The del Sol name means "of the sun" in Spanish, and Honda used it for its compact two-seat sport coupe with a sun-friendly, open-top character—the CR-X Del Sol.
Origins of the name
Spanish translation
In Spanish, del Sol is a possessive phrase formed from de + el, translating literally to "of the sun" or "the sun's." This construction is often used in branding to evoke a specific image or lifestyle.
Marketing and branding
Honda adopted Spanish-language naming for the CR-X lineage to convey sunshine, warmth, and outdoor fun. The Del Sol branding aligns with the car’s design—a lightweight, two-seater with a removable roof intended for sunny, open-air driving.
Model history and features
To understand how the name fits the car, here are the key facts about the Del Sol's history and characteristics.
- Production years: 1992–1998. In some markets it was sold as the CR-X Del Sol, and later simply as Del Sol in others.
- Body and roof: A compact two-seat sports coupe with a removable roof panel, delivering a sun-friendly open-air experience.
- Market positioning: A lightweight, entry-level Honda sport model designed to evoke sunny, outdoor driving and active lifestyle imagery.
The Del Sol’s branding centered on its sun-loving persona and sporty, agile handling, which helped distinguish it within Honda’s lineup of CR-X derivatives during the 1990s.
Legacy and cultural impact
Today, the Del Sol remains a nostalgic emblem of 1990s automotive branding that leaned into Spanish-language flair and sunshine-themed imagery. Its name continues to be cited in discussions of Honda’s marketing approaches and the era’s open-air sport coupes.
Summary
The name "del Sol" translates to "of the sun" in Spanish and was used by Honda for the CR-X Del Sol, a 1990s two-seat sport coupe with a removable roof. The branding aimed to evoke sunny, carefree driving and an outdoorsy lifestyle, leaving a lasting imprint on Honda’s historical lineup.