The 1988 Honda CRX Si 2-door Coupe with a 5-speed manual transmission is the performance-oriented model of the CRX lineup. Known for its agile handling, sporty design, and quick acceleration, the CRX Si became a favorite among driving enthusiasts, earning a cult following. The 1988 model year marked the beginning of the second generation of the CRX, bringing with it improvements in performance, styling, and interior design.

Performance:

• Engine: The CRX Si is powered by a 1.6-liter SOHC inline-4 engine with fuel injection, known as the D16A6.
  • Power: 108 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • Torque: 100 lb-ft @ 5,000 RPM
• Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission, which provides smooth shifts and adds to the engaging driving experience.
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
• 0-60 MPH: Around 8.5 seconds, which was quick for a compact car of its time.
• Fuel Efficiency:
  • City: Approx. 27 MPG
  • Highway: Approx. 33-35 MPG
  • The Si delivered a great balance of performance and efficiency, making it a fun, economical choice for both city driving and long-distance trips.

Exterior:

• Design: The 1988 CRX Si sports a distinctive wedge shape with a sloping roofline, giving it a sleek and aerodynamic look. The Si model comes with sportier styling cues, such as body-colored bumpers and side skirts that set it apart from the base and HF models.
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 148.5 inches
  • Width: 65.9 inches
  • Height: 50 inches
  • Wheelbase: 90.6 inches
  • Curb Weight: Around 2,174 pounds, making it light and responsive on the road.
• Wheels & Tires:
  • The Si model comes with larger wheels and performance-oriented tires for better grip and handling compared to the base CRX.
  • Wheels: 14-inch alloy wheels.
  • Tires: Performance tires for improved cornering and road-holding capability.

Interior:

• Seating Capacity: The CRX Si is a two-seater, with a focus on providing a driver-centric experience.
• Upholstery: Sporty cloth seats with bolstering, offering good support during spirited driving. The seats are designed for comfort and help keep the driver stable in sharp turns.
• Dashboard Layout: The interior is minimalistic but functional, with an easy-to-read instrument cluster and controls within quick reach of the driver.
  • Tachometer: The Si includes a tachometer, which is missing from the lower trims, allowing the driver to monitor engine performance more closely.
• Cargo Space: Despite being a compact coupe, the CRX Si has a surprisingly spacious rear cargo area, accessed through the hatchback, making it practical for carrying luggage or gear.

Key Features:

• Power Sunroof: The Si model came with a standard power sunroof, which added to the sporty feel and allowed for an open-air driving experience.
• Manual Windows and Locks: While the CRX Si was a sporty and fun car, it retained simplicity in certain areas, such as manual windows and door locks.
• AM/FM Stereo: A basic stereo system was standard, but many owners opted to upgrade the audio system for better sound quality.

Suspension and Handling:

• Sport-Tuned Suspension: The Si featured a sport-tuned suspension that included independent front and rear double-wishbone suspension, which greatly improved its handling dynamics. This setup provided excellent road feedback and helped the CRX Si feel nimble and responsive around corners.
• Brakes:
  • Front Disc Brakes and rear drum brakes were standard, providing solid stopping power for the lightweight vehicle.
  • Braking Performance: Thanks to its light weight, the CRX Si’s braking performance was well-regarded, and many enthusiasts appreciated its ability to stop quickly and safely.

Driving Experience:

• Agility: One of the CRX Si’s biggest draws was its exceptional handling. The light curb weight combined with the sport-tuned suspension and responsive steering gave it go-kart-like agility, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads or tight city streets.
• Engagement: The 5-speed manual transmission added to the driver engagement, offering precise shifts and allowing drivers to make the most of the high-revving engine. The short gear ratios helped maximize acceleration, making the CRX Si feel quick and responsive.
• Everyday Usability: Despite its sporty character, the CRX Si was practical for daily driving. It offered a comfortable ride, decent fuel economy, and enough cargo space for errands or weekend trips.

Safety:

• While safety features were basic compared to modern standards, the CRX Si did include:
  • Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes for solid stopping power.
  • Basic seat belts (without airbags, as they were not standard at the time).
  • Rigid body structure that provided a reasonable level of crash protection for the era.
• However, there were no modern systems like ABS, traction control, or airbags available on the 1988 CRX.

Legacy and Enthusiast Appeal:

The 1988 Honda CRX Si remains a favorite among car enthusiasts for its light weight, nimble handling, and performance potential. Its compact size, coupled with its high-revving engine and manual transmission, made it a fun and accessible entry into the world of sporty driving. Many CRX Si models have been modified over the years, with enthusiasts swapping engines or upgrading suspension components to make the most out of its potential.

Conclusion:

The 1988 Honda CRX Si 5-speed is a classic compact sports coupe that blends practicality with performance. With its light weight, agile handling, and engaging driving dynamics, the CRX Si delivered an exhilarating driving experience. The model remains a beloved icon from the late 80s and continues to be appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts alike for its simplicity, fun factor, and tuner-friendly nature.