View source for Honda CR-X

{{Short description|Sport compact car by Honda (1983–1991)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox automobile
|name=Honda CR-X
|image=Honda CR-X 1987.jpg
|manufacturer=[[Honda]]
|aka= {{Unbulleted list|Honda Ballade Sports CR-X (Japan)|Honda Civic CRX}}
|production=1983&ndash;1991
|model_years=1984–1991
|assembly = Japan: [[List of Honda facilities#Japan|Suzuka Plant]], [[Suzuka, Mie]]
|class=[[Sport compact]]
|body_style=3-door [[liftback]]
|layout=[[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, front-wheel-drive]]
|related=[[Honda Civic]]
|successor=[[Honda CR-X del Sol]]
}}

The '''Honda CR-X'''{{efn|styled in some markets as '''Honda CRX'''}} (originally launched as the '''Honda Ballade Sports CR-X''' in Japan) is a [[sport-compact car]] manufactured by [[Honda]] from 1983 until 1991. Nearly 400,000 were produced.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Belshaw |first=Alysha |date=2022-04-08 |title=A Look Back At The Honda CRX |url=https://www.hotcars.com/a-look-back-at-the-honda-cr-x/ |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=HotCars |language=en}}</ref> The first-generation CRX was marketed in some regions outside Japan as the '''Honda Civic CRX'''. Although there are many supposed definitions for the initialism CR-X, the most widely accepted is "Civic Renaissance Experimental".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/CRX|title=CRX|work=TheFreeDictionary.com}}</ref> It was marketed as part of the [[Honda Civic|Civic]] (and briefly [[Honda Ballade|Ballade]]) model ranges.

In North America, the CRX was marketed as an economy sport two-seat vehicle while Japanese and European market cars came with a [[2+2 (car body style)|2+2 seating arrangement]]. Redesigned for the 1988 model year and produced until 1991, the [[front-wheel-drive]] CR-X was popular for its performance, nimble handling, and good fuel economy. The CR-X was replaced by the [[Honda CR-X del Sol|del Sol]], which was marketed as a CR-X in some markets.

__TOC__
{{clear}}

==First generation==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = First generation
| image = Honda Ballade CR-X.jpg
| aka = Honda Ballade Sports CR-X <br>Honda Civic CRX
| production = 1983&ndash;1987
| model_years = 1984–1987
| engine = {{ubl
  | 1.3&nbsp;L ''[[Honda E engine#EV|EV1]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
  | 1.5&nbsp;L ''[[Honda E engine#EW|EW1]]/[[Honda D engine#D15A2|D15A2/A3]]'' I4
  | 1.5&nbsp;L ''[[Honda E engine#EW|EW3/4/5]]'' I4
  | 1.6&nbsp;L ''[[Honda D engine##ZC1|ZC1/D16A1]]'' [[DOHC]] I4
  }}
| transmission = {{ubl
  | 5-speed manual
  | 3-speed automatic
  }}
| wheelbase = {{convert|2200|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|3675|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1625|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1290|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|760|-|860|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
}}

===Overview===
[[File:1987 Honda CRX 1.6i-16 at Montlhéry.jpg|thumb|left|1987 Honda CRX 1.6i-16 (Europe)]]
[[File:1987 Honda CRX Si, rear right (Lime Rock).jpg|thumb|left|1987 Honda CRX Si (US)]]

In 1983 for the 1984 model year, Honda introduced an all-new two-seater that shared the drivetrain with the Civic but offered unique styling and interior furnishings. At its introduction, the CR-X was available in Japan through ''[[Honda#Japan|Honda Verno]]'' dealership sales channels, and accompanied the [[Honda Vigor|Vigor]], the [[Honda Quint|Quint]], and the [[Honda Prelude|Prelude]]. In North America, the CRX was marketed in two versions: economy and sport. The economy model used a new aluminum 1.3-liter [[CVCC]] four-cylinder engine. The sportier model featured an aluminum 1.5-liter 12-valve engine and was available with either a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission.

For 1985, Honda North America replaced the economy model with an HF (high fuel) model featuring a 1.5-liter engine which uses an aluminum block but the 1984 CVCC cylinder head (two valves per cylinder) instead of the new aluminum head with three valves per cylinder. In spring 1985, Honda introduced an Si (Sports, injected) model featuring a more powerful 1.5-liter [[Overhead camshaft engine#SOHC|SOHC]] [[Programmed fuel injection|PGM-FI]] four-cylinder engine. The Si model included a power sunroof, standard dual remote exterior mirrors, rear wiper, 13-inch alloy wheels and an Si-exclusive ducktail spoiler for the hatch.

