Is the Honda del Sol rare?

The Honda del Sol is not rare in the absolute sense, but clean, unmodified, rust‑free examples—especially higher‑spec trims and late‑production cars—are becoming increasingly scarce. In other words, you can still find one, but finding a truly good one is getting harder and more expensive, particularly in certain regions and configurations.

What “rare” means for the del Sol

Honda sold the CR-X del Sol (known simply as the Honda del Sol in the U.S.) through the 1990s, and it was never a limited‑run exotic. However, time, rust, modifications, and attrition have thinned the herd. That evolving scarcity has pushed the model from a common used car into a niche modern classic, with certain trims and conditions commanding outsized attention.

Production, model years, and availability

The del Sol was produced from 1992 to 1997 globally (1993 to 1997 in the U.S.), slotting in as a targa‑top, two‑seat offshoot of the Civic. It sold in respectable numbers for a compact sporty car of its day, but it never matched mainstream Civic volumes. As a result, while the car isn’t “rare” in the collector‑car sense, the pool of well‑preserved examples has grown relatively small by 2025—especially in rust‑prone climates and among higher‑performance trims.

Why the supply is shrinking

Three forces drive the perception of rarity. First, many del Sols suffered from corrosion (rear wheel arches, floor pans, and targa seal areas), often leading to scrappage. Second, the tuner era left plenty of cars heavily modified, reducing the number of stock or lightly modified survivors. Third, collector interest in 1990s Japanese cars has risen since the late 2010s, drawing the cleanest cars out of circulation and into collections.

Trims and configurations that are genuinely hard to find

Not all del Sols are equally scarce. The following configurations are notably tougher to source today, especially in original, well‑documented condition.

• VTEC (DOHC VTEC, ~160 hp) models, sold in the U.S. from 1994–1997, are meaningfully rarer than S and Si trims and are the most sought after.
• Late‑production 1997 cars, as U.S. sales wound down, tend to be scarcer on the market.
• Low‑mileage, unmodified examples—of any trim—have become uncommon due to decades of daily use and modification trends.
• Rust‑free cars from harsh‑winter regions (Northeast/Midwest U.S., parts of Canada) are rare; the best survivors often come from the West Coast or the Sun Belt.
• Certain factory colors and option combinations—most famously bright greens and blues such as Samba Green Pearl—draw extra demand and can feel “rarer” in listings.

While you can still find S and Si models with patience, the intersection of low miles, original condition, and desirable spec (especially VTEC) is where genuine scarcity shows up—and where prices climb.

Market trends and values in 2024–2025

Enthusiast demand for ’90s Hondas remains strong, even as the broader used‑car market cools. Pricing depends heavily on condition, location, and spec. As of 2024–2025, driver‑grade S and Si cars typically trade in the mid‑four to low‑five figures, while clean, documented VTEC cars in excellent condition often command higher five figures, with exceptional, low‑mile examples sometimes stretching further at auction.

Where buyers and sellers are finding cars

If you’re trying to judge how “rare” the del Sol is in your area—or you’re shopping—these marketplaces give a realistic pulse of availability and pricing.

• Enthusiast auction sites (e.g., Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids) for vetted, higher‑quality examples and sales data.
• General classifieds (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Autotrader) for broader regional inventories and project cars.
• Specialist forums and social groups dedicated to the del Sol and ’90s Hondas, which often surface better‑documented cars.
• Importers for Japanese‑market cars (e.g., SiR variants), which can expand choices but add compliance and registration steps.

Scanning multiple channels over several weeks will reveal regional supply patterns and typical asking prices for the trims and conditions you care about.

How to recognize a “rare find”

Because condition and originality drive scarcity, a careful evaluation matters as much as the badge on the trunk. Use the checklist below to separate genuinely special cars from average survivors.

• Documentation: Seek service records, ownership history, and original sales materials; matching VIN tags and original paint help.
• Rust and leaks: Inspect rear arches, rocker panels, floor pans, trunk well, and windshield frame; test the targa panel for seal integrity and water intrusion.
• Originality: Stock intake/exhaust, uncut interior, factory wheels, and intact emissions equipment enhance long‑term value.
• Accident history: Review Carfax/CarVertical (where available) and measure panel gaps; the targa roof amplifies the importance of structural alignment.
• Mechanical health: Smooth VTEC engagement on VTEC models, healthy suspension bushings, and proper roof latch function are key tells.

