The hot hatch is a demographic of vehicles that shows no signs of slowing down in terms of the enthusiast market’s attraction to them. While other segments of the hobby ebb and flow, the 80s and 90s econoboxes that became backroads carvers have endured shockingly well. Clean cars like this 1991 Honda CRX Si listed here on craigslist for $22,000 still command a following and top dollar, simply owing to the fact that not many are left in survivor-grade condition. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the tip.
The CRX was not necessarily a world-beater in terms of outright performance but rather a combination of qualities that made it somewhat unrepeatable. In any trim level, it was a lithe handler, able to gobble up backroads via a communicative front-wheel drive chassis. The base model trims could achieve incredible fuel economy without having to worry about specialized driving tactics like hypermiling. And the Si, shown here, squeezed out just enough additional horsepower to make it feel truly racy, a sensation enhanced further with sharp alloy wheels and nicely-bolstered bucket seats.
The interiors were simple but durable affairs. Honda truly nailed interior ergonomics in the 1980s and 1990s, creating driver-focused cabins with awesome sight lines thanks to narrow A-pillars and lots of glass. It’s a shame that the current obsession over airbags and screens has eliminated this quality from Honda cabins in the modern era. The seller lists this CRX as having just over 52,000 miles, and it certainly shows in the condition of the interior. Given how popular these hot hatches were with young drivers and street tuners, it’s always nice to find one that remains untouched.
The 1.6L 4-cylinder may produce a mere 108 b.h.p. and 100 lb.-ft. of torque, but with a curb weight of just barely over 2,000 lbs., it makes that output feel much greater. The CRX will always be a fan favorite when found in stock condition, because that was the ultimate manifestation of this high-quality hatchback. Engine swaps may be exciting, but my feeling has always been that the engineers who built the car knew what the best balance of power and weight would be. Even with its somewhat high asking price, I doubt this CRX will last long on craigslist.
Always liked these, bet most have been modded and beat.
Price is geared towards a older guy with memories and cash.
Manual hatches are growing in popularity, especially cheap ones and younger crowds. They won’t be buying this.
I will politely disagree. This is a young crowd car. The kids dont like the muscle cars, they like the ones they can tune, and the dollar amount is insane. One of my sons, now 26, dropped $43k on a 94 Supra, non-turbo. Prices on that era of Supra are insane. Take an NA car and add a turbo, its now over $80k. Factory turbo cars are over $100k. The base 2J can be have a turbo added and tuned to 450hp, from 200hp, without changing any internal parts. The factory turbo cars can be tuned to 1000hp without changing any internals. He also just sold a 98 Aristo that has the turbo 2J in it. If he would have put that engine in his Supra, that car would sell for over 90k. Go check the prices on a turbo MR2, they aren’t quite as nuts, but are very high compared to the classic cars us old guys look at.
Agree young crowd wants these, this particular car at 22k is more than 90% will pay.
You’re correct of course, some do have money.
And hopefully if they can spend this much they bought a house first!
I drove a buddys base 1990 Civic 4sp when new. The car waws under 7K in price. I thought it was going to be a dissapointment, but boy was I wrong. Even the base with vinyl seats and like a 70HP engine, it was amazing. Such a nice shifter, great driving position. Smooth running engine. I wondered out loud why Ford couldn’t figure this formula out and my budddy laughed to no end. Honda knew what they were doing. I bet this car is amazing. We need small base priced cars like this again. People need to wake up and figure out that a 12 ton pick up or SUV at 6 figures is a stupid idea. My buddy averaged 45-50 MPG in 1990. Not a hybrid, just a small great engineered car. When I after that test drive, got back into my DD Escort, I was dissapointed.
My wife had a 1990 base Civic hatchback. Didn’t even say DX on the back. Car was blue but bumpers were unpainted black plastic. No passenger side mirror or rear wiper. And if I remember correctly, no sway bars. The 4 speed made it take a little time to climb up in speed but it had great visibility all around and lots of interior room for the front passengers. One time I swapped on 15” 1995 Integra GSR rims and it felt very planted but due to the lack of sway bars it had a little body rolls. No power steering either. Was a fun little car!
Yes, Ford should bring back (Like your name) the pinto. Sort of inline with how the Slate truck company is bringing back basics, a new pinto could be similar. Maybe even make it electric like a Ford version of the Nissan Leaf?
Having owned a non-Si back in the early 90s, I know first hand these were the ultimate commuter car for efficiency and fun. The Si was a very tossable car, not fast, but quick and still sipped gas. Very fun cars to own and basically maintenance free. This is a pristine, factory unmodified Si version, hence the high asking price. It seems like this would be a niche nostalgia car, but I these are extremely popular with tuners. That said, this will likely sell to a Gen Xer that has some extra cash and a longing for the “good old days” of their youth. I hope it goes to a good home.
It’s nice but I don’t think it’s $22k nice typical Seattle dealer. I find it funny that these cars have the same ignition switch that make them a target for thieves yet when they were new and being stolen you never heard about cities trying to take Honda to court like they are doing with Hyundai and Kia now with the same ignition
Ah the CRX. The car you can spell.
I was a field Rep for Honda from 1986-2000. I remember Soichiro Honda’s son owned Mugen performance at the time. Mugen had overproduced their competition parts and we had Honda warehouses full of Mugen parts. They were high quality parts, with even higher pricing. There were two problems: 1. Although they were functional, their aesthetics did not appeal to the average consumer. 2. We were not allowed to discount them, as it was thought discounting would damage the brand. So, all of us reps were directed to order “Mugen CRX” cars for demo’s. We loaded those cars with every Mugen part applicable. Then the phone call came for us California reps, “Get your CRX to a dealer immediately and pick up a new car!” Turned out, we were driving cars with illegal speed equipment, with regard to California smog laws… Those were the days!
Along the lines of the CRX was the 1990 Geo Storm. I purchased one for my wife back in the day. Small engine, small weight, responsive FWD, manual 5spd shifter, and excellent interior. And easily got 35mpg. Even at 6’2″ I fit comfortably. Great little car, wouldn’t mind owning another one. But good luck finding one that hasn’t been trashed or modded. We need cars like this but I really can’t imagine being on the road with all the 2 ton monstrosities crowding me.
I’m interested ! Location?
Click the Craigslist link in the article to contact the seller.
My son had one in high school and college. Great little cars. Easy to work on although only maintenance was needed. A car like this is hard to find. Definitely worth the price to the right person.
A guy in my dorm spent the summer of ’86 on an Alaskan fishing boat, and when he got back on dry land he bought a new CRX with cash. I was broke and jealous! I hate to say it but this car should go to a museum. There can’t be more than 50 in this condition in the world.
I was a Honda tech in this era. This is one of the “If you know,you know” Better than anything you can purchase today!
I was a Honda tech in this era. This is one of the “If you know,you know”
Honda redefined what front wheel drive could be. Between the CRX and the Civic Hatchbacks (3 door as they called it). They changed my opinion regarding front wheel drive. Topped it off with smooth shifting manual transmissions, and well balanced engines that handled higher rpm than most.