Honda CR-X: The Popular Sports Hatchback

Andy Zain
September 10, 2009

In Japan, the Honda CR-X was originally called the Honda Ballade Sports CR-X when it first launched in 1984. This first generation CR-X was also known as the Honda Civic

CR-X outside Japan, and it was considered to be a sports version of the popular Civic.

Honda produced different models for the various markets it released the CR-X into. Apart from the Balade in Japan, the United States was marketed an economical sports hatchback that seated two persons. For the European market, a more powerful engine was produced with 2+2 seats. The CR-X was re-designed for all markets in 1987 and stayed in production until 1991.

Young drivers were attracted to the economy, handling and performance of the CR-X, with such a sporty design and great street presence. This certainly increased the numbers of younger drivers who bought Hondas. The company of R. Straman in the US carried out convertible conversions from 1984 to 1987 which also proved extremely popular. Also in the States, a 1. 5 L CR-X HF model was produced that had even better fuel economy at no additional purchase price.

1987 saw the production of a 2nd generation of the Honda CR-X with a chassis modification to double independent wishbones. Fuel injection was introduced to the 1495 cc and the updated 1590 cc DOHC engines. From 1989, the CR-X shared the same 1595 cc VTEC engine as the Honda Integra, and these models were treated to some exterior modifications of bumpers, lights and dash, as well.

The US market had a choice of three CR-X models at this time; the 1495 cc engine, the eight valve 1495 cc engine and the 'sports injected' or Si model with the sixteen valve 1590 cc engine and a power-operated sliding roof.

For the Japanese market, a glass roof, which was a fixed panel stretching from the windscreen to the hatch, was an optional extra. While it was a common car in Japan, it was not marketed elsewhere and now these models have become keenly sought by enthusiasts in other parts of the world.

In 1992, the Honda CR-X was replaced with the new Civic, the Honda Civic del Sol, which was generally accepted by motoring enthusiasts as the 3rd generation CR-X. Much talk and many rumors have promised a return of the Honda CR-X, and finally it does appear as though it may be one of the Honda hybrid series in the near future.

Andy Zain is the admin of CR-X Forum , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Honda CR-X. Get the information you need when you visit Honda Forum

Source:  Amazines.com