1991 Honda Civic CRX Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

The Good

The 1991 Honda Civic CRX boasts numerous advantages. Its lightweight design contributes to agile handling and engaging performance, especially the Si trim, appealing to emotional buyers seeking driving fun. Practical buyers appreciate its legendary Honda reliability, exceptional fuel efficiency (especially the HF model), and long-term value. The distinctive, sporty design further solidified its appeal.

The Bad

Known weaknesses for the 1991 Honda Civic CRX often include rust, particularly on rear wheel arches and subframes. Due to age, suspension components and engine seals can show wear, leading to oil leaks. Finding unmolested examples is challenging, and theft was a historical concern. Its two-seat configuration also limits practicality for some.

1991 Honda Civic CRX: Quick Overview

Here is a bullet-point summary of key specifications for the 1991 Honda Civic CRX:

• Engine Options:
  • CRX HF: 1.5-liter SOHC 8-valve (D15B6) designed for maximum fuel efficiency.
  • CRX DX: 1.5-liter SOHC 16-valve (D15B2) offering a balance of economy and daily performance.
  • CRX Si: 1.6-liter SOHC 16-valve PGM-FI (D16A6) delivering sportier performance.
• Horsepower:
  • HF: Approximately 62 hp
  • DX: Approximately 92 hp
  • Si: Approximately 108 hp
• Fuel Economy (EPA estimated, varies greatly with driving conditions):
  • HF: Often achieved 40-50+ MPG highway, exceptional for its time.
  • DX: Around 30-35 MPG highway.
  • Si: Around 28-32 MPG highway, still very respectable for a "sporty" car.
• 0-60 MPH Times (approximate, dependent on conditions):
  • HF: Roughly 12-14 seconds
  • DX: Roughly 9-10 seconds
  • Si: Roughly 8-8.5 seconds, quite peppy for its era and horsepower.
• Towing Capacity: The CRX was not designed or typically rated for towing capacity due to its lightweight construction and sporting intent. Owners should assume zero towing capacity.
• Trim-Level Features:
  • CRX HF: The "High Fuel Economy" model was minimalist, often lacking power steering or air conditioning to reduce weight and maximize efficiency. It featured manual windows, a simple radio, and lighter wheels.
  • CRX DX: Offered a more balanced approach, including features like optional power steering, a better audio system, and a slightly more comfortable interior than the HF.
  • CRX Si: The top-tier "Sport Injected" trim came well-equipped for its class. Standard features included a stiffer suspension, front and rear anti-roll bars for improved handling, 14-inch alloy wheels, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, and a manual pop-up sunroof. The interior featured sportier seats and full instrumentation.

1991 Honda Civic CRX Specifications

Vehicle History Report

What Problems Does the 1991 Honda Civic CRX Have?

The 1991 Honda Civic CRX, while renowned for its reliability, is now over three decades old, leading to several frequently reported problems and long-term reliability concerns primarily due to age and wear. The most pervasive issue is rust, commonly appearing on rear wheel arches, rocker panels, subframes, and around the manual sunroof if equipped. This can be a significant structural and cosmetic concern, especially in regions with harsh winters or coastal climates. Buyers must thoroughly inspect these areas.

Engine oil leaks are common due to aged and hardened seals, particularly the valve cover gasket, distributor O-ring, and crankshaft seals. While the D-series engines are incredibly durable, these minor leaks become more prevalent with high mileage and time. Suspension components, including bushings, ball joints, and original shocks/struts, will almost certainly be worn, leading to degraded handling, squeaks, and clunks. A full suspension refresh is often necessary for optimal driving.

Distributor issues, specifically related to the internal igniter unit or coil, are known to cause intermittent stalling or no-start conditions. Similarly, the main relay can fail, preventing the fuel pump from priming. Interior plastic components, particularly the dashboard, are prone to cracking from prolonged UV exposure, especially around the defroster vents. Electrical gremlins can manifest as aging wiring harnesses and corroded grounds, affecting various lights, gauges, or power accessories.

For the sportier Si models, transmission synchronizer wear is a common report, making shifting into second or third gear difficult or "crunchy" as mileage increases. Sunroof seals can also deteriorate, leading to water leaks into the cabin. As for recalls, specific campaigns for the 1991 CRX are unlikely to be actively addressed by Honda decades later, but historical recalls (e.g., for certain airbag inflators if applicable, though the CRX had no airbags, or other general Honda issues) might have existed. The primary reliability concerns now stem from the natural aging of components rather than systemic design flaws, underscoring the importance of meticulous maintenance history and pre-purchase inspections.

How long will the 1991 Honda Civic CRX last?

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 1991 Honda Civic CRX, hailing from an era predating sophisticated automotive electronics, offered a very minimalist approach to built-in technology, entertainment, driver-assistance, and safety features. By today's standards, it had virtually no "tech."

