Honda CRX Mk 2 (From The Northern Echo)

Honda CRX Mk 2

8:12pm Wednesday 23rd March 2011 in Used Car Reviews By Nigel Burton

Honda CRX - USED CAR TEST

Behind the wheel: The original CRX coupe was a classic. A small coupe with a rev hungry engine and an 8,000rpm red line. This second generation car was a mistake. Honda mistakenly felt the only way to chase big sales was to abandon distinctive styling. So this CRX looks like a two-door Civic with an ungainly boot. The interior is similarly uninspiring. **

Quality: Honda has never compromised on quality and the CRX is no exception. The electric targa top – a precursor to the coupe-cabrio folding tin tops 15 years later – could have been a disaster. That it worked reliably is a testament to Honda's eye for detail. ***

Reliability: With great quality comes fearsome reliability. Although the V-TEC engines are complex they go on and on. ****

Handling: The range-topping CRX was fun to drive – just not as much fun as its predecessor. ***

Costs: Those engines are frugal for a petrol engine but parts prices can be expensive. **1/2

What to pay: We found a nice-looking blue example with a full service history and 83,000 miles for £1,200. Bangers start from £500.

FOR: Electric targa roof, handling and reliability.

AGAINST: Rubbish looks.