DuelsLeaderboardGarageBlogCarsGlossaryBrowse

Honda Del Sol

Honda

Honda Del Sol: Honda's Targa-style two-seat coupe, replacing the CR-X for one generation from 1992 to 1997.
Photo: MercurySable99 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Honda's Targa-style two-seat coupe, replacing the CR-X for one generation from 1992 to 1997.

The Honda Civic Del Sol (sometimes called Honda Del Sol) was a two-seat Targa-style sport coupe produced from 1992 to 1997. The Del Sol replaced the CR-X for one generation, with the model name suggesting a more open-air, Mediterranean character compared to the focused canyon weapon CR-X had been. The car had a removable Targa-style roof panel that stored in the trunk. The Del Sol came in several trims. The DX (base, with the D15 engine), the Si (with the D16Z6 engine, which was VTEC capable in some markets), and the VTEC trim (with the B16A2 engine). The B16A2 trim is the most respected variant, sometimes referred to as the Del Sol VTEC, and made 160 horsepower from the famous Honda 1.6 liter naturally aspirated VTEC engine. The Del Sol was generally less successful than the CR-X had been. The Targa concept did not capture the same enthusiast attention as the lightweight CR-X focus. Production ended in 1997 with no successor; Honda did not produce another small two-seat sport hatchback in this segment. On WhipJury, Del Sol submissions are uncommon. The B16A2 VTEC variant is the most respected; modified examples often have engine swaps (B18C1, K20) and significant chassis upgrades. The cars have aged into a niche cult-classic status, with a small but devoted owner community.

Del Sol trims

DX (base). D15B7 engine, 102 horsepower. Fuel-economy oriented base model.

Si. D16Z6 engine, 125 horsepower. Mid-grade trim with sport tuning.

VTEC. B16A2 engine, 160 horsepower. The performance-focused trim. Limited production. The VTEC variant is the connoisseur Del Sol pick.

The Targa concept

The Del Sol Targa-style roof was a removable panel above the front seats, with a fixed rear cross-brace and rear window. The roof stored in the trunk when removed. The concept differs from a full convertible (where the entire roof retracts) but provides similar open-air feel without the structural compromises of a true convertible.

Del Sol on WhipJury

VTEC variants reliably do well in voting; B16A2 examples are particularly sought after. Modified Del Sols (often with B18C1 or K20 swaps) appear regularly. The cars have a dedicated owner community despite the model commercial underperformance.

Frequently asked questions about Honda Del Sol

Was the Del Sol successful?
Less than the CR-X had been. The Del Sol was Honda only sport coupe in this segment from 1992-1997, but volumes were modest compared to Civic-platform alternatives. Honda discontinued the Del Sol in 1997 and did not produce a successor. The model is generally considered a commercial underperformer.
How is the Del Sol different from a CR-X?
Different concept. The CR-X was a focused canyon weapon with a hatchback. The Del Sol used a Targa roof for open-air driving and was tuned more as a grand tourer than a focused sports car. Most enthusiasts prefer the CR-X for its more aggressive identity and focused character.
Is the Del Sol VTEC valuable?
Increasingly. Limited production (the VTEC variant was sold in lower volumes than DX or Si), strong B16A2 engine, and recognition as a connoisseur Honda variant have driven prices up. Clean Del Sol VTEC examples now sell for $20,000-$40,000, with modified or restored cars at the higher end.
Can I daily drive a Del Sol?
Yes, with caveats. The two-seat layout limits passenger capacity. Cargo space is limited (the trunk holds the Targa roof when removed). The Targa roof can leak as seals age. The B16A2 engine is reliable when maintained. Many Del Sols are daily drivers despite being older cars; aftermarket parts availability remains good for most components.
Why is the Del Sol B16A2?
The B16A2 was Honda 1.6 liter naturally aspirated VTEC engine, used in the Civic Si of the era and the Del Sol VTEC variant. The engine made 160 horsepower with VTEC engagement around 4,800 rpm. The B16A2 has become a popular swap engine across various Honda platforms. In the Del Sol, the B16A2 produced strong performance in the relatively light chassis.

More on the Honda Del Sol

Honda's hardcore Type R HRC is reportedly heading to production
Honda's hardcore Type R HRC is reportedly heading to production

Honda Racing Corporation's track-focused Civic Type R could become a full production model by 2027, according to Japanese outlet Response. What's confirmed is the aero kit itself, which HRC president Koji Watanabe says will be sold as accessories. Takuma Sato tested it at Suzuka and called it "way better" than standard.

The Honda Beat is a mid-engined roadster that revs to 8,500 and makes 63 horsepower
The Honda Beat is a mid-engined roadster that revs to 8,500 and makes 63 horsepower

The Honda Beat is a mid-engined, rear-drive kei roadster with a 656cc triple that revs to 8,500 rpm, makes 63 horsepower, and weighs 1,680 pounds. Pininfarina drew it, Soichiro Honda approved it as his last car, and it's now legal to import into the US.

Badge engineering: When two cars are the same car
Badge engineering: When two cars are the same car

Badge engineering is selling one car under another brand with new badges and a reworked face. The oddest example is the Saab 9-2X, a Subaru WRX with a Saab nose that nobody wanted. Here's why carmakers keep doing it, and what it reveals about how much a grille is actually worth.

Hyundai Wants to Build Trucks in America and Ship Them Overseas
Hyundai Wants to Build Trucks in America and Ship Them Overseas

Hyundai plans to build body-on-frame trucks and SUVs in the United States and export them overseas, CEO Jose Munoz said at the company's investor day in Seoul. It is part of a push toward 5.55 million global sales by 2030, with 500,000 units of new North American capacity.

Other Honda models

AccordBeatCityCivicCivic SiCivic Type RCR-VCR-XCR-ZeElementFit
More Honda models