How Much Is a 1997 Honda Del Sol Worth in 2025?

A 1997 Honda Del Sol typically sells for about $3,000 to $18,000 in the U.S. as of 2025, depending heavily on trim (S or Si), mileage, originality, and condition; exceptional, low-mile Si examples can push toward $18,000–$20,000, while rare non-U.S. VTEC versions or top-tier builds can command $18,000–$28,000 or more. Values reflect a stabilized market after the pandemic-era spike, with clean, unmodified cars remaining in strongest demand.

What Is the 1997 Del Sol and Why It Matters

The 1997 model year was the last for the Civic del Sol in the United States, a targa-top two-seater derived from the EG/EK-era Civic platform. In the U.S., 1997s were sold as S and Si; the higher-performance DOHC VTEC trim was not offered stateside that year (though similar models existed in other markets and in earlier years). As 1990s Japanese sport compacts gain collector attention, the final-year status, rust-free bodies, low miles, and originality have become key value drivers.

Current Price Ranges (U.S.)

The following ranges reflect typical private-party and online auction results observed through 2024 and into 2025, adjusted for condition, mileage, documentation, and originality. Actual sale prices can vary by region and listing quality.

• Running project or driver in rough cosmetic condition (S/Si, high mileage, needs mechanical or cosmetic work, aftermarket mods, rust present): $3,000–$6,000
• Solid daily-driver condition (S/Si, generally stock or lightly modified, clean title, typical wear, 120k–180k miles): $7,500–$12,500
• Excellent, low-mile Si with records (largely original paint/interior, under roughly 90k miles, minimal rust, 5-speed): $12,500–$18,000
• Outliers and top-tier examples (non-U.S. 1997 VTEC or earlier U.S. VTEC in exceptional shape, show-quality restorations, highly documented low miles, tasteful period-correct mods): $18,000–$28,000+

These brackets capture the bulk of transactions. Truly exceptional or unusual cars can sell above the high end, while cars with major needs, salvage titles, or significant rust can fall below the low end.

Regional and Trim Nuances

In the U.S., the 1997 lineup consisted of the S and Si; the coveted DOHC VTEC (B16) variant was not offered for 1997 in the U.S. market. Canada and some other regions saw different equipment mixes, and earlier U.S. model years did offer the VTEC trim. Right-hand-drive imports and non-U.S. VTEC versions can carry premiums for enthusiasts, but registration, emissions, and insurance considerations vary by state or province and can affect pricing.

Factors That Move the Price

Several elements can swing a Del Sol’s value by thousands. Understanding these will help you evaluate a specific car or set a realistic asking price.

• Mileage and documentation: Lower, verifiable miles with service records add confidence and value; odometer inconsistencies or missing history reduce it.
• Originality vs. modifications: Unmodified cars generally command premiums. Period-correct, reversible mods may be tolerated; hard-to-reverse changes or engine swaps narrow the buyer pool.
• Transmission: The 5-speed typically brings more money than the automatic, particularly on Si models.
• Rust and body integrity: Check rear quarter panels, rocker panels, wheel arches, floor pans, windshield frame, and trunk/spare-tire well. Rust repair quality matters as much as presence.
• Top, seals, and water ingress: Targa-top seals and drainage must be healthy. Leaks can damage interiors and electronics; fresh weatherstripping and proof of dry storage help value.
• Accident history and title status: Clean, accident-free titles are worth more; branded/salvage titles depress values significantly.
• Mechanical health and correctness: Smooth engine operation, no CELs, strong compression, proper VTEC operation (where applicable), tight suspension, and functioning climate control all support higher prices.
• Color and options: Desirable factory colors and options (ABS where equipped, power features) can add modest premiums; repaint quality is scrutinized closely.

Buyers in 2025 tend to pay the most for documented, rust-free, stock manual cars in attractive colors, with leak-free roofs and strong mechanicals.

How to Pin Down Your Car’s Value

To refine an estimate for a specific 1997 Del Sol, combine market data with a detailed, condition-driven assessment.

1. Document the car: Gather VIN, service records, title status, options, paint meter readings (if available), and high-resolution photos (exterior, underbody, interior, engine bay).
2. Pull comparable listings: Review recent sales and no-reserve auctions on sites like Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Classic.com, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Hemmings to find comps with similar trim, miles, and condition.
3. Get a pre-purchase inspection: A neutral inspection can reveal rust, prior collision repair, leaks, or mechanical needs that materially impact value.
4. Consult valuation guides and insurers: Cross-check with classic-car valuation tools and talk to specialty insurers for agreed-value benchmarks.
5. Adjust for timing and region: Convertibles and targa cars sell stronger in spring/summer; rust-belt cars with clean underbodies often command premiums; transport costs affect net value.

Combining condition-driven adjustments with recent comparable sales will yield a realistic ask or offer for your situation.

Recent Market Context

After a sharp run-up in 2021–2022 for 1990s Japanese sports cars, prices cooled in 2023–2024 and have largely stabilized through 2025. Clean Del Sols—especially final-year, low-mile Si examples—remain sought after, but buyers are more selective. Unmodified cars with documentation continue to outperform modified or neglected examples, and the scarcity of rust-free bodies in northern climates supports stronger prices for cars from drier regions.

Bottom Line

For 1997 U.S.-market Del Sols, expect roughly $3,000–$18,000 depending on condition, with standout low-mile Si cars nearing $20,000. Non-U.S. VTEC versions, earlier U.S. VTEC cars in exceptional condition, and show-quality builds can reach the high teens to upper $20,000s. Verify trim, inspect for rust and leaks, and anchor your number in recent, comparable sales.

Summary

A 1997 Honda Del Sol is generally worth $3,000–$18,000 in the U.S. today, with the highest prices reserved for low-mile, well-documented, largely original Si manuals. Rarity, condition, rust status, and roof integrity are the biggest determinants; the U.S. did not get a VTEC trim in 1997, but exceptional non-U.S. VTEC or earlier VTEC examples can command $18,000–$28,000+. Use fresh comps and a thorough inspection to refine any estimate.

Is the Honda del Sol rare?

Looking at the facts, it’s safe to say the Honda Del Sol is a relatively uncommon car. In its five years of production, Honda managed to sell roughly 75,000 Del Sols.

Is the 1997 Honda Del Sol reliable?

As a whole, consumers found the vehicle’s reliability and performance to be its strongest features and comfort to be its weakest. 143 out of 171 of owners (84% of them) rank the 1997 del Sol five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 1997 Honda del Sol.

What is the value of a 1997 Honda Del Sol?

The value of a used 1997 Honda Civic del Sol ranges from $814 to $3,944, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.

What is a 1997 Honda Accord worth today?

A 1997 Honda Accord LX Sedan 4D has a current resale value of $1,621 and trade-in value of $643. Login or create a new account to see your vehicle depreciation forecast data.