The two generations of Honda CR-X earned critical acclaim for their light weight and tossable handling. But when it came time to replace the second generation CR-X, Honda went in a different direction. Despite this, in many markets the Civic del Sol was badged CR-X.
The first two generations of CR-X were two-seater, three-door hatchbacks but the del Sol was a two-door “openable coupe”. Although it appeared to be a conventional coupe, albeit one with a peculiarly long and flat rear deck, the del Sol actually had a removable aluminum roof panel and a power rear window. With the roof panel removed and the window down, the del Sol offered convertible-style motoring.
Trick roof aside – and some Japanese market models had an even trickier folding, electric “TransTop” – the del Sol was similar in execution to the old CR-X in that it was based on the Civic platform, had a comfortable and high-quality interior, and was available with a rev-happy VTEC engine. However, the del Sol weighed a significant 300 pounds more than the CR-X. This had an effect on performance, particularly of the base 1.5, 102 hp four. However, the optional VTEC 1.6 produced 125 hp and 106 ft-lbs, up 17 hp and 6 ft-lbs from the previous CR-X’s flagship engine. But that wasn’t the only increase with the del Sol: prices also went up by around $4k. That was a hefty jump and thrust the del Sol deeper into the white-hot compact sport coupe market. While its open-air ability was nice, those seeking excellent handling and an open-air experience could have purchased a Miata for the same price as the del Sol Si 1.6.
While the del Sol is not without its fans – understandable, given its basic Honda goodness and quirky character – there are still some enthusiasts who see it as a poor sequel to a successful franchise. The running time of this sequel was long, however, with the openable coupe sold from 1993 until 1998. Echoing the fortunes of its rivals, sales waned as Clinton entered his second term: by 1997, sales were down to a fifth of the del Sol’s debut year tally of 25k. The original CR-X was a novel idea and so was the del Sol, but would a continuation of the CR-X’s mission have made for a more successful sequel?
Before we knew she was expecting, my then new wife and I considered a CR-X – might’ve bought one if it hadn’t been for the obnoxious take it or leave it attitude of the Honda dealer. The MRSP plus substantial “Honda Tax” was basically non-negotiable! The Dodge GLH worked better anyway as a baby-hauler – though I had a co-worker who figured out a way to mount a car seat in the back of her CR-X. Now that a Del Sol would make a great summertime fun car they’ve all been “stanced” or Fast & Furioused into junk. Shame it’s so tough to find a nice Del Sol, I drove buddy’s with the top open and quite enjoyed it. I don’t mind cars with just enough power 🙂
I owned a bought-new 1984 CRX 1.5 for ten years and loved the car. I drove a Del Sol and found it to be not as responsive in its handling, less practical, and it rattled. I was pretty much turned off by the Del Sol, and I still feel that is it was not a real replacement for a CRX.
I don’t know what the sales figures were for the CRX/Del Sol, but CRXs never sold in the numbers that their reputation would indicate. They developed a hugely devoted following and much noise has been made about them since they left the market but I don’t recall seeing them in huge numbers, unlike the Fiero.
If you wanted a sporty Honda, the Integra came along and basically killed whatever market the CRX may have had, and the Prelude was also an excellent two seat (yes, it had a parcel shelf with nominal seating for two but it was really a two seater) alternative.
Geo Storms were actually popular as an alternative.
Honda dealers up until the mid 00s really did have the take it with the TruCoat and Wheel Locks and Mud flaps or get out mentality. Very unpleasant and expensive purchase experiences.
When Honda introduced the CRX in the US in late 1983, demand went through the roof and the car became an instant cult item. Remember, this is when Japanese importers were still operating under “voluntary” import restrictions. Dealers couldn’t keep them in stock and unless you were winning to pay thousands over list, you had to get on a waiting list. I know dealers who were asking over $10,000 on a $6,600 car for instant delivery. I waited four months for mine and even then, I didn’t get the color I originally wanted. The good part is that I only paid $400 over list and that seemed like a bargain at the time. I also managed to evade all the add-on crap that some dealers were installing.
Back then Johnstown, PA Toyota and Honda dealers were getting customers from the DC Beltway area because they were only demanding $400.00 ADM instead of the $1200.00 which was normal if you were damned fool enough to buy one down there.
As someone who has never, and will never, pay over sticker for anything; ownership of one of these was never considered.
Did your dealers add the Gold Badges pack? So tacky!
I always thought the styling on these was a bit derivative, but I guess it would be more accurate to say that some of the Del Sol’s styling cues were copied by other manufacturers.
It also has that huge roof pillar that makes these look like a modern 914 or X1/9….too bad Honda didn’t copy Toyota’s MR2 and make the D-S a true mid engined roadster.
I never ran into a bad Honda dealer while living in Memphis in the 90s-00s, just the opposite. I broke down in my Civic near a Honda dealer that did NOT sell me my car. They were extremely helpful, and I am assuming were hoping I would remember them when/if I replaced that car.
Toyota dealers, in my experience are hugely obnoxious and refuse to bargain, even on used cars.
For those curious, this gives you an idea how the TransTop operated:
Here’s a video of the top in action:
Wow, how Rube Goldberg. I had no idea that’s how they worked, thanks for posting that.
Ok, that’s cool. Automatic storage and retrieval for the top – unique. I used to design automated distribution centers – this has quite a lot in common with some of the equipment we used.
I seem to remember, but maybe not, that you could get a fabric roof panel for this car….perhaps through the aftermarket? Or maybe I’m thinking of some other car?
I’ve never seen or heard of that on the Del Sol. The current 991 series 911 Targas have a metal roof panel covered in fabric, so possibly that’s what you are thinking of?
My ex girlfriends parents bought her a new ’84 CRX as a graduation present. She loved that car, but sadly a Suburban ended its life…
I always thought this car was a strange turn for Honda. It missed the CRX crowd, and the Miata was so much more appealing as a 2-seat roadster. Sort of a front-engined Japanese take on a Fiat X1/9, some 20 years after the original…
The other funny detail of the car was the seat pattern, with the “body colored” upholstery stripe running down the middle of the seat back and cushion. Made for a rather unfortunate look the way the stripe would appear between the occupants legs…
I had a 1990 Civic SI coupe which I thought was much more practical and usable than the CRX. It was just as fast and handled just as well. This remains one of my all time favorite cars. A lady at work had a Del Sol for years. I preferred the looks and utility of the CRX hatchback over the Del Sol.
The magic ‘H’ badge couldn’t save this one…(besides-the green ones reminded me of tree frogs)
Fairly or not, these got the “chick car” label slapped on them pretty quickly. Despite some of the CRX models having rather low power ratings (the fuel miser HF had something like 65 HP I think) they just seemed more “serious” in their sporting demeanor. Just the same, the open top was a nice idea–kind of the logical follow-up to the T-top of the 80’s.
Buddy in insurance told me that these have remarkable values for cars so old. He had to pay out on one.
For what it’s worth I’m gonna be celebrating owning this one 20 years on May 9th. Bought new as a year old (95) leftover back in 96.
That shot in the Valley makes the poor car look like the sort of vehicle owned by the sellers of fine crystalline substances….
I was enamored with these when they first came out – Civic bones and drivetrain, “open air”…
I got my first administrative job and went down to the Honda dealer to order an Si; 6-8 week wait list at full msrp. Unfortunately during that wait time we had a catastrophic family event and my attention and money needed to divert that way for the next several years. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be….but I still pine for the Del Sol….