1996 Honda del Sol

Very Satisfied with my little Del Sol

By KawiKatie (CT) on Thursday, May 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 77,000

Pros: "convertible, roomy, fun to drive, sips gas"

Cons: "hard to get out of, old school door locks"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

first week home

"Trying to squirrel some money away I decided to sell my current car for around $11,000 and pay off debts and find another car for around $5000. I wanted a gas sipper that was fun to drive. Well I found it. Got lucky, it was low miles and in pretty nice shape. I fixed the bodywork and put a new set of tires on it, oil & plugs, etc...and been smiling ever since. I took a cross country trip with it and averaged 34 mpg. Around town in stop and go I only average around 30 mpg (it's an automatic, not a stick)(but it does take regular not premium thank god!). Its a 1994 and in one year I plan to put a vintage plate on it! It's really nice being a hard top convertible, easy to take the top off and on, stores quickly in the trunk and still leaves plenty of room for the groceries! The only thing is its a bit tough to get out of, being so low to the ground, but not complaining. It's way more roomier than the mazda miata we used to have. It's hard to find a sporty car that doesn't break the bank, but I achieved it."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great Little 2-Seater

By Nate (AZ) on Friday, November 09, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 106,000

Pros: "When the sun comes out the top comes off!"

Cons: "Not a year-round car for the snowbelt."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

better seats

"I bought my '97 SI used with over 100,000 miles more than a year ago. I normally wouldn't buy a used car with so many miles but it's a Honda and there aren't a lot of these around especially with low miles that haven't been molested by young drivers. The engine bay is almost identical to that of my '93 Civic so i knew it would be easy to maintain and repair. The stock seats were not comfortable so i replaced them with a set from an S2000. Got the car painted which included replacing most of the weatherstripping. If you are buying a Del Sol carefully check the condition of the weatherstipping as you can easily spend several hundred dollars replacing just the biggest pieces. If it's torn up or deteriorated negotiate a lower price. Also try to find a car with some dealer service records. The car handles very nicely even with the ugly 14" factory wheels. I will be upgrading to larger wheels and better rotors and brake calipers. 127 HP is adequate in this small car especially when you sit so low to the ground. If you want a hot rod look for the VTEC model which requires premium gas or, better yet, buy an S2000. I get 38-40 mpg when highway commuting to work and using regular grade gas. Being a convertible and a Honda, a well-cared for Del Sol should hold it's value. There will always be a demand for these fun, reliable cars."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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fun to drive great with taga top off

By parrotthead (FL) on Sunday, October 07, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 200,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Fun, kind of fast,0 to 60 6 sec ,top off lots of fun. I've been asked to to sell this car for 3500 dollars. I only paid $1400. 30 mpg . Tuner guys love the 1600 cc dohc motor."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Best value car!!

By Mr.K (TX) on Friday, September 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 192,000

Pros: "fun to drive with less money for gas"

Cons: "it's small"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have own this car for 3 years, and so lucky because the previous owner did very well maintenance. It's reliable, save gas, and exactly save my money! I really love it; It runs very fast in a city and really save gas on highway"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Best car ever!

By Judy (DE) on Thursday, August 02, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 173,000

Pros: "Fun to drive, roof goes in the huge trunk"

Cons: "No cons"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've had this car for 17 years. It has so reliable and fun to drive. I don't really want to tradeit in. If I'm able to keep it and get a used car I will do that. I'm checking with a place that works on older Hondas to see what different things would cost if they ever need a repair on this del Sol. It has needed very little past regular oil changes, tires & gas. I feel God has blessed me with this car."

13 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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I Love This Car and always Will!

By Fun with my Baby (NJ) on Saturday, March 24, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 148,000

Pros: "What can I say it's a honda! I will miss her!"

Cons: "to low to the ground I can't climb out these days."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought the car new in 1993. Loved it then and Love it now. Going to sell her. It is so hard to part with that car. Not my first car, but the first car I fell in love with. Great to drive, handles the curves easy, GREAT in the snow, steering wheel a bit tight on the parallel parking. Over all the best purchase I ever made. Great dependability. Just a fun car, and didn't mind driving at all!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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