Honda CR-X

The Honda CR-X, originally launched as the Honda Ballade Sports CR-X in Japan, was a compact sports car manufactured by Honda. The first generation CR-X was sold in some regions outside Japan as the Honda Civic CR-X. The "CR-X" name is said by some to stand for "Civic Renaissance-Experimental".

The Honda Civic CR-X was first produced in 1983 for the 1984 model year and was a lightweight sport hatchback. In the American market, the CR-X was marketed as an economy sport hatchback, having room for just two passengers. European markets, however, received a more powerful ZC 130 hp engine and four seats.

Redesigned in 1988 and produced to 1991, the CR-X was very popular for its performance (specifically the USDM performance model, the Si), nimble handling, and good fuel economy—the USDM CR-X HF model could reliably achieve better than 50 mpg, more than a decade before gas-electric hybrids appeared on the market.

One of the rarest options for the CR-X was the "Cyber Glass" roof, which stretched from the top of the windshield, and went all the way back to the hatch opening; such equipped models are extremely rare.

The Japanese Si and European 16v models came with a 1.6 L DOHC engine putting out 128 bhp. The Si engine was stamped ZC, whilst the 16v stamped D16A9. Honda refreshed the looks of the car in these markets in 1990 when it added the B16A VTEC engine in the 150 bhp VT and 160 bhp SiR models in the UK & Europe and Japan respectively. The CR-X was the second car to receive a Honda VTEC engine after the Integra.

The CR-X was replaced for 1992 by the CR-X del Sol, a targa top 2-seater again based on the Civic. The del Sol was discontinued in 1997 for the American market and 1998 for other markets.

There have been many rumours of a CR-X comeback, none of which have come to fruition. However, in August 2005, Autoweek reported that Honda planned a revival of the CR-X that is scheduled to be on the market in 2007; no official announcement has been made by Honda. The original CR-X has become a cult favorite among the tuner crowd.