1993-1997 Honda Civic del Sol: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
1997 Honda Civic del Sol
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1993-1997 Honda Civic del Sol
- Price Range: $900 - $4,100
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-1997 Honda Civic del Sol and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (Si and VTEC)
- Antilock brakes (VTEC)
- Fuel economy
- Steering/handling
Cons
- No antilock brakes for lesser models
- Cargo room
- Noise
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Replacing the departed CRX, Honda's uniquely styled, Civic-based 2-seat "semiconvertible" opens to the sun via a lift-off aluminum roof panel. Sharing front-drive running gear with Civics, del Sol was the first open Honda sold in the U.S. market. A 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine powered the base S model, while the sportier Si carried a 1.6-liter 125-horsepower four with variable valve timing. Five-speed manual and optional 4-speed automatic transmissions were available, and a driver-side airbag was standard. So were power windows and a tilt steering wheel.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Honda Civic del Sol Si 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 1 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-1997 Honda Civic del Sol. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-1997 Honda Civic del Sol.
Year to Year Changes
1994 Honda Civic:
Dual airbags were installed for '94. A VTEC edition joined the del Sol lineup, with a 160-horsepower twin-cam engine that featured variable-valve timing. The VTEC came only with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and rode a tauter suspension that included stiffer stabilizer cars and springs, and 195/60VR14 performance tires.
1995 Honda Civic:
Antilock braking became standard in the VTEC del Sol, but was unavailable in other models.
1996 Honda Civic:
A 106-horsepower, 1.6-liter engine went into the base S model for 1996, with either 5-speed manual shift or an automatic transmission. All del Sols gained a redesigned front bumper and air dam.
1997 Honda Civic:
No change was evident for 1997, which turned out to be the del Sol's final season.
Our road test for the 1993-1997 Honda Civic del Sol includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-1997 Honda Civic del Sol and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-1997 Honda Civic del Sol is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Fun to drive, the del Sol is an impressive performer--at least with manual shift. Acceleration ranks as good in the S model, enthusiastic in the midlevel Si, and downright inspiring in the high-performance VTEC. An early Si with manual shift sprinted to 60 mph from a standing start in just 8.8 seconds. Automatic-transmission and base-model performance are less pleasing. On the plus side, the tiny coupes handle well and maneuver nicely, with good chassis reflexes, helped by responsive power steering. All models are economical. Hard braking isn't so great, showing nosedive and only fair resistance to wheel lockup. Unlike most convertibles, wind buffeting is minimal with the top removed, but body flex and twisting are noticeable on rough roads. With the roof panel in place, the car feels more solid. However, early models had problems with the roof seal that caused water leaks and loud squeaks. Head room is good, leg room ample. Visibility would be fine, except that thick rear pillars create huge blind spots. Two locking bins are located behind the seats, accompanied by a small glovebox and a shallow center console bin. The dashboard ranks as excellent. The small, lightweight top lifts off and stows easily, but cuts into trunk space. Engine and road noise get rather strong.
Value for the Money
Any del Sol ranks as cheap and cheerful transportation, and might be worth a close look for that reason alone. Naturally, you also get Honda's well-deserved reputation for quality and dependability.
Any del Sol ranks as cheap and cheerful transportation, and might be worth a close look for that reason alone. Naturally, you also get Honda's well-deserved reputation for quality and dependability.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Honda Civic del Sol Si 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 1 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Honda Civic includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda Civic .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The air-conditioner condenser corrodes due allowing the refrigerant to leak out. (1994-95)
Blower motor:
The blower motor makes a high-pitched squeal, which only some people (and possibly dogs) can hear. (1994)
Climate control:
Temperature-control lever can be hard to move due to binding linkage for the air mix door. (1993-94)
Seatbelts/safety:
Seatbelts may not retract or may retract slowly. Also, the button that keeps the seatbelt tongue from sliding down breaks. The belts should be serviced under the Honda Lifetime Seat Belt Limited Warranty. (1993-97)
Water leak:
Water leaks into the trunk through the antenna mounting hole. (1993-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $465 |
| Alternator | $310 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $800 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $470 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $590 |
| Exhaust System | $405 |
| Radiator | $515 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $705 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $185 |
Our price chart for this generation Honda Civic details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| del Sol | $2,900-3,500 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| del Sol VTEC | $4,100-5,000 | $3,400-4,100 | $1,400-1,700 |
| 1996 | |||
| del Sol | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| del Sol VTEC | $3,500-4,300 | $2,800-3,400 | $900-1,200 |
| 1995 | |||
| Civic del Sol | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Civic del Sol VTEC | $2,900-3,700 | $2,200-2,800 | $700-900 |
| 1994 | |||
| Civic del Sol | $1,700-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $300 |
| Civic del Sol VTEC | $2,400-3,100 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1993 | |||
| Civic del Sol | $1,400-1,700 | $900-1,100 | $200 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Honda Civic include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 93.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 157.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 49.4 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2301 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 10.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.9 | |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Initially, the base S model carried a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the sportier Si held a 125-horsepower, 1.6-liter four with variable-valve timing. A 160-horsepower engine powered the VTEC model, added in 1994. The 1.5-liter engine disappeared after 1995, replaced by a 106-horsepower 1.6-liter four for the base S model. S and Si models had a standard 5-speed manual transmission, with 4-speed automatic optional. Only manual shift was available in the high-performance VTEC edition.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 1.5 / 91 | 102 | 98 | 5-speed manual: 35/41 4-speed automatic: 29/36 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 106 | 103 | 5-speed manual: 34/39 4-speed automatic: 29/36 |
5-speed manual: 35.1 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 125 | 106 | 5-speed manual: 30/36 4-speed automatic: 28/35 |
5-speed manual: 33.4 4-speed automatic: 28.9 |
| ohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 125 | 106 | 5-speed manual: 30/36 4-speed automatic: 28/35 |
5-speed manual: 33.4 4-speed automatic: 28.9 |
| dohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 160 | 111 | 5-speed manual: 26/30 | 5-speed manual: 25.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Honda Civic include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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