It is a lot of fun -- period
The car shows some wear on the driver side seat bolster (I've had this car since May 1995 after all). Mechanically it is bulletproof -- zero unscheduled maintenance.
Quality of assembly and finish is excellent. Best feature of the car is the engine -- running it up to anywhere near the 8200 red-line just makes my day.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th May, 2006
Practical and fun!
Before I bought the car at 60k miles, the owner had replaced the radiator with a metal one because the stock plastic one had melted.
The clear coat was totally deteriorated.
I don't know if this is Honda's fault or the owner, but even though the car is black I didn't know this could happen so quickly.
Here are the problems that I have had:
The interior squeaks a lot.
Sometimes it takes a lot of wiggling to get the key out of the ignition (even with a brand new key from Honda).
The trunk lever doesn't always pop the trunk.
The windshield fogs up easily and is hard to defrost.
(All of these problems are exacerbated by cold weather.)
I have not had any problems with leaks.
Other than that what can I say, it's totally reliable and will probably last forever, especially if properly maintained.
The S model is the most economical, it's definitely not a sports car, but it can be feel like it when driven aggressively and hey, it sometimes looks like one.
This particular version is one of Honda's best ideas, it's nice to have the benefits of a really small, reliable, economical car, but the bonuses of a sports car style.
You're nice and low to the road in this car. The handling is great, nice tight turns, but even on this model, the handling could be much better if the factory had put wider tires on it. The stock tires don't do it justice.
Just right for singles or a couple. But, if you've got more passengers, too bad, the only room is in the spacious trunk!
The blind spots can be a pain, but the otherwise good visibility and maneuverability of this car makes up for it.
The interior has a wonderfully nice and simple layout, totally comfortable.
The convertible top is excellent, and it's discrete so no need to worry about getting it slashed. Takes about 10 seconds to pop it in the trunk, great design.
Besides the targa top, the most under-rated feature of this car is the back window that rolls down, perfect for fresh air without the wind beating you in the face.
Repairs (if there ever are any) are cheap because the car is virtual identical to the ubiquitous Honda civic.
Repairs and maintenance are also very easy for the do-it-yourselfer because of the intelligent layout under the hood, just get some ramps.
One last note: Look out for SUV drivers! We're little.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th November, 2004
1995 model year was the first time for remote trunk latches.
Mine also has the same issue. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The trunk is a very large and heavy piece.
Also, the 1995 model was the last year for the auxiliary fog lights being incorporated in the front bumper.
How is this car practical? It is a shoe box that sounds like a lawn mower. Not a guy's car!
Rather embarrassing to drive and be seen in.
Fun car marked by a few serious problems
Unfortunately some significant problems:
- Engine threw a rod and destroyed itself at 39,000 miles. Dealer was incredulous, as we use synthetic oil and dealer said engine was cleanest he had ever seen. Apparently quite a freak occurrence as engine was sent back to Honda for analysis. Fortunately covered under extended warranty.
- Trunk has serious persistent leaks coming from the rear of the car not being manufactured properly.
- A/C compressor started whining this past June. Still works and have not replaced it due to great expense.
- Brake calipers and cylinders needed to be replaced due to leaks.
Otherwise, car has had no other problems or needed repairs besides maintenance.
Overall, a fun little car, and as practical as you could expect for a little two-seater with a top that comes off.
Trunk has actual space and you can take a real trip in it. The integral storage for the top is great.
Really zippy with manual transmission. Also great gas mileage.
Interior is hard to clean.
Windshield seems to attract rocks.
Would be a great car were it not for the big problems above, and the fact that the original selling dealer gouged the price.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th September, 2004
29th Mar 2005, 10:12
I would agree with most of the comments. But I have not ever scene a del sol with a trunk latch. Can you tell me if there are models with this. Thanks.
DD.