The Best 1988-’91 Honda CRX Si’s Can Be Seriously Valuable Sports Cars

By Mark J. McCourt

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February 11, 2026
As a rule, new Honda automobiles in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s were affordably priced and held high residual values for some time. Their build quality and engineering made them favorites of youthful buyers who enjoyed personalizing them with performance modifications; this was especially true of Honda’s sporty two-doors, including the Prelude and CRX. Most of those modern classics have been lost to attrition, making good survivors keenly sought. Last year, the CRX Si hit the collectible big-time.

1991 CRX Si. Images courtesy of Mecum AuctionsThis Tahitian Green Pearl 1991 Si—a final-year example driven just 326 miles from new—sold at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction last year at no reserve for $65,000. With fees the total was $71,500. Regardless of your opinion on the collectability of modern Japanese automobiles, that’s an impressive result for a Honda that, 34 years ago, cost $11,130.

While that car was an outlier in terms of condition and value, it signified where the second generation CRX Si has been going over the last five years. Note, it’s that top variant, along with more powerful Japanese Domestic Market imports, that brings big dollars; the base CRX and fuel-economy champ HF have rarely broken the $15,000 mark in stock, U.S.-spec form. Today’s consumer price guides still treat the 1988-’91 CRX Si like an old, used car, with low to-high retail values between $1,250 and $3,275, but that doesn’t reflect what’s been happening with the best in the public-sale market.


What makes this little Honda such a hot commodity? Following the market success of the thrifty/sporty front-drive commuter 1984-’87 Civic CRX, the redesigned 1988 Si achieved new levels of sophistication. Its 0.30 Cd-sleek body offered a low cowl and clever second rear window in the hatch. It grew in wheelbase from 86.6 to 90.6 inches, traded its MacPherson strut front/trailing arm Panhard rod rear suspensions for double wishbones at each corner, and the Si’s alloy wheels were up one inch to 14 x 5. A five-speed manual remained the sole transmission, but the fuel injected SOHC four-cylinder gained 102 cc (now 1.6 liters), a four-valve valve head (previously three), and made 105 hp and 98 lb-ft of torque—up 14 and 5, respectively—while the curb weight rose 275 pounds to 2,115. The 1989 model gained door-mounted passive seatbelts, while a 1990 refresh brought updated wheels, bumpers, taillights, new rear disc brakes, and 108 hp/100 lb-ft of torque. These hatchbacks weren’t fast with circa 8-second 0-60 times
and 125 max mph, but they were accomplished autocrossers and SCCA racecars with an eager character and point-and-squirt maneuverability that many found endearing.

The first Si to publicly crack $30,000 was an unmodified, 32,277-mile, Frost White 1991 that brought $33,600 via an online auction in August 2019; the first to reach $40,000 was a Rio Red 1990 indicating 12,302 miles, and this happened in June 2022. The next highest sale, before 2025’s unexpected Mecum result, was a Rio Red 1991 that had 22,578 miles on the odometer when it got $41,277 in August 2024, then fell short of that in January 2025 when it crossed the virtual block again with 23,118 miles for $39,250.


1990 Honda CRX Si. Illustration courtesy of Honda NewsroomHonda would replace the 1991 CRX with the very different open-top del Sol, but referenced it with the two-seat, available-three-pedal, hybrid powered Insight (2000-’06) and CR-Z (2011-’16). There’s little chance of a CRX Si-style car being offered again, so those rare surviving originals will continue to appreciate.

 

1986 Honda CRX

Photo Gallery

Asking Price

$4,800

OFFER HISTORY

0

WATCHERS

38

VIEWS

7899

Contact Seller
FAQ

Vehicle Location

Flagstaff, Arizona 86004

Seller

MtFLG317

VIN

JHMAF5329GS047196

Mileage

277982

Engine

1.5-liter SOHC inline-four

Transmission

manual

Body Style

Coupe

Exterior Color

Red

Interior

Charcoal Grey and Black

Please Note: This auction was re-listed after the car previously sold but the sale could not be completed due to a buyer who backed out after the auction closed. There were no issues with the vehicle or the seller.

• 1986 Honda CRX: Called the "Pocket Rocket" in the 80s, due to its lightweight design, sporty performance, and nimble handling, making it a fun and agile car to drive. A true Honda Collector's Car! This is your chance to own a piece of Honda's history!!
• $4800 FIRM - serious inquires only. This car is perfect for the collector that wants to fully restore this vehicle and enjoy it for many years to come.
• Buyer pays for transportation/delivery fees. Please see Hemming's Car Shipping information located under the Services tab on hemmings.com.
• 277,982 miles with original engine; however, is currently inoperable.
• A five-speed manual transmission connects that engine to the front wheels.
• Due to natural aging of the car there is fading, scratching, and chipping visible in the factory red paint.
• A piece of bodywork is broken off on the front fascia. Owner has the piece needed to fix the area.
• No rust is visible in images of the undercarriage or engine bay.
• Some fading and paint damage are apparent on the gray painted bumpers.
• The seller reports one rear-end collision; however, a professional body shop repaired the rear bumper.
• All four wheel covers appear clean and in good condition.
• The upholstery is brand new and is free of tears or staining. The seats were redone in 1993 and were covered with protectant seat covers over the years, thus the upholstery was never used or sat on.
• The dash is clean and is free of cracks and major damage.

FEATURES

• The car reportedly has its original engine, but it is currently inoperable.
• A five-speed manual transmission connects that engine to the front wheels.
• Fading, scratching, and chipping are visible in the factory red paint.
• A piece of bodywork is broken off on the front fascia.
• No rust is visible in images of the undercarriage or engine bay.
• Some fading and paint damage are apparent on the gray painted bumpers.
• The seller reports one rear-end collision and repair work on the rear bumper.
• The car is missing some exterior trim pieces, and damage is apparent on others.
• All four wheel covers appear clean and in good condition.
• The upholstery is brand new, according to the seller, is free of tears or significant staining.
• The seller reports the seats were redone in 1993 and were covered with protectant seat covers over the years, thus the upholstery was never used or sat on.
• The dash looks clean and is free of cracks and major damage.

 

COMES WITH

• The seller lists no additional documentation or equipment with the sale.

NEEDS

• The engine will need repair or replacement, making a test drive impossible.
• Both side mirrors are missing, and the car needs a new sun visor.
• Repair is needed for the rear hatch to stay open on its own.
• The glove box and ashtray are included but will need to be installed.
• Wear is visible on the front seat side bolsters.
• The windshield wiper motor is inoperable.
• The missing piece of the front fascia is included.
• Several exterior trim pieces need replacing or reconditioning.
• The car will need a repaint once the exterior repairs are completed.

 

OVERVIEW

• Extensive reconditioning is needed to make this car roadworthy.
• The last service was performed in 2017, and the car has not been driven since.
• The engine is described as inoperable.
• The seller states that this is an Arizona car with no salt or high-humidity exposure.

DOCUMENTATION

The seller states that this vehicle will be sold on a clean Arizona title in her name. This 1986 Honda CRX is a non-running project car in mostly complete condition. Though it will require a thorough overhaul prior to being driven, CRXs are becoming exceedingly rare, especially in unmodified condition like this example. It already has a desirable manual transmission and the interior looks to be in good shape, making this a solid foundation for an import restomod or build. It’s also a non-smoker car with only two claimed owners and no exposure to extreme weather elements, according to the seller.