Honda Del Sol

Price Paid:  $15000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1997 VETC

Strengths:
Power Handeling Gas Mileage 29 city 36 highway

Weaknesses:
Cup holders location. Sun visors no side posistion No light in glove box. A slight leak in the trunk.

Summary:
162 horsepower,4wheel ABS a near 1G suspension all stock. Road and track says 7 sec 0 to 60 but I dispute that. The only shame is you have to go way out in the country to really drive this car. I've pegged the speedo 130mph and still wasn't into the red line on the tach. This is what Honda should have done from the beginning. I have driven all the different models of Del Sol and then the 97 VTEC. There is no comparison. This is a completely different car. Excellent. It took me a year to find one that hadn't been raced. Everyone should own a car like this. It is built to handle the speed. It handles well at all speeds. Porches alwasy seemed a little stiff and rear heavy at lower speeds.

Similar Products Used:
It reminds me of my 59 Alfa Spider only faster and more DEPENDABLE.

Strengths:
compact, quick, spacious, big trunk. oh....and the top...yeah, the top is kewl as #$%!

Weaknesses:
don't ever put a Prestige alarm on it. both my del sol and my friends prelude have one and they started going through batteries about every month. not fun. especially when you can't figure out why your battery is going dead.

Summary:
I love this car. I'm gettin' seriously screwed on my interest rate, but i couldn't have picked a better car to be "stuck" with. It was fun when i first got it, but then i started fixing it up....that was even more fun. I'm sooooooo suprised what this car can do. I have mine slammed, wheels, exhaust, the whole racing thing happening and i've taken quite a few "faster" cars, with ease. very spunky car. =) oh, and living in Texas...it gets really hot here....which is another good thing about this car....very little space to have to a/c....gets cold really quick.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $16500.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1997 Honda Del Sol

Strengths:
1.6L 160 hp VTEC Engine, 6900rpm Redline, Exelent Gas Mileage, Superior Handling, Hard-Top Convertible, Great Looks, Girls Love it.

Weaknesses:
Squeeky Roof, Poor Visibility (to other vehicles especialy trucks.)

Summary:
I consider myself very lucky to drive a Del Sol, especialy as my first car. This little car is so much fun to drive. With 160 HP and virtualy no weight, it gets around. The handling is exelent. This car is sporty enough to enjoy and play with, yet reliable enough to drive for years. The girls love it. I dislike Rag-Top Convertibles, because they are so prone to vandalizim and wear, so the Del Sol is a perfect solution. The Interior is ergonomic and suprisingly roomy. Although a certian amount of wear and tear is to be expected, individuals who complain about leaking roofs, usualy have bought a used car that has been washed with High Pressure water hoses (those often found in gas station car washes); The owners manual discourages this. I bought my Del Sol new in late 96' and have had no problems with leaks.

Similar Products Used:
Much more comfortable than Mazda Miata

Price Paid:  $12000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1997 Honda del Sol SI

Strengths:
Great top end 120mph+ on stock engine with auto tranny. Twisting mountain roads are no sweat at 30 over the posted limit. Targa top is great. Roll down back window also great. Lots of room once you get in the car. Very reliable, great milage. Even when getting on it. If you keep the car clean and follow the instructions about keeping the roof seals lubed it wont leak or rattle. Very fun to drive!

Weaknesses:
Hard to get in. Automatic is a little soft off the line. No where to put my skis or golf clubs. It's easy to find yourself going 80 without realizing it.

Summary:
I drive my del Sol all over Colorado. It's fine in the snow. On dry mountain roads this car handles great. The worst milage I've gotten is 27mpg on a 100mph+ trip from Dever to Colorado Springs. Normally it gets at least 32mpg. My del Sol doesn't squeak, rattle or leak. The blind spot isn't all that bad either. To bad they quit making them. Everyone that has ridden in my car is suprised to find out that it only has a four cylinder engine.

Similar Products Used:
No other car in it's price range comes close.

Price Paid:  $7500.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1997 Del Sol Si modified

Strengths:
Love the take off with the new engine which was installed before i bought it. Overall stance and look of the car. Dependability, and gas mileage.

Weaknesses:
Stupid little Sun visors and weird placed cup holders.

Summary:
I recommend it because of its low price, not many people own one since they were only made from 93-97, and great gas mileage, and cornering fun

Similar Products Used:
Mazda Miata, or Mazda Rx-7, I like it more than the Miata, but it can't outrun an Rx-7