Honda Crx Automobile – Your Definitive Guide To Buying, Maintaining

Hey there, fellow gearheads and DIY enthusiasts! If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got a soft spot for one of Honda’s most iconic and beloved sport compacts: the honda crx automobile. Whether you own one, are dreaming of owning one, or just appreciate its legendary status, you know this little car packs a punch way beyond its size.

But let’s be real: these cars are getting older, and while they’re incredibly robust, they require specific attention to keep them running strong and looking sharp. Neglect isn’t an option for a vehicle with such a passionate following. You want to keep that nimble chassis carving corners and that high-revving engine singing, right?

At FatBoysOffroad, we’re all about empowering you with the knowledge to tackle your own automotive projects, safely and effectively. This comprehensive honda crx automobile guide is your go-to resource. We’re going to dive deep into everything from smart buying strategies and essential maintenance to troubleshooting common issues and even some performance modifications. Get ready to give your CRX the E-E-A-T treatment it deserves – Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness – right from your garage.

The Enduring Appeal of the honda crx automobile: Why It Still Rocks

Few cars command as much respect and adoration as the honda crx automobile. Launched in the 1980s, this lightweight, front-wheel-drive pocket rocket quickly became a benchmark for affordable performance and fuel efficiency. It wasn’t just a car; it was a statement.

Its success stemmed from a brilliant combination of factors. A low curb weight, often under 2,000 lbs, paired with Honda’s renowned VTEC engines (in later models) created an intoxicating power-to-weight ratio. The chassis, while simple, offered incredibly responsive handling, making it a joy to drive on winding roads or even the occasional track day.

Today, the CRX remains a cult classic. Its simple mechanicals make it a fantastic platform for DIY mechanics, while its timeless design continues to turn heads. The strong community around these vehicles ensures a wealth of knowledge and parts availability, making it a viable and rewarding project car for anyone looking for a fun, engaging driving experience. These are just some of the benefits of honda crx automobile ownership.

Buying a honda crx automobile: What to Look For (And Look Out For)

So, you’re ready to jump into CRX ownership? Fantastic! But before you hand over your hard-earned cash, a thorough pre-purchase inspection is paramount. These cars are decades old, and many have seen their fair share of enthusiastic driving, modifications, or neglect. Knowing how to honda crx automobile shop smartly is crucial.

Take your time, bring a flashlight, and don’t be afraid to get a little dirty. A good seller will understand your diligence.

Rust: The Silent CRX Killer

Rust is arguably the biggest enemy of the CRX. Pay extremely close attention to these areas:

Rear Quarter Panels: Check around the wheel arches and behind the rear wheels. This is a notorious rust magnet due to road spray and debris accumulation.
Rocker Panels: Inspect both the outer and inner rockers. Lift the carpet inside the car to check the floorboards for any bubbling or soft spots.
Front Fenders: Look where the fender meets the bumper and the door jamb.
Hatch Area: Inspect around the hatch seal and the lower lip of the hatch itself.
Frame Rails: Get underneath the car and check the main frame rails for any significant corrosion or repairs.

Surface rust is one thing, but extensive perforation or shoddy patch jobs can be a deal-breaker. Structural rust is a major safety concern and costly to repair properly.

Engine & Drivetrain Health Checks

The Honda engines in the CRX are generally bulletproof if maintained, but age takes its toll. Here’s what to check:

Oil Leaks: Look for oil seepage around the valve cover, distributor, and oil pan. Minor leaks are common, but significant drips indicate a need for new gaskets.
Coolant Leaks: Check hoses, the radiator, and the water pump area for signs of coolant. Brownish residue often indicates a past leak.
Timing Belt & Water Pump: Ask for service records. If there’s no proof of replacement within the last 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years, factor in the cost of this critical maintenance item. A broken timing belt means a destroyed engine.
Transmission: Test drive the car and pay attention to gear engagement. Manual transmissions should shift smoothly without grinding. Automatic transmissions should shift crisply without slipping or harsh jerks.
Clutch: For manuals, test the clutch for slippage by accelerating hard in a higher gear. The RPMs should rise smoothly with speed, not rev freely.

