The Sporty Hatchback: The Honda CR-X

Author: Andy Zain
Honda released the first Honda CR-X into the Japanese market in 1984 and called it the Honda Ballade Sports CR-X. In other countries, this first generation CR-X was called the Civic CR-X, and most people saw it as a sporty Civic rather than a new car altogether.

From the beginning, there were different versions for different markets. In the US, the Honda CR-X was touted as an economical sports hatchback with room for only two passengers. In Europe, however, it had a more powerful engine and 2 + 2 seating. The CR-X was basically redesigned in 1987 and continued to be produced until 1991.

Younger drivers in all markets were delighted with the Honda CR-X, drawn to its economy, handling and performance, not to mention its great street appeal. One company in the States converted the CR-X to a targa topped convertible in the years 1984 to 1987. America also had the 1. 5 L, HF model (or high fuel economy); this CR-X managed even better economy than before, without any increase in same purchase price.

1987 saw the production of a 2nd generation of the Honda CR-X with a chassis modification to double independent wishbones. Fuel injection was introduced to the 1495 cc and the updated 1590 cc DOHC engines. From 1989, the CR-X shared the same 1595 cc VTEC engine as the Honda Integra, and these models were treated to some exterior modifications of bumpers, lights and dash, as well.

There were 3 different second generation models and engine types available in the United States. There was a basic model with a 1495 cc engine; the mid range model was fitted with an 8 valve, 1495 cc engine; and the Si (sports injection) sports model came with a 16 valve, 1590 cc engine. This Si model also sported a sliding moon roof that was power operated.

The Japanese CR-X had an optional glass roof: a single pane of glass that went from the hatch to the windscreen. These were very popular, and although they were not available in other countries at the time, they have become a highly prized model by enthusiasts around the world.

In 1992, the Honda CR-X was replaced with the new Civic, the Honda Civic del Sol, which was generally accepted by motoring enthusiasts as the 3rd generation CR-X. Much talk and many rumors have promised a return of the Honda CR-X, and finally it does appear as though it may be one of the Honda hybrid series in the near future.
About the Author:
Andy Zain is the admin of CR-X Forum , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Honda CR-X. Get the information you need when you visit Honda Forums
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Sporty Hatchback: The Honda CR-X

Electric Car Kits

By now you're aware that the environment is on its decline, pollution makes our habitats miserable and tosses future generations into jeopardy. You know that hybrids are better than straight diesel, but did you know that the government will actually pay you to drive an Electric Car? Officials are so concerned about the future health of our planet they are distributing taxation credits to people driving environmentally friendly cars, with IRS refunds up to $1,000.
Sure, gas prices are down - for now. But you and I know better, while those around you still cling to their SUVs and dancing in the streets at $2.00 a gallon, there is a financial half life of such a price. It's happened before and it'll happen again, probably near the end of Summer or sometime in the Fall of 2009. Why wait for gas prices to rise again before learning how to build your own Electric Car, and saving yourself thousands while not at the gas pump?
With the US Economy in shambles, why pay what you're paying now? There's no need to continue funding rich oil companies that are contributing to destroying our atmosphere when anyone, for under $300, can build a car that can be driven for a penny a mile. Electricity4Gas addresses your concerns for the environment and costs of gas. They also help obliterate the myth that Electric Cars are slow and sluggish. In fact, it may surprise you to know that they're more than capable of achieving speeds even faster than motor cars. The popular show MythBusters even officially busted this myth, so it's time for us all to get past the Unenlightened Gas Age.
Another thing you may not be aware of is how incredibly convenient and easy it is for people to build their own new Electric Cars. People have this conception that it might be too much to handle at first, but slowly learn through the course that it's surprisingly easy to understand and follow along. Build a solid, fast Electric Car that is completely silent and costs pennies to recharge. With Electricity4Gas's e-Book on Electric Car Kits you can get it done in no time. It will even pay for itself ... and then some!
With a free bonus, you will learn how you can even get paid up to $400 for driving an Electric Car just for decorating it with sponsors' messages. Although you won't need it, another free bonus is HyperMiling, a book that gives you lesser known tips and tricks to make the most out of gas powered vehicles. This is great if you have a family member or friends who want to spend less, but aren't ready to build their own Electric Car just yet.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Harder

Plastic Bed Liners For Your Truck Are Better 4 Ways

Bed liners are almost a must to keep your truck in good shape. If you do any serious hauling plastic bed liners may be the very best choice. Sure spray on bed liners look slick and protect well. But they surely aren't cheap and they can be damaged too. Here's why a plastic liner is better.
Stop dents.
Nothing makes a pickup bed look worse than a bunch of dents and dings. Here's where plastic liners really shine. These liners are almost impossible to dent. Plastic liners absorb impacts that damage lesser materials. Sure the best spray on liners absorb a lot of damage, but they're more rubbery and not as hard and tough as plastic. Damage a permanent liner and it stays damaged until you fix it too. And it isn't just impacts that are the problem.
No scratches either.
Scratches and scrapes is the other way to send a truck to an early grave. Rust is the real killer. Unless you keep scratches repaired, you've got rust. Your plastic bed liner eliminates scratches caused by your load. Take concrete blocks for instance. Haul just a few concrete blocks and you have damaged paint in your bed. No way around it. A spray on liner may keep gouges from reaching the bed. But you still may have a damaged expensive liner. Then that expensive looking bed liner doesn't look so hot until it's repaired.
That finished look.
Which leads to the looks factor. A pickup just doesn't look finished without a bed liner. Looks is a matter of opinion, but drop in bed liners look just as good as spray on liners to me. Remember the spray liner is permanent. So any damage to a spray on coating must be repaired or you're stuck with it. With a plastic bed liner, a damaged liner can just be slipped out and another put in. That works because they're cheap.
Cheap is good.
The price of a plastic liner is half or less than a spray liner. But you do have some choices of types. The most common drop in bed liner is the one piece, custom made model. These are formed to fit just one model. An alternative to a one piece model is a custom multi-piece liner. There are separate pieces for the bottom, sides, front and tail gate. You may get a better fit with a multi-piece liner than a one piece. Plus they're easy to ship and install.
Consider a plastic truck bed liner instead of a spray liner. Prevent dents and scrapes to your truck bed and do it a lot cheaper than with other liner types. A multi-piece unit is easier to ship and fits even better than the one piece units.
Puzzled about choosing a truck bed liner? Too many choices? Visit our site for tips for choosing plastic truck bed liners.
We invite you to visit http://www.BedLinerForTrucks.com for answers to your truck bed liner questions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Bullington