Is the 1997 Honda Del Sol reliable?

Yes—when stock and properly maintained, the 1997 Honda Del Sol is generally a reliable car. However, because it’s now a nearly three-decade-old vehicle, overall condition and maintenance history matter far more than the model’s reputation; expect age-related issues, especially with roof seals, window regulators, and suspension bushings. The 1997 model benefits from Honda’s proven mid‑’90s Civic-based engineering and simple, durable drivetrains, but buyers should budget for preventative work and careful inspection of the targa-top system and body for leaks and rust.

Reliability at a glance

The 1997 Del Sol rides on the Civic platform and, in the U.S., was offered primarily in S and Si trims powered by 1.6‑liter SOHC D‑series engines. These engines are known for longevity, straightforward maintenance, and abundant parts availability. The high‑output DOHC VTEC variant had largely left the U.S. lineup by 1997, though availability varies by market. As with most 1990s Hondas, the Del Sol’s core mechanicals—engine, manual transmissions, and basic electrics—have aged well when serviced on schedule.

What age changes

Time and mileage are the biggest variables. Rubber seals harden, plastic clips grow brittle, and corrosion can develop in climates that salt roads. The removable roof adds complexity: latches, seals, alignment, and drain pathways need extra care. Reliability today hinges on prior ownership, accident history, and whether the timing belt, fluids, and suspension consumables were kept current.

Common issues to watch

The following list highlights issues frequently reported by owners and technicians on well‑used Del Sols. Most are age- rather than design-related, but they can impact day‑to‑day reliability if ignored.

• Targa-top and window sealing: Roof and window seals shrink or crack, causing wind noise and water leaks into the cabin and trunk; roof latch misalignment can exacerbate this.
• Window regulators and guides: Slow or sticking windows due to worn regulators and dry guide channels; can strain motors or misalign glass.
• Rust: Rear quarter panels, wheel arches, rocker panels, and underbody seams are vulnerable—especially in rust-belt climates.
• Suspension wear: Rear trailing arm bushings, control arm bushings, and dampers commonly age out, causing clunks, poor tracking, and tire wear.
• Timing belt service overdue: The 1.6‑liter engines require periodic timing belt and water pump replacement; neglect risks serious engine damage, particularly on SOHC VTEC variants.
• Distributor and oil leaks: Aging distributor internal components and O‑rings, plus cam/crank seals and valve cover gaskets, can seep or fail.
• Interior plastics and trim: Sun exposure leads to cracked plastics, degraded seat foam, and failing clips; targa-top storage mechanisms need intact hardware.
• Electrical odds and ends: Door lock actuators, aging grounds, and intermittent switches crop up; earlier Honda ignition-switch recalls affected some 1990s models—verify recall compliance by VIN.
• Cooling system: Original radiators and hoses become brittle; a small leak can quickly overheat a compact aluminum engine.
• Theft risk: Civic/Del Sol interchangeability keeps parts in demand; without an immobilizer, these cars can be attractive targets.

None of these concerns is a deal-breaker for a well-kept car. Most have straightforward fixes and readily available parts, but roof sealing and rust remediation can be time-consuming and, in some cases, costly.

Maintenance that preserves reliability

Staying ahead of preventive maintenance is the single best way to keep a Del Sol dependable. The following interval-focused items reflect common best practices for mid‑’90s Honda drivetrains.

1. Timing belt, water pump, and tensioner: Every ~90,000 miles or 7 years; replace accessory belts at the same time.
2. Fluids: Engine oil every 5,000–7,500 miles; manual transmission fluid every 30,000–60,000; brake fluid every 2–3 years; coolant every 5 years/60,000 miles.
3. Valve adjustment: Periodically (often 30,000–60,000 miles) to maintain smooth idle and proper performance on D‑series engines.
4. Ignition components: Plugs, wires, cap/rotor (if equipped) at recommended intervals; inspect distributor for play or oil intrusion.
5. Suspension and alignment: Inspect bushings, ball joints, and shocks/struts; align after any suspension work.
6. Seals and drains: Clean roof-channel drains, treat or replace weatherstripping, and lubricate roof latches and window tracks.
7. Cooling system: Replace aged radiator, thermostat, and hoses proactively; ensure the fan switch and relays function correctly.
8. Rust prevention: Inspect and treat surface rust early; consider underbody protection if you drive in winter climates.

Completing these items on schedule typically yields a car that starts every time, tracks straight, and remains leak‑free—key markers of ongoing reliability in an older Honda.

Pre‑purchase inspection checklist

If you’re assessing a 1997 Del Sol today, a focused inspection will reveal whether you’re buying a dependable driver or a project. Use the checklist below to guide your evaluation.

