Filed under: Japan, Hatchbacks, Honda
Honda CRX successor in the works?
Our brethren over at Winding Road have it on good authority that Honda is in the midst of developing a new CRX, based off the current Fit's platform. The decision to bring back the much-loved hatch was spurred on by vehicles like the MINI, whose size and sportiness has been attracting consumers of all stripes.
The demise of the CRX in 1991 was a blow to those who loved its small size and chuckability, but its descendent, the Del Sol (CRX in Japan), didn't garner much love from enthusiasts. Because of past fits and starts, Honda hasn't made a serious attempt at bringing back a suitable successor, however, a dedicated group of gearheads within the automaker may finally get a chance at returning the CRX to its former glory. Peter Nunn at Winding Road maintains that a "serious design proposal is underway" and that an internal decision is expected in the next few months.
[Source: Winding Road]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mike 5:20PM (2/28/2007)
The FIT is a little underpowered for a successor, I mean, it has LESS power and a slower 0-60 than the del sol did!
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Howard Kerr 5:21PM (2/28/2007)
Wow, this is almost weird. Today I parked behind a 2nd gen. CRX and tried to admire it without being to obvious.
I've always admired the CRX and thought a few times of getting one (why I didn't buy one when they were new, I'll never know). I was "hooked" after my first ride in a co-worker's 1st gen HF (or whatever they called the most basic CRX back in '84). I guess I was still in Japanese car denial. It would be nearly 5 years before I went over to the H side after driving many "big 3" cars and trucks.
I'd seriously consider either a 2 door Fit or a CRX...assuming it looked fairly decent. I don't care for the "almost a Porsche 914" look, of the Del Sol.
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Jeff Banks 5:25PM (2/28/2007)
low cost and weight + great handling = reason why I love honda.
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Otto Ingineer 5:40PM (2/28/2007)
Yay! CRX was one of my "dream cars" back in high school, and I still really like the small hatch design - sort of a more versatile Miata (without the rwd or convertible). Keep it small 'n light with a decent engine and it will be fun! Especially around an autocross course.
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Aki 5:45PM (2/28/2007)
#1 Fit wasn't meant to be a successor to the CRX or Del Sol.
Del Sol looked ugly--I thought that was the biggest problem. But a cool-looking, compact aggressive hatch you can throw around on corners? That'd be hot. It'd have to be pretty small though, and in a more bargain price range along the lines of a Fit.
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lzaffuto 5:56PM (2/28/2007)
I had a 1991 Si that I swapped an Integra GSR 170hp engine into. Fun little car that I miss a lot. Never should have sold it.
The fit chassis is good for weight, but I don't like the solid rear axle. Real CRXs had double wishbones front and rear, one thing that made them so great. As far as engines go, it's possible they may be able to squeeze the K20 from the Civic Si in there somehow.
All that said, it's not going to happen. We've heard this story about every other year since the CRX was discontinued... every time people get hyped up about it... every time it doesn't happen. Even if they come out with a prototype to show in public, at this point I'll only believe it when Honda says the car is going to dealerships.
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Mike 6:02PM (2/28/2007)
Whats so great about the CRX, I have driven many of them and my brother had a '91 with a 5 speed. It was the biggest POS I have a ever seen. He swore off Honda after that car and bought a Sunfire! Kind of funny, but he liked the Sunfire, it never gave him any problems.
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Mike 6:06PM (2/28/2007)
#5, did you not read the 1st sentence in the article?
"Honda is in the midst of developing a new CRX, based off the current Fit's platform"
I am well aware the fit is not a successor to the CRX, but basing a CRX off the FIT is what my comment was based on.
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Robert O 6:09PM (2/28/2007)
I had a 1st generation CRX. What an amazing car. I hope they do bring it back.
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Bill 6:11PM (2/28/2007)
I always thought the Insight had a lot of similarities with the CRX.
The 1st Gen CRX-HF was the gas mileage champ of it's day (the successor the previous champ, my 1983 Civic 1300FE).
