New Prelude Haters

[CiceroGirl1]

I don’t know if people actually hate it. The three biggest complaints I read about are of the price, power or lack of it, and the synthesized shifting. Funny thing is Ferrari is doing the same thing with the shifting. I think I read about $5K-$6K of the price is tariffs or something? So would there be so much negative feelings or hate if the Prelude was $38K-$39K?

I think there still would be lots of hate. Most of the current hate has nothing to do with price... it is complaints that it is "just a Civic hybrid coupe" and that it is "too slow"... and some even complain that it is "ugly" (which I do NOT understand because I think it looks great), that all "real" Preludes had a MT and a moonroof (yet none of those same people criticize someone who has a Gen 5 AT Prelude for sale!!) or just that the front looks like a Prius (so what?!?). I suspect that the extra tariffs took it out of the price range for many and that they are just pissed about that so feel some kind of warped satisfaction about trashing it.

 

[qlaval39]

In Canada they are selling for $35,500usd...
No tariffs on car build in Japan.

 

[GoZoner44]

In Canada they are selling for $35,500usd...
No tariffs on car build in Japan.

In Japan, after you subtract the mandatory 10% tax, it sells for about $37k. Original guess for the US price was $33k - $38k depending on the trim level.

The tariff is why I think we get an Acura Integra Coupe, made in Ohio.

 

[Kguy13]

I'd guess most of the hate comes from (probably younger folks) that have no intention of buying one and live off spec sheets instead of buying/driving what they actually like. (I'm about a hairs width from 50y/o, so been there, done that). Everyone I've run into with this car in real life, loves it. And, as previously mentioned, it was always expensive. I'd say Honda knew what they were doing with the gen6 release.

 

[rexracer29]

In Japan, after you subtract the mandatory 10% tax, it sells for about $37k. Original guess for the US price was $33k - $38k depending on the trim level.

The tariff is why I think we get an Acura Integra Coupe, made in Ohio.

Have you ever driven a Integra?

 

[GoZoner44]

Have you ever driven a Integra?

220,000 miles worth; 2001-2011. Basic ‘LS’ version, 2 door, manual, green.

 

[rexracer29]

220,000 miles worth; 2001-2011. Basic ‘LS’ version, 2 door, manual, green.

I saw your garage history. 220K is great! I should have been more clear. I ment the current Integra. I wonder how it is compared to the Civic? I assume it has more sound insulation and laminated glass to make it feel more refined and quieter.

 

[rexracer29]

I'd guess most of the hate comes from (probably younger folks) that have no intention of buying one and live off spec sheets instead of buying/driving what they actually like. (I'm about a hairs width from 50y/o, so been there, done that). Everyone I've run into with this car in real life, loves it. And, as previously mentioned, it was always expensive. I'd say Honda knew what they were doing with the gen6 release.

I agree much of the negative comments might be from people who have never driven one. They will probably never buy one.

Many potential car buyers, especially car enthusiast, weigh heavily on printed specs like 0-60, 1/4-mile, braking, skidpad, etc. Other buyers read about MPG, refinement, Noise-Vibration-Harshness (NVH). I am guilty as well. I do not finalize my buying decision based on tested specs though. It is usually the seat of the pants feel and driving enjoyment that sells me. The design and color influences me also. Personally I feel the Prelude is a great looking car and design. I love it in Blue or Red.

The average new car in 2026 is about $50K in the US. $44K for a Prelude is not cheap but it is still less than the average new car cost in 2026. Unfortunately $5K-$6K of the msrp is due to tariffs. The Prelude is widely considered too expensive at $44K by just about every reviewer and car publication for the power output. That is taking into consideration the exceptionally excellent CTR suspension and brakes. The market will ultimately determine if the Prelude is too expensive. It looks like $2K+ discounts are fairly common today.