Yes—Honda Did Offer a Prelude Si

Yes. Honda sold a Prelude Si in multiple markets across several generations, especially from the mid-1980s through the 1990s, though availability and equipment varied by country and model year. The “Si” badge—short for “Sport Injected”—signaled a fuel‑injected, sport‑oriented trim that often added power, chassis upgrades, and extra features over base models.

What the “Si” Badge Signified on the Prelude

Across eras, Si generally denoted a higher-spec Prelude built for more engaging performance than the entry trims. While exact specifications differed by market and generation, the core idea stayed consistent.

• Fuel injection (PGM‑FI) and a higher-output engine versus carbureted or lower-tune variants in early years
• Sport-tuned suspension and, in many markets, four-wheel disc brakes
• Feature upgrades such as alloy wheels, a sunroof, and higher-trim interiors
• Availability of advanced tech for the time, including optional four‑wheel steering (4WS) on certain Si models in the late 1980s

Collectively, these elements positioned the Si as the mainstream performance choice in the Prelude lineup before and alongside later badging such as VTEC, Type SH, and SiR in select markets.

Where and When the Prelude Si Appeared

Because Honda tailored trims to regional tastes, the Si badge appeared at different times and in different ways around the world. The timeline below highlights the main markets and eras.

• Mid-1980s (2nd generation): Si arrived in Japan and North America, marking the move to fuel injection and a sportier equipment set.
• Late 1980s–early 1990s (3rd generation, roughly 1988–1991): Si and Si 4WS were widely sold in North America and other regions; later U.S. Si models gained a larger 2.1‑liter engine for 1990–1991.
• Early–mid 1990s (4th generation, 1992–1996): Many markets continued with “Si” or “Si‑VTEC” naming; in the U.S., Honda emphasized “VTEC” badging (1994–1996) rather than “Si.”
• Late 1990s–early 2000s (5th generation, 1997–2001): Canada used “Si” badging for the base H22‑powered model; the U.S. offered “Base” and “Type SH,” while Japan leaned on “SiR” and high-spec variants (e.g., Type S).

The result is a patchwork: the Si name is common in the Prelude story, but its exact presence and meaning depend on the year and the country.

How Si Compared With Other Prelude Badges

As Honda’s performance technology evolved, so did its naming. Here’s how Si typically fit alongside other well-known Prelude designations.

• Si vs. S: Si usually brought fuel injection, more power, and better equipment than the entry-level S trims.
• Si vs. VTEC: In later generations, VTEC-badged models (and “Si‑VTEC” in some markets) indicated Honda’s variable valve timing/performance engines, often eclipsing non‑VTEC Si in peak output.
• Si vs. Type SH: On the 5th-gen U.S. cars, Type SH added Honda’s Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) for cornering performance; Canada continued to use “Si” for its base model instead of “Base.”
• Si vs. SiR (Japan): “SiR” typically denoted higher-spec, often VTEC-equipped versions; it sat above earlier “Si” concepts in output and tech.

In short, Si started as the de facto sport/fuel‑injected trim and later coexisted with, or gave way to, VTEC- and handling-focused badges depending on the market.

Status Today and the Nameplate’s Return

Honda has previewed a new Prelude—shown as a hybrid performance coupe concept (2023–2024) with production intent—but as of now, the company has not announced trim names or confirmed an “Si” variant for the revival. Details, including market availability and badging, remain to be finalized ahead of launch.

Bottom Line

There was a Prelude Si: it appeared in multiple generations and markets, especially from the mid‑1980s into the 1990s, generally indicating a sportier, fuel‑injected trim with notable performance and equipment upgrades. The exact features—and whether the Si badge was used at all—varied by country and model year, and Honda has not yet said whether the revived Prelude will carry the Si name.

How much is a 1993 Honda Prelude SI worth?

A 1993 Honda Prelude Si Coupe 2D has depreciated $119 or 7% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $1,468 and trade-in value of $699.

How much horsepower does a 1991 Honda Prelude SI have?

For more fun, buyers could opt for the Prelude Si, which received a fuel injected, DOHC 2.0L four with 135 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque.

Did the Prelude si have VTEC?

1993 was the last year that the “Si-VTEC” (BB4) name was used, and beginning in 1994 it was shortened to just “VTEC” and stayed that way throughout the rest of the generation. In some countries, the Prelude with 2.2 DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine was called the VTi-R.

What engine is in the 1994 Honda Prelude Si?

1994 Honda Prelude Specs, Features & Options

Save 1 of 4 Prelude S Coupe 2D	Save 2 of 4 Prelude Si Coupe 2D	Save 4 of 4 Prelude VTEC Coupe 2D
See Pricing	See Pricing	See Pricing
135 @ 5200 RPM	160 @ 5800 RPM	190 @ 6800 RPM
Engine
4-Cyl, 2.2 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.3 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.2 Liter