Average Gas Mileage of a 1997 Honda Civic del Sol

The 1997 Honda Civic del Sol typically averages about 29–31 mpg combined (U.S.) under the EPA’s revised methodology, with city mileage in the mid-to-upper 20s and highway mileage in the mid-30s. Actual results vary by trim (S, Si, or VTEC), transmission (manual vs. automatic), vehicle condition, and driving style.

Official EPA Fuel-Economy Estimates (Revised Methodology)

EPA ratings for the 1997 del Sol were later adjusted under the 2008 “revised” test procedure to better reflect real-world driving. The figures below summarize the typical estimates by trim and transmission.

• del Sol S, 1.6L SOHC, 5-speed manual: approximately 29 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 32 mpg combined
• del Sol S, 1.6L SOHC, 4-speed automatic: approximately 26 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined
• del Sol Si, 1.6L SOHC VTEC, 5-speed manual: approximately 28 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 31 mpg combined
• del Sol Si, 1.6L SOHC VTEC, 4-speed automatic: approximately 26 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined
• del Sol VTEC, 1.6L DOHC VTEC (manual only): approximately 25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined

Across the lineup, the “average” owner can expect roughly 30 mpg combined, with the high-revving DOHC VTEC trim trading a bit of efficiency for performance and the S/Si trims delivering slightly better numbers, especially with the 5-speed manual.

Real-World Mileage Expectations

Owner reports commonly fall in the 26–30 mpg range in city-heavy driving and 32–36 mpg on the highway when the car is well maintained. Because the del Sol is now a decades-old vehicle, real-world economy depends heavily on maintenance history, modifications, and the state of wear of key components.

What Most Influences the del Sol’s MPG

Fuel economy can swing by several mpg depending on how and where you drive and the condition of consumables. Here are the factors that typically matter most for this model.

• Maintenance state: spark plugs, oxygen sensor(s), air filter, and fuel filter condition
• Tire pressures and alignment: underinflation and poor alignment increase rolling resistance
• Driving style: steady speeds, gentle acceleration, and early upshifts favor higher mpg
• Load and aero: extra weight and roof-off driving at highway speeds can reduce efficiency
• Fuel blend and ethanol content: higher ethanol blends (e.g., E10) can lower mpg slightly
• Weather and terrain: cold temps, short trips, and hilly routes cut into fuel economy

Keeping the car in good mechanical health and driving smoothly typically yields the best real-world results, often aligning with or modestly outperforming the EPA figures.

Ways to Maximize Fuel Economy on a ’97 del Sol

If your mileage is below expectations, these practical steps often restore or improve efficiency on the del Sol’s D-series and B-series engines.

• Verify correct tire pressure and perform a four-wheel alignment if wear is uneven
• Replace aging oxygen sensor(s) and spark plugs; inspect plug wires and ignition timing
• Install a fresh air filter and ensure the intake tract is sealed and MAF/MAP readings are accurate
• Use the manufacturer-recommended oil weight and change fluids on schedule
• Address any check-engine lights promptly (common fuel-trim and evap issues affect mpg)
• Shift early, use 5th gear on the highway, and avoid sustained high-RPM driving when economy is the goal
• Minimize roof-off highway driving and remove unnecessary cargo to reduce drag and weight

With these steps, many owners see mileage return to the low-30s combined, especially on the S and Si trims with manual transmissions.

Summary

Expect a 1997 Honda Civic del Sol to average roughly 29–31 mpg combined, with manual S/Si models near the top of that range and the DOHC VTEC trim closer to 28 mpg combined. Highway economy commonly reaches the mid-30s, while city driving typically sits in the upper 20s—assuming the car is well maintained and driven efficiently.

How much is a 1997 Del Sol worth?

A 1997 Honda del Sol has depreciated $108 or 4% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $2,483 and trade-in value of $1,505.

How many MPG does a Honda Del Sol get?

Mileage: 35 mpg city, 41 mpg highway.

How many 1997 Honda Del Sols were made?

5,603

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.