Sunseekers rejoiced when Honda launched its sporty, compact Civic del Sol two-seater in the United States over 30 years ago. It became known as Honda’s first open-air vehicle sold in the U.S. market (the S600 roadster, sold overseas, debuted much earlier in 1964).
Sold in the United States from 1993-97 and based on the fifth-generation Civic, the del Sol was equipped with removable color-matched Targa top that could be conveniently stowed in the trunk. It came at a time when Honda was figuring out how to engineer a vehicle that would follow in the footsteps (er, tire tread impressions) of the popular, compact CRX.
Across the span of its five model years, the del Sol went through a variety of powertrain and engineering changes. The following are some of the year-over-year highlights:
- 1993: In the launch year, the car was marketed as the Civic del Sol and had two trim levels: An S with a 1.5-liter, 102-horsepower inline-four, and an Si with a 1.6-liter, 125-horsepower inline-four. Available transaxles included a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic.
- 1994: A new high-performance trim, the VTEC model, was added, giving the del Sol a 160-horsepower B-series powerplant, stiffer suspension, and larger brakes.
- 1995: The “Civic” prefix was deleted; interior updates included a remote trunk release. The Targa top seals were redesigned.
- 1996: As part of a mid-cycle facelift, the del Sol lost its “auxiliary” lights up front. The S was upgraded to a 1.6-liter engine.
- 1997: For the car’s final year, there were no substantial aesthetic or mechanical changes.
Back in 2019, I had the privilege of owning a first-year 1993 Civic del Sol in Samba Green. The driving experience was a bit raw, and at only 125 horsepower, it was not a speed-demon. But what the car lacked in sheer speed, it made up for in fun-factor. It was nimble, taut, and effortless to drive.
Showing just fewer than 90,000 miles on the odometer, it was barely broken-in by Honda standards.
My favorite features were the power roll-down rear window and the color-keyed accent striping on the bucket seats. I sold the car to a Honda-collecting friend in New Jersey, but I miss it a lot.
I feel like the del Sol has always been an underrated car. And I’m not joking when I tell you that it got even more attention than my 1992 NSX. So, if you buy one, be ready for a conversation at every gas station.
