Why did the Del Sol fail?

The Del Sol failed to achieve lasting mass appeal because it targeted a narrow audience—the two-seat, removable-top sport coupe—while facing strong competition, limited practicality, and shifting market tastes toward more versatile vehicles. In short, it was a well-regarded niche car that couldn’t scale to broad popularity.

What the Del Sol was and how it fit into Honda’s lineup

The Del Sol arrived as a two-seat successor to the CR-X, emphasizing lightweight handling, a sporty feel, and a roof design that could be opened up for an open-air experience. It was offered in two main trims, S and Si, with the Si incorporating Honda’s VTEC technology for a livelier, more performance-oriented character. Built on a Civic-based platform, the Del Sol aimed to blend daily drivability with spirited driving dynamics.

Design and features at a glance

Key attributes included a removable or semi-removable roof, a hatchback-style rear cargo area, and a focus on driver engagement rather than passenger practicality. The Si trim added more performance-oriented features and power compared with the base model.

Performance and dynamics

The Si model offered a higher-revving engine and a sportier tune, giving it more punch than the base S. The Del Sol’s light weight and nimble chassis were central to its driving appeal, especially for enthusiasts seeking a compact open-air experience.

Practicality and packaging

Two seats and a limited amount of trunk space limited everyday usability. For buyers who needed cargo space or rear-seat flexibility, the Del Sol was a less attractive option compared with more practical hatchbacks or four-seat roadsters.

Pricing and market positioning

Compared with rivals like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Del Sol carried a premium as a niche product without delivering an equally broad appeal or value proposition. This made the car feel like a compromise to many buyers rather than a clear standout.

In sum, the Del Sol blended appealing styling and engaging driving dynamics with a packaging that limited its broader appeal, leaving it to occupy a niche spot in Honda’s lineup rather than achieving widespread success.

Market context and timing

In the 1990s, the market for small sports cars was competitive and unforgiving. The Mazda MX-5 Miata set the standard for affordable, pure roadsters, and the Del Sol found itself in a crowded field of two-seat coupes and convertibles. Additionally, consumer preferences were gradually shifting toward more practical daily drivers, SUVs, and crossovers, which reduced the demand for niche, two-seat offerings. Honda also faced internal pressures to emphasize practicality and reliability across its lineup, which sometimes clashed with the Del Sol’s niche identity.

Those market dynamics—competition from a dominant roadster, limited everyday practicality, and a shifting consumer mix toward more versatile vehicles—help explain the Del Sol’s relatively short production run and eventual discontinuation.

Factors that contributed to its underperformance

Several factors converged to limit the Del Sol’s success. The following list captures the core dynamics that enthusiasts and industry observers point to when explaining why the model did not achieve lasting traction.

• Narrow market niche: a two-seat, removable-top layout appealed to a smaller audience than practical hatchbacks and family cars.


• Competition from the Mazda MX-5 Miata: the Miata defined the segment with broad appeal, reliability, and a focused driving experience.


• Pricing and value proposition: the Del Sol carried a price premium without delivering the same level of practicality or accessibility as rivals.


• Limited practicality and cargo space: the car offered little utility for everyday needs beyond two seats.


• Marketing and product cadence: fewer compelling differentiators and slower updates made it harder to sustain enthusiasm.


• Brand and product strategy: within Honda’s lineup, the Del Sol occupied a niche that didn’t align with broader market trends or the brand’s emphasis on practicality and reliability.

These factors together meant the Del Sol struggled to transition from a niche sport coupe to a mainstream choice, and production ended after a relatively brief run in the 1990s.

What Honda might have done differently

With the benefit of hindsight, several strategic adjustments could have widened the Del Sol’s appeal. Potential avenues include expanding daily practicality (for example, improving interior storage or usable cargo space without sacrificing sportiness), pricing adjustments to sharpen value perception, and a more aggressive marketing push that highlighted its unique roof mechanism and nimble handling in everyday driving. Aligning the model more closely with evolving consumer preferences—emphasizing a balance of fun and practicality—might have helped the Del Sol reach a broader audience.

Ultimately, the Del Sol’s fate reflected a broader lesson in product planning: a compelling drivetrain and styling must harmonize with what buyers want in their daily lives, or the niche can remain just that—a niche.

Summary

The Honda CR-X del Sol failed to become a mainstream success because it targeted a narrow audience while facing stiff competition and a market leaning toward practicality and versatility. Its open-air, two-seat formula offered driving enjoyment, but that appeal wasn’t enough to sustain wide adoption as consumer tastes shifted and rival roadsters like the Miata solidified their dominance. Today, the Del Sol is remembered fondly by enthusiasts as a stylish, fun-to-drive relic of 1990s automotive design.

Is a Honda del Sol a reliable car?

The Honda del Sol is generally considered a reliable car, similar to other Hondas of its era, but its specific issues often stem from its age and its unique targa top design. Key reliability concerns include leaks from the targa top, aging seals, and potential rust spots, particularly around the trunk and antenna. Older cars will have wear and tear issues like flaking steering wheels or non-functioning AC, but the core mechanical components are known to be dependable if maintained.
 