For 1986, Honda updated the CRX with new aerodynamic headlights. The Si received body color matched lower cladding, a revised rear spoiler, new bumper covers and 14-inch alloy wheels. The interior was upgraded and added a center console with [[cassette tape]] storage. 1987 was virtually unchanged from 1986 and would be the final year of the first-generation CRX.

===Inspiration===
The CR-X design was inspired by the [[Alfa Romeo 105/115 Series Coupés#Junior Z (1969–72) and 1600 Junior Z (1972–75)|Alfa Romeo GT Junior Zagato]] which the Honda CR-X designer owned.<ref>[https://www.zagato-cars.com/contents/en-us/d556_The_story_of_the_Alfa_Romeo_JZ.html The story of the JZ], www.zagato-cars.com</ref>

===Japanese and European market drivetrain===
The Japanese Si and European 1.6i-16 models came with a 1.6-litre 16-valve [[DOHC]] 4-cylinder [[internal combustion engine|engine]] putting out {{cvt|135|PS|kW hp|0}} in the UK-spec model and {{cvt|140|PS|kW hp|0}} in the [[Japanese domestic market|JDM]] model. Though similar versions of the same engine, the Japanese Si engine was stamped ZC, while the European engine was stamped ZC1. 

===Fuel economy===
The original 1.3-liter car (chassis code AE532) had an EPA highway mileage rating of {{convert|52|mpgU.S.|L/100 km mpgimp}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=26572|title=Compare Side-by-Side|work=fueleconomy.gov}}</ref> in 1984 and was reported to often achieve over {{convert|70|mpgU.S.|L/100 km mpgimp}} in favorable driving conditions. The later 1.5-liter American-market CRX HF (high fuel economy) model (chassis codes EC1 and AF) could also reliably achieve very good gas mileage, more than a decade before gas-electric [[Hybrid car|hybrids]] appeared on the market, and at no price premium over the base model; the 1.5-liter is rated by the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) (under the new rating system) at {{convert|42|mpgU.S.|L/100 km mpgimp}} city and {{convert|51|mpgU.S.|L/100 km mpgimp}} highway.<ref>[http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=2911 Gas Mileage of 1987 Honda Civic CRX HF], fueleconomy.gov website</ref>

===U.S. model curb weights===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" Style="text-align:center"
! scope="col" rowspan="2" |Year
! scope="col" Colspan="2"| CRX
! scope="col" | CRX HF
! scope="col" | CRX Si
|-
! Manual
! Automatic
! Manual
! Manual
|-
! scope="row"| 1984
|{{convert|1819|lb|kg|abbr=on|0}}
|
|
| -
|-
! scope="row"| 1985
|{{convert|1819|lb|kg|abbr=on|0}}
|
|{{convert|1713|lb|kg|abbr=on|0}}
|{{convert|1953|lb|kg|abbr=on|0}}
|-
! scope="row"| '86-'87
|{{convert|1865|lb|kg|abbr=on|0}}<ref name="1986 Service Manual">Helm Inc., Honda Civic CRX Service Manual 1986, p. 3-9</ref>
|{{convert|1898|lb|kg|abbr=on|0}}<ref name="1986 Service Manual" />
|{{convert|1713|lb|kg|abbr=on|0}}<ref name="1986 Service Manual" />
|{{convert|1978|lb|kg|abbr=on|0}}<ref name="1986 Service Manual" />
|}

