1997 Honda del Sol Si from North America

Summary:

This car reminds me every time I drive it why I love Honda's!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car so far. But, I've only owned it a week. So far, I've taken it on 3 trips of over 100 miles each and I have gotten incredible gas mileage - in the mid to upper 30's.

General Comments:

This car is a total blast to drive. The smallish profile and tight suspension make it handle like a go-cart more than a car. Of course the downside is looking out the drivers side window and seeing the bumpers of semi at eye-level.

The interior lighting is very poor - worst I've ever seen in a "modern" auto.

The seats aren't super comfortable either. But they are certainly acceptable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2004

1997 Honda del Sol ESi 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A perfect car for a niche market!

Faults:

Leak from front top corner of driver's window.

Electric roof temperamental, especially if it hasn't been used for a while.

Carpet wearing prematurely on passenger side footwell.

Boot was leaking on left side when car was acquired.

Road noise can be excessive at times.

General Comments:

This is my third Honda and I can't ever see the need to consider buying from another car manufacturer.

The Del Sol or Civic CRX as it is referred to in the UK is a perfect little coupe; sporty, excellent road holding, and great handling.

The "classic" design is well considered and the car is unlikely to date quickly - I loved it from the moment I set eyes on it!

I found that the seats and driving position take a little getting used to, but after a few weeks of ownership it feels like you're in the cockpit of a jet fighter - with performance to match!

The electric boot and roof are real attention-grabbers and I think the design is perfect (no drafty breeze when roof is off and windows are up).

Cabin is comfortable and well appointed although I miss not having a console dimmer switch for night driving.

Locks for interior storage compartments would have been a nice feature.

On the whole, this is a fantastic car which I hope will last a long time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th March, 2003

1997 Honda del Sol S 1.6L SOHC from North America

Summary:

Speed, handling, convertible and Honda. Need I say more?

Faults:

I've only had to replace the muffler, but that's because I managed to rip it completely off going over a rather large dip in the road. I was very unhappy as you can imagine, a Honda dealership quoted me $177 for a new muffler. I was able to pick it up from CarQuest for just $76, so after a quick trip to CarQuest and about 20 minutes I was back on the road.

General Comments:

I was very impressed with the agility and responsiveness of my del Sol, even with the stock 13" wheels that come on the S model it sticks to turns like glue.

The S model has a 104hp 1.6l single over head cam engine, and even though it tops out at just under 120mph you'll find its eagerness to get you there quite impressive.

The interior is very comfertable and spacious, the trunk has a generous ten cubic feet of storage space and an amazing eight cubic feet when the roof is stowed. Oh yes, another wonderful feature of this already awesome car.

The only one thing that I don't like about the vehicle is where they placed the oil filter, it's on the back of the motor just above the engine block. So when you change the oil it spills down the back of the engine which smells rather nasty for a few hours afterwards.

I've heard of the roofs leaking after a while, but if you lubricate the seals like your supposed to then you'll never have a problem with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th June, 2002

1997 Honda del Sol S from North America

Summary:

The most fun, reliable car I've ever owned

Faults:

Since I have had the car, nothing has gone wrong. I actually haven't even been maintaining it as I should. I've driven almost 10,000 miles and have yet to give it an oil change!

When trying to clean it it gets a little crampy. It also gets especially dusty after having the top down a few days. But nothing a little Armorol can't fix!

General Comments:

This is such a fun car. The most fun car I have ever owned, and probably will own since I have to pay for it for 5 more years.

It is very fast, which is to be expected for a car that weighs less than a ton and carries only two people. My Honda is very fun to race. Racing is a big thing here in California.

It is going to look so much more awesome when I get rims, a lowering kit, a body kit, and a commando spoiler.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th July, 2001

29th Oct 2002, 18:12

Why would you destroy a perfectly good car by performing those modifications?

23rd Jun 2004, 21:00

I agree with him ^. If I had one of those I would Leave it the same.

9th Dec 2005, 19:12

By keeping your Del Sol original, it will maintain its value much more. Think about it, a piece of art made by an artist, famous or not, once modified from its original state, looses a great deal of value. It is your car, do what you want, but when I see an antique car on the street, I appreciate it much more when it is kept to it original state as much as possible. Please for the sake of this car soon to become a legend, keep it original. I cannot count on my hands and toes how many people I know who would liked to buy a Del Sol.