of the color chosen.

Just another way they rip us off here in the UK. I'm glad for you there in France, but why should we have to pay extra for, say, Moonlit white or Boost blue?

 

[El Chorizo66 1]

Just another way they rip us off here in the UK. I'm glad for you there in France, but why should we have to pay extra for, say, Moonlit white or Boost blue?

Maybe you guys get another option for free that they don't have to pay for They keep it random.

 

[pillred3]

Maybe you guys get another option for free that they don't have to pay for They keep it random.

We get black as a no-extra-cost option. My point was that if in France all your colours cost the same or no extra, why the hell should I have had to pay 800 Euros for a moonlit white when you don't? But yes, I have noticed that other countries get a different colour choice that costs no extra; it makes no sense to me.

 

[El Chorizo66 1]

We get black as a no-extra-cost option. My point was that if in France all your colours cost the same or no extra, why the hell should I have had to pay 800 Euros for a moonlit white when you don't? But yes, I have noticed that other countries get a different colour choice that costs no extra; it makes no sense to me.

Doesn't make sense to me either. But the car manufacturers do stuff that confuses me all the time!

 

[rexracer23 24]

I think the 'dealer markups' are going away soon. If not already, in 2-3 months for sure as some cars sit on lots. I got mine under MSRP as it sat for almost 5 weeks... at a remote dealer more accustomed to SUV and truck sales.

I anticipate Honda will need to offer some incentives towards the mid/end of the year - basically refunding a bit of the tariff they got hit with.

It’s been 6 months since this post. Preludes are easy to find now. Prelude prices are about $2K off msrp in my area (Chicagoland). I suspect I can probably do better than $2K off now.

Any idea of when the 2027 model year will start showing up at dealers?

 

[El Chorizo66 1]

It’s been 6 months since this post. Preludes are easy to find now. Prelude prices are about $2K off msrp in my area (Chicagoland). I suspect I can probably do better than $2K off now.

Any idea of when the 2027 model year will start showing up at dealers?

Definitely starting to see more for sale ads for them.

 

[pillred3]

It’s been 6 months since this post. Preludes are easy to find now. Prelude prices are about $2K off msrp in my area (Chicagoland). I suspect I can probably do better than $2K off now.

Any idea of when the 2027 model year will start showing up at dealers?

Are you expecting the 27 model to be any different? I would be very surprised if it is. I currently have the Civic, which I bought in 2023 and apart from a small revision to the front grill, the current 2026 model is still virtually identical to mine.

 

[rexracer23 24]

Are you expecting the 27 model to be any different? I would be very surprised if it is. I currently have the Civic, which I bought in 2023 and apart from a small revision to the front grill, the current 2026 model is still virtually identical to mine.

I don’t know if there will be any changes. I have not read about any. I was more interested as far as pricing. The ’26 would be a year older when the ’27 start to show up at dealers.

 

[rexracer23 24]

I think the 'dealer markups' are going away soon. If not already, in 2-3 months for sure as some cars sit on lots. I got mine under MSRP as it sat for almost 5 weeks... at a remote dealer more accustomed to SUV and truck sales.

I anticipate Honda will need to offer some incentives towards the mid/end of the year - basically refunding a bit of the tariff they got hit with.

You bring up an interesting point about tariffs, cost, incentives. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Trump exceeded his authority when imposing tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Some companies have started getting refunds for the illegal tariffs. Costco and other companies are saying they will refund eligible tariffs to customers. I wonder if automakers like Honda will follow suit and refund or remove tariffs that are considered unconstitutional?

 

[faithboy51 51]

Black with a black interior and the Black Package is a real head-turner—it looks absolutely stunning! However, it must be said that—just like with the CTR—some of the shapes, creases, and visual details tend to get lost. Since Rallye Red wasn't available, I opted for Moonlit White Pearl (known as Frost in the US); I found the grey too dull, while Racing Blue felt too trendy and not timeless enough. I’m happy with the paintwork (a €1,100 extra); it has a rich, "creamy-metallic" quality that shifts with the light and really highlights the car's contours—especially the way it complements the blue accents.