==Second generation==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Second generation
| image = 88-91 CRX.jpg
| caption = 1988–1991 Honda CR-X
| production = 1987&ndash;1991
| model_years = 1988&ndash;1991
| engine = 1.5 L 62 hp ''[[Honda D engine#D15B6|D15B6]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]] (1988–89)<br> 72 hp ''[[Honda D engine#D15B6|D15B6]]'' I4 (1990–91)<br>1.5 L 92 hp ''[[Honda D engine#D15B2|D15B2]]'' I4<br>1.5 L 103 hp ''[[Honda D engine#D15B|D15B]]''<br>1.6 L 105 HP ''[[Honda D engine#D16A6|D16A6]]'' I4 (1988)<br>1.6 L 108 hp ''[[Honda D engine#D16A6|D16A6]]'' I4 (1989–91)<br>1.4 L ''[[Honda D engine#D14A1|D14A1]]'' I4<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://honda-europe.epc-data.com/civic_crx/1990_4at/|title = Honda Electronic parts catalogue D14 Auto transmission model}}</ref><br>1.6 L 130 hp I4<br>1.6 L 120hp ''[[Honda D engine#D16A8|D16A8]]'' I4<br>1.6 L 125-129hp ''[[Honda D engine#D16A9|D16A9]]'' I4<br>1.6 L 130 hp ''[[Honda ZC engine|D16ZC]]'' I4<br>1.6 L VTEC 150-160 hp ''[[Honda B engine#B16A1|B16A1]]'' I4
| transmission = 5-speed manual<br>4-speed automatic (base model only)
| wheelbase = {{convert|90.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}
| length = {{convert|148.|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} (1990–91)<br>{{convert|147.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} (1988–89)
| width = {{convert|65.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} (1990–91)<br>{{convert|65.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} (1988–89)
| height = {{convert|50.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} (1990–91)<br>{{convert|50|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} (1988–89)
| weight = {{convert|820|-|1000|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
}}

===Overview===
[[File:Hondacrxsirstock.jpg|left|thumb|Honda CR-X SiR]]

The Honda CR-X was completely redesigned by late 1987 for the 1988 model year. The wheelbase increased {{cvt|10|cm|in|0}} overall, length increased by {{convert|3.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} and width is nearly {{convert|2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} wider than the previous model. The suspension was completely redesigned. Honda abandoned the original [[Torsion bar suspension|torsion bar]] in the front and [[beam axle]] with trailing link in the rear in favor of a 4-wheel [[double wishbone suspension]]. The larger design and revised suspension brought improvements in handling as well passenger and cargo space versus the previous generation.
[[File:1988 Honda CR-X Si - interior.jpg|left|thumb|1988 Honda CR-X Si interior]]
The CR-X received a mild refresh for the 1990 model year. The VTEC equipped models also received a makeover with updated bumpers, lights, [[Hood_(car)|hood]], brakes, suspension and dashboard design amongst other features. Additionally, some of these design changes were added to the concurrent non-VTEC models.

One of the options for the [[Japanese Domestic Market]] (JDM) CR-X was a glass roof, a fixed glass panel which stretched from the top of the windshield to the top of the hatch opening. Relatively common in Japan, these are sought-after models in other markets.

===Japanese and European market drivetrain===
Outside of North America, the second generation CR-X was available with a 1.5-litre SOHC 4-cylinder engine or an updated version of the 1.6-litre DOHC 4-cylinder (ZC) engine. Most variants were fitted with fuel injection as standard. European/general market cars were also available with a single-cam 1.6-litre engine with 16 valves.<ref>{{citation | url = https://www.hondacrx.co.uk/FAQ/Manuals/CRX_Workshop_Manual.pdf | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015918/https://www.hondacrx.co.uk/FAQ/Manuals/CRX_Workshop_Manual.pdf | archivedate = 2020-11-12 | title = Shop Manual: Honda Coupé Civic CRX | publisher = Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | pages = 1-2, 3-2 | date = December 1987 | id = 62SH200 | via = CRX-UK }}</ref>

In September 1989, Honda added the 1.6-litre 16-valve [[DOHC]] [[VTEC]] 4-cylinder [[Honda B engine|B16A]] engine to the lineup outside of North America. The VTEC (variable valve timing and lift electronic control) engine provided increased power at high engine speeds while still allowing low fuel consumption and better idling at lower revs. The B16A produces {{cvt|160|PS|kW hp|0}} in the Japanese SiR model and {{cvt|150|PS|kW hp|0}} in the B16A1 that came in the European 1.6i-VT model. The CR-X was the second car to receive a DOHC VTEC engine, shortly after the [[Honda Integra|Honda Integra XSi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://global.honda/heritage/episodes/1989vtecengine.html|title = Honda Global &#124; the VTEC Engine / 1989}}</ref>
[[File:Tuned Honda CR-X Si (E-EF7) front.jpg|Honda CR-X Si (EF7) with the bump on one side of the hood|left|thumb]]
The CR-X equipped with the 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine or the VTEC variant of the same came with a different bonnet since the twin-cam engines were taller and required additional bonnet clearances in comparison to the single-cam engines. The 1.6-litre DOHC engine was only slightly taller than the 1.6-litre SOHC engine and required a different bonnet with a bump on one side which offered the additional necessary clearance to clear the cam gear cover. Cars equipped with a 1.6-litre DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine came with a bonnet that was raised across most of the engine bay to offer additional overall clearance for the taller engine.

