How many miles per gallon does a 1987 Honda CRX HF get?
Approximately 46 miles per gallon combined in EPA testing, with about 42 mpg in city driving and 50 mpg on the highway.
HF trim and its efficiency focus
The 1987 Honda CRX HF (High Fuel Efficiency) was a lighter, leaner variant of the CRX designed to maximize gas mileage. It achieved its numbers through a smaller engine, reduced weight, simpler equipment, and clean aerodynamic styling. In US specifications, the HF typically came with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a straightforward five-speed manual transmission, emphasizing fuel economy over performance.
Key factors that contributed to the CRX HF’s efficiency include weight reduction, simplified interior features, and a compact footprint that reduced air resistance. These design choices helped the model achieve standout fuel economy for its era while maintaining the practical appeal of a small, agile hatchback.
The following list highlights the core specifications that contributed to fuel economy.
- Engine: 1.3-liter four-cylinder (high-efficiency design)
- Transmission: Five-speed manual standard
- Weight: Lightened compared with other CRX trims
- Aerodynamics: Compact body with favorable drag characteristics
These attributes collectively underpinned the HF’s efficiency emphasis, shaping its fuel economy profile in daily driving and long trips alike.
EPA fuel economy figures for the 1987 CRX HF
In US EPA testing from that era, the CRX HF’s fuel economy was typically recorded around the following figures. Keep in mind that actual mileage varies with driving style and condition.
- City: 42 mpg
- Highway: 50 mpg
- Combined: 46–47 mpg
While these values reflect standardized testing, real-world results can swing based on maintenance, tire condition, climate, and how aggressively the vehicle is driven.
Real-world mileage and considerations
Owners and enthusiasts often report mixed results in everyday driving. With attentive maintenance, proper tire pressure, and smooth, steady driving, many CRX HF owners observed mileage in the low-to-mid 40s in urban conditions and approaching or exceeding 50 mpg on long highway trips. Short trips, aggressive acceleration, or underinflated tires tend to reduce the efficiency that the HF was designed to deliver.
Summary
The 1987 Honda CRX HF stood out for its efficiency-focused design, delivering the mid-40s miles-per-gallon in combined EPA ratings, with strong highway performance around 50 mpg. Its compact size, light weight, and frugal engine made it a popular choice for buyers prioritizing fuel economy in the late 1980s. For today’s collector or driver, it remains a notable example of early efforts to balance practicality with efficiency.
In short, the 1987 CRX HF gets roughly 46–47 mpg combined in EPA testing, about 42 mpg city and 50 mpg highway, with real-world mileage varying based on upkeep and driving habits.
