Cheap, joyful cars are few and far between these days. Here’s one from the ’90s – a 1995 Honda Del Sol with a targa top for those sunny days. The Del Sol was based on the Civic and sold in the US from 1993 to 1997. Persistent build quality issues, particularly leaky targa tops, brought an end to the model, but fans can still enjoy a survivor from the 75,000 production population. Consult craigslist to find this ’95 model advertised for $7000. Here it’s shown visiting a lighthouse on the Olympic Peninsula, near its garage in Quilcene, Washington. Thanks once again to Curvette for the great tip!
Yes, I know it’s time for the engine shot, and this is the trunk showing the stowage for the targa top, but the ad doesn’t include a peek under the hood. If we had been provided that view, we’d see Honda’s base 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, good for about 105 hp and paired with a five-speed manual. A 2300 lb curb weight keeps performance sporty, but the car’s front-wheel drive configuration didn’t bode well for the model’s longevity. The Miata outsold it several times over. This car comes with a trailer hitch (don’t slap your two-horse rig onto its tail, though!) and a full set of snow tires mounted on extra rims. The odometer reads 106k.
The interior is tidy and well-presented. Curiously, until 1995, there was no “low fuel” warning system, so drivers had to keep an eye on the gauge. Honda’s focus on safety meant these later model variants have dual air bags. Cruise control and dual outside mirrors were standard, which sounds odd since today these features are present on nearly every vehicle, but for a cheap car in the ’90s, it was unusual.
The paint on our subject car could benefit from buffing and wax, but the body is straight. Plenty of vendors will provide you with parts, and at least two clubs are available if you want to hang out with other Del Sol owners. Meanwhile, prices remain reasonable, with base models like our subject car selling in four-figure territory, while the top-shelf VTEC-equipped car will sell in the mid-teens. Have you ever had a Del Sol? Let us know in the comments.
Had a red one too, can’t remember the year but it was a great little car. I do remember the 40 plus mpg on the road and the lack of space. It’s what I call a credit card and flip flop vacation ride, cause that’s all you have room for!
The cabin space is tight, but the truck is cavernous.
Cheap transportation and you can let the sun in. Great write up Michelle.
Aw, thanks. I really appreciate your tips, they’re great. Keep them coming!
My buddy had one, nary a leak, ever.
Cute car. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Del Slo’.
For you tall folks like me, I read when these were new that they had more leg room than any other production car. Said that it was built on Civic chassis and they kept the same seat mounting holes, just used extended tracks. Had 49″ inches leg room with the seat all the way back. My BMWs have 42″ and Genesis Coupe has 44″.
Am original owner of 1994 VTEC del Sol with 94 K miles. Economical, dependable, and quick with the 160 HP DOHC engine and 5 speed. It is likely that my car, Mr. Zippy, will outlive me.
These are fabulous, inexpensive, nimble little cars that have a lot of room for stuff even with the top in the trunk. They do leak, though, but I’ve enjoyed the two I’ve had.
My wife bought a new red Si (125 hp with auto) in 95, and we owned it until we sold it to my brother for his youngest son in 2011. It was a great car! No, the top never leaked. Trunk has an amazing amount of space, even with the roof stored back there. We took a few extended weekend trips, and had plenty of luggage space. I’m 6′, and had plenty of room. My wife regrets selling it, especially since the nephew had a few accidents, then it was finally totaled.