In some LHD European markets, there was also the option of the [[Honda D engine#D14A1|D14A1]] engine which featured twin carburetors and was also offered with a four-speed automatic gearbox.

[[Anti-lock brakes]] was optional on the Japanese SiR and came standard on the UK 1.6i-VT model, but never came on the LHD European 1.6i-VT.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://honda-europe.epc-data.com/civic_crx/|title = Honda Electronic Parts Catalog}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+Second-generation European and Japanese CR-X engines
|-
! colspan=6 | European market
|-
! scope="col" | Engine 
! scope="col" | Chassis code 
! scope="col" | Horsepower 
! scope="col" | Torque 
! scope="col" |{{Abbr|Cat.|Catalytic converter}}
! scope="col" | Years
|-
! scope="row"| {{cvt|1396|cc|L|1|disp=flip}} [[Honda D engine#D14A1|D14A1]] SOHC 16V, twin-carb 
| '''EE6''' || {{cvt|90|PS|kW hp|0}} at 6,300 rpm  || {{cvt|112|Nm|lbft|0}} at 4,500 rpm || – || 1989-1991
|-
! scope="row"| {{cvt|1590|cc|L|1|disp=flip}} [[Honda D engine#D16A6|D16A6]] SOHC 16V, PGM-FI 
| rowspan=2 | '''ED9''' || {{cvt|105|PS|kW hp|0}} at 5,700 rpm || {{cvt|130|Nm|lbft|0}} at 4,600 rpm || ● || 1987-1988
|-
! scope="row"| {{cvt|1590|cc|L|1|disp=flip}} [[Honda D engine#D16A7|D16A7]] SOHC 16V, PGM-FI 
| {{cvt|117|PS|kW hp|0}} at 5,900 rpm || {{cvt|136|Nm|lbft|0}} at 4,800 rpm || – || 1987-1991
|-
! scope="row"| {{cvt|1590|cc|L|1|disp=flip}} [[Honda D engine#D16A8|D16A8]]/[[Honda D engine#D16Z5|D16Z5]] DOHC 16V, PGM-FI 
| rowspan=2 | '''ED9''' || {{cvt|124|PS|kW hp|0}} at 6,800 rpm || {{cvt|140|Nm|lbft|0}} at 5,700 rpm || ● || 1987-1991
|-
! scope="row"| {{cvt|1590|cc|L|1|disp=flip}} [[Honda D engine#D16A9|D16A9]] DOHC 16V, PGM-FI 
| {{cvt|130|PS|kW hp|0}} at 6,800 rpm || {{cvt|143|Nm|lbft|0}} at 5,700 rpm || – || 1987-1991
|-
! scope="row"| {{cvt|1595|cc|L|1|disp=flip}} [[Honda B engine#B16A (First generation)|B16A1]] DOHC VTEC 16V, PGM-FI 
| '''EE8''' || {{cvt|150|PS|kW hp|0}} at 7,600 rpm || {{cvt|144|Nm|lbft|0}} at 7,100 rpm || ● || 1989-1991
|-
! colspan=6 | Japanese market
|-
! scope="row"| {{cvt|1493|cc|L|1|disp=flip}} [[Honda D engine#D15B|D15B SOHC]] 16V,  
| '''EF6''' || {{cvt|103|PS|kW hp|0}} at 6,800 rpm || {{cvt|98|Nm|lbft|0}} at 5,200 rpm ||  || 1989-1992
|-
! scope="row"| {{cvt|1590|cc|L|1|disp=flip}} [[Honda D engine#ZC|ZC]] DOHC 16V, MPFI 
| '''EF7''' || {{cvt|120|PS|kW hp|0}}-{{cvt|130|PS|kW hp|0}} at 6,500-6,800 rpm ||{{cvt|103|Nm|lbft|0}}-{{cvt|106|Nm|lbft|0}} at 5,500-5,700 rpm ||  || 1987-1991
|-
! scope="row"| {{cvt|1595|cc|L|1|disp=flip}} [[Honda B engine#B16A (First generation)|B16A]] DOHC VTEC 16V, PGM-FI 
| '''EF8''' || {{cvt|150|PS|kW hp|0}} at 7,600 rpm || {{cvt|144|Nm|lbft|0}} at 7,100 rpm ||  || 1989-1992
|-
|}