Cars that clear these hurdles—especially in VTEC trim or late‑model years—are the ones that feel “rare” today and justify stronger prices.

Bottom line

The Honda del Sol isn’t rare in the sense of a limited‑production exotic, but true standouts are scarce. Expect to search longer and pay more for rust‑free, unmodified, low‑mileage examples—particularly VTEC models and late‑year cars. Regional availability varies, with the cleanest supply clustered in dry‑climate states and among enthusiast sellers.

Summary

Overall, the del Sol remains findable, but the subset that collectors and enthusiasts want has grown rare: VTEC trims, late‑production models, and well‑preserved, rust‑free cars. Watch multiple marketplaces, prioritize documentation and condition, and be ready to move quickly when a well‑kept example surfaces.

How many Honda Del Sols were made?

Approximately 75,000 Honda Del Sols were sold in the United States between 1993 and 1997. The car was produced from 1992 to 1998 globally, with sales ending in the US in 1997. While 75,000 is the number of cars sold in the US, it’s worth noting that some suspect less than half of those remain on the road today due to age and condition.

What is the rarest Honda color?

The rarest Honda color depends on the specific model and production year. For the Honda Civic Type R (EP3), Viva Blue Pearl is considered the rarest, with only 132 cars produced in that color, according to YouTube. For the Honda Element, Midnight Red Pearl and Root Beer Metallic are the rarest, says a Facebook group. For the sixth-generation Civic, Madori is the rarest, followed by Dark Amethyst Pearl, Island Coral Pearl, Maloney Red, and Plum Pearl, according to a YouTube video. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Honda Civic Type R (EP3):

• Viva Blue Pearl: Only available in the final year of production, with 132 cars made according to YouTube. 

Honda Element:

• Midnight Red Pearl: A very rare color for the Element, especially on non-SC trims. 
• Root Beer Metallic: Another rare color for the Element, often mentioned alongside Midnight Red Pearl. 
• Cargo Khaki: A one-year-only color (2005). 
• Omni Blue Pearl: Considered a rare color due to its less common production numbers. 

Sixth-Generation Civic:

• Madori: Described as a unique and rare color, unlike any other on a factory car.
• Dark Amethyst Pearl (DAP): A dark purple shade.
• Island Coral Pearl: Another rare color, though sometimes considered the ugliest.
• Maloney Red: Only available on the SI model, and quite rare.
• Plum Pearl: Considered a luxurious color. 

How much are Honda Del Sols worth?

A Honda Del Sol’s value varies greatly based on condition, mileage, and trim, but generally ranges from around $1,990 to $18,000. Classic.com reports that the average price is around $10,427, with some rare, well-maintained examples fetching upwards of $20,000 or more. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• General Market: Used Honda Del Sols are experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly those from the 90s, but they remain relatively affordable compared to other sports cars from that era. 
• Condition and Mileage: Expect lower prices for cars with higher mileage and those in average or rough condition. Immaculate, low-mileage examples, especially those with the desirable VTEC engine, can command a premium. 
• Specific Examples:
  • A 1995 Honda Del Sol Vtec, with 80,000 miles, sold for $18,000 on Bring a Trailer. 
  • A 1993 Honda Civic Del Sol Si with 164,000 miles sold for $8,200 on Bring a Trailer. 
  • Edmunds lists values for a 1995 Honda Civic del Sol between $1,871 and $9,001. 
  • Edmunds lists values for a 1996 Honda Civic del Sol ranging from $914 to $1,270. 
• Depreciation: As with most used cars, Honda Del Sols experience depreciation, but some models, particularly those with low mileage and in excellent condition, may hold their value or even appreciate over time. 
• Factors to Consider: Rust can significantly impact the price, especially in areas where older Japanese cars are prone to rust. 

How rare are Honda Del Sols?

Its final year saw only 5,600 cars roll off the assembly line, making the 1997 model easily the rarest car out there. In total, the Honda produced 74,936 Del Sols for the U.S. in the following breakdown: 1993 – 25,748.