Is a Del Sol considered a sports car?
The Del Sol is generally seen as a sport compact, not a traditional sports car. It has a sporty vibe, two seats, and available performance options, but it sits below purpose-built sports cars in terms of power and refinement.
Produced by Honda from 1992 to 1998, the Del Sol evolved from the CRX lineage and offered a lightweight, nimble package with a removable roof panel and a range of engines, including a VTEC-equipped variant. That combination gives it convincing driving appeal, even if it doesn’t fit every classic sports-car definition. Below is a closer look at how the Del Sol stacks up against common sports-car expectations and what to look for if you’re considering one today.
The sports-car definition and where the Del Sol fits
To assess whether the Del Sol qualifies as a sports car, it helps to consider how “sports car” is defined in practice. Traditional sports cars are often characterized by two-seat layouts, light weight, strong handling, and a focus on driving enjoyment, frequently with higher horsepower and more premium chassis refinement. The Del Sol hits several of these marks but falls short of some high-performance benchmarks.
Before examining the Del Sol's attributes, here are the criteria commonly used to classify a vehicle as a sports car:
- Two-seat or 2+2 seating with a focus on driving purity
- Lightweight chassis and agile handling
- Sport-oriented engines and transmission tuning
- Performance-oriented design cues and driving dynamics
- Optional open-air or removable-roof configuration for a driver-centric experience
In summary, these criteria help distinguish a traditional sports car from a sport compact, but individual cars may straddle the line depending on market, model year, and what buyers value in a sports-car experience.
The Del Sol's sport credentials
The Del Sol earns credibility in several key areas that sport-car enthusiasts look for, even as it remains a more modest contender compared with iconic roadsters and high-performance coupes.
- Two-seat layout and compact footprint that emphasize nimble handling
- Relatively light curb weight for its class, aiding responsiveness
- Sport-oriented engine options, including a VTEC-equipped variant that delivers stronger performance
- Chassis tuning and suspension setup aimed at sharper handling than many everyday coupes
- Removable roof panel that provides an open-air driving experience akin to a convertible
These attributes give the Del Sol a legitimate sport-compact appeal. It offers enjoyable dynamics and a sporty feel, though it generally doesn’t match the horsepower, refinement, or track-oriented focus of classic sports cars.
How it stacks up against mainstream sports-car rivals
When placed alongside well-known sports cars, the Del Sol’s strengths and limits become clearer. It competes in the sport-compact niche rather than the pure sports-car category.
- Weight-to-power balance tends to be favorable in the Si/VTEC models, but overall power output remains modest compared with traditional sports cars
- Purchase price and maintenance costs are typically lower than many classic sports cars, which aids accessibility but can limit performance potential
- Open-air or removable-top design adds to driving enjoyment but may compromise weatherproofing and rigidity compared with dedicated convertibles
- Intended use is primarily street driving with occasional spirited driving; long-term track-focused use is less common
Overall, the Del Sol occupies a niche that blends everyday practicality with a sporty drive. It’s celebrated for its driver engagement, but it isn’t generally marketed or perceived as a classic sports car in the same category as a Mazda MX-5 Miata or a Toyota MR2 of its era.
Variants and what to look for
Different trims and markets produced the Del Sol with varying performance flavors. If you’re shopping or researching, here are the key variants and what they imply for sportiness and value.
- Del Sol S — the base version with a smaller, non-VTEC 1.6-liter engine and lighter equipment; more affordable and still zippy
- Del Sol Si — the sportier option, usually equipped with Honda’s B-series VTEC engine, delivering stronger torque and higher revs
- Removable roof panel — a defining feature that adds open-air appeal but requires attention to sealing and mechanism wear over time
For maximum sport credibility, the Si (often marketed as VTEC in certain markets) represents the authentic driver-focused variant, while the S provides curb-appeal and affordability. Roof-panel maintenance is a practical consideration for all Del Sols with the removable roof feature.
Summary
The Honda Del Sol bridges the gap between a nimble, everyday compact and a true sports car. Its two-seat layout, light weight, and VTEC-equipped variants give it genuine sportiness and an engaging driving experience, especially in Si/VTEC form. However, it is typically categorized as a sport compact rather than a classic, high-performance sports car. For enthusiasts seeking a budget-friendly, driver-focused weekend car with practical roof-open-top appeal, the Del Sol remains a compelling option from the 1990s Honda lineup.
Is the Del Sol considered a sports car?
Honda Del Sol TransTop: A Sports Car with a Magic Roof. The model name of Honda's Del Sol sports car translates from Spanish to “of the sun.” It had a manually removable targa panel. that opened the roof.
What type of car is a Del Sol?
The Honda CR-X del Sol (marketed in other markets as the Honda Civic del Sol, Honda del Sol and the Honda CRX) is a two-seater targa-top car manufactured by Honda from 1992 until 1998. The del Sol uses a front-engine layout based on the fifth-generation Civic and was the successor to the Honda CR-X.
Is a Honda Del Sol rare?
The Del Sol is uncommon, holding its value
With less than 75,000 units manufactured for the U.S. market, the Honda Del Sol is not a rare car, but can be considered uncommon. As years go by, the number of good-condition, drivable examples continues to decrease.
What classifies a car as a sports car?
A car is classified as a sports car primarily by its emphasis on dynamic performance, meaning it's designed for speed, handling, and an engaging driving experience. Key characteristics include a powerful engine, a lightweight and aerodynamic body, a low center of gravity, and a suspension system that prioritizes cornering ability over comfort. These features are often paired with a two-door configuration and a driver-focused cockpit.
Performance and handling
- Acceleration and speed: Sports cars are built for quick acceleration and high speeds, often using powerful engines, sometimes with turbochargers.
- Agile handling: They are designed to hug curves and maintain stability on winding roads through features like responsive steering, a stiff suspension, and a low center of gravity.
- Powerful brakes: High-performance brakes are essential for stopping power that matches the car's speed capabilities.
Design and engineering
- Aerodynamic and lightweight body: The design is sleek and low-profile to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics. Lightweight materials like carbon fiber are often used to enhance performance.
- Driver-focused cockpit: The interior is designed with the driver in mind, often featuring supportive seats and a layout optimized for driving.
- Engine and drivetrain: Many sports cars feature a rear-wheel-drive layout and can have front, mid, or rear-engine configurations to optimize power delivery and handling.
Common features and variations
- Seating: While some can seat up to four, many are two-seaters with limited trunk space.
- Intended purpose: The design is purpose-built around driving, sometimes at the expense of features that prioritize comfort or practicality.
- Distinction from supercars: While both are high-performance, sports cars are generally considered less extreme than supercars, which have even higher top speeds and performance figures.
