What kind of car is a Del Sol?
The Del Sol is Honda’s compact, two-seat, front‑engine, front‑drive sports car produced from 1992 to 1998. It is best known for its removable roof panel that gives a roadster-like feel while maintaining hatchback practicality.
Built on the Honda CR‑X platform, the Del Sol bridged the gap between a traditional coupe and a convertible. Across its run, it appeared in several trims and markets, offering a lightweight, nimble driving experience that appealed to enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Key characteristics
Here are the defining traits that identify the Del Sol.
- Two-seat configuration with a hatchback body style
- Targa-style roof featuring a removable front panel that can be stored behind the seats or in the trunk, giving a semi-convertible feel
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
- Produced from 1992 to 1998, built on the CR‑X platform and offered in multiple regional trims
- Engine options ranged roughly from 1.5 to 1.6 liters, with higher-performance VTEC variants available in some markets
These traits combined to make the Del Sol a lightweight, engaging option in the early 1990s sport-compact segment, balancing everyday usability with spirited handling.
Design and engineering highlights
Roof system and interior layout
The Del Sol’s standout feature is its roof. A two-piece, removable top creates a semi-convertible driving experience without sacrificing the practicality of a small hatchback. The cabin is compact and focused on driver involvement, with two seats and limited rear storage space compared with full-size convertibles.
Notable design choices include a lightweight chassis, aerodynamic lines, and Honda’s attention to reliability and ease of maintenance that appealed to buyers seeking a sporty yet practical daily driver.
- Distinctive removable roof panel and compact 2-seat interior
- Effective weight distribution that enhances handling and maneuverability
- Simple, driver-oriented cockpit with accessible controls
The combination of a reachable roof system and a focused driving experience helped define the Del Sol’s reputation among enthusiasts.
Engine and performance
Engine options evolved over the model’s lifespan. Early Del Sols typically used a 1.5–1.6-liter four-cylinder, while higher trims in some markets adopted a 1.6-liter VTEC engine for noticeably more power. Transmission choices commonly included a 5-speed manual, with some regions offering an automatic option as well.
- Base engines: around 1.5–1.6 L inline-four with modest output suitable for daily driving
- Si/VTEC variants: 1.6 L four-cylinder with Honda’s VTEC system delivering higher performance
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive; manual transmissions preferred by enthusiasts, with automatics available on limited trims
In practice, the Del Sol’s light weight and well‑tuned chassis delivered sprightly acceleration and responsive handling, especially with a manual gearbox.
Market presence and legacy
The Del Sol earned a place in Honda’s lineup during the 1990s as a sporty, approachable alternative to more traditional convertibles and hatchbacks. Its two-seat format, roof innovation, and connection to the CR‑X lineage helped it stand out in a crowded field of sporty compacts.
- Trims and markets varied: S (base), Si, and VTEC in different regions
- Availability spanned North America, Europe, and Japan, with model-year updates reflecting regional preferences
- Today, the Del Sol is appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts for its lightweight dynamics and distinctive roof design
While production ended in 1998, the Del Sol remains a recognizable chapter in Honda’s performance history, emblematic of an era when compact sport coupes explored new roof concepts without compromising daily practicality.
Buying and ownership tips
For prospective buyers, the Del Sol offers an appealing blend of fun and reliability, but there are common considerations to keep in mind when evaluating a used example.
- Roof integrity and seals: inspect for leaks or wear around the removable roof panel and mounting points
- Chassis and underbody: check for rust, especially on older examples or those exposed to salted roads
- Transmission and drivetrain: ensure smooth shifting with the manual and verify condition of the clutch and linkage
- Maintenance history: look for records of regular timing belt/chain service, fluids, and routine Honda maintenance procedures
With careful inspection and maintenance, a Del Sol can provide a fun, collectible driver experience with classic 1990s styling and Honda reliability.
Summary
The Del Sol is a compact, two-seat Honda that blends sportiness with practicality through a distinctive removable roof and light, responsive chassis. Rooted in the CR‑X lineage and produced from 1992 to 1998, it offered a range of trims from accessible base models to VTEC-powered variants. Its legacy endures among enthusiasts as a stylish, nimble example of 1990s Honda engineering.