===US market===
In the US, three different trim levels were available: The standard (unlabeled, sometimes called the "DX") equipped with the 1.5-liter 16-valve dual-point fuel injection 4-cylinder [[Honda D engine#D15B2|D15B2]] engine, the HF ("high [[fuel efficiency]]") model with the 1.5-liter 8-valve multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) 4-cylinder [[Honda D engine#D15B6|D15B6]] engine, or the Si (sport injected) model with the 1.6-liter 16-valve MPFI 4-cylinder [[Honda D engine#D16A6|D16A6]] engine. The base model was available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission while the HF and Si only offered a 5-speed manual transmission. A modification made to the rear on all second-generation vehicles is a heavily-stippled black glass panel installed on the upper half of the rear of the vehicle, above the tail lights which aided in rearward visibility.

Air conditioning was a dealer-installed option on all models. The Si model came with a power-sliding [[sunroof]], a rear wiper and 14-inch alloy wheels. Underneath, the Si model was equipped with a rear [[anti-sway bar]] along with variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering. The 90-91 Si models had 4-wheel disc brakes.

There were a total of six colors offered each model year. Four color options were available on the CRX and CRX Si and two color options were available for the CRX HF. Color availability would vary based on trim package and the interior color would depend on the exterior color choice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://crxcommunity.com/viewtopic.php?t=5614|title=CRX Community Forum • View topic - OEM/Stock CRX Colors & Paint Codes|website=crxcommunity.com|date=26 August 2011 |access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" Style="text-align:center"																									
|-	
|+Second generation US CRX color options																								
!rowspan="2"| Color name		!!colspan=3 |	1988					!!colspan=3 |	1989					!!colspan=3 |	1990					!!colspan=3 |	1991				
|-																									
!	CRX HF	!!	CRX	!!	CRX Si	!!	CRX HF	!!	CRX	!!	CRX Si	!!	CRX HF	!!	CRX	!!	CRX Si	!!	CRX HF	!!	CRX	!!	CRX Si
|-																									
! scope="row"|	Blade silver metallic	
|	N/A	||	X	||	X	||	N/A	||	X	||	X	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A
|-																									
! scope="row"|	Barbados yellow	
|	N/A	||	N/A	||	X	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	X	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	X	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A
|-																									
! scope="row"|	Superior blue metallic	
|	X	||	X	||	N/A	||	X	||	X	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A
|-																									
! scope="row"|	Polar white	
|	X	||	X	||	N/A	||	X	||	X	||	N/A	||	X	||	X	||	X	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A
|-																									
! scope="row"|	Rio red	
|	N/A	||	X	||	X	||	N/A	||	X	||	X	||	X	||	N/A	||	X	||	X	||	N/A	||	X
|-																									
! scope="row"|	Flint black metallic	
|	N/A	||	N/A	||	X	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	X	||	N/A	||	X	||	X	||	N/A	||	X	||	X
|-																									
! scope="row"|	Torino red pearl	
|	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	X	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	X	||	N/A
|-																									
! scope="row"|	Celestial blue pearl	
|	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	X	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	X	||	N/A
|-																									
! scope="row"|	Frost white	
|	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	X	||	X	||	X
|-																									
! scope="row"|	Tahitian green pearl	
|	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	N/A	||	X
|}

====Model updates====
'''1988'''
*First year of the second-generation CRX.

'''1989'''
*Si and base model change to door-mounted seatbelts to comply with federal regulations. Revision due to automatic seatbelt requirements.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}
*Si model's horsepower increased to {{convert|108|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}} ({{convert|105|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}} in 1988) due to a revised camshaft.

'''1990'''
*Minor changes to headlights, bumpers and taillights.
*Instrument cover is now slightly more rounded.
*[[Automotive_lighting#Emergency_warning_devices|Hazard switch]] relocated to the dashboard.
*Si models now come equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
*Si models receive updated 14-inch alloy wheels.
*Blade silver color is discontinued and replaced by Polar white.

'''1991'''
*Barbados yellow color is replaced by Tahitian green on the Si model.
*Polar white color is replaced by Frost white.
*Final year of the second-generation CRX.

