What year did Honda stop making the Del Sol?
The Honda Del Sol, a popular two-seat sports car, was discontinued by Honda in 1997 after a successful 6-year production run. The Del Sol was known for its distinctive "targa-style" removable roof panel, which provided an open-air driving experience without the complexity of a full convertible top.
The History of the Honda Del Sol
The Honda Del Sol was introduced in 1992 as a replacement for the Honda CR-X, which had been discontinued a year earlier. The Del Sol was designed to be a more modern and refined sports car, with a focus on handling and driving dynamics. It was powered by a range of Honda's reliable four-cylinder engines, including the popular B16A VTEC unit.
The Del Sol was well-received by critics and consumers alike, with its nimble handling, peppy performance, and unique roof design setting it apart from other small sports cars on the market. However, sales began to decline in the mid-1990s as consumer preferences shifted towards larger, more practical vehicles.
Why Did Honda Discontinue the Del Sol?
There were a few key reasons why Honda decided to discontinue the Del Sol in 1997:
- Declining Sales: As mentioned, sales of the Del Sol had been steadily declining since the mid-1990s, as the market shifted towards larger, more practical vehicles. This made it increasingly difficult for Honda to justify the continued production of the niche sports car.
- Changing Consumer Preferences: The Del Sol's small size and two-seat configuration were seen as drawbacks by many consumers, who were increasingly looking for more practical and versatile vehicles. The rise of SUVs and crossovers in the 1990s further contributed to the decline of the Del Sol's market segment.
- Overlap with Other Honda Models: With the introduction of the Honda S2000 roadster in 1999, the Del Sol's position in Honda's lineup became increasingly unclear. The S2000 offered similar performance and driving dynamics, but with a more modern and sophisticated design.
Ultimately, the combination of declining sales, changing consumer preferences, and overlap with other Honda models led the company to discontinue the Del Sol in 1997, after a successful 6-year production run.
