1997 Honda Civic del Sol Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Some people were disappointed to learn that 1997 was the last year Honda presented the del Sol sports car. Those who drive it really enjoy the power, handling, comfort, and trunk space.
In addition owners agree it's a fun car to drive. The removable top is quite manageable at about 40 pounds, and it fits very nicely into the trunk without taking up too much storage space. Other owner-appreciated features include an excellent heating and air conditioning system and its effective combination of sports fashion and economy.
This car is highly recommended, with the only complaints I found being its small glove compartment, an antenna that requires replacement, and the fact that Honda doesn't make it anymore.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1997 Honda Civic del Sol
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Daniel B
Oct 22, 2010
car is not fast whatsoever but it is a blast to drive when you lower it it handles like a beast not bad to look at and for anyone that has owned a honda they know they are cheap to fix Oct 22, 2010
by Phille M
Oct 03, 2010
two seat, cheap, and fast sports car. only bad thing at the car is that with the years they become rusty. and start to consume oil. vtec is pure sex, 5.5k rpm engine goes open and the beast starts goingOct 03, 2010
by Ben S
Feb 23, 2010
I own the S coupe. That's the base model
with ~106 horsepower at the crank. The
D16Y7 engine used on the S models in 1996
and 1997 is the same as the respective
year
LX Civics. The "D" Honda engines are
notoriously reliable and make fair power
while maintaining gas mileage. Honda
eliminated power steering on the S
models,
giving more power and response. I really
ended up liking NOT having PS more. The
del
Sol is extremely light, and I average
upwards of 37+ mpg city/hwy combined. I
don't drive on the highway much, mostly
55mph zones.
Appearance is very pleasing. The
removable
top goes right on a rack in the
surprisingly large trunk. The rack
releases
and goes up to access the trunk below
without having to be take the targa out
of
its storage rack. The quality of the car
is
excellent. Newer models ('95+?) have
lockable storage compartments behind the
seats which come in handy. The rest of
the
interior is well appointed with A/C,
smooth
manual transmission, full gauge cluster,
center compartment, and power windows.
The
rear window also goes down for that
"convertible feel."
Overall, the car is a blast to drive.
It's
fun, sporty, quick for a 4 cylinder due
to
its light weight, and very economical in
respect to repairs and gas mileage. I
drive
mine in the winter and summer commuting
over 50 miles one way. (and I love it!)
P.S.-- Opt for the Si or VTEC model if
you
can. Watch the prices, because the
standard
Si is still VTEC and is a single over
head
cam (SOHC) D16 engine, but the VTEC del
Sol
is a DOHC VTEC or "B16" which produces
about 160hp in respect to the Si's 125.
The
resale values of the VTEC del Sols are
significantly higher so don't be sold on
an
Si as a VTEC.Feb 23, 2010
User rating:
by Daniel B
Oct 22, 2010
car is not fast whatsoever but it is a blast to drive when you lower it it handles like a beast not bad to look at and for anyone that has owned a honda they know they are cheap to fix Oct 22, 2010
by Phille M
Oct 03, 2010
two seat, cheap, and fast sports car. only bad thing at the car is that with the years they become rusty. and start to consume oil. vtec is pure sex, 5.5k rpm engine goes open and the beast starts goingOct 03, 2010
by Ben S
Feb 23, 2010
I own the S coupe. That's the base model
with ~106 horsepower at the crank. The
D16Y7 engine used on the S models in 1996
and 1997 is the same as the respective
year
LX Civics. The "D" Honda engines are
notoriously reliable and make fair power
while maintaining gas mileage. Honda
eliminated power steering on the S
models,
giving more power and response. I really
ended up liking NOT having PS more. The
del
Sol is extremely light, and I average
upwards of 37+ mpg city/hwy combined. I
don't drive on the highway much, mostly
55mph zones.
Appearance is very pleasing. The
removable
top goes right on a rack in the
surprisingly large trunk. The rack
releases
and goes up to access the trunk below
without having to be take the targa out
of
its storage rack. The quality of the car
is
excellent. Newer models ('95+?) have
lockable storage compartments behind the
seats which come in handy. The rest of
the
interior is well appointed with A/C,
smooth
manual transmission, full gauge cluster,
center compartment, and power windows.
The
rear window also goes down for that
"convertible feel."
Overall, the car is a blast to drive.
It's
fun, sporty, quick for a 4 cylinder due
to
its light weight, and very economical in
respect to repairs and gas mileage. I
drive
mine in the winter and summer commuting
over 50 miles one way. (and I love it!)