1. Roof system: Check latch action, seal condition, and alignment; perform a hose test for leaks; verify roof fits securely in the trunk rack.
2. Windows and doors: Ensure windows move smoothly and seal to the roof edge without gaps; listen for regulator strain.
3. Rust and body: Examine rear quarters, rockers, floor pans, and undercarriage; look for poor rust repairs or overspray.
4. Service history: Confirm timing belt/water pump intervals, fluid changes, and suspension work with receipts.
5. Engine and cooling: Cold start quality, idle stability, absence of oil/coolant mixing, and steady operating temperature.
6. Transmission: For manuals, check clutch bite, synchros (especially 2nd gear), and shifter play; for automatics, look for smooth shifts without flares.
7. Electrics: Test lights, HVAC blower, wipers, horn, radio, and trunk/roof storage light; inspect grounds and battery age.
8. VIN and recalls: Verify VIN matches, check for accident history, and run a recall check; confirm ignition‑switch recall status if applicable.
9. Modifications: Prefer stock or lightly/modestly modified examples; poorly executed suspension or engine mods can undermine reliability.
10. Test drive: Highway speeds for wind noise/leaks, rough roads for suspension noise, and parking maneuvers for steering feel.

A car that clears this checklist—and comes with documented maintenance—stands a strong chance of delivering the kind of everyday dependability the Del Sol is known for.

Ownership costs and parts availability

Running costs are typically modest by modern standards. Mechanical parts interchange with Civics of the era, keeping prices reasonable. Weatherstripping and some trim pieces are harder to source new, but used and aftermarket channels remain active.

• Routine services: Generally affordable at independent shops; DIY-friendly platform lowers costs further.
• Timing belt service: Commonly a mid‑hundreds to low‑four‑figures job depending on shop and region.
• Roof and window repairs: Regulators and guides are inexpensive; OEM-quality seals can be pricier and require careful installation.
• Fuel economy: Usually in the low‑30s mpg in mixed driving when properly tuned and maintained.
• Insurance and theft mitigation: Comprehensive coverage and simple deterrents (garage parking, steering wheel lock) are advisable.

Overall, ownership remains budget-friendly if you prioritize preventive maintenance and address sealing and suspension wear before they become bigger problems.

Verdict

The 1997 Honda Del Sol can be a highly reliable, enjoyable daily or weekend car in 2025—provided you buy on condition, not just reputation. Mechanically, it’s classic Honda: durable, efficient, and easy to service. The main caveats are age-related sealing, rust, and suspension issues. If you find a well-kept, largely stock example with recent timing-belt service and dry, intact roof seals, you can expect dependable motoring and rising appreciation for a clean, final‑year model.

Summary

In brief: the 1997 Honda Del Sol is reliable when maintained and unmodified, with robust Civic-based mechanicals and reasonable running costs. The biggest reliability risks today are water intrusion from aging roof/window seals, rust, and deferred maintenance. Verify service history, inspect the roof system closely, and budget for preventive work; do that, and the Del Sol remains a dependable and characterful classic.

How reliable is the 1997 Honda Accord?

The 1997 Honda Accord is widely regarded as a very reliable car. It receives high marks for its durability, longevity, and overall dependability, with many owners reporting it lasting for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues beyond routine maintenance. The average annual repair cost is low, and the frequency and severity of repairs are also lower than other vehicles, making it a cost-effective choice. 
Here’s a more detailed look at the 1997 Honda Accord’s reliability:

• Positive Owner Feedback: Many online reviews and forums highlight the 1997 Accord’s reliability as a major strength. 
• Long Lifespan: Owners frequently report the car lasting well over 200,000 miles, with some even exceeding 300,000 miles. 
• Low Repair Costs: RepairPal ranks the 1997 Accord with a 4.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, noting the low average annual repair cost. 
• Minimal Issues: The car is praised for requiring only routine maintenance, with major issues being relatively rare. 
• Resale Value: The 1997 Accord is also known for retaining its value well, which is another indicator of its reliability and desirability. 

How much horsepower does a 97 Del Sol have?

160 horsepower
The 1997 del Sol ranges in power from the S Coupe 2D with 106 horsepower to the VTEC Coupe 2D with 160 horsepower.

How much is a 1997 Honda Del Sol worth?

The value of a used 1997 Honda Civic del Sol ranges from $796 to $3,841, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

How many 1997 Honda Del Sol VTEC were made?

5,603
Sales

Year	Quantity
1994	21,075
1995	14,021
1996	8,489
1997	5,603