Introduced in Japan in 1992, this compact two-seat sports car was developed as a modern successor to the earlier CR-X spirit, but with a more open, lifestyle-oriented character. The nameplate was inspired by the Spanish phrase for “of the sun,” reflecting the car’s removable roof and the idea of relaxed open-air driving. It blended a targa-style top with a small coupe body, giving buyers a car that aimed to combine everyday usability with weekend-fun appeal.
The model arrived at the start of the 1990s as Honda expanded its lineup of sporty compact cars, and it quickly became known for its distinctive roof panels, short proportions, and Civic-based engineering. In North America it was sold under a Civic-branded name for part of its life, while other markets used the del Sol designation more directly. Over the years, the car was offered in several trim and performance variants, including versions tuned for economy, enthusiast-focused models, and a higher-output VTEC derivative that helped define its reputation among Honda fans.
Although innovative and memorable, it never became a long-running mainstream success. Production ended in December 1998, closing out a single continuous run that has since made the car a cult favorite among compact-sport and targa-top enthusiasts.