Any excessive smoke from the exhaust (blue for oil, white for coolant) is a red flag. A puff of white smoke on startup that quickly dissipates is often just condensation.

Suspension & Steering: Feel the Road

The CRX’s handling is a key part of its appeal. Worn suspension components will detract significantly from the driving experience and compromise safety.

Bushings: Pay special attention to the rear trailing arm bushings. These are notorious for failing, causing squirrely handling and clunking noises. Look for cracks or tears in all rubber bushings.
Shocks/Struts: Push down on each corner of the car. It should rebound once, then settle. If it bounces multiple times, the shocks are likely worn. Look for fluid leaks on the shock bodies.
Tie Rod Ends & Ball Joints: Check for excessive play by jacking up the car and wiggling the wheels. Any clunking or looseness indicates wear.
Steering Rack: Listen for unusual noises (groaning, clunking) when turning the wheel. Check for power steering fluid leaks if equipped.

A car that pulls to one side or has vague steering indicates alignment issues or worn components. Factor these into your budget.

Essential Maintenance & Care for Your honda crx automobile

Owning a CRX means embracing a proactive approach to maintenance. Regular care isn’t just about longevity; it’s about preserving the driving dynamics that make these cars so special. Following these honda crx automobile best practices will keep your ride in top shape.

Basic Fluid Checks & Changes

These are the fundamental services that every CRX owner should perform diligently:

Engine Oil & Filter: Change every 3,000-5,000 miles with a quality conventional or synthetic blend oil, and a new oil filter (e.g., Honda OEM, Purolator, Wix). This is the single most important maintenance item.
Transmission Fluid: For manual transmissions, change the fluid every 30,000 miles using Honda’s MTF or a quality equivalent. Automatic transmissions have a more complex service schedule, often every 30,000-60,000 miles, but always refer to your specific owner’s manual.
Coolant: Flush and refill your cooling system every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles with a Honda-specific or compatible ethylene glycol-based coolant. Make sure the system is properly bled of air.
Brake Fluid: Bleed and replace your brake fluid every 2 years. Brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), which degrades its performance and can lead to rust in your brake lines.
Power Steering Fluid: Check the reservoir level regularly. If it’s dirty, consider a flush every 50,000 miles.

Always use the correct fluids specified by Honda. Using the wrong type can lead to premature wear or damage.

Critical Engine Maintenance

Beyond fluids, certain engine components require periodic attention to ensure optimal performance and prevent costly failures:

Timing Belt & Water Pump: As mentioned, this is crucial. If not done, replace it immediately upon acquiring the car. This typically involves removing several accessories and covers, so set aside a full day or take it to a trusted mechanic.
Valve Adjustment: Honda engines, especially older ones, benefit from regular valve adjustments (typically every 30,000-60,000 miles). This ensures proper valve clearance for optimal performance and prevents premature wear. You’ll need a feeler gauge and the factory specifications.
Spark Plugs & Wires: Replace spark plugs every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on the type. Inspect spark plug wires for cracks or damage and replace as needed. Use OEM equivalent plugs (e.g., NGK, Denso).
Air Filter: Check every oil change and replace annually or more frequently if you drive in dusty conditions. A clean air filter improves engine efficiency and performance.
Fuel Filter: Often overlooked, the fuel filter should be replaced every 30,000-60,000 miles to ensure clean fuel delivery to the engine.

These steps are part of a comprehensive honda crx automobile care guide and will significantly extend the life of your engine.

Keeping the Body & Interior Fresh

The CRX’s lightweight body is prone to rust and wear. Protecting it is key for sustainable honda crx automobile ownership.

Wash & Wax Regularly: This helps protect the paint and prevent rust formation. Pay extra attention to wheel wells and underbody areas.
Rust Prevention: Consider undercoating or rust-proofing treatments, especially if you live in a region with harsh winters. Address any small rust spots immediately before they spread.
Interior Care: Clean and condition interior plastics and vinyl to prevent cracking and fading. Vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris.
Weatherstripping: Inspect and replace worn door, window, and hatch weatherstripping to prevent water leaks and reduce wind noise.

