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Honda Del Sol

The Honda Del Sol is a two-seat targa-top sports car sold by Honda in the 1990s.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Honda Del Sol is a two-seat targa-top sports car sold by Honda in the 1990s. Based on the fifth-generation Civic platform, it was marketed under names including Honda CR-X del Sol, Honda Civic del Sol, and Honda del Sol. Production ran from 1992 to 1998, with North American sales ending after the 1997 model year.

Development and positioning

The Honda Del Sol was introduced as a successor to the Honda CR-X and used the mechanical foundations of the fifth-generation Honda Civic. It was aimed at buyers wanting a lightweight sporty car with open-top driving capability.

Design

The Del Sol used a two-seat targa-body layout with a removable roof section, distinguishing it from traditional full convertibles. Honda marketed it as a sporty, open-air small car. Some versions featured Honda's Transtop system in certain markets.

Markets and naming

Honda marketed the Del Sol under different names depending on the region, including Honda CR-X del Sol, Honda Civic del Sol, and Honda del Sol. In North America, it was introduced for the 1993 model year and sold until the 1997 model year. Production continued in other markets until 1998.

Trims and powertrains

The Del Sol was offered in multiple trims, including base, Si, and VTEC versions. It used small inline-four engines and manual transmissions were common. Exact specifications varied by market and model year.

Key facts

  • It was a compact two-seater with a removable targa roof panel.
  • The model was based on the fifth-generation Honda Civic platform.
  • Honda positioned it as a sporty, open-air small car rather than a full convertible.
  • The name “del Sol” means “of the sun,” a reference to the removable roof.
  • Production ended with the 1997 model year in North America and in 1998 in other markets.
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Canadian context

The Honda Del Sol was sold in North American markets, including Canada, as part of Honda’s 1990s compact sporty-car lineup. Canadian readers may know it as a niche enthusiast model and a Civic-based two-seater from that period.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Honda Del Sol?
A two-seat Honda sports car with a removable targa roof, sold in the 1990s.
Is the Del Sol related to the Honda Civic?
Yes. It was based on the fifth-generation Civic platform.
What does “del Sol” mean?
It means “of the sun,” referring to the open-air roof design.
When was it produced?
Honda produced it from 1992 to 1998; North American sales ended after the 1997 model year.
Was it a convertible?
It was a targa-top car, not a conventional full convertible.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CR-X_del_Sol
    Supports: Model identity, aliases, production years, body style, Civic-based platform, successor to the Honda CR-X, and end of North American production.
  2. MotorTrend — https://www.motortrend.com/features/honda-civic-del-sol-history
    Supports: Naming, market launch timing, Civic-platform basis, and production end dates by market.
  3. Honest John Classics — https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/honda/honda-crx-del-sol/
    Supports: Targa-top design, Civic platform basis, and Transtop system description.
  4. Cars.com — https://www.cars.com/research/honda-del_sol-1994/
    Supports: Trim naming, body type, dimensions, and sample engine/specification details.
  5. Cars.com — https://www.cars.com/research/honda-del_sol-1996/
    Supports: Vehicle type, engine, and sample specifications for later model years.
  6. Autoevolution — https://www.autoevolution.com/honda/crx-del-sol/
    Supports: Production timeline, body style classification, and general model overview.