Get Hotcars Premium. Start your free trial today
The Honda CR-X was originally launched as the Honda Ballade Sports CR-X in Japan.
When it comes to great Japanese cars, there are plenty of contenders. When it comes to great Japanese cars from Honda, there are also plenty of contenders. Honda might just be one of the best car companies in the world, with a whole host of epic cars ranging from the mighty NSX to the little Beat Kei car. That also extends to modern machines like the new Civic Type R or the latest Accord. Honda have got it right on so many occasions.
However, some of their cars, for whatever reason, have flown under the radar. Cars such as the first generation Honda Insight that had so much promise and was arguably much better than the Toyota Prius of the same era. Another great Honda car though that flies under the radar is the CR-X. The Honda CR-X was originally launched as the Honda Ballade Sports CR-X in Japan before being made available globally, and was in effect a sporty version of the Civic. The CR-X has for years flown under the radar, and is a real underappreciated classic within the Honda range.
The CR-X first came into the world in 1983 for the 1984 model year. It shared the same drivetrain of the Civic, but other than that this was a completely new two-seater car from the Japanese company. And it was unique styling and interior furnishings that set it apart from the Civic. It first became available through the Honda Nerno dealership channels in Japan, before it was marketed in North America as an economy and sport model. These used a 1.13 CVCC four-cylinder engine and a 1.5-liter 12-valve four-cylinder engine respectively. The sport version was also available with either a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission.
The economy model did not last long as it was replaced in 1985 with the HF, High Fuel, model with a 1.5-liter engine. That, like the others, used an aluminum block but utilized the 1984 CVCC cylidner head and not the new aluminum head. The former had two valves per cylinder, versus the newer three valves per cylinder. The CR-X got even more exciting with the introduction of the Si, Sports injected model in the Spring of 1985 with its more powerful 1.50liter SOHC PGM-FI four-cylinder engine. This had a few perks to such as the power sunroof, standard dual remote exterior mirrors and the Si exclusive ducktail spoiler included.
RELATED: The Evolution Of The Honda Accord In Pictures
In terms of inspiration for the CR-X, that came for the little Honda from a very unusual place. The CR-X took its inspiration from the Alfa Romeo GT Junior Zagato, a car that was first introduced in the late 1960s. This was a car that the designer of the Honda CR-X owned. While the Si model remained perhaps the most impressive version, Honda kept working on the car. In 1986, Honda massively updated the design of the car. New aerodynamic headlines were a feature, with body color matching lower cladding coming on the Si as well as a revised rear spoiler, new bumper covers and 14-inch alloy wheels.
Honda also wanted to make sure drivers and passengers had the best interior possible. This was also upgraded in the new CR-X with a center console with cassette tape store. The 1987 model year saw very little change to the first-generation CR-X before the second generation entered the fray for the 1988 model year. During the first generation, the CR-X had become renowned for its fuel economy with the original 1.3-liter car reaching 52 mpg in the United States, and the highest perhaps being 70 mpg recorded.
The CR-X would go on to have a total redesign for its second generation. A longer wheelbase was introduced, and the car was wider too, while Honda also worked heavily on the suspension. Gone was the original torsion bar in the front and beam axle with trailing link in the rear. In its place was the four-wheel double-wishbone suspension for the car. This new suspension and larger design improved not only the car's passenger and cargo space, but its handling too. A mild refresh came in 1990, with the VTEC models seeing updated bumpers, lights, hood brakes, suspension and more.
RELATED: Abandoned Honda CRX Reveals Some Interesting Quirks About JDM Classics
The final generation of the CR-X was the CR-X del sol, but that was a far cry from the original CR-X generations and isn’t really worth talking about. The CR-X itself though became known as a fantastic little machine, with great handling and cargo space for a sport compact car. Its fuel economy also made it a favorite for many, and it was always regarded as a nimble little car. It's remarkable that the CR-X doesn’t get mentioned as much as other Honda cars. Because as far as we can see, there was absolutely nothing wrong with it.
Sources: Honda, Honest John Classics
Covering anything from JDM cars to classic jets. Contributed to HotCars since the Autumn of 2018. Writes features, news and list articles.