The sporty Del Sol is built on the conservative Civic, just as Honda’s sporty Prelude is based on the traditional Accord. This is wise reasoning considering how well-handling and entertaining the Civic is to drive. It only takes 10 inches to reduce the wheelbase, and when combined with a sporty 2-seat body, you have an Instant Sports Car.
The Del Sol is a hardtop coupe, but it can transform into an open-air targa by lifting the entire roof. The roof panel can be kept in the trunk on a smart rack, taking up very little room. Additionally, the Del Sol transforms into a real convertible with a fixed rollbar when the power rear window is pulled down at the push of a button. The little Del Sol can compete with compact coupes like the Mazda MX-3 and Toyota Paseo as well as Mazda’s Miata convertible thanks to its dual nature.
The Del Sol is available in 102-hp S and 125-hp Si variants, just like the Civic on which it is based. However, in contrast to the Civic, there is also a 1.6-liter engine with 160 horsepower that is equipped with dohc and VTEC, Honda’s variable valve timing and lift technology. The VTEC Del Sol is a delight to drive, as you might anticipate. Its bigger disc brakes, firmer suspension, and V-rated tires have more than enough horsepower. Surprisingly, the Civic’s ABS system is only fitted to the Si and VTEC trims in the final years of manufacturing, not to the majority of Del Sols.
One of the most useful compact sports vehicles ever created is Honda’s Del Sol. A week’s worth of groceries or luggage can fit in the unexpectedly spacious trunk and storage space behind the seats, and the hardtop roof makes it more theft-proof than a convertible. Front-wheel drive also allows it to travel in snow.
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The Honda Del Sol—is it unique?
The Honda Del Sol combines the eccentric styling of an El Camino with the dependability and utility of a fifth-generation Civic. No, it’s not really true, but the buttresses flanking the back window certainly give the impression that it is connected to the famous car-truck.
The rear window, which could be rolled all the way down, was another of the Del Sol’s party tricks. The roof of the car could also be taken off and stored in the trunk. But the rest of the trunk space could still be used because it had a separate unique slot.
The Del Sol was one of the first vehicles on the market to produce 100 horsepower per liter of displacement, according to the editors of Hot Cars. This honor was made possible by the 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engine that was offered. At the time, it produced 160 hp, which was a respectable level of power, especially considering that the car only weighed roughly 2,400 pounds.
Furthermore, Honda produced less Del Sols than Civics during the period that it was in production. Thus, it is clear why it is now so uncommon.
Honda sold 25,748 Del Sols in 1993, followed by 21,075 in 1994, according to Car Sales Base. That’s not awful, but the sales fell off in the following years. Honda only produced 14,021 Del Sols in 1995, and after the car had a minor facelift, that number fell to 8,489 in 1996. Honda was ultimately only able to sell 5,603 Del Sols in 1997, the year of its sad demise, during its final year of manufacturing.
Honda, in contrast, sold significantly more than 250,000 standard Civic models in the same time frame. It is therefore safe to state that, about 30 years later, it is difficult to locate a Honda Del Sol (in good condition) on the used market, which accounts for the increased pricing.
How reliable is the Honda Del Sol?
I’ve had my 1994 Del Sol Si for years, and I adore her. She has never presented me with any unforeseen problems. 167k on a bone stock that’s still going strong.
The Del Sol only fits two people, is underpowered for its size, takes up a lot of trunk room due to the targa top, and has subpar interior lighting. The Del Sol also gets great gas efficiency, is incredibly dependable, and is a blast to drive. It also offers remarkable leg room and trunk space (when the top is in place, that is)
The Del Sol is no different from other used cars in having problems. I’ll detail these problems along with what a buyer might anticipate when purchasing a Del Sol today.
Top leak: Predictable and repairable. Check for rust under the seal before you buy since water can collect there. To check there as well, you might want to take the visor assembly off.
As a remedy, try using silicone lubrication gel. If this doesn’t work, replace the seals, which are sold by most Honda dealerships. Costly but worthwhile.
Seats: Because individuals tend to slide into cars, seat tears on the corners are frequent. If a vendor has seat covers, they typically have ripped seats hidden.
There isn’t much you can do about this besides replacing them, reupholstering them with better fabric, or getting your own seat covers.
