The Honda CR-X, originally launched in Japan as the Ballade Sports CR-X, is a sport-compact car manufactured from 1983 until 1991, with nearly 400,000 produced. The first generation was marketed in some regions as the Honda Civic CRX, and the most widely accepted meaning of the initials is Civic Renaissance Experimental.
Honda CR-X at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 1983–1991 |
| Built | nearly 400,000 |
| Class | sport compact coupe |
| Platform | Civic, and briefly Ballade |
| Japanese name | Ballade Sports CR-X |
| US name, first generation | Civic CRX |
| Seating | two seats in North America, 2+2 elsewhere |
| First engines | 1.3 carburettor and 1.5 fuel injection |
| Redesign | 1988 model year |
| Replaced by | del Sol, sold as a CR-X in some markets |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the CR-X.
History of the Honda CR-X
First generation
In 1983, for the 1984 model year, Honda introduced a two-seater that shared its drivetrain with the third-generation Civic but had unique styling and interior. In Japan it was sold through Honda Verno dealers alongside the Vigor, the Quint and the Prelude. The base model used a 1.3-litre carburettor four and the flagship a 1.5-litre fuel-injected four, with optional digital instrumentation.
North American versions
In North America the CRX came in economy and sport versions. The economy model used an aluminium 1.3-litre CVCC four, while the sport model had an aluminium 1.5-litre 12-valve engine with a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic. For 1985 the economy model was replaced by an HF high-fuel model with a 1.5-litre engine and the 1984 CVCC cylinder head, and in spring 1985 Honda added the Si with a more powerful 1.5-litre PGM-FI engine.
Second generation
The CR-X was redesigned for the 1988 model year and produced until 1991. The front-wheel-drive car was popular for its performance, nimble handling and good fuel economy, and was replaced by the del Sol, which was marketed as a CR-X in some markets.
Design and features
- Civic drivetrain: shared mechanicals in a lighter, sportier body.
- Two very different markets: two-seat economy car in America, 2+2 elsewhere.
- Si model: the injected 1.5-litre performance version of 1985.
- Light weight: the basis of its handling and economy reputation.
Honda CR-X versions
- CR-X 1.3 (1984): carburettor base model.
- CR-X 1.5i: fuel-injected flagship.
- CRX HF (1985): high-fuel-economy North American model.
- CRX Si (1985): sports injected version.
- Second generation (1988–1991): the redesigned car.
The CR-X was built on the Honda Civic platform and was replaced by the CR-X del Sol. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda CR-X, English Wikipedia: generations, engines, markets