Built-in Tech & Entertainment: The primary entertainment consisted of an AM/FM radio, often with a cassette player. A factory CD player was exceptionally rare or non-existent, usually relegated to aftermarket upgrades. There were no digital displays, trip computers, navigation systems, or connectivity options like Bluetooth or USB. Climate control was entirely manual, with simple slider controls for heat, fan speed, and vent selection. The Si trim featured a more comprehensive instrument cluster with a tachometer, oil pressure gauge, and voltmeter, which were considered advanced for its class at the time. Air conditioning was an optional feature that added weight and reduced engine power, hence often omitted by performance enthusiasts.

Driver-Assistance Features: This category was entirely absent. The 1991 CRX featured no anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, stability control, or any form of cruise control, even as an option. Drivers were solely responsible for vehicle control. Power steering was optional on the DX and standard on the Si, improving maneuverability.

Safety Features: Safety in the 1991 CRX was rudimentary compared to modern vehicles. It was equipped with 3-point seatbelts for its two occupants. There were no airbags, either for the driver or passenger, as these technologies were not mandated or widely available in compact cars of this price point. The vehicle relied on basic crumple zones in the front and rear to absorb impact energy, an energy-absorbing steering column, and a high-mounted stop light for rear visibility. Braking consisted of front disc and rear drum brakes across most trims, with the Si offering slightly larger front discs. Crash-test ratings as we know them today (e.g., NHTSA star ratings or IIHS Top Safety Pick) did not exist or are not directly comparable. Given its small size and lack of modern safety equipment, it would perform poorly by contemporary crash safety standards.

Optional Features: Beyond AC and power steering, optional features generally included power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors, which were standard on the Si trim.

What Colors Options are Available?

1991 Honda Civic CRX Prices and Market Value

1991 Honda Civic CRX Cost of Ownership

1991 Honda Civic CRX Fuel Efficiency

1991 Honda Civic CRX Safety Rating

1991 Honda Civic CRX Warranty

1991 Honda Civic CRX Insurance

How Does the 1991 Honda Civic CRX Compare to Other Coupe?

The 1991 Honda Civic CRX carved out a unique niche, but it faced competition from several rivals, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Against contemporaries, its standing was generally strong, especially for value and reliability.

• Performance: The CRX Si, with its 108 hp, offered a highly engaging and nimble driving experience thanks to its light weight. It wasn't a drag racer but excelled in agility and cornering.
  • Rivals: The Toyota MR2 (SW20 generation), especially the Turbo model, offered significantly more power and a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout for superior handling dynamics, albeit at a higher price. The Mazda Miata (NA) provided pure rear-wheel-drive sports car feel, often with similar or slightly less power initially but impeccable balance. The Volkswagen Corrado (G60/VR6) was much heavier but packed considerably more power, offering a premium feel. The Nissan Pulsar NX or Geo Storm GSI were more direct front-wheel-drive sport compact rivals, often with slightly less performance or enthusiast appeal than the Si.
• Features: The CRX was relatively spartan, focusing on lightness and driving purity. The Si trim offered power windows/locks and a sunroof.
  • Rivals: The VW Corrado generally offered more upscale interior materials and features. The MR2 was also quite basic but focused on performance. Nissan and Geo rivals were often similarly equipped to the DX or Si trims.
• Reliability: This was a major CRX strong suit. Its D-series engines and robust chassis were renowned for their longevity and low maintenance.
  • Rivals: The Toyota MR2 also boasted excellent reliability. However, Volkswagen products of this era could be more temperamental, and General Motors cars like the Pontiac Fiero were often plagued with various issues, though the Fiero's later years improved. The Nissan and Geo offerings were generally reliable but perhaps not to Honda's legendary standard.
• Price: The CRX was competitively priced when new, offering significant bang for the buck, especially the Si.
  • Rivals: The MR2 and Corrado were typically more expensive. The Miata was comparable to the CRX Si.

Recommendations for Alternatives:

• For similar lightweight, FWD sport compact fun: Look at a well-preserved Volkswagen Golf GTI (MK2) or a Nissan NX2000 (though slightly newer).
• For a more engaging, pure sports car experience (often at a higher price/less practicality): The Mazda Miata (NA) or Toyota MR2 (SW20) are excellent choices, offering rear-wheel-drive or mid-engine layouts.
• For modern performance and safety: No classic will truly compete, but modern hot hatches like the Honda Civic Si, VW GTI, or Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ offer similar spirit with contemporary benefits.

Final Verdict: Is the 1991 Honda Civic CRX a Good Coupe?

1991 Honda Civic CRX Owner Reviews

Eugene S

Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.