You can watch this video for a general overview of the Honda del Sol's good and bad points, including a discussion of its reliability issues: 55sMark RodenYouTube · Oct 5, 2023
Common reliability concerns

• Targa top leaks: This is a very common issue, even on new models, and requires diligent maintenance of seals to prevent water damage to the interior and potential mold. 
• Rust: Check for rust around the trunk, especially under the spare tire, and around the antenna, as these are known trouble spots. 
• Aging parts: As with any 30-year-old car, expect issues related to age, such as flaking steering wheels or AC that no longer works. 
• Wiring problems: Some owners report wiring issues, especially with automatic transmission models, so a manual transmission might be a safer bet. 
• Part availability: Some model-specific parts, like the resonator pipe or original seats, can be difficult to find new and may require searching junkyards or specialized parts dealers. 

Positive aspects for reliability

• Robust engine: The engine is a strong point, as del Sols share many components with the reliable Civic, and they are generally dependable. 
• Ease of repair: Many common maintenance items are relatively easy to fix and parts can be inexpensive. 
• Owner satisfaction: Despite the known issues, many owners are very satisfied with the del Sol's reliability and performance over time. 

This video discusses the common problems with the Honda del Sol, including the targa top, and offers tips for potential buyers: 35sFitment IndustriesYouTube · Aug 4, 2020

Why was the DeLorean not successful?

The DeLorean failed due to a combination of high production costs, production delays, a weak and underpowered engine, poor build quality, and ultimately, the legal and financial scandal involving its founder, John DeLorean. The company struggled with cash flow issues, an unfavorable exchange rate, and the inability to meet sales expectations, leading to bankruptcy in 1982.
 
Key factors for the company's failure:

• Financial and business problems:
  • Cost overruns and low demand: Production costs were higher than expected, and the company never reached its break-even sales point of 10,000 to 12,000 units, selling only around 6,000. 
  • Unfavorable exchange rates: The exchange rate put a strain on the company's cash flow. 
  • Poor leadership: John DeLorean's experience at a large corporation like General Motors didn't translate to running his own company, leading to poor financial management and spending money unwisely. 
• Production and quality issues:
  • Underpowered engine: The car was criticized for having a weak, underpowered engine (a Renault-Peugeot-Volvo V6) compared to competitors in its price range. 
  • Poor build quality: Early production models had significant problems, including electrical issues and poor assembly, requiring extensive rework. 
  • Production delays: The car's production was delayed, which contributed to the financial and operational problems. 
• Legal and personal scandal:
  • John DeLorean's arrest: In 1982, John DeLorean was arrested in an FBI sting operation for drug trafficking charges. 
  • Company bankruptcy: The resulting negative publicity, legal costs, and lack of further aid from the British government were the final blows, forcing the company into bankruptcy and shutting down operations. 

Why was the Del Sol discontinued?

Honda stopped making the Del Sol primarily due to declining sales, which were caused by a combination of factors including water leaks from the targa top, a cramped and low-quality interior, and stiff competition from other roadsters like the Mazda Miata. The final model year in 1997 saw fewer than 6,000 units sold in the U.S., making it a financially unviable vehicle for the company.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the Honda Del Sol's short production run: 58sAcura AdviceYouTube · Oct 14, 2023
Reasons for the Del Sol's discontinuation

• Declining sales: Sales dropped significantly after its first couple of years, plummeting to under 6,000 units in its final year, which made the car a poor investment for Honda. 
• Targa top issues: The removable targa top was a major source of complaints, as it was prone to water leaks and potential damage if not sealed properly, which hurt customer satisfaction. 
• Interior and practicality problems: Many owners found the interior cramped and made of cheap materials, and the car lacked storage space, especially for a convertible. 
• Market positioning: The Del Sol struggled to find its niche. It was marketed as a sports car but was front-wheel drive and didn't offer the same performance as its competitors like the rear-wheel-drive Mazda Miata, while also being less practical than other cars in the Civic lineup it was based on. 
• Competition with the CRX: It was seen by some as an inferior successor to the CRX, lacking the CRX's sharper handling and overall more connected driving experience. 
• Structural changes: When the new generation of the Civic chassis was introduced in 1995, it was apparently too long to maintain the structural rigidity needed for a targa top. Honda continued to produce the Del Sol on the older chassis, which likely hurt its appeal and long-term viability. 

Which Honda Civics to stay away from?

Years to avoid the Honda Civic include 2001–2005, 2006–2009, and 2012 and 2016, which have been associated with problems like transmission failures, cracked engine blocks, and faulty airbags. The 2001 model is often cited as the worst due to a high number of complaints, recalls, and transmission issues. Other specific years like 2007, 2009, and 2016 also have known problems such as cracked engine blocks and issues with the AC and Bluetooth systems.
 
Specific model years to avoid:

• 2001–2005:
  • Transmission failures: The automatic transmission was known to fail around 100,000 miles. 
  • Engine problems: Cracked engine blocks are a known issue, especially in the 2006–2009 models. 
  • Airbag recalls: These models were affected by the widespread Takata airbag recall. 
  • Other issues: Faulty fuel pumps and battery problems in hybrids were also reported. 
• 2006–2009:
  • Cracked engine blocks: This was a significant problem for this generation. 
  • Airbag issues: Recalls were common, particularly for the hybrid models in 2006. 
• 2012:
  • Transmission issues: Some reports suggest problems with the transmission in this model year. 
• 2016:
  • AC unit and Bluetooth problems: This model year is known for issues with its air conditioning system and Bluetooth connectivity. 
  • Steering rack failures: Steering rack failures have been reported in some instances. 

What to look for instead:

• Most reliable years:
  • 2012–2015: These years generally have good reliability ratings. 
  • 2020–2024: Recent models are considered reliable with good fuel economy and safety ratings. 
• Good alternatives:
  • 2004–2005
  • 2011
  • 2013–2015