When the sun is shining, a convertible is one of life's more delicious automotive pleasures. In the dead of winter, on the other hand, even a well-lined convertible can seem damp and cold.
One compromise for this classic ragtop dilemma is the del Sol, Honda's entertaining little shoe box without a lid. With its removable targa roof panel, it supplies plenty of open-air motoring, with a substantial weatherproof environment for off-season cruising. Available in performance levels ranging from good to gee-whiz, the del Sol offers relatively inexpensive fun in a Honda package.
Honda originally called this car the Civic del Sol because it shares a number of components with the popular Civic family. However, for 1995, it's simply the del Sol, as Honda attempts to give this car a separate image.
The del Sol inhabits the cute end of the sports-car spectrum. Low, round and curvy, it has an endearing toylike demeanor, particularly when it's painted honda's eye-catching grasshopper green (sort of a metallic Fisher-Price). Up front, aerodynamic quartz halogen headlights sharpen its looks, especially with the optional round auxiliary lights. The overall impression is teddy bear rather than tiger.
The car's defining characteristic, of course, is its targa roof. By removing the large roof panel, you can enjoy top-down motoring with less buffeting than in a convertible. Considerable attention has gone into managing airflow around the car, from the raked windshield to the flying buttress pillars at the rear of the roof. The result is a civilized open sports car that lets you sit up and listen to the music, too. A novel rear window that goes up and down offers an additional way to adjust the airflow.
Another nice touch is the cleverly designed rack that's mounted under the trunk lid for storing the roof panel rattle-free. The rack lifts with the trunk lid, always allowing access to the surprisingly generous trunk space. Trunk capacity is 10.5 cu. ft. empty - only 1 cu. ft. less than the Civic Coupe; the del Sol's trunk capacity is 8.3 cu. ft. with the roof stowed.
The roof panel releases rather easily with just two levers. And though the panel itself is relatively light, it is awkwardly large. Unless you have the arms of a chimpanzee, you will probably need help stowing it.
The del Sol comes in three trim levels, indistinguishable from the exterior except for the badging. The base 1.5-liter S model is powered by a 102-hp 4-cylinder engine, the same engine found in the estimable Honda Civic. The 1.6-liter Si and top-of-the-line VTEC models are powered by single and double overhead cam versions of Honda's technologically advanced VTEC engine with variable valve timing, producing 125 hp and 160 hp, respectively.
Our test car was the del Sol VTEC, which we consider to be the quickest car in its class. It retails at the high end of the del Sol price range: $19,550.
Hondas have the reputation of being mass-market cars that are also driver's cars, and the del Sol is no exception. Everything about the interior related to driving is purposeful and well-done. The comfortable, contoured bucket seats hold you securely. The pedals, shifter, footrest and controls are all simple and well-placed, with a tactile sense.
The instrument panel and dashboard are refreshingly gadget-free. The speedometer and standard tachometer are framed by the steering wheel. An arched hood over the instrument panel holds rocker switches for the cruise control, auxiliary lights, rear defroster and hazard lights. The simple stalk-mounted lights and wipers are stock Honda pieces, as is the straightforward climate-control system.
Other aspects of the interior are less ergonomically pleasing. The ashtray is tucked on the side of the center console where you are more likely to burn your hip than stub out your cigarette. Reaching the center storage compartment to swap cassettes requires an awkward up-and-behind motion of the driver's arm. The cupholder rack is part of the storage compartment lid (a dubious idea in itself) and it requires a two-part maneuver to release it. (It's almost easier to take off the roof panel.)
