In brief, the Honda CRX uses a front MacPherson strut suspension and a rear independent suspension, not a solid axle, to balance sharp handling with everyday ride comfort.
Suspension layout at a glance
The CRX was designed as a compact sport hatchback. Its front suspension uses MacPherson struts, a compact design that saves space while providing adequate control. The rear suspension is independent, which helps maintain tire contact and grip through corners and over bumps. Across generations, the basic layout remained consistent, with refinements for ride and handling.
Key features in a nutshell:
- Front suspension: MacPherson strut setup with a lower control arm and stabilizer bar
- Rear suspension: independent design, not a solid rear axle
These characteristics helped the CRX deliver nimble handling and a sportier feel than many rivals in its class.
Generation-by-generation details
First generation (1983–1987)
The original CRX shared its engineering with Honda's compact lineup. Front MacPherson struts and an independent rear suspension kept the car light and responsive, contributing to its reputation for agile handling. Trim differences primarily affected powertrain and tuning rather than fundamental suspension layout.
- Front: MacPherson strut
- Rear: independent suspension
In daily driving, this translated to predictable, sporty behavior with a focus on driver engagement.
Second generation (1988–1991)
The second-generation CRX maintained the same core suspension philosophy, while benefiting from refinements to reduce weight and improve ride quality. The front MacPherson strut arrangement continued, paired with an independent rear setup tuned for better stability and cornering grip. Higher-performance Si models offered suspension tuning aimed at more precise handling.
- Front: MacPherson strut
- Rear: independent suspension
The overall effect was a more refined ride without sacrificing the CRX’s go‑fast credentials.
Summary
Across its production years, the Honda CRX uses a front MacPherson strut suspension and an independent rear suspension. The basic layout remained consistent, with iterative refinements to tune for ride comfort and sharper handling. This combination contributed to the CRX’s enduring reputation as a nimble, driver-focused compact car.