====Production by model year====
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" Style="text-align:center"											
|-											
!scope="col" | Model	
!scope="col" | 1988
!scope="col" | 1989
!scope="col" | 1990
!scope="col" | 1991
!scope="col" | Total
|-											
!scope="row"|	Honda CRX HF	
|	 12,281 	 || 	 9,330 	 || 	 7,544 	 || 	 8,863 	||	 38,018
|-											
!scope="row"|	Honda CRX	
|	 18,995 	 || 	 15,714 	 || 	 16,993 	 || 	 17,111 	||	 68,813
|-											
!scope="row"|	Honda CRX Si	
|	 17,886 	 || 	 18,505 	 || 	 13,876 	 || 	 14,295 	||	 64,562
|-											
!scope="row"|	Total	
|	 49,162 	 || 	 43,549 	 || 	 38,413	 || 	 40,269 	||	 171,393
|-											
! style="text-align: center;background: lightgray;" |Source||colspan="5"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goldenerahonda.org/2020/11/29/1988-1991-honda-crx-production-numbers-ed8-ed9/|title=Golden Era Honda Organization - 1988-1991-honda-crx-production-numbers-ed8-ed9 • |website=goldenerahonda.org |date=29 November 2020 |access-date=3 December 2020}}</ref>
|}

===Curb weights===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" Style="text-align:center"
! scope="col" rowspan="2" |Year
! scope="col" Colspan="2"| CRX
! scope="col" | CRX HF
! scope="col" | CRX Si
|-
! Manual
! Automatic
! Manual
! Manual
|-
! scope="row"| 1988<ref name="Honda CRX Specifications">{{Cite web|url=http://eu.crxsi.com/specs.htm| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20121004012712/http://eu.crxsi.com/specs.htm | archivedate = 2012-10-04 | work = CRXSi.com | title = Honda CRX Specifications }}</ref>
|{{cvt|1922|lb|kg|0}}
|
|{{cvt|1819|lb|kg|0}}
|{{cvt|2017|lb|kg|0}}
|-
! scope="row"| 1989<ref name="Honda CRX Specifications" />
|{{cvt|2048|lb|kg|0}}
|
|{{cvt|1834|lb|kg|0}}
|{{cvt|2138|lb|kg|0}}
|-
! scope="row"| 1990–1991<ref name="Honda CRX Specifications" />
|{{cvt|2103|lb|kg|0}}
|
|{{cvt|1967|lb|kg|0}}
|{{cvt|2174|lb|kg|0}}
|}

==Third generation==
{{Main|Honda CR-X del Sol}}
[[File:1997 Honda Civic CR-X ESi 1.6 Front.jpg|thumb|1992 Honda CR-X del Sol]]
In 1992, Honda replaced the CR-X with a new, [[targa top]]ped, Civic-based model called the [[Honda CR-X del Sol]]. The CR-X del Sol was badged as the Civic del Sol and later the del Sol in some markets, and known simply as the CR-X in others. It is because of this that the del Sol is considered by some enthusiasts to be the "third-generation CR-X". The del Sol came in three trim lines: S in the US / VXi in Japan, later VGi), Si in the US / ESi in Europe, and VTEC in the US / VTi in Europe; the equivalent [[Japanese Domestic Market|JDM]] SiR model which featured a 1.6-liter {{cvt|170|PS|kW|0}} B16 SiR-II DOHC VTEC four-cylinder engine. Production of the del Sol ended in 1997 in North America, elsewhere in 1998 and thus, the CR-X line was retired.

==Comparison to other Honda vehicles==
Articles on the first-generation [[Honda Insight#History|Honda Insight]] have compared its appearance to that of the 1984–1991 CRX.<ref>{{cite web|author=Adrian Akau |url=http://www.gizmag.com/2010-honda-insight-world-premiere/10762/ |title=2010 Honda Insight world premiere |publisher=Gizmag.com |date=24 December 2010 |access-date=2 October 2011}}</ref>

In 2010, thirteen years after the end of CRX production, Honda released the [[Honda CR-Z|CR-Z]], regarded as the [[spiritual successor]] to the CRX.<ref name="20071009insideline">{{cite web|url= http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=122954|title= 2007 Tokyo Auto Show Preview: Honda CR-Z|access-date= 22 February 2008|date= 9 October 2007|work= Inside Line|publisher= [[edmunds.com|edmunds]]|quote= Honda says the name of its sporty two-passenger concept for Tokyo—CR-Z—stands for 'Compact Renaissance Zero.'}}</ref>

==Awards==
* 1984: The Honda CRX is named [[Motor Trend|''Motor Trend''<nowiki/>'s]] [[Motor Trend Car of the Year#Import Car of the Year Winners|"Import Car of the Year"]]
* 1985: The Honda CRX is included in [[Car and Driver 10Best|Car and Driver's 10Best]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15151441/1985-10best-cars/|title = 1985 10Best Cars| work=Car and Driver |date = January 1985}}</ref>
* 1988: The Honda CRX is included in [[Car and Driver 10Best|Car and Driver's 10Best]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15145713/1988-10best-cars/|title = 1988 10Best Cars| work=Car and Driver |date = January 1988}}</ref>
* 1988: The Honda CRX Si is named [[Motor Trend|''Motor Trend''<nowiki/>'s]] "Import Car of the Year"
* 1988: The Honda CRX Si was named ''[[Road & Track]]'' as "One of the Ten Best Cars"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.curbsideclassic.com/vintage-reviews/vintage-review-road-tracks-ten-best-cars-for-1988/|title = Vintage Review: Road & Track's Ten Best Cars for 1988|date = 4 March 2016}}</ref>
* 1990: The Honda CRX is named ''[[Motor Trend]]''{{'}}s "Import Car of the Year"

Consumer reporter [[David Horowitz (consumer advocate)|David Horowitz]] tested the 1984 CRX's fuel economy claim in a "Commercial Challenge" on his TV series ''[[Fight Back! with David Horowitz|Fight Back!]]'' commercials for the CRX claimed it could reach 60 miles per gallon fuel economy; according to Horowitz's test, it bested that figure, reaching 65 miles per gallon, and passed the test.

==Safety==
In Australia, the 1988–1991 CR-X was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "significantly worse than average" protection for its occupants in the event of side impact.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au/_scripts/ucsr_search_result.php?IID=15124 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927034830/http://www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au/_scripts/ucsr_search_result.php?IID=15124 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 September 2007 |title=Safety Report |publisher=www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au |access-date=2 October 2011 }}</ref> Both versions of the CR-X got good safety marks (4 and 5 stars) in the NHTSA Crash Test Results for 1997 US NCAP.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crashtest.com/explanations/archive/crash.htm#anchor359532 |title=Archived NHTSA crash test results from |publisher=Crashtest.com |access-date=2 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20000816213333/http://www.crashtest.com/explanations/archive/crash.htm |archive-date=16 August 2000 }}</ref>

The US version of the second-generation CR-X employed the use of side-impact door beams on some models. These models can be identified by the mounting position of the safety belts. If the belt is mounted in the door, the beams are present. If the belt is mounted in the body, there is no additional reinforcement. 1988 and 1989 HFs along with 1988 Sis and base models have the B-pillar mounted restraints, like all versions sold outside of the US.{{citation needed|date=October 2011}}

===United States===
The [[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]] (NHTSA) in the United States has determined frontal crash test ratings of Honda CRX of different model years.<ref name = "NHTSA_1">{{cite web | url = http://www.safecarguide.com/exp/archive/archive.htm#anchor359532 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20091217034607/http://www.safecarguide.com/exp/archive/archive.htm#anchor359532 | archivedate = 2009-12-17 | title = NHTSA Crash Test Results For 1997 US NCAP | author = NHTSA | publisher = SafeCarGuide.com, Inc. }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="white-space:nowrap;"
!Model year
!Make
!Model
!Type
![[Curb weight]]
!Frontal driver rating
!Frontal passenger rating
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|1984
| style="text-align:center;"|Honda
| style="text-align:center;"|Civic
| style="text-align:center;"|CRX
| style="text-align:center;"|{{Convert|1882|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| style="text-align:center;"|[[File:5 stars.svg|80px]]
| style="text-align:center;"|[[File:4 stars.svg|80px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|1989
| style="text-align:center;"|Honda
| style="text-align:center;"|Civic
| style="text-align:center;"|CRX
| style="text-align:center;"|{{Convert|2310|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| style="text-align:center;"|[[File:4 stars.svg|80px]]
| style="text-align:center;"|[[File:5 stars.svg|80px]]
|}

==Motorsport==
[[File:SCCASoloCRXSi.JPG|right|thumb|Honda CRX Si at an autocross]]
Like the Civic, due to the wide availability of parts{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}, the CR-X is popular for motorsport usage.

