Honda Prelude Order Cancellations Debunked by Dealership Amidst Online Rumors
Recent online chatter in Japan hinted at widespread cancellations for the new Honda Prelude following test drives, with some sources citing performance as a key disappointment. Despite these rumors, a Honda dealership has come forward to dispute such claims, asserting that no orders have been canceled by customers who experienced the hybrid coupe firsthand. On the contrary, the test drive experience appears to have boosted buyer enthusiasm, resulting in increased interest and longer waiting lists. This clarification suggests that earlier negative reports might stem from a misunderstanding of the Prelude's intended market and capabilities, rather than actual dissatisfaction from committed buyers.
The new Honda Prelude, a hybrid sports coupe, has garnered considerable attention in its home country, Japan. While it quickly sold out its initial production allocation, some social media discussions indicated that buyers were canceling their orders after test drives, reportedly due to the car's performance not meeting expectations. An automotive blogger, investigating these claims, contacted a Honda dealership directly, which provided a starkly different account. The dealership confirmed that not only had they not experienced any cancellations from test-driving customers, but these experiences had actually led to a surge in interest. Prospective buyers who took the Prelude for a spin often requested further consultations and eagerly joined waiting lists for any potential openings.
The strong demand for the Prelude is evidenced by its swift sell-out of both initial and subsequent production batches. The dealership interviewed noted that new orders now face a waiting period of six months to a year. This sustained interest suggests that genuine customers are finding the Prelude to be a satisfactory purchase. The car's sales model, which included a lottery system and restrictions on resale, aimed to ensure that initial orders went to dedicated Honda enthusiasts. Many of these buyers, according to the dealership, were existing Honda owners, including those who previously owned the Prelude or other iconic models like the NSX or Civic.
It appears that much of the negative speculation surrounding the Prelude's performance originated from owners of other sports cars, such as the Toyota GR86, Mazda Miata, or Suzuki Swift Sport. While these enthusiasts did express interest in test driving the Prelude, they often chose not to place an order, citing reasons like price, powertrain specifications, or simply not connecting with the driving feel. This indicates a misalignment of expectations; the Prelude was designed as an electrified sports coupe balancing performance with practicality, not as a direct competitor to high-performance Type R models. For its target audience, the test drive experience has evidently affirmed Honda's vision, leading to robust sales and satisfied customers, rather than widespread disappointment and cancellations.