It would be cool if Honda made a conventional gas CRX, but also a hybrid version that is sporty and not dull like the Insight. I'm waiting for a hybrid car that still has some life and fun it, for those of us who like to drive...
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Cameron 6:19PM (2/28/2007)
The new one better be within 2 inches of each dimension of the 88-91 CRX and not just a two door Fit.
Base models should have the stock fit motor.
Upper end model, maybe Si, should have the R series from the new Civic.
A K series would never make it into a production CRX replacement in the US due to impact on Civic Si sales. But that's what the aftermarket is for. If a new CRX can fit an R series, it will fit a K series with minimal fuss.
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Darrell 6:48PM (2/28/2007)
YES! PLEASE BRING BACK THE CRX! The closest I've ever come to a CRX was owning a 93 Civic Si hatchback. That and sitting in my friend's K20A2 swapped CRX. But it'd be fantastic for Honda to bring back that beloved model!
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Aki 6:50PM (2/28/2007)
"#5, did you not read the 1st sentence in the article?"
I did, apparently you didn't. Basing it off the Fit doesn't mean it would carry the same powerplant. Platform has nothing to do with how much power can be put in.
And I agree w/ Izafutto... been hearing every year that it's coming back... and never has.
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Sampson 6:50PM (2/28/2007)
I loved the CRX... To me it was one of the few cars that made sense being FWD... I wish they'd made it with a K series... 86-91 it used the same engine as the Civic, I don't see why it can't now. Keep it light, make an Si version or Type R with 6speed and 200+ hp, and I'll buy it... That said, this isn't the first time I've heard of a CRX revival, so I'll wait until I hear official word too before I get excited..
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Michael Karesh 7:04PM (2/28/2007)
The second-gen CRX was better looking, but the original was much more fun to drive. I remember having a blast in the 1.5 back in 1985. Only 76 horsepower, but also only 1700 pounds. Any new car would be much heavier than even the 2nd one.
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Hondacura 7:15PM (2/28/2007)
It's obvious that is making it's return with the REMIX concept and the 15-18 page survey that Honda had at the 2006 LA Auto show.
The CRX will receive same powerplant as the Fit but with a Si version with horses. DUH!
CRX will be an economical personal car as usual but a sporty version for those loyalist.
Aiight smoke on that for awhile.
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Michael Karesh 7:16PM (2/28/2007)
Actually, I may have driven the Si, introduced mid-year in 1985. Which would explain the thrills--91 horsepower and 60-series tires!
I don't remember which I drove, but either way it was much more chuckable than anything you can buy today. The second-gen felt large and sedate in comparison.
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Hondacura 7:17PM (2/28/2007)
16. It's obvious that the CRX is making it's return with the REMIX concept and the 15-18 page survey that Honda had at the 2006 LA Auto show.
The CRX will receive same powerplant as the Fit but with a Si version with horses. DUH!
CRX will be an economical personal car as usual but a sporty version for those loyalist.
Aiight smoke on that for awhile
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naggs 8:09PM (2/28/2007)
a new CRX is really exciting. 30-40 mpg, the kind of handling and performance only a super flyweight can deliver. all in a reliable, affordable and practical package.
noone hates on fwd performance more than me but the CRX SI is the one that actually made sense. the smaller honda can make this car the better it will be.
its been a while since honda did anything that wasnt a disapontment (except the current Si) and the market is deffinetly ready for the return of the crx
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doglet 9:24PM (2/28/2007)
a base manual trans Fit weighs in at 2432 lbs.
if the CRX can come it at under 2300 lbs with the 140 hp 1.8 that will be FTW!!!
a type r with the dohc 2.0 would be nuts but the bigger engine would require bigger tires to put the power down and bigger brakes to handle the higher speeds so i would expect that model to weigh a little more.
35-45 mpg and a 0-60 around 7 sec, its hard not to get excited about honda doing what it does best.
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