Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (210 km/h)
Fuel, maker's test (7.7 L/100 km)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Extremely positive sentiment among enthusiasts, characterized by nostalgic reverence and praise for its driving experience.
6 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentAging ECU and internal electronics failure
Causes quirky problems and can leave owners stranded, very common in vehicles approximately 30+ years old.
- Very frequentLack of modern safety features
No airbags, minimal crash protection, poor performance in collisions with modern vehicles.
- RecurrentRust and body integrity
Particularly problematic in areas using road salt; bondo work and rust issues are common in used examples.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentOdometer inaccuracy/rollback
Mileage on older odometers is considered unreliable ("means nothing").
- RecurrentGeneral age-related maintenance
All components (seals, bushings, hoses) require ongoing attention due to age.
- IsolatedPoor headlights (on specific trims/models)
Noted as inadequate for night driving.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. The Si model is mentioned for its sportier nature, and the HF model is noted for exceptional fuel economy (cited as up to 49 MPG city, 54 MPG highway). A strong recurring opinion is that the US-market version was hampered by not receiving the more powerful B16 engine available in other markets, which would have made it "more special."
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mazda Miata (MX-5), Toyota MR2, Toyota Pickup (Tacoma), Lexus GX 470 and Honda Civic Si (vintage and modern).
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Overall sentiment
Extremely positive sentiment among enthusiasts, characterized by nostalgic reverence and praise for its driving experience. The vehicle is consistently described as "fun," "insanely reliable" for its first decades, and offering "insane" fuel economy, particularly the HF model. It is celebrated for its lightweight, engaging dynamics, and classic design. However, a strong consensus exists that it is no longer a practical choice for a primary daily driver due to its age, lack of modern safety features (no airbags, minimal crash protection), and emerging reliability concerns with aging electronics. Ownership is now largely framed as a project or hobbyist endeavor, with satisfaction heavily dependent on accepting its limitations as a vintage vehicle.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a lightweight, ultra-efficient, and engaging two-seater coupe from the late 80s/early 90s. Compared to contemporary sport compacts like the Suzuki Swift, it was praised for a more refined and "business-like" interior. It is frequently mentioned alongside other iconic, now-collectible Japanese cars like the Miata and MR2 as a vehicle that was once an affordable "hidden gem" but has since become overpriced and sought-after. It is explicitly contrasted with modern vehicles like the 2010s Civic Si, which is seen as a more logical, safer, and feature-rich daily driver, albeit less unique. The later Honda CR-Z is repeatedly identified as its intended spiritual successor, though owner discussions indicate the CR-Z failed to capture the original's essence or performance, particularly in its CVT-equipped form.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is overwhelmingly implied as the only desirable choice, with the automatic/CVT in the spiritual successor (CR-Z) heavily criticized. For modern ownership, a full rewiring with a modern standalone ECU is recommended by experienced owners to address failing original electronics. Purchasing as a second car for hobbyist use, not as a primary daily driver, is the dominant recommendation. Avoiding examples with significant rust, bondo work, or odometer discrepancies is advised.
General recommendations
NOT recommended as a first car or primary daily driver due to safety and reliability concerns. Suitable only as a secondary project or weekend car for experienced enthusiasts. Buyers should be prepared for high maintenance needs, difficulty sourcing parts, and addressing decades of potential neglect. Aggressively inspect for rust and bodywork quality. Be wary of inflated prices; community feedback suggests $14,000 for a high-mileage example is "absurd," and values around $4,400-$6,000 are mentioned, though desirable examples command premiums. Financing such an old vehicle is discouraged. If seeking a similar vintage Honda experience with more practicality, a contemporary Civic hatchback or sedan is suggested.
Remarks
The Honda CRX exists in current owner discussions almost entirely as a vintage collectible, not a current transportation appliance. Its legendary reputation for reliability refers to its first 20-30 years; a consensus indicates a turning point around 10-15 years ago when aging electronics began to fail en masse. The market is characterized by high demand from enthusiasts, leading to inflated prices for clean examples and many projects in poor condition. The discussion heavily references the failed successor, the CR-Z, which is criticized for its CVT, weight, and lack of performance, reinforcing the original CRX's iconic status. Analysis based on approximately 24 substantive owner discussions and comments specifically about the CRX.
Specifications
Not sold in North America: these versions are from other markets.
1.6 i VTi (EG2)
1.6L 4-cylinder · 160 hp · FWD · manual
Built 1992–1997