What engine is in a 1987 Honda CRX?
In 1987, the Honda CRX relied on a small, efficient four-cylinder engine suited to its economy‑car ethos. The base DX and HF trims used a 1.3-liter engine, while a dedicated performance variant was not offered in the U.S. market that year. The more powerful 1.6-liter DOHC engine would arrive later, powering the CRX Si in subsequent model years.
Engine options in the 1987 CRX
The following overview focuses on how the 1987 CRX was configured in the United States and how the lineup differed by trim.
- DX and HF trims: 1.3-liter inline-4 (Honda D-series). This engine provided the CRX with modest horsepower, typically in the range of about 60–70 hp, emphasizing fuel economy and light weight.
- CRX Si: Not offered in the 1987 U.S. market. A higher-performance option would come later, beginning with the 1988 model year, featuring a 1.6-liter DOHC inline-4 (Honda B-series) that delivered roughly 108–110 hp in early versions.
For most buyers in 1987, the CRX’s heart was the smaller 1.3-liter engine, with the performance-focused variant waiting until the following year in the U.S. lineup.
What changed after 1987
Starting with the 1988 model year, Honda expanded the CRX lineup to include the Si with a 1.6-liter DOHC engine from the B-series. This upgrade brought significantly more power to the sportier model, while the base DX/HF continued to use the 1.3-liter D-series engine, reinforcing the CRX’s dual identity as both an economical runner and a light, nimble performer.
Summary
In short, the 1987 Honda CRX was powered by a 1.3-liter inline-4 in the base DX and HF trims, with no Si version available in that year in the U.S. The high-performance Si engine arrived later, beginning with a 1.6-liter DOHC B-series in 1988–1991 CRX models. Engine choices varied by trim and market, so for a precise identification on a specific car, check the VIN and engine stamping.
