By Josh RosenbergWe seem to have lost those economical yet sporty very small cars that were both super fun to drive and incredibly fuel efficient. This was a vibrant and popular car niche full of fun vehicles a few decades ago, but sadly, no more.
One of the absolute best was the Honda Civic CRX. Back in it's day it was duking it out with the very fun Toyota MR2 as the top dog in this segment. It sold in huge numbers due to its combination of performance and economy, but today is extremely hard to find since ending production over 30-years ago in 1991.
But have hope. They can indeed still be found out there with patient and careful shopping. There are still well-maintained examples popping up for sale due to a very devoted CRX enthusiast following. You just will likely have to expand your search to "nationwide".
It was introduced in 1984 and was a hit from the get go, winning Motor Trend's coveted "Import Car Of The Year" award. It employed a shortened 86.6-inch wheelbase (as opposed to the 96.5-inches of other Civics) and was offered in two trim levels. The standard CRX engine was a 1.3-liter four-cylinder that produced just 60 horsepower, yet was surprisingly fiesty.
There was also an uplevel CRX 1.5 that was outfitted with a single downdraft-carbureted, three-valve-per-cylinder, 76 horsepower 1,488cc engine.
Motor Trend tested the 1.5 and found it got an impressive 44.55 mpg. This was likely due to its excellent aerodynamics (0.32 drag coefficient) and light weight of just 1,802 pounds.
It also used new-tech plastic body panels for the front fenders and a "header" panel between the headlamps. The base CRX weighed even less at 1,713 pounds and got even better gas mileage, an outstanding 51 mpg city and 67 mpg on the highway.
But not content to sit on their laurels, Honda made things still better with the introduction of the CRX Si (Sports, injected) four-seat Civic hatchback in 1985. The Si came with an enhanced 1.5-liter engine as well as a new multi-port Programmed Fuel Injection system.
Output increased to 91 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 92.9-lbs.ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. And when coupled with the five-speed manual gearbox, the CRX's fun-to-drive factor attracted still more enthusiasm.
Other standard equipment exclusive for the Si included a ducktail rear spoiler, dual remote exterior mirrors, a sunroof that slid outside the car for maximum headroom, and a rear window wiper. Front disc and rear drum brakes were also standard while air conditioning was a dealer installed option.
In 1986, the look of the Si was fine-tuned with glass headlamps, a redesigned front bumper/air dam, flared rocker panels, and a new flush-mounted rear spoiler.
The wheelbase was increased to 90.6 inches in 1988 and a high-performance 1.6-liter 16-valve engine, good for 105 horsepower, was added to the CRX Si and Civic 4WD wagon. And while previously only the Si Civic models had fuel injection, all Civics were then fuel injected.
In 1990, the CRX got four-wheel disc brakes and a slightly revised dash-board with larger instruments. This version was left unchanged for the 1991 model year, the last for the Honda Civic CRX.
I still get a bit of a thrill when I see one around town. Fortunately, Honda's generally outstanding reliability, excellent mechanical parts accessibility, and loyal enthusiast community has kept some on the road.
Honda CRX Reliability And Possible Mechanical Problems To Watch For
The CRX is known for its long-term reliability, especially when properly maintained. Built on the Honda Civic platform, the CRX earned a reputation for durability, supported by its simple yet efficient engineering, lightweight design, and robust engines, which are known to be long-lasting if well-cared for.
Engine Durability: The CRX featured Honda's reliable inline-4 engines, including the D-series and, in the Si model, the more powerful ZC or B-series. These engines are known to be quite dependable, often reaching high mileages if maintained with regular oil changes, timing belt replacements, and proper cooling system care.
Simplicity of Design: Its straightforward mechanical setup, especially in the non-Si models, makes it easier to maintain and repair. This reduces the chances of complex failures, and many owners have successfully rebuilt their engines and transmissions.
Longevity: With proper care, it's not uncommon to see CRXs with 200,000+ miles still running well. Engine longevity depends heavily on maintenance, but many owners report reaching 300,000 miles or more without major issues. Regular upkeep—like oil changes, replacing the timing belt at recommended intervals, and ensuring that the cooling system is working properly—can extend the vehicle’s lifespan significantly.
Many Still on the Road (the ultimate reliability test)?: A good number of CRXs are still on the road today, largely due to their cult following among car enthusiasts. Many have been well-maintained or restored, while others have been modified for performance or show purposes. However, finding a rust-free, stock CRX has become more challenging over time, as they are increasingly considered collectible, particularly the Si models.
Possible CRX Mechanical Problems To Watch For
The Honda Civic CRX is known for its reliability, but like any older car, it has its share of potential mechanical problems. Here are some common issues CRX owners might face which should therefore be included in a thorough inspection prior to purchase:
Rust: Rust is a significant issue, especially for CRXs in areas with harsh winters or high humidity. Common rust spots include wheel arches, door sills, the undercarriage, and around the fuel filler neck. Rust can lead to structural integrity issues and affect the suspension mounting points.
Timing Belt: The CRX’s engine requires regular timing belt replacements, typically every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. If not replaced on time, a broken timing belt can lead to catastrophic engine damage, especially in interference engines like those found in some Si models.
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Valve Clearances: Over time, the valves can become misaligned, leading to reduced engine performance and possible damage if not adjusted periodically.
Manual Transmission: The CRX's manual transmissions are generally robust, but the clutch can wear out over time, especially if driven aggressively. Clutch replacement is common after 100,000 miles or more.
Synchros Wear: In manual transmissions, worn synchros can cause grinding when shifting, particularly into second and third gears. This issue becomes more prevalent with high mileage.
Automatic Transmission: The CRX with automatic transmissions can experience wear and tear, leading to slipping or rough shifting, though automatic models are less common than manual ones.
Worn Bushings: The CRX is known for precise handling, but its suspension components can wear out over time. Worn bushings, ball joints, and tie rods may lead to a rough or noisy ride, reduced handling, and alignment issues.
Shocks and Struts: The shocks and struts can wear out, especially with age, leading to a bouncy or harsh ride. Replacing these components is common after high mileage.
Aging Wiring: As with many older cars, the CRX can develop electrical issues due to aging wiring. Common problems include malfunctioning lights, power windows (if equipped), and intermittent issues with the ignition system.
Main Relay Failure: The CRX’s main relay, responsible for controlling fuel pump operation, can fail over time, leading to intermittent starting problems. This is a known issue and relatively inexpensive to fix.
Radiator Leaks: The CRX's radiators are prone to leaking as they age. Regular coolant flushes and checking for leaks can prevent overheating.
Water Pump Failure: Alongside the timing belt, the water pump should be replaced. A failing water pump can cause overheating and potentially lead to engine damage.
Fuel Injectors: In Si models, which have multi-point fuel injection, the injectors can become clogged, leading to poor fuel delivery and engine performance.
Overall, while the CRX is a reliable car, especially given its age, it can develop various mechanical issues related to rust, engine timing components, suspension, and electrical systems. Many of these problems are common in older vehicles but can be managed with regular maintenance. A well-maintained Honda CRX can last for decades, but rust is its primary enemy.