1994 Honda Civic del Sol
Introduction
The 1994 Honda Civic del Sol is a two-door convertible that was available with three different engine options and a choice of manual or automatic transmission. The base engine was a 1.5-liter SOHC VTEC inline-four with 102 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque. The other two engine options were a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC inline-four with 127 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC inline-four with 160 horsepower and 117 lb-ft of torque. The Civic del Sol was praised for its sporty handling, responsive engines, and sleek styling. However, it was also criticized for its small interior and lack of storage space.
Engine
1.5-liter SOHC VTEC inline-four
- Valve cover gasket leak: Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the top of the engine. Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+. Recalls: None Found
- Timing belt tensioner failure: Description/Symptoms: The timing belt tensioner fails, causing the timing belt to skip or break. Solution: Replace the timing belt tensioner and timing belt. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+. Recalls: None Found
1.6-liter DOHC VTEC inline-four (127 horsepower)
Intake manifold gasket leak: Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the intake manifold. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+. Recalls: None Found
No other issues found for this engine
1.6-liter DOHC VTEC inline-four (160 horsepower)
- Piston ring failure: Description/Symptoms: The piston rings fail, causing the engine to burn oil and lose power. Solution: Rebuild the engine. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+. Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-speed manual transmission
- Synchros wear out: Description/Symptoms: The transmission makes grinding noises when shifting gears. Solution: Replace the synchros. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+. Recalls: None Found
4-speed automatic transmission
- No issues found for this transmission
Suspension
- Strut mounts wear out: Description/Symptoms: The strut mounts wear out, causing the suspension to make noise and the car to handle poorly. Solution: Replace the strut mounts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+. Recalls: None Found
Electrical
Alternator failure: Description/Symptoms: The alternator fails, causing the battery to drain and the car to stall. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+. Recalls: None Found
Starter failure: Description/Symptoms: The starter fails, preventing the car from starting. Solution: Replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+. Recalls: None Found
Exterior
Hood latch failure: Description/Symptoms: The hood latch fails, causing the hood to open unexpectedly. Solution: Replace the hood latch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+. Recalls: None Found
No other issues found for this category
Interior
Dashboard cracks: Description/Symptoms: The dashboard cracks due to exposure to sunlight. Solution: Replace the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+. Recalls: None Found
Door lock actuators fail: Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuators fail, preventing the doors from locking or unlocking. Solution: Replace the door lock actuators. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+. Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1994 Honda Civic del Sol is a reliable and fun-to-drive car, but it is not without its problems. The most common issues include valve cover gasket leaks, timing belt tensioner failure, intake manifold gasket leaks, piston ring failure, worn-out synchros, and strut mount wear. The severity of these issues varies, but some can be expensive to fix. Overall, the Civic del Sol is a good choice for drivers who are looking for a sporty and reliable convertible, but they should be aware of the potential problems that can come with it.