A well-maintained exterior and interior not only looks better but also helps retain the car’s value.

Common Problems with the honda crx automobile & How to Fix Them

Even the most robust vehicles have their quirks. The CRX is no exception. Knowing the common problems with honda crx automobile models can save you headaches and help you troubleshoot effectively.

Electrical Gremlins: Diagnosing Power Issues

Older Hondas are known for a few electrical issues:

Main Relay Failure: This is perhaps the most famous CRX problem. A failing main relay (which controls the fuel pump and ECU power) can cause intermittent starting issues, especially on hot days. The car might crank but not start, or it might die randomly while driving.
- Fix: The main relay is usually located under the driver’s side dash. It’s a relatively easy DIY replacement. Look for cold solder joints on the old relay; reflowing them can sometimes fix it temporarily, but a new relay is the best solution.
Ignition Switch Issues: Worn contacts in the ignition switch can cause intermittent power to accessories or even the engine.
- Fix: Replace the electrical portion of the ignition switch.

Suspension Woes: Bushings and Beyond

As mentioned in the buying guide, suspension components are wear items.

Rear Trailing Arm Bushings (RTABs): When these fail, the rear of the car feels loose, unstable, and can cause clunking over bumps. It’s a significant safety issue.
- Fix: Replace with new OEM rubber bushings or upgrade to polyurethane bushings for a firmer feel and longer life. This job requires specific tools, including a press or a specialized bushing removal tool. If you’re not comfortable, this is a job for a pro.
Lower Control Arm Bushings: Front and rear lower control arm bushings can also wear out, leading to clunking, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
- Fix: Replace with new rubber or polyurethane bushings.

Water Leaks: Keeping Your Interior Dry

Over time, seals and weatherstripping degrade, leading to annoying and potentially damaging water leaks.

Sunroof Leaks: If your CRX has a sunroof, the drain tubes can become clogged, causing water to back up and leak into the headliner or A-pillars.
- Fix: Clear the drain tubes using compressed air or a thin wire. Regularly check and clean the sunroof seal.
Hatch Seal Leaks: A worn or damaged hatch seal can allow water into the cargo area.
- Fix: Replace the hatch weatherstripping. Ensure the hatch closes securely and is properly adjusted.
Door/Window Seal Leaks: Worn door seals or window sweeps can let water in.
- Fix: Replace worn seals. Ensure window regulators are working correctly and windows fully close.

Addressing these leaks promptly prevents interior mold, rust, and electrical damage.

Performance Mods & Smart Upgrades for Your honda crx automobile

The CRX is a fantastic canvas for modifications, and many owners enjoy customizing their vehicles. When considering how to honda crx automobile for performance, remember to prioritize reliability and safety.

Suspension & Handling Upgrades

Improving the handling is one of the most impactful modifications you can make to a CRX.

Coilovers or Performance Shocks/Springs: A quality set of coilovers (e.g., Koni, Tein, BC Racing) or matched performance shocks and springs (e.g., Eibach, H&R) will dramatically improve handling, reduce body roll, and allow for ride height adjustment.
Polyurethane Bushings: Upgrading all suspension bushings to polyurethane will tighten up the chassis response and reduce slop. Be aware they can introduce more NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness).
Larger Sway Bars: Upgrading front and/or rear sway bars (e.g., Suspension Techniques, ASR) will further reduce body roll and tune the car’s balance.
Strut Tower Braces: Front and rear strut tower braces (e.g., Neuspeed, Password:JDM) help stiffen the chassis, improving steering response and handling precision.

Braking System Enhancements

More go means more stop! Upgrading your brakes is a crucial safety modification, especially if you’re increasing power or driving aggressively.

Performance Brake Pads: A simple upgrade to performance street pads (e.g., EBC, Hawk) offers better stopping power and fade resistance.
Stainless Steel Brake Lines: These reduce brake pedal flex, providing a firmer, more consistent pedal feel.
Larger Rotors & Calipers: For serious performance, consider a “big brake kit” or a common swap using larger rotors and calipers from other Honda models (e.g., Integra GSR, Civic Si). This requires careful research to ensure compatibility.

Engine & Drivetrain Performance Boosts

While an engine swap is a popular (and complex) option for extreme power, there are simpler ways to get more out of your existing CRX engine.

Intake & Exhaust System: A cold air intake (CAI) and a free-flowing exhaust system can yield modest power gains and a more aggressive engine note. Look for reputable brands like Skunk2, Invidia, or MagnaFlow.
Lightweight Flywheel: Reduces rotational mass, allowing the engine to rev up faster, improving acceleration. This is a clutch-out job, so combine it with a clutch replacement.
ECU Tuning: For more significant gains, especially after other engine modifications, a properly tuned ECU (e.g., Hondata, Moates) can optimize fuel and ignition maps. This should always be done by a professional tuner.

Always prioritize safety and ensure any modifications are street legal in your area. Remember, even a slightly modified honda crx automobile can be a blast to drive!

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Practices for Your CRX

Even with an older car, there are ways to practice eco-friendly honda crx automobile ownership. Being mindful of your environmental impact is part of being a responsible enthusiast.

Proper Fluid Disposal: Never dump used oil, coolant, or other automotive fluids down the drain. Take them to an approved recycling center or auto parts store.
Regular Maintenance: A well-tuned engine is a more efficient engine. Keeping up with your honda crx automobile care guide recommendations, like clean air filters and properly adjusted valves, ensures your engine runs as cleanly as possible.
Tire Pressure: Maintain correct tire pressure. Underinflated tires reduce fuel economy and increase tire wear.
Consider Modern Upgrades: Upgrading to LED lighting uses less energy. Swapping to a modern catalytic converter (if needed) can improve emissions.
Extend Life: The most sustainable practice is to extend the life of your vehicle. By maintaining and repairing your CRX, you’re preventing another car from being manufactured and reducing waste.

Every little bit helps, and keeping your CRX on the road for decades is a testament to sustainable automotive passion.

Frequently Asked Questions About the honda crx automobile

What is the average lifespan of a honda crx automobile?

With proper maintenance, a honda crx automobile can easily last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more. The engines are incredibly durable, but rust and neglected maintenance are usually what send them to the scrapyard prematurely.

Are honda crx automobile parts still available?

Yes, many parts are still available, both new OEM (from Honda or aftermarket suppliers) and used. The strong enthusiast community and interchangeability with other 1980s-1990s Honda Civic models mean that engine, suspension, and body parts are generally accessible, though some specific CRX-only trim pieces can be harder to find.

Is the honda crx automobile a good first project car?

Absolutely! The honda crx automobile makes an excellent first project car due to its simple mechanics, ample aftermarket support, and vibrant community. Most maintenance and common repairs are straightforward for a DIYer, making it a great learning platform.

What’s the difference between a Si and a HF CRX?

The Si (Sport Injected) model was the performance variant, featuring a more powerful fuel-injected engine (like the D16A6 or B16A in JDM models), stiffer suspension, and often a sunroof. The HF (High Fuel economy) model was designed for maximum MPG, with a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine (like the D15B6), taller gearing, and lighter weight, often lacking power accessories.

Can I really use my honda crx automobile for daily driving?

Yes, many enthusiasts still daily drive their honda crx automobile. They are reliable, fuel-efficient, and fun. However, remember they are older cars lacking modern safety features and amenities. Regular maintenance is key to reliable daily driving.

There you have it, folks – a deep dive into the legendary honda crx automobile. This isn’t just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history, a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess, and a blank canvas for enthusiasts like us.

Whether you’re meticulously restoring a pristine example, building a track monster, or simply keeping your daily driver running reliably, the principles of careful ownership, proactive maintenance, and smart upgrades will serve you well. Remember, safety first, always use the right tools for the job, and if a task feels beyond your skill level, don’t hesitate to consult a professional.

Embrace the journey, learn as you go, and most importantly, enjoy every moment behind the wheel of your fantastic CRX. Stay safe and stay comfortable!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.