P.S.-- Opt for the Si or VTEC model if
you
can. Watch the prices, because the
standard
Si is still VTEC and is a single over
head
cam (SOHC) D16 engine, but the VTEC del
Sol
is a DOHC VTEC or "B16" which produces
about 160hp in respect to the Si's 125.
The
resale values of the VTEC del Sols are
significantly higher so don't be sold on
an
Si as a VTEC.Feb 23, 2010
by Ashton B
Dec 22, 2009
great car, did a lot to it. needs a little work has huge potential. JDM are all made well. and honda's are really easy to get parts for. and vtec engines are awesome. untill I'm 18 I can only drive one person so a 2 seater is perfect.Dec 22, 2009
by Kata M
Dec 14, 2009
the acceleration is good, braking good and handling so so. Very good quality. Very pretty foreign appearance, but it would modernize it a bit within. It doesn't consume very much combustible and his maintenance is expensive. It is very enterteining to lead this car.Dec 14, 2009
by Samantha P
Dec 01, 2009
I have had no problems with my vehicle. It is rather
old but it has NEVER failed me (knock on wood). I
would definitely recommend this car to anyone. Plus,
with the economy its good gas mileage is a plus!Dec 01, 2009
by Michael M
Oct 17, 2009
i like the size and how smooth it handles a turns.
performance the dseries in these are alright if you
want to do a build otherwise the b16a1 in the vtec
version is much more spirited. build quality needs
to have had better weather stripping other than that
perfect. smooth design and functional. gas milage
is about 30-40 with the parts i have on it. fun
factor 1-10 how mine is set up a 100Oct 17, 2009
by Rachel R
Jun 16, 2009
I bought this car as Honda build quality is excellent, and the CRX is so much fun
to drive. Forget your airbags and anti this that and the other, new cars just
arent fun anymore. Take 1 CRX, add some decent suspension and wheels -
point it at a corner hold the gas pedal down, and simply point and hang on.
This is my 3rd CRX and bang for buck you cant go past them. Easy to work on,
oodles of information on mods and aftermarket parts and cheap to run.
What more could you possibly want other than a factory turbo or B18C / B18CT
version!Jun 16, 2009
by Iam K
Sep 03, 2008
Good Car NiceLooks,good for Night Drives and Clubbing,the should have worked on the lights though,its very low profile thats good and bad at the same time.good because there is lot of legspace and bad because one will have to get use to while entering and sitting inside the car as well as getting out of it,its a bit difficult for most.Sep 03, 2008
by Justin H
Jul 24, 2008
Its a little 2 seater convertable, why wouldnt you love it, the top goes off and on in under 10 secs. Other cars with targa tops take forever like supra take 5 mins to take the targa off, wth is that about.
the car also get between 30-36 mpg and has a top speed of 119 governed, the car is fun to drive.Jul 24, 2008
by Emanuel O
May 03, 2008
Owned it for about a month so far and its amazingMay 03, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 13, 2008
removeable top, rear window goes down and its a blast to drive
big trunk space and very cleanMar 13, 2008
by Josh Z
Jan 29, 2008
Owned mine 4 years now and absolutely love it. Jan 29, 2008
What users have asked
getting no electrical power to my 1997 honda del sol...
to my question... im getting no electrical power at all... I had key in on position to check radio and other items.. but when turned key to get started, the electrical went out...so im getting no electrical power to anything, like the windows, locks, radio... charged battery and still no electrical problem.. what can it be.. needing help
328 views
Crankshaft P ully bolt
Where can I find a crankshaft pully bolt for my 97 honda del sol. For example does lows or home depot carry bolts exsactly the same? I tried autozone,advanced,and O'Reilly, but i heard lows or home depot might habe that in stock. I ordered one but it doesnt cone till Nov,29,18 and i need my car back up
28 views
97 Honda Del Sol standard not starting
Took starter out and had it tested, it's good. Battery is less than a year old. It started by popping the clutch but not by trying to jump it. It clicks at the fuse box when trying to start but doesn't crank. All my lights, air, and m radio works. What should I look at next? Thank you!
129 views
turn key, engine cranks and start to turn over, but will not start
115k miles, was fine yesterday
669 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1997 Honda Civic del Sol?Compare this car
1997 Honda Civic del Sol Pricing
Original MSRP
$15,475 to $19,995Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Roof
Convertible roof: targa roof
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: power vertical
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Convertible roof: targa roof
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: power vertical
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Convertible roof: targa roof
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: power vertical
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent