Is the 1995 Honda del Sol reliable?

Generally yes—if it’s been well maintained. The 1995 Honda del Sol inherits the robust mechanicals of the Civic of its era, delivering long-lived engines and gearboxes. The biggest caveats are age-related issues: targa roof and window seals that can leak, suspension bushings that wear out, and the typical 1990s Honda electrical gremlins. With careful buying and routine upkeep, a del Sol can still be a dependable, enjoyable daily or weekend car.

What reliability means for a 30-year-old sports compact

Reliability in this context is less about factory-fresh dependability and more about how a car tolerates age, mileage, and prior owners. The del Sol’s powertrains—ranging from a 1.5-liter SOHC to 1.6-liter SOHC and the higher-output 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC—are known for high mileage when serviced on schedule. Its Civic-based chassis keeps parts affordable and widely available. The tradeoffs: a removable roof that introduces sealing complexity, and three decades of wear on rubber, plastic, and wiring that may demand proactive maintenance.

Strengths that support reliability

The following points summarize why the 1995 del Sol is often praised for lasting well with proper care.

• Proven Civic-based powertrains with reputations for 200,000+ miles when maintained.
• Durable manual transmissions; automatics can be serviceable if fluid changes were not neglected.
• Simple, OBD1-era electronics and abundant parts interchangeability with Civic/Integra models.
• Good fuel economy and straightforward, naturally aspirated design reduce thermal/mechanical stress.
• Strong aftermarket and enthusiast community for parts, repairs, and guides.

Taken together, these traits keep running costs modest and make it easier to keep a del Sol on the road, especially if it’s stock or only lightly modified.

Known weak points and age-related issues

Decades on, most reliability complaints center on water intrusion, wear items, and a handful of Honda-common electrical faults.

• Targa roof and seals: Door and roof weatherstrips can shrink or harden, causing leaks and wind noise. Roof latches may loosen; roof drains can clog. The electric rear window motor can fail or slow.
• Rust: Rear wheel arches, rocker panels/sills, under the battery tray, and the trunk/spare tire well are key corrosion zones, especially in wet or road-salted regions.
• Suspension wear: Rear trailing arm bushings, struts, ball joints, and sway bar links commonly need replacement, affecting alignment and ride.
• Ignition/electrical: Distributor internal components (igniter) can fail; main relay issues may cause hot-start problems. Window regulators and central locks wear. SRS warning lights are not unusual; airbag inflators may be subject to recalls—verify by VIN.
• Interior aging: Plastic trim and seat tracks can rattle; sun exposure accelerates cracking and fading.
• Cooling and HVAC: Old radiators and hoses, heater core seepage, and A/C leaks (often evaporator or condenser) appear with age.
• Oil leaks: Common sources include the valve cover gasket, distributor O-ring, cam plug, and oil pan gasket.

None of these are deal-breakers alone, but several can stack up on neglected cars, undermining day-to-day confidence until addressed.

Maintenance expectations and costs

Preventive maintenance is the backbone of reliability. Here are typical tasks and ballpark budgets (parts and independent-labor pricing vary by region).

• Timing belt, water pump, and accessory belts every ~90,000 miles or 7 years: $400–$900 installed.
• Fluids: Engine oil ~5,000 miles; manual trans 30,000–60,000 miles; brake fluid every 2–3 years; coolant about every 5 years.
• Valve clearance checks/adjustments (SOHC engines): every 30,000–60,000 miles; $150–$350.
• Ignition tune-up (plugs, wires, cap/rotor where applicable): $100–$250.
• Rear trailing arm bushings and alignment when cracked/worn: $300–$700.
• Weatherstrips and roof/window seals as needed: $200–$1,000 depending on parts availability and labor.
• Window regulator or rear window motor repair: $150–$400.
• Main relay replacement if hot-start symptoms appear: $50–$120 for the part.

For a healthy, mostly stock car, annual maintenance often lands around $500–$1,200 excluding tires, brakes, and major catch-up work. Deferred maintenance can multiply costs quickly, so documentation matters.

Buying advice: what to inspect

Because condition varies widely, a focused pre-purchase checklist helps separate reliable survivors from money pits.

1. Service records: Look for documented timing belt replacement and regular fluid changes.
2. Leak test: Hose down the roof and glass; check carpets, behind seats, and the trunk for moisture.
3. Rust check: Rear arches, rockers/sills, under battery tray, and spare tire well; lift the car if possible.
4. Windows and roof: Ensure the rear glass powers up/down smoothly; test front window operation and roof latch integrity.
5. Test drive: Listen for suspension clunks, verify straight tracking/braking; on Si/VTEC trims, confirm clean revs and proper VTEC engagement.
6. Hot restart: After a full warm-up and short sit, verify it restarts easily (screening for main relay issues).
7. Diagnostics and safety: Scan for engine codes, note SRS light behavior, and check for completed airbag recall(s) via VIN.
8. Modifications: Prefer stock or well-documented upgrades; poor wiring or suspension mods can undermine reliability.

Passing this checklist doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it significantly improves the odds of dependable ownership and predictable costs.

Owner community, parts, and long-term outlook

Parts remain accessible thanks to Civic/Integra overlap and a strong aftermarket, though some trim and weatherstrips are becoming harder to source new. Enthusiast forums and clubs provide DIY guides and vendor leads. Clean, unmodified cars are seeing renewed interest, which helps preserve support but can raise purchase prices. With sensible maintenance and attention to the roof/seals, a del Sol can stay roadworthy for years to come.

Verdict

Yes: the 1995 Honda del Sol is broadly reliable when maintained, especially in stock form. Mechanical durability is a strong suit; the main risk is water intrusion and wear items that come with age. If you choose a well-kept example and stay ahead on preventive service, it can be a trustworthy, economical, and uniquely fun two-seater.

Summary

The 1995 Honda del Sol pairs Civic-grade mechanical reliability with a fun targa body. Expect robust engines and manuals, affordable parts, and simple electronics. Watch for roof and window seal leaks, rust, worn suspension bushings, and a few Honda-common electrical faults. Verify timing belt history and airbag recall status, and budget for age-related fixes. A well-maintained, mostly stock car remains a dependable and enjoyable choice.

How many miles will a 1995 Honda Civic last?

With proper maintenance, a Honda Civic can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles.

Is the 1995 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 1995 del Sol five out of five stars.

What is the top speed of a 1995 Honda del Sol?

VTEC. I have a 1995 dual overhead cam VTEC Del Sol. Very different from the other Del Sols- 160 hp, beefed up suspension, bigger tires and wheels, antilock brakes, bigger brakes, front and rear stabilizer bars, 8,200 rpm redline. 0 to 60 in 6.4 seconds, 131 mph top speed, handles like a dream, very balanced.

How much is a 1995 del Sol worth?

The value of a used 1995 Honda Civic del Sol ranges from $1,891 to $7,656, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.