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Honda CRX Info/History

                                                   Magazine: Road & Track, June
                                                   Section: USED CAR CLASSIC

                                                       1984 -1991 HONDA CRX

Nimble, quick fun (reliable & economical too)

The Honda CRX, introduced in 1984, was an unprecedented confluence of
worthy attributes. Road & Track's editors were smitten with the car at
first test-drive. We billed it as the "new wave Sports Car" and,
in the May 1984 issue, named the sporty 2 seater as the Best Sports/GT
Under $9000.

Performance? The pint-sized car (it was nearly a foot shorter
than the little Fiat/Bertone X1/9!) could run from 0 to 60 mph in
just a tad over 10 seconds. Handling? On the skid pad it compared to the likes of the
1984 Lotus Turbo Esprit. In the slalom it was bettered only by Ferrari's
512 Berlinetta Boxer.

The CRX was ergonomically correct, with proper instrumentation and
controls arranged in a logical fashion. Moreover, the
controls from gearbox to steering had a race-catlike, direct
feel to them. And despite the car's diminutive size, there was ample room for two. Why,
the CRX could even be called "practical," for underneath the rear
hatchback was a surprisingly large cargo spaces that could accommodate
luggage, groceries or golf bags. Let's not forget "economical" too. During the mid and
late eighties, the HF version of the CRX routinely occupied the top spots on the EPA�s
annual fuel economy hit parade, with ratings in the 50 mpg
range. The other members of the CRX family could easily achieve mpg figures in the
30s.

And finally, there was "reliable." Unlike most of the CRX's British/
European economy sports car predecessors, the
CRX would run and run and run some more with no fuss.
This was a sporting machine the likes of which enthusiasts had never seen.
And the best part of all was the cat's list price: less than $7000 in 1994.
As the CRX matured, it only became better in almost every respect. To
borrow an old Detroit advertising phrase, the second series CRX
of 1988 was longer, lower and wider. It was also sleeker, faster and more
sure footed, thanks to an all new, low coefficient of drag (0.30 C[sub D])
body a new 1.6 liter engine (in the top of the line Si version) and a revamped suspension
(Honda's double wishbones fore and aft replaced the MacPherson struts and
beam axle of the earlier cars).
In its new form, the little street fighter went on winning more and more
enthusiast friends until 1991, when, inexplicably, it went Poof!
The CRX disappeared from Honda's line up, ostensibly replaced by the Del
Sol. Which is to say that the CRX is the perfect Used Car Classic
candidate. The car was unequaled while it was in production. And in the
hearts of its many Fans, it remains unequaled today, four years after
its demise.

CRX selection Tips

Each year of the CRX had its virtues and drawbacks. The earliest
carbureted cars were the lightest and most agile. Even the minimal
weight gain associated with the addition of the sunroof affected
handling, contributing to body roll. But the earliest carbureted CRX�s
were also short on power. The 1985 � to 1987 fuel injected cars make fine
daily drivers and perhaps offer the best values for their minimal prices. But as with the
1984-1985 cars, it's getting difficult to find good, well preserved examples.
The second generation 1988-1991 cars are without question the most
refined, with the most solid feel. They also provide the most
performance. Though not as nimble and with heavier steering than their
predecessors, there handling is also more finely balanced with less understeer.
Used car market examples are also likely to be in better condition because they're newer.
But prices for second generation cars reflect their advantages. Si versions,
no matter the year, always came with the highest horse power engine and the most standard equipment,
making them the best choice for the driving enthusiasts.

By PETER BOHR