You’re scrolling through Marketplace at 2 a.m. and there it is. A 1994 Honda Del Sol with a roof that pops off and a rear window that rolls down like a limousine. It looks like a toy. It basically is a toy. But then you see it—the shifter. It’s a Honda Del Sol auto.
Usually, the "save the manuals" crowd will tell you to run. They’ll say an automatic ruins a car that weighs about as much as a heavy backpack. Honestly? They aren't entirely wrong, but they’re missing the point of why people actually buy these things in 2026. This isn't a track car. It’s a 90s time capsule designed for people who want to feel the wind without having to work a clutch in stop-and-go traffic.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Automatic Transmission
If you’re looking for a lightning-fast dual-clutch experience, you’ve come to the wrong decade. The automatic in the Del Sol is a traditional 4-speed torque converter unit. It’s old school.
The biggest misconception is that the Honda Del Sol auto is "unreliable." In reality, these transmissions are actually pretty tank-like if you don't treat them like a Formula 1 car. Most of the "transmission failures" you read about on old forums weren't the gears exploding; they were solenoids getting gunked up or owners using the wrong fluid. Honda’s of this era are picky. If you don't use genuine Honda ATF, the shifts get weird and jerky.
Performance-wise, yeah, you're losing some zip. The 5-speed manual versions are significantly quicker because you can keep the tiny 1.5L or 1.6L engines in their "happy zone" (the high RPMs). With only four gears to choose from, the automatic can feel a bit sluggish when you’re trying to merge onto a busy highway. It hunts for gears sometimes.
💡 You might also like: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
- The S Trim: 1.5L engine, roughly 102 horsepower.
- The Si Trim: 1.6L SOHC VTEC, roughly 125-127 horsepower.
- The VTEC Trim: 160 horsepower (But wait—this one didn't even come in auto in the US!).
That’s a key detail most buyers miss. If you find an "Automatic VTEC" model for sale, someone either swapped the engine or they’re lying about the trim. The top-tier 160hp B16 engine was strictly a manual affair for the North American market.
The TransTop Mystery and "Old Car" Realities
In Japan and Europe, Honda released something called the TransTop. It’s this wild, robotic mechanism that lifts the trunk lid, grabs the roof, and tucks it away. It’s mesmerizing to watch.
However, if you're looking at a Honda Del Sol auto in the United States, you almost certainly have the manual targa. You have to get out, unlatch two handles, and slide the 24-pound aluminum slab into a rack in the trunk. It’s simple. It doesn't break.
Does it leak?
Yes. Every Del Sol leaks. It’s not a question of "if," but "where." The seals are thirty years old. Honda actually redesigned the seals in 1995 because the 1993 and 1994 models were basically mobile bathtubs during a thunderstorm. If you’re buying one, check the carpet behind the seats. If it smells like a wet basement, the seals are shot.
📖 Related: Black Red Wing Shoes: Why the Heritage Flex Still Wins in 2026
You can't really buy new seals anymore—they’re "NLA" (No Longer Available). Most owners just slather them in Shin-Etsu silicone grease. It’s a magic Honda-specific grease that swells the rubber back to life. It sounds like a gimmick, but it’s the only thing that works.
Why the Automatic Si is the Secret Sweet Spot
If you must have an automatic, find the Si. The base "S" model is just too slow with a 4-speed auto. You’ll be flooring it just to keep up with a modern Prius.
The Si model uses the D16 engine. It has enough torque to make the automatic feel "peppy" rather than "painful." It’s also better equipped. You get the rear disc brakes and the 14-inch alloys. It’s the closest you can get to a "luxury" Del Sol experience.
Common "Auto" Issues to Watch For:
- Delayed Engagement: If you put it in Drive and it takes two seconds to "clunk" into gear, the internal seals are likely hardening.
- The "D4" Light Blink: If the green light on your dash starts flashing, the car is literally screaming at you. It’s a diagnostic code for the transmission. Usually, it’s a shift solenoid.
- The Main Relay: This isn't transmission-related, but it'll make you think the car is dying. If the car won't start when it's hot outside, but starts fine in the morning, your main relay has cracked solder joints. It's a $50 fix.
Buying Guide: How to Not Get Scammed
Prices for a Honda Del Sol auto are all over the place right now. You’ll see "projects" for $2,000 and "collector" examples for $12,000.
👉 See also: Finding the Right Word That Starts With AJ for Games and Everyday Writing
Don't pay collector prices for an automatic. The market value for the auto is consistently 20-30% lower than the manuals. Use that as leverage. Look for rust in the rear wheel arches—specifically where the bumper meets the metal. That's the Del Sol's Achilles' heel. If there’s a bubble in the paint there, there’s a hole under it.
Also, check the door handles. They are made of a plastic that becomes as brittle as a cracker over time. If you pull too hard, they just snap off. Replacing them is a rite of passage for every owner.
Is it Actually a Good Daily Driver?
I’ve known people who daily these in 2025 and 2026. It’s doable, but you have to be okay with being invisible. The Del Sol is tiny. SUVs won't see you. You’re basically at the eye level of a Ford F-150’s lug nuts.
But the fuel economy is stellar. Even the Honda Del Sol auto can pull 30+ MPG on the highway. And when the sun is out and that rear window is down, it’s one of the most unique driving experiences you can have for under five grand. It’s not a race car; it’s a sunset cruiser.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers:
- Check the VIN: Ensure the engine matches the trim (D15 for S, D16 for Si).
- The Hose Test: Ask the seller if you can run a hose over the roof. If they say no, it leaks like a sieve.
- Service the ATF: If you buy one, immediately drain and fill the transmission with Genuine Honda ATF-DW1. Do not "flush" it with a machine; just a simple drain and fill.
- Grease the Seals: Buy a tube of Shin-Etsu grease before your first car wash.
The Del Sol is a weird, quirky piece of Honda history. It’s the "uncool" sibling of the CRX that eventually became a cult classic. Whether you're 6'3" and struggling to fit (it's tight, honestly) or just looking for a fun commuter, the automatic version offers a low-stress entry point into the world of 90s JDM. Just bring a towel for the rain.
Expert Insight: If the transmission feels "slippy" only when cold, check your grounds. A loose ground wire on the thermostat housing can actually cause erratic shifting in these electronic 4-speed units. It's a weird Honda quirk that saves a lot of people from buying a new transmission they don't actually need.