What Honda has pop-up headlights?
In brief, the Honda CR-X (1983–1991) is the best-known Honda model with pop-up headlights.
Pop-up headlights were a design trend in the 1980s that some automakers explored. In Honda's lineup, the feature was not widely adopted beyond the CR-X, making it something of a historical curiosity rather than a current design cue.
Which Honda models used pop-up headlights
Production examples of pop-up headlights in Honda's history are very limited; the CR-X stands as the primary case.
- Honda CR-X (1983–1991) — a compact two-seat hatchback famous for its flip-up headlights.
Beyond the CR-X, Honda did not broadly employ pop-up headlights in its production cars, though concept cars and early prototypes occasionally showcased the design.
Context: why pop-up headlights appeared and why they faded
Design trends of the 1980s
During the 1980s, pop-up headlights were popular for their clean lines when closed and for the dramatic look they gave the front end when raised. They also allowed glass-covered light housings to integrate into wedge-shaped, aerodynamically styled bodies.
Regulatory and safety shifts
In the 1990s, safety regulations and pedestrian protection requirements, along with the cost and complexity of maintenance, made pop-up headlights less viable. Automakers like Honda shifted toward fixed, integrated headlamps with modern lighting technologies such as LEDs.
What Honda uses now
Today, Honda's lineup relies on fixed headlights with LED or projector elements across models like the Civic, Accord, CR-V, and NSX, aligning with contemporary safety and styling standards.
Summary
In the history of Honda, the CR-X is the standout model with pop-up headlights. The feature was short-lived in the brand's lineup and has not returned in any mainstream production cars since the 1990s, with modern Hondas opting for fixed, integrated lighting.
