What year did Honda make the CRX?
The Honda CR-X was introduced in 1983, with the United States receiving it as a 1984 model year. It became a standout for its light weight, nimble handling, and compact sport-coupe design that helped define a segment in the 1980s.
Understanding its debut requires looking at the two-generation arc that spanned the 1980s into the early 1990s, during which Honda refined the concept of an affordable, performance-oriented hatchback.
Origins and Debut
Born from Honda's Civic platform, the CR-X was designed as a small, efficient two-seat hatchback with a focus on driving dynamics. Here are the key milestones in its launch timeline:
The following list summarizes when the CR-X appeared and how it rolled out across markets:
- 1983: Debut in Japan as the CR-X, marking Honda's entry into a dedicated sport compact.
- 1984: First US market introduction, typically listed as the 1984 model year.
- 1987: End of the first-generation run in most markets, with the CR-X continuing in some regions through the 1987 model year.
- 1988: The second generation arrives (for the 1988 model year), featuring styling updates and improved performance.
- 1991: Production of the second-generation CR-X ends, effectively closing the main CR-X run in most markets.
The CR-X's two-generation arc helped define a segment of affordable, sporty coupes in the 1980s and early 1990s, before Honda shifted focus to related models and updated sport configurations within its Civic lineup.
First Generation (1983–1987)
The first-generation CR-X lasted from its 1983 debut through the 1987 model year in most markets, characterized by a lightweight body, efficient engines, and a focus on driver engagement over horsepower alone.
Design and Variants
Across its initial run, the CR-X offered several trim levels and updates, but retained a two-seat layout with hatchback practicality that appealed to enthusiasts seeking a lively, practical daily driver.
Second Generation (1988–1991)
The second-generation CR-X, introduced for the 1988 model year, brought styling revisions, improved aerodynamics, and refined handling, helping the car stay competitive as the market for sporty compact coupes evolved.
Legacy
Although the CR-X nameplate ended its main production after 1991, the concept endured in related Honda lines and later models that carried forward the two-seat sport emphasis in certain markets.
Summary: The Honda CR-X first appeared in 1983, with the United States receiving it as a 1984 model year. It ran in two generations from 1983–1987 and 1988–1991, marking an influential era for lightweight, driver-focused sport coupes from Honda’s 1980s lineup.
What does CRX stand for in Honda?
CRX most widely stands for "Civic Renaissance Experimental," a name that reflects its connection to the Honda Civic and its role as an innovative, lightweight sports car. The name was used for the popular Honda sports compact car produced from 1983 to 1991.
- Civic: Indicates its shared platform and drivetrain with the Honda Civic.
- Renaissance: Suggests a revival or renewal of spirit for the compact car segment.
- Experimental: Highlights its design and innovation as an experimental or "new" kind of sports car.
Is the CRX a collectible car?
The Honda CRX has long been a darling of a certain segment of the enthusiast crowd, but it wasn't until around 2018 that it started to come into its own with the collector-car crowd.
What was the last year of the Honda CRX?
The last Honda CRX was produced in 1991. After the 1991 model year, the nameplate was replaced with the Honda CR-X del Sol, which was produced until 1998.
You can watch this video to see a rendering of a modern CRX concept: 53sNext-Gen CarYouTube · Jan 19, 2024
- The original CRX models were produced from 1984 to 1991.
- The second generation of the CRX ran from 1988 to 1991.
- The successor, the CR-X del Sol, was introduced in 1992 and marked the end of the original CRX nameplate in North America.
This video discusses the history of the Honda CRX, including its successors: 59sTKY PerformanceYouTube · Jan 10, 2025
What made the 1985 CRX so popular?
From the April 1985 Issue of Car and Driver. The Honda Civic CRX is one of our favorite cars, but we're never sure how to categorize it. With comfortable accommodations for two, low cost, and superior fuel economy, it's an outstanding commuter car.
