There is no official plan to revive the Del Sol. Honda has not announced a reboot of the two-seat Civic-based roadster, and there are no credible signals or leaks pointing to a launch date. This article surveys the Del Sol’s history, Honda’s current product strategy, and what would be required for a revival to become reality.
Del Sol: a quick look back
The Honda Civic Del Sol, produced from 1992 to 1998, was a compact, two-seat sports coupe with a removable roof that translated the Civic’s practicality into a lightweight, playful roadster experience. Available in various trim levels, including performance-oriented VTEC variants, the Del Sol earned a loyal following for its approachable balance of cost, weight, and engaging driving dynamics.
Notable characteristics
- Two-seat layout with a removable roof (targa-style)
- Based on the Civic platform with sportier tuning
- VTEC variants offered stronger performance for enthusiasts
- Affordability and compact dimensions contributed to widespread appeal
In its heyday, the Del Sol stood out as an economical, driver-focused drop-top, a contrast to larger, more expensive sports cars of the era.
Is there a revival on the horizon?
As of 2026, Honda has not announced any plan to revive the Del Sol, nor shown a credible path to a modern two-seat roadster. The company’s public communications emphasize electrification, crossovers, and mainstream sedans/SUVs, with no official teaser or product roadmap for a Del Sol–style model. Industry chatter occasionally surfaces, but it remains speculative without confirmation from Honda.
What a revival would need to overcome
Industry observers say several hurdles would shape any potential Del Sol reboot:
- Platform alignment: whether to base a new model on a current Civic architecture, a dedicated sports chassis, or a brand-new platform.
- Powertrain direction: gasoline, hybrid, or fully electric, with electrification aligning with Honda’s broader strategy.
- Market viability: the size of the two-seat sport segment and competition from Mazda MX-5, Toyota GR86/BRZ, and similar cars.
- Cost and pricing: development expenses for a niche model versus potential profitability and dealer network implications.
- Regulatory and safety requirements: modern airbags, crash standards, and other compliance considerations for a lightweight roadster
Conclusion: without a clear business case or public commitment from Honda, the path to a Del Sol revival remains uncertain and unlikely in the near term.
What Honda is prioritizing instead
Honda’s current roadmap concentrates on electrification, efficiency, and a strong crossover/sUV lineup. The following priorities illustrate where the company is directing its resources today:
- Electrified propulsion: expanding hybrids (e:HEV) and pure BEVs across global markets
- Expansion of the crossover family: refreshed and new models to strengthen market presence
- Performance within demand segments: continued development of enthusiastic, high-profile models (e.g., Civic Type R) while deprioritizing niche roadsters
- New architectures and platforms to support future EVs and hybrids
These priorities reflect Honda’s emphasis on scalable electrification and broad appeal, rather than reviving a niche two-seat roadster from the 1990s.
What this means for Del Sol enthusiasts
Fans hoping for a Del Sol revival should temper expectations. While brands sometimes revisit nostalgic names, Honda’s stated direction prioritizes electrification and mainstream, high-volume models. Enthusiasts can still celebrate the Del Sol through classic-car gatherings, restoration projects, and video retrospectives, but a current-day revival under the Honda umbrella isn’t supported by official plans.
Summary
Across 2024–2026, Honda has not announced any plan to bring back the Del Sol, and no credible signals indicate an imminent reboot. The automaker continues to push electrified powertrains and a dominant crossover lineup, with niche sportscar projects taking a back seat. For now, the Del Sol remains a storied chapter of Honda history rather than a forthcoming release, while Honda’s focus remains on the future of sustainable mobility and broad-market appeal.