What was the gas mileage on the 86 Honda CRX?
The 1986 Honda CRX delivered notable fuel efficiency for its era, with mileage that varied by trim and transmission. In general, most configurations hovered in the 40s mpg, with the high-efficiency HF model offering the best highway economy.
During the mid-1980s, the CRX lineup was lean and light, emphasizing economy as a selling point. The EPA testing of the period measured city and highway miles per gallon (mpg), and real-world results depended on how the car was equipped (trim and transmission) and how it was driven. The numbers you see below reflect typical EPA-era estimates and common owner reports for the U.S. market.
EPA ratings by trim and transmission
The following figures summarize typical EPA estimates for common 1986 CRX configurations. They illustrate how mpg varied with trim and transmission, rather than representing a single universal figure for all 86 CRXs.
- CRX DX/Base with 1.3L engine and 5-speed manual: City about 38–40 mpg, Highway about 48–52 mpg, Combined roughly 45 mpg.
- CRX DX/Base with 1.3L engine and 4-speed automatic: City about 34–38 mpg, Highway about 44–48 mpg, Combined around 40–42 mpg.
- CRX HF (high fuel efficiency) with 1.3L engine and typically 5-speed manual: City around 40–44 mpg, Highway around 53–58 mpg, Combined roughly 48–52 mpg.
- CRX HF with 1.3L engine and 4-speed automatic: City around 38–42 mpg, Highway around 50–55 mpg, Combined about 45–50 mpg.
Note: These figures reflect era EPA ratings and common testing ranges. Real-world mileage depended on maintenance, tire choice, driving style, and condition of the engine and drivetrain. Some owners reported closer results to the high end of these ranges with careful driving and proper upkeep.
Real-world factors that influenced mileage
Beyond trim and transmission, several practical factors could push mpg higher or lower for a 1986 CRX. Understanding these helps explain why two cars from the same year could show different numbers in everyday use.
- Maintenance and engine tune-up: Regular oil changes, proper air filtration, and spark plug condition improved efficiency and performance.
- Tire pressure and condition: Correctly inflated tires reduced rolling resistance and improved economy; worn or over‑/under‑inflated tires did the opposite.
- Driving style: Gentle acceleration, steady cruising, and avoiding excessive idling yielded better mpg than aggressive driving.
- Vehicle weight and aerodynamics: The HF variant’s lighter mass and aerodynamic tweaks contributed to better highway efficiency.
- Climate and load: A heavy summer cooling load or a full interior increased energy use and reduced mpg.
In practice, a well-maintained 1986 CRX, especially the HF trim, could approach the higher end of EPA estimates on long highway trips, while city driving typically pulled mpg down toward the lower end of the range.
Historical context and Legacy
The CRX was built as a compact, efficient two-seater with a focus on lightweight design and economical operation. Its legacy rests on providing strong fuel economy for a small car in the mid-80s, a time when miles-per-gallon was a major selling point for many buyers. While not all owners achieved the exact EPA figures in daily use, the model is widely remembered for its efficiency and practical economy rather than outright performance.
Summary
In 1986, the Honda CRX offered a range of mpg depending on trim and transmission. Roughly speaking, base DX models with a 5-speed manual hovered in the mid-40s mpg, while HF versions leaned toward high-40s to low-50s mpg on average, especially on the highway. Automatic transmissions generally reduced mpg a notch or two. With proper maintenance and mindful driving, these vintage Hondas could deliver fuel economy that still stands out for a car of that era.
