Honda CRX
Japanese brands almost entirely dominated the market for affordable performance models in the early ’80s. The Honda CRX is the perfect example of one of the most memorable cars from that era. Built from 1983 to 1991, the CRX used the Civic with a lower and sportier body and only two seats. It was light, nimble, and with precise steering, although with front-wheel drive and up to 140 HP (via Road and Track).
This model’s most significant selling points were a highly light body, as the whole car weighed 1,800 pounds and a high-revving four-cylinder engine. Drivers couldn’t expect any real performance, but it did deliver some driving feel.