How many miles per gallon does a 1986 Honda CRX HF get?
In typical driving, the 1986 Honda CRX HF averages about 50 miles per gallon overall, with highway trips often exceeding 50 mpg when the car is well maintained. Real-world results vary based on maintenance, driving style, and conditions.
What makes the CRX HF fuel-efficient
The HF (High Fuel) designation signaled Honda’s focus on maximizing mpg. The 1986 model combined a lightweight body with a compact, efficient drivetrain and aerodynamic hatchback design to deliver strong fuel economy for its era.
- Lightweight construction and compact dimensions that reduce energy needed to move the car.
- A small-displacement engine chosen for efficiency rather than outright power.
- Aerodynamic styling typical of 1980s hatchbacks, which minimizes drag at highway speeds.
- Standard manual transmission (commonly a 5-speed) to maximize engine efficiency across a range of speeds.
These design choices helped the CRX HF achieve favorable fuel economy for its time, especially on long highway runs.
EPA ratings and real-world results
EPA figures from the mid-1980s provide a baseline, though individual results vary with driving style and maintenance.
- EPA estimates for the US-market CRX HF typically placed highway mileage in the upper 50s mpg, city mileage in the mid-40s mpg, with a combined figure around 50–52 mpg. Actual numbers could vary slightly by testing cycle and year.
- Real-world driving often yields lower numbers in mixed conditions, commonly ranging from the 40s mpg for urban commuting to 50+ mpg on steady, long highway trips.
Maintaining proper upkeep and adopting economical driving habits can bring real-world results close to these figures.
Tips to maximize mpg on a vintage CRX HF
To squeeze the most miles per gallon from a 1986 CRX HF, consider these practices.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure; under-inflation reduces fuel efficiency and increases wear.
- Perform regular maintenance: ensure spark plugs, air filter, fuel system, and ignition timing are in good condition.
- Drive smoothly: accelerate gradually, anticipate stops, and maintain steady speeds to minimize energy spikes.
- Plan trips to minimize stop-and-go driving; use highway routes when possible for better mpg.
- Lighten the load and reduce drag: remove excess weight and avoid unnecessary roof racks at speed.
With good maintenance and conservative driving, the CRX HF could achieve mpg in the high 40s to low 50s on typical highway use, with city driving generally lower but still respectable for the era.
Summary
The 1986 Honda CRX HF remains a notable example of 1980s aero and engineering aimed at fuel economy. While exact mpg varies by test cycle and real-world conditions, most owners and testers report roughly 50 mpg combined, with higher highway efficiency and lower city mileage. Proper maintenance and careful driving continue to influence outcomes, making the CRX HF a reference point for early economy-focused cars.
