The Honda Prelude, a name that holds significant meaning to car enthusiasts, has recently had its trademark renewed by Honda. However, it is uncertain whether Honda has any plans to revive the Prelude nameplate. On August 15, Honda filed an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to renew the trademark for the Prelude, covering “land vehicles, namely automobiles, and automotive structural parts.” Despite the renewal, there have been no rumors or indications of possible production of a new Prelude.
The history of the Honda Prelude dates back to its launch in Japan in 1978. The Prelude was a sporty front-wheel-drive coupe that showcased sleek bodywork over the reliable mechanical components that Honda was known for. It quickly became a favorite among the tuner scene, much like other Honda models. Interestingly, the Prelude even had a chance to make an appearance in the 2001 film “The Fast and the Furious” as a vehicle for the character Vince. However, it was ultimately rejected in favor of a Nissan Maxima.
After an impressive run spanning five generations, production of the Honda Prelude came to an end after the 2002 model year. While Honda never embraced extravagant gadgets and features like some of its Japanese rivals during the 1980s and 1990s, it did introduce rear-wheel steering on the third-generation Prelude, showcasing its commitment to innovation and performance.
Although the Prelude name continues to hold recognition among car enthusiasts, it does not necessarily mean that Honda intends to bring the model back. Automakers often renew trademarks for past model names to maintain control over them. This is similar to what Ford has done with the Thunderbird and Toyota with the Celica. By renewing the trademarks, these companies ensure that they have the option to use those names in the future if they choose to do so.
Another potential reason for Honda’s trademark renewal without immediate plans for the Prelude is the possibility of confusion with another upcoming Honda model. The 2024 Honda Prologue, an electric SUV based on General Motors’ Ultium architecture, is set to kick off Honda’s entry into the electric vehicle market. With both “Prelude” and “Prologue” signifying forms of introduction, it is likely that Honda will only utilize one of these names to avoid confusion among consumers. Given Honda’s focus on the Prologue as the introduction to their electric future, it is uncertain whether the Prelude will have a place in their lineup.
In conclusion, the trademark renewal of the Honda Prelude has sparked curiosity among car enthusiasts about its potential revival. However, Honda has not revealed any plans for a new Prelude model. The renewal could simply be a means for Honda to maintain control over the name, as many automakers do with past model names. With the emergence of the 2024 Honda Prologue, an electric SUV that embodies the idea of an introduction, it seems that Honda’s focus may lie elsewhere. Car enthusiasts will have to wait and see if the Prelude makes a comeback in the future, or if it remains a beloved memory of Honda’s past.