Every once in a while a car comes along that just makes you stop, stare and gaze in amazement. Vehicles like the city conquering original Smart car, both the Lotus Exige and Elise as stripped out road racers. And ultimately the quirky Honda CR-X Del Sol with its almost magical, optional electric sliding roof.
An engineering wonder, the Transtop version of the quirky CR-X Del Sol could stun a crowd into silence as it did its thing, even when parked up next to the likes of the gorgeous Ferrari F355. Once those Honda roof electrics started to whir, and the top slid away, the hot-blooded Italian wouldn't get a second glance.
Despite not being as well revered as the CR-X that came before it, the Del Sol offers up a different kind of driving experience. Whether its driver pops out the Targa panels or gets the Transtop to slide away, open-top motoring has never been so much fun. Considered something of a left-field choice for fans of Japanese sports cars, here are eight things we love about the Honda CR-X Del Sol, and two reasons why we wouldn't buy one.
10 Time For Something Different
The CR-X Del Sol was the first open-top Honda to be sold in North America. It was vastly different from the car that it replaced and offered convertible thrills on a lower budget. Honda identified a gap in the market, and the Del Sol was their answer.
Boasting a funky design, the Del Sol was a fresh idea aimed at younger drivers. It combined modern styling with a playful chassis, whilst offering a range of frugal yet fun engines. It also came in a range of bold, bright colors.
9 Uber Cool Features
Like something out of a spy film, the impressive Honda Transtop roof would automatically slide away at the press of a button. Unlike any other convertible, its operation was unique, and something that needed to be seen to be believed.
Strictly a two-seater, the Del Sol was sportily trimmed. Inside it was basic yet functional, offering comfort and durability. Whilst the low-slung driving position and short wheelbase all add to the overall experience. It's just great fun to drive.
8 Playful Engine Choices
Offered with a selection of both 1.5-liter and 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engines, the CR-X Del Sol could cater to most needs. A low specification 1.5-liter model would provide frugality and ample performance for drivers on a stricter budget.
Generating 102hp, the SOHC 1.5-liter engine was good for 60 mph in 10 seconds. Stepping up to a larger 1.6-liter SOHC unit would give the driver 125hp and an improved 0-60mph dash time of 9 seconds. Both offered spritely performance.
7 It's Got To Be A VTEC
When ordered with Honda's glorious 1.6-liter VTEC engine, the CR-X Del Sol finally got the power it deserved. Pumping out 168hp, the SiR-badged cars loved to rev. Keep the throttle planted, and they would happily scream through to a 7200rpm redline.
Having plenty of fire in its belly, the SiR could scramble to 60mph in 7.1 seconds. This put the little CR-X Del Sol firmly into hot hatch territory. It also went toe-to-toe with the naturally aspirated Toyota MR2, a car that lacked the awesome VTEC buzz.
6 Bye-Bye Back Seats
Having ditched its rear seating, the Del Sol became a dedicated two-seater. This allowed more space for the fancy roof mechanism in the Transtop models, plus gave a fairly practical trunk space. It also shaved a few pounds off the curb weight.
Practically compromised, the CR-X Del Sol was a car that was bought to be enjoyed, not used as a cart-horse. There was nothing better than ditching the roof on a sunny day. Before stretching that terrific, buzzy engine to its limits on an open road.
5 The Spiritual Baby NSX
Using a clean sheet of paper, the designers wanted to make the CR-X Del Sol into a baby Honda NSX. A two-seater sports car that performed exceptionally well and looked fantastic. Shrinking the shape and feel of the NSX down was no mean feat.
Unlike the NSX, the Del Sol isn't a mid-engined supercar. What it is though is an NSX in spirit. All of the same thinking and ideas that went into the mighty NSX are present in the CR-X Del Sol. Just on a smaller, lower-powered scale.
4 It's A Tuneable Terror
Despite the 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC putting out respectable power and performance figures, there are those that want more. Getting more power from the Del Sol comes in a variety of options. A quick cam change can give circa 200hp.
Wilder modifications like the insertion of a turbocharger can seriously pump up the power. Slap on a body kit and what you have is a 250hp tiny terror that will crack its way to 60mph in a little over 6 seconds. That's true potential for the taking.
3 Cheap JDM Fun Awaits
The CR-X Del Sol hasn't rocketed in value like the cars that came before it. Thanks to this, decent examples can still be bought for sensible money. This gives the basis for a great project, or just a rad daily driver if left stock.
Mechanically, the Del Sol runs on tried and tested components and should prove reliable. The engines are common Honda range fitments and spares are easy to find. There are also plenty of off-the-shelf upgrades available.
2 They're Just Not That Good
On paper and in the showroom, the fancy roof looked great. In reality, it cost a fortune to put right when it broke. The manual Targa roof panels are also no better. They leaked like sieves and would cause all sorts of issues for the driver.
As a perceived performance car, the CR-X Del Sol is also a massive letdown. Nowhere near as agile or inspiring as its predecessor, it's also underpowered. There are far better cars to spend your money on than a lackluster Del Sol.
1 An Embarrassment To The Badge
To even think that Honda designed the Del Sol with the same principles in mind as the mighty NSX is just baffling. It achieves the opposite of what they set out to do. The Del Sol is one Honda badged performance car that the company should buy up and bury.
At a Honda sports car reunion, the little CR-X Del Sol should seek out the nearest corner and hide in shame. To even think that it came from the same bloodline as anything wearing a Type-R badge is just unbelievable. At least Honda learned from their mistakes.