Del Sol steering wheels start to flake over time. Push down on the top of the wheel and look within the steering wheel covers for any sponginess.
Again, there isn’t much that can be done about this other than changing the wheel or hiding it.
Door bubbling: This can tear off and occurs near the armrest. The only solution is to reupholster, however this is merely a cosmetic change.
Check all the way around the trunk, paying close attention to the space under the spare tire and the region around the antenna, both of which are vulnerable to rust and water damage.
What is the value of a Del Sol?
What is the market value of a 1997 Honda Civic del Sol? The price of a used 1997 Honda Civic del Sol varies from $457 to $3,023, depending on the mileage, extras, and condition of the car.
Del Sol is it JDM?
Despite frequently being passed over in favor of the Miata, the Del Sol is a cheap yet surprisingly entertaining JDM sports car.
Based on the hugely popular Civic hatchback around the world, Honda’s Del Sol had a sportier look, a reduced curb weight, and a targa top. The model was first introduced by Honda in 1992, and after selling out in other markets a year later, it continued to be offered there until 1997. The company was able to sell approximately 70,000 units during that time. These days, used options are surprisingly reasonable, with examples starting at under $5,000.
Why were Honda Del Sol production halted?
It wasn’t the worst sports car ever, that much is certain. In reality, despite having the typical little 13-inch wheels, it was a really enjoyable car with accurate handling, strong braking, and enough power to attack curves on winding roads. In the early and middle 1990s, it was a breath of fresh air in the monotonous Honda range.
What then is the issue? difficulties with quality at first. Following the first two model years, many consumers refrained from purchasing an example due to the intricate targa roof’s propensity for leaks and noise. The car’s low build quality combined with malfunctioning auxiliary lighting and numerous other minor issues caused whispers of its doom in 1996. Nevertheless, Honda chose to keep it on the market for at least another year, and considering that only 5,603 vehicles were delivered in 1997, we can’t say that was a great choice.
The interior’s low quality materials were another issue raised by many owners. The Del Sol had a rather plain interior, characteristic of Japanese cars from that era, but it also lacked the modern technology of the time. Additionally, for the first three model years, base models did not come with power side mirrors, a passenger airbag, or even power steering. It somehow had the impression of being less expensive than the CRX.
A little marketing issue also existed. The vehicle received a top-of-the-line 1.6-liter DOHC engine in 1994, which was available in the VTEC form and had 160 horsepower (119 kilowatts). The Si model, which was positioned below it, however, technically had a VTEC engine as well, which confused some customers.
S2000: Is it a sports car?
Honda, a Japanese automaker, produced the Honda S2000, an open-top sports car, from 1999 until 2009. To commemorate the company’s 50th anniversary, the production version of the SSM concept car was unveiled on April 15, 1999, at the Tokyo Motor Show. In keeping with the S500, S600, and S800 roadsters of the 1960s, the S2000 is called after its two-liter engine displacement.
Over the course of the vehicle’s manufacturing, numerous modifications were made, including adjustments to the interior, bodywork, suspension, engine, and gearbox. The initial launch model was given the chassis code AP1, and the facelifted model, known as the AP2 in North America and Japan, included considerable improvements to the drivetrain and suspension despite sharing a similar exterior. On August 19, 2009, the S2000’s manufacturing halted.
The Honda S2000 stood out for having the highest mass-produced naturally aspirated engine specific power output at roughly 124 horsepower per liter, or about two horsepower per cubic inch.
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Since then, the price of valued models in good condition of the S2000 has significantly increased, making it a legitimate example of a modern vintage automobile. Special edition productions, like the CR (Club Racer) in the USA market, are the most sought-after models in the JDM community and the automotive industry as a whole. Standard AP1 and AP2 vehicles have also turned into collectibles.
The Del Sol is RWD.
Oh, and it has rear-wheel drive as well! Relocating the stock gasoline tank was necessary to fit the engine and its components into the interior of a FWD automobile.
What is the value of a 1994 Del Sol?
What is the market value of a 1994 Honda Civic del Sol? A used 1994 Honda Civic del Sol is worth between $313 and $2,445 depending on the mileage, extras, and condition of the car.