Is the Del Sol front or rear-wheel drive?
The Del Sol is front-wheel drive (FWD).
Produced by Honda from 1992 to 1998, the Del Sol is a two-seat, targa-top variant of the Civic built on the Civic EF platform. It uses a transverse engine that powers the front wheels, and there were no factory rear- or all-wheel-drive versions. Depending on the market, buyers could choose a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
Drivetrain and platform
The Del Sol’s drivetrain is defined by its front-wheel-drive layout and Civic-based underpinnings. Here are the defining characteristics:
- Front-wheel-drive layout with a transversely mounted engine
- Based on the Civic EF platform (shared components with the hatchback/sedan)
- Front axles drive the front wheels via CV joints
- No factory rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive variants
- Common transmission options included a five-speed manual; some markets offered a four-speed automatic
These choices influenced handling, weight distribution, and maintenance requirements common to 1990s FWD Hondas, with predictable steering and a front-heavy balance that favors grip at the front tires in normal driving conditions.
Performance and ownership impact
For owners, the FWD design means easier daily usability, lighter steering effort, and generally lower drivetrain complexity than a true rear-wheel-drive sports car. However, it also means different handling characteristics in spirited driving and cornering, with less of the balance typical of rear-driven layouts.
Key takeaways
The Del Sol is front-wheel drive, built on the Civic EF platform with a transverse engine delivering power to the front wheels. It was most commonly offered with a five-speed manual transmission, with automatics available in certain markets. No factory RWD/AWD variants existed.
Summary
In conclusion, Honda’s Del Sol is front-wheel drive. This placement aligns with its Civic-based platform and 1990s engineering, shaping its performance profile and ownership experience for diagonal enthusiasts and daily drivers alike.
