Is the Honda Del Sol rare?

In general, no—the Honda Civic del Sol (sold 1992–1998 globally, 1993–1997 in the U.S.) isn’t rare in the absolute sense, but clean, stock, and higher‑spec examples have become relatively uncommon and more valuable. Attrition, modifications, and rust have thinned the pool of good cars, making well-kept VTEC/SiR models and specialty versions like the TransTop notably harder to find.

Production and availability at a glance

The del Sol—known as the CR-X del Sol in Japan and the Civic del Sol in North America—was a mass-produced, two-seat targa-top offshoot of the Civic platform. It sold in meaningful numbers across Japan, Europe, and North America. In the U.S., sales started strong in 1993 and tapered each year through its 1997 finale, reflecting shifting tastes toward coupes and SUVs. While not a “limited edition” car, its survival rate has been impacted by age, corrosion in certain climates, and tuner-era modifications, so truly original, unmodified examples now feel scarce on the street and in classifieds.

What’s actually rare within the del Sol lineup

Within the broader production run, some trims, features, and conditions are objectively harder to source today. The following list outlines the variants and attributes that enthusiasts and collectors most often describe as scarce.

• Performance trims: U.S.-market Civic del Sol VTEC (DOHC VTEC, 1994–1997) and their equivalents abroad (Japan’s SiR, Europe’s VTi) are the most sought-after and less common than base/SOHC models.
• TransTop models: The factory power-operated “TransTop” targa roof (offered in Japan and Europe, not in the U.S.) is relatively rare and prized; parts and repair expertise can be hard to source.
• Final-year cars outside the U.S.: 1998 models (post-facelift in some markets) were limited to select regions after U.S. discontinuation and are less frequently seen.
• Low-mile, unmodified survivors: Original paint, OEM wheels, stock suspension/exhaust, and comprehensive records are unusually hard to find given the car’s age and tuner-era popularity.
• Regionally clean shells: Rust-free cars from dry climates are markedly scarcer in rust-prone regions (salt-belt U.S., northern Europe).

These factors don’t make the del Sol rare overall, but they do create pockets of rarity that influence both search time and pricing for specific configurations.

Market snapshot (2024–2025)

Values climbed during the broader 1990s–2000s Japanese performance renaissance and have largely stabilized, with strong prices persisting for the best examples. Auction archives and enthusiast marketplaces indicate the following typical ranges in the current market:

• Project/driver-grade SOHC cars with needs: often under $5,000–$8,000 depending on rust and maintenance.
• Clean, sorted SOHC (S/Si/ESi) drivers: commonly $8,000–$14,000.
• Nice VTEC/SiR/VTi cars with documented maintenance: roughly $12,000–$22,000, higher for low miles.
• Exceptional, low-mile, original VTEC or well-kept TransTop examples: can reach the mid‑$20,000s and occasionally more when mileage is extremely low and originality is high.

Availability varies by region, but the pattern is consistent: ordinary cars remain attainable, while high-spec, unmolested survivors command a noticeable premium.

How to gauge rarity in your area

Because rarity is partly regional, a quick, data-driven scan helps determine how scarce the car is around you and what it might cost.

1. Search national and local listings: Check enthusiast forums, Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, and regional classifieds for active del Sol inventory and time-on-market trends.
2. Review auction results: Look up recent sales on Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, and similar platforms to see condition-adjusted prices and frequency of appearances.
3. Consult local clubs: Regional Honda clubs and meetups provide on-the-ground insight into how many clean cars circulate nearby.
4. Track parts availability: Scarcity of model-specific parts (especially TransTop components or VTEC-specific bits) can signal how rare certain trims are locally.

This approach won’t yield a single “rarity score,” but it will clarify whether your market is thin or well-supplied and what a realistic budget should be.

Buying considerations specific to the del Sol

If you’re shopping, the following common problem areas and verification points matter more than the badge on the decklid—and they also explain why pristine examples have become uncommon.

• Rust hotspots: Rear wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, and the rear trunk area around roof-stowage wells.
• Roof seals and leaks: Targa-top and window seals can age; water ingress leads to interior wear and hidden corrosion.
• TransTop mechanism (if equipped): Cables, motors, and alignment require careful inspection; parts sourcing can be challenging.
• Drivetrain specifics: For VTEC cars, verify the correct DOHC engine, healthy cam engagement, and up-to-date timing belt/water pump service.
• Suspension and chassis: Look for worn bushings, tired shocks, and subframe damage from lowered suspensions or curb impacts.
• Modification and theft history: Period mods and theft rates were high; scrutinize wiring, ECU, emissions equipment, and VINs for consistency.
• Accident and repaint signs: Check for overspray, uneven panel gaps, and missing VIN stickers.

A clean inspection report and thorough documentation separate common “drivers” from the truly scarce, investment-grade survivors.

Bottom line

The Honda Civic del Sol isn’t rare overall, but the market for good ones has tightened. Expect plentiful driver-grade cars and a far smaller pool of stock, rust-free, high-spec examples—especially VTEC/SiR/VTi trims and TransTop models—commanding strong prices. If you value originality and condition, your search may take time, but the car’s durability and parts support make ownership approachable once you find the right example.

Summary

Overall availability: not rare; condition-dependent scarcity: rising. Clean VTEC/SiR and TransTop cars are relatively rare and priced accordingly, while ordinary SOHC examples remain accessible. Regional supply, rust, and originality are the biggest determinants of how “rare” a del Sol will feel where you shop.

Are 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.

What is the rarest Honda in the world?

The Honda NSX-R GT is arguably the rarest Honda ever made, with only five examples produced. This homologation model was created specifically to allow Honda to compete in the GT500 class of the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship in 2005. 
This video discusses the history of the Honda NSX-R GT: 1mThatCarLifeYouTube · Sep 26, 2024
Here’s why it’s so rare:

• Homologation Special: The NSX-R GT was not intended for mass production; it was built to meet racing regulations.
• Limited Production: Only five of these cars were ever made, making it incredibly scarce.
• Exclusively for Japan: The NSX-R GT was only available in Japan.
• Focus on Racing: The car’s design was geared towards homologating the wider, longer NSX-GT race car for the Super GT series. 

The standard NSX, while not as rare as the NSX-R GT, is still considered a desirable and collectible car, with prices for rare examples exceeding $500,000.

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.

How much is a Honda Del Sol 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.