1992 Honda CRX Si 1.6
Summary:
Budget Porsche 911
Faults:
Broke a tie-rod on one wheel (my fault)
Exhaust rusted through. That's all!
General Comments:
What an amazing little car. It was my first car and I put the thing through hell in high school and in college. Though it only has two seats I remember many times people squeezing onto the 'parcel shelf' or even putting people in the trunk for short 2am hops to Dennys. The two seats were occasionally limiting, but it was amazing how much stuff I could squeeze into the hatch area.
Bulletproof reliability. At the time I owned the CRX I was racing an SCCA Spec Racer in the Northeast. During that time I'd drive the 'rex' like a madman through the PA hills. Even once caught air (by accident) near the Summit Point race track in VA. Drove the wheels of the thing, or at least tried to, and it never failed to start and nothing ever went wrong.
Late one night at a shopping mall I was practicing hand-brake turns in the snow, doing doughnuts, and generally goofing around. We started a very nice long reverse slide and hit one of those low concrete spacers that marks the end of parking spaces. The tie rod broke and I limped the car to a Honda dealer the next day.
Aside from that, the only thing to fail was the exhaust which rusted through after several harsh winters. I didn't hurry to replace the exhaust, though, as the sound reminded me of the SCCA stock cars running on the weekend. After lots of parental complaints a new exhaust was put on.
Great performance for such a little engine. Not many horses, but the horses there are very spirited. Handling, partly owing to its kart-like dimensions, is fantastic.
I have very fond memories of this car. It never let me down and I have a bias towards Honda products after my good experience. I bought a Prelude when I was at graduate school and loved it too, but the CRX was something special.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th December, 2002
24th Oct 2005, 00:10
I don't think this person considers his CRX to have been like an actual porsche. Its just a title. He is simply stating that a CRX is a great car for what it is and how much it costs. You need to relax.
23rd Jan 2006, 10:20
The exhausts on the CR-X have a lifetime guarantee, look into that one matey, p.s. CR-X's RULE!
4th Apr 2006, 23:37
The 1992 CRX is a package of pure joy. It is one of those rare combinations of performance, handling, practicality, reliability and economy that no other car can reach for twice or even three times the price. Believe me brothers and sisters the 1.6 VTi with 160hp (that's over 100hp/litre) just begs to be driven. Keep the revs above 5500 rpm, listen to the VTEC wail and realise there are only 3 cars on the road. The cars you have passed, the cars you have (yet) passed, and of course you in your CRX. Sheer driving enjoyment at a budget price. Yes, there are Porsches and other exotics, but they cost so much their mainly all driven by poseurs. Go for CRX!
5th Apr 2006, 11:57
Which country sold this VTi option? Here in America the car was always the 108 horsepower version until it was discountinued in 1991/92.
30th Apr 2006, 06:23
I have to agree. I have a UK spec 1992 CRX 1.6 VTEC 160bhp, and it really is the best car I have driven; handles like it is on rails.
30th Jul 2008, 16:51
This is an amazing little car. Handles well, great gas mileage... good car to own, people! One of the coolest cars,...ever. Can't go wrong! A gem of a ride.
3rd Jun 2005, 11:41
I'm not doubting the performance from the Honda's 1.6 engine, but even in VTEC form, 150 or 160bhp, or even with a turbo, ~200 BHP, it has nowhere near enough power to challenge, let alone match a Porsche's performance. 320 BHP comes as standard on Porsche 911 Carrera, that's the baseline car. Anyone who thinks the CRX VTEC will beat the Boxster, is sadly daydreaming. 240 BHP is standard on the baseline Boxster; the 1.6 non-VTEC will be beaten before it even moves with its 108 BHP!
Face the facts guys, stop dreaming, and face reality!
Raziel.