===Honda CR-X Challenge===
In the United Kingdom, there was a one-make series dedicated to the series 2 of the CR-X,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mardigras.co.uk/htm_files/history.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010504192835/http://www.mardigras.co.uk/htm_files/history.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 May 2001 |title=Mardi Gras Motorsport: Company History |publisher=Mardigras.co.uk |access-date=2 October 2011 }}</ref> which ran from 1988 to 1994.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=lI72MznqcvM|title=BRSCC Honda CRX Championship 1994 - Mallory Park Sunday 24th July|date=15 May 2014|via=YouTube}}</ref>

A novelty of the series was the Celebrity Car (which was usually car #1). In the inaugural season, the likes of [[Roberto Moreno]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xugK75GfJXU | title=Honda CRX Championship Race - Snetterton 1988 - Rick Shortle | website=[[YouTube]] | date=11 February 2021 }}</ref> [[Derek Warwick]] (who would go on to run a team, and briefly race, in the 1990 Season<ref>{{cite web | url=https://forums.autosport.com/topic/227551-the-warwicks-in-the-honda-crx-challenge/ | title=The Warwicks in the Honda CRX Challenge - the Nostalgia Forum }}</ref>) and [[Patrick Head]] made appearances in the Celebrity Car.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/august-1988/24/image-enhancer/|title=Grass roots: Honda CRX Challenge|date=7 July 2014|website=Motor Sport Magazine}}</ref>

===Endurance Racing===
The car contested the [[Nürburgring 24 Hours]] in 1986 and 1988 and scored a class podium in the [[Spa 24 Hours|1989 Spa 24 Hours]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/type/archive/honda/CRX.html | title=Honda CRX - Complete Archive - Racing Sports Cars }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/etcc/results/Spa-1989-07-23.html | title=Spa 24 Hours 1989 - Race Results - Racing Sports Cars }}</ref>

===Twin-engine CRX===
As featured in the May 1985 issue of ''[[Car and Driver]]'',<ref>{{cite web | url=https://bringatrailer.com/2023/11/10/car-and-driver-road-tests-the-saga-of-the-crx-squared-project-car/ | title=Car and Driver Road Tests: The Saga of the CRX Squared Project Car | date=10 November 2023 }}</ref> Project Synchronicity Honda CRX was a collaboration between American Honda and Racing Beat to install a second 1.5-liter engine with automatic transmission into the hatchback cargo area.<ref>Sherman, Don Car & Driver Magazine May 1985 p48-54</ref> The installation of the second powertrain "took six months and cost $20,000 dollars". Phase Two of the project was to have Racing Beat install two 1.8-liter engines with automatic transmissions from the Honda Accord into Synchronicity. The Honda CRX would be called Super Synchronicity because of the increase of performance from two larger engines.<ref>Sherman, Don Car & Driver Magazine October 1985 p94-100</ref> Both Honda Accord 1.8-liter powertrains were fuel injected and upgrades were made to the suspension. A [[Mugen Motorsports|Mugen]] body kit and upgraded wheels were also installed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a18734345/cd-project-cars-past-we-track-down-the-twin-engined-crx-newmans-own-turbo-and-our-72-pinto-race-car/|title=C/D Project Cars Past: We Track Down the Twin-Engined CRX, Newman's Own Turbo, and our '72 Pinto Race Car|date=4 May 2012}}</ref>

==Convertibles==
The R. Straman Company of [[Costa Mesa, California|Costa Mesa, CA]] converted 310 Honda CRXs into convertibles from 1984 until 1987. The Straman-built CRX Spyder was the cover car on the July 1984 issue of ''[[Road & Track]]'' magazine.

== References ==
{{notelist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Honda CR-X}}
* [https://www.honda.co.jp/factbook/auto/BALLADE/19830623/ Official library of original press information and "fact books" on all of the CRX series]—in Japanese, though contains many images including concept artwork

{{Modern Honda vehicles}}
{{Honda}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Honda Cr-X}}
[[Category:Honda vehicles|CR-X]]
[[Category:Honda Civic|CR-X]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive sports cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1983]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1991]]
[[Category:Hatchbacks]]
[[Category:Sport compact cars]]
[[Category:1990s cars]]