What does Del Sol mean on a Honda?
Del Sol translates from Spanish as “of the sun” (often read as “the sun’s”). Honda used it as the model name for its compact, two-seat convertible sports car from the 1990s, a sun‑driven, open‑air driving theme.
In the United States, the Del Sol was marketed as a distinct model based on the Civic chassis, with a removable roof to emphasize sunny, outdoor motoring. It was sold during the 1990s, roughly from the early to mid‑1990s through the late 1990s.
The meaning and origins of the name
Spanish translation and grammar
The following notes explain the literal meaning, grammar, and branding implications of the name “Del Sol.”
- del is a contraction of de + el and is used before masculine singular nouns; sol means sun. Together, “del Sol” literally means “of the sun” or “the sun’s.”
- Literal translation: “Del Sol” translates to “of the sun” or, in natural English, “the sun’s.”
- Branding angle: The phrase is used to evoke sunshine, brightness, and an open‑air driving experience, which aligns with the Del Sol’s convertible/targa styling and sunny aesthetics.
- Possible confusion: Some readers might think it refers to a place or a solar technology theme, but in this context it’s simply a descriptive, possessive phrase in Spanish.
In summary, the name Del Sol means “of the sun” in Spanish and was chosen to evoke sunlight and a carefree, open‑air driving vibe for Honda’s 1990s two‑seat model.
About the Del Sol model in Honda’s lineup
At-a-glance facts
These notes give a quick sense of how the name filed into Honda’s product lineup and what the car offered.
- A two‑seat, front‑wheel‑drive sport coupe based on the Civic platform.
- Notable for a removable glass targa/roof panel that enhances the sun‑driven experience.
- Produced during the 1990s and offered in various trims in different markets, including the U.S.
- Variants generally featured different levels of equipment and engine options, emphasizing a blend of practicality and sportiness.
These details show how the Del Sol’s branding—centered on brightness and outdoor fun—was reflected in its design and market positioning as a compact, sun‑focused sports car.
Summary
The Del Sol name is a concise Spanish phrase meaning “of the sun,” chosen to convey sunny, open‑air driving and a light, sporty character. As Honda’s sun‑inspired, two‑seat Civic‑based model of the 1990s, the name functions more as branding than a technical feature, capturing the essence of sunny days and convertible motoring.
What is the top speed of the Honda Del Sol?
The Honda del Sol's top speed varies by model, but the top-tier VTEC and 1.6L VTi models have a top speed of around 130.5 mph to 131 mph. Lower-trim models will have a lower top speed, as they come with less powerful engines.
You can watch this video to see a modified Honda del Sol drag racing: 59sGrassroots GarageYouTube · May 26, 2024
- 130.5-131 mph: This is the top speed for the more powerful models, such as the 1.6L VTi and the 160 hp VTEC, says CarBuzz and Cars.com.
- Lower trims: Models with less powerful engines, like the 1.5L or 106 hp S Coupe, will have a lower top speed.
- Factors affecting top speed: Top speed depends on the specific engine, transmission, and overall condition of the vehicle.
What does Honda Del Sol mean?
Honda CR-X. The Spanish name del Sol translates to of the sun, and refers to the car's opening roof. The del Sol featured a removable aluminum hardtop that stowed onto a hinged frame in the trunk and a motorized drop-down rear window.
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 engine is in a Honda Del Sol?
The Honda del Sol was available with several engines depending on the trim and year, with the most common being the D16Y7 (1.6L SOHC) for the base "S" model and the D16Z6 (1.6L SOHC VTEC) for the "Si" model (1993-1995). The most powerful engine was the B16A3 (1.6L DOHC VTEC), which was in the top-trim "VTEC" model (1994-1995).
Here's a breakdown of the engines:
Base "S" Model
- D15B7: 1993-1995: (1.5L SOHC)
- D16Y7: 1996-1997: (1.6L SOHC)
"Si" Model
- D16Z6: 1993-1995: (1.6L SOHC VTEC)
- D16Y8: 1996-1997: (1.6L SOHC VTEC)
"VTEC" Model
- B16A3: 1994-1995: (1.6L DOHC VTEC)
