1988 Honda CR-X

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 130hp (97kW) engine and 2+2 seats. Redesigned in 1987 and produced to 1991, the CR-X was popular for its performance, nimble handling, and good fuel economy. In the US its performance model, the Si (note: 1590 cc SOHC (D16A6) engined, unlike the JDM Si 1590cc (ZC) DOHC), was a favorite. Honda's 1992 CRX del Sol was marketed as a CR-X in some markets.

The original 1.33 liter car and the later American-market CR-X HF (High Fuel economy) model could reliably achieve very good gas mileage, more than a decade before gas-electric hybrids appeared on the market, and at no price premium over the base model; the 1.3 liter was rated (at current ratings) at 41 mpg city and 50 mpg highway. The Japanese Si and European 1.6i-16 models came with a 1590 cc DOHC engine putting out 130bhp (97kW; 132PS). Though similar versions of the same engine, the Japanese Si engine was stamped ZC, whilst the European engine was stamped D16A9.