As I was finishing up my oil change this afternoon, I wrote on the next service reminder tag, “next oil change due at: 291,000 miles.” And I was thinking to my self “wow, that’s a big number.” That’s 291,000 miles on the body of my CRX which means 191,000 miles for the D16A1 motor. And it still amazes me every time I get behind the wheel that I can still pull this thing as hard as I could for some adrenaline rush and still get to places day in and day out. My much newer 2005 Subaru experienced numerous hiccups and has cost me close to $3000 in maintenance and service in less than 5 years. I can always rely on my 23 year old CRX to be there when I need it. It always starts up right away no matter how cold, hot or how long it’s been sitting in the driveway. The Subaru however, hasn’t been that nice to me.

This 23 year old CRX of mine can put the new CR-Z to shame any day whether it be performance or frugality. It can occasionally hit 40+ mpg if driven gently. It has no problem hitting 37+ mpg even when I drive like I just robbed a bank. All this with 0-60 mph in 6 seconds flat. The 113 horsepower from a naturally aspirated dohc 1.6 really does wonders for this 1900 or so pound shell. All this with a trunk that can swallow 90% of the stuff you can buy at Ikea. How cool is that?

The production version of the Honda CR-Z took the stage at the Detroit Auto Show. Many had high hopes for what claims to be the ‘spiritual successor’ to the original CRX. I had high hopes because I was ready to buy one as soon as it becomes available for sale. But after reviewing the specs, I wasn’t too thrilled. Not much power yet not great on gas either (our CRXs get more mpg). I’m sure the thing will be much, much heavier than our cars. Thus, I know it needs more power than 122hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. It looks nice but the rest of the car doesn’t break any new grounds. They say it will be sold as Base or EX. I’m sure we’ll see the Si version in year or two. I really hope the Si version is worth the wait.

Read more about the CR-Z here .

These are few pics I have left of my old 1985 CRX DX. They didn’t call it DX back then. This was the trim level between the HF and the Si. It had no letter trim level designation, but it’s unofficially known as the DX. I’ve owned it from 1989 to 1991. I had it painted in “AMG-like” monochromatic white which was the thing to imitate back in the 80s. Bought it at 33,000 miles and sold it at 66,000 miles. This is the car that started my love affair with the CRX. This car is like the first girlfriend that you never forget about. Actually, I did date my first girlfriend when I had this… Ha, memories.