The 1989 Honda CRX sits squarely in the late-1980s import sport-compact era, when light weight, crisp handling, and efficient packaging made small Hondas especially appealing to drivers who valued responsiveness over excess. It remains a favorite with enthusiasts because trim level matters, and that carries directly into tire fitment. A 1989 Honda CRX uses radial tires, but the correct size changes by sub-model: 175/70R13 for Base, 165/70R13 for HF, and 185/60R14 for Si. That means the real decision starts with confirming the exact model and wheel diameter, then comparing the available tire choices for the look, driving use, and wheel setup on the car today.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Honda CRX
Three tire sizes apply to the 1989 Honda CRX, and they are tied directly to sub-model and wheel diameter. Base models use 175/70R13, HF models use 165/70R13, and Si models use 185/60R14, so the first step is confirming the exact trim and whether the car still carries its original 13-inch or 14-inch wheels before comparing available tire choices.
The 175/70R13 size uses a metric radial format: 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1989 Honda CRX, this is the Base-model fitment and keeps the tire selection in a compact 13-inch size. Available examples in this size use a blackwall sidewall and include the Avon CR6ZZ series. This size is the right place to focus if the car is a Base model and still uses the proper 13-inch wheel setup.
The 165/70R13 code follows the same modern metric radial format, with a 165-millimeter nominal width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim. On the 1989 Honda CRX, this size belongs to the HF sub-model and reflects that trim's distinct fitment rather than a general CRX-wide size. Because it is narrower than the Base and Si fitments, the key decision is making sure the car is truly an HF and still wears the correct wheel diameter. Wheel changes over the years make that confirmation especially important before ordering.
The 185/60R14 size is a metric radial with a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. This is the 1989 Honda CRX Si fitment, and it stands apart from the two 13-inch sizes by requiring a different wheel diameter. Available options in this size include a blackwall Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2, so product choice centers more on tire character within the correct fitment than on sidewall styling. It is the size to evaluate when the car is an Si and retains the proper 14-inch wheels.
Tire fitment changes across the 1989 Honda CRX lineup, so sub-model identification matters before anything else. Base, HF, and Si models do not share one common size, and the Si also moves to a different rim diameter than the two 13-inch configurations.
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1989 Honda CRX Base
The 1989 Honda CRX Base uses a 175/70R13 radial tire on a 13-inch wheel. Tire selection for this sub-model centers on staying with the proper metric radial size and confirming that the car has not been changed to a different wheel package over time.
The 1989 Honda CRX HF uses a 165/70R13 radial tire, which gives it a distinct 13-inch fitment from the Base model. That makes trim verification important, especially on cars that may have received replacement wheels or tires during long-term use.
The 1989 Honda CRX Si uses a 185/60R14 radial tire and a 14-inch wheel rather than the 13-inch setup used by the other CRX sub-models here. Tire selection starts with confirming the wheel diameter, then comparing the available radial choices within the proper Si size.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1989 Honda CRX Tires for Sale
Available 1989 Honda CRX tire choices focus on radial blackwall fitments, with Avon offered in 175/70R13 and Michelin in 185/60R14. The product grid is most useful for comparing tire series and rim-width compatibility within the correct size for the specific CRX sub-model.
These 1989 Honda CRX tire FAQs focus on the trim-specific size differences, 13-inch versus 14-inch wheel fitment, available radial choices, and the practical checks to make before putting an older CRX back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Honda CRX?
The 1989 Honda CRX does not use one universal tire size across the full model range. Base models use 175/70R13, HF models use 165/70R13, and Si models use 185/60R14, with all three fitments using radial construction.
That means the first step is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming the wheel diameter on the car today. Many older CRXs have been changed over the years, so checking the current wheels before choosing tires helps avoid ordering a size that matches another trim level instead of the one actually being driven.
What size rim does a 1989 Honda CRX use?
A 1989 Honda CRX can use either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The Base and HF fitments are tied to 13-inch wheels, while the Si uses a 14-inch wheel with its 185/60R14 tire size.
Rim diameter is one of the most important checks on this car because the CRX lineup spans two wheel sizes in the same model year. Looking at the existing wheel size, not just the tire that happens to be mounted, gives a clearer starting point when deciding whether the car still matches its intended trim-level fitment.
Do all 1989 Honda CRX sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1989 Honda CRX Base uses 175/70R13, the HF uses 165/70R13, and the Si uses 185/60R14. Those differences are significant because they involve both tire size and, in the Si’s case, a different rim diameter.
A buyer should avoid assuming that any CRX tire fits any 1989 CRX. The practical next step is to verify the trim badge, check the current wheel size, and compare the existing setup against the intended fitment before choosing a replacement tire, especially if the car has had aftermarket wheels or prior owner modifications.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1989 Honda CRX tire?
Start with the correct trim-specific size, since the 1989 Honda CRX uses three different radial fitments across Base, HF, and Si models. After size and wheel diameter are confirmed, the next considerations are tire series, brand, sidewall style, and the rim-width specification that matches the wheel on the car.
The product choices here are not interchangeable across all CRX trims, so accuracy matters more than broad comparison shopping. A good selection process is to confirm the sub-model first, then compare the available tire’s construction, wheel-width compatibility, and intended use so the tire suits both the car’s setup and the way it will be driven.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Honda CRX tires?
The available 1989 Honda CRX products here use a blackwall sidewall style. That applies to both the 175/70R13 Avon option and the 185/60R14 Michelin option, giving the current assortment a clean, understated appearance rather than a whitewall or raised-letter presentation.
For most CRX owners, sidewall choice is less about multiple visual treatments and more about getting the right size and tire character for the specific trim. Once fitment is confirmed, blackwall construction keeps the focus on proper dimensions and wheel compatibility, which are more important on this car than decorative sidewall variation.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Honda CRX?
The available brands for the 1989 Honda CRX fitments shown here are Avon and Michelin. Avon appears in the 175/70R13 size with the CR6ZZ series, while Michelin appears in the 185/60R14 size with the Pilot Exalto PE2 series.
Brand comparison only matters after the correct CRX trim and tire size are established, since these offerings are tied to different fitments rather than one shared size. The useful approach is to match the car to its proper tire size first, then compare the series characteristics and wheel-width specifications within the brand options that actually apply.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Honda CRX?
A period-style 1989 Honda CRX starts with the correct sub-model tire size rather than one cosmetic feature. That means 175/70R13 for Base, 165/70R13 for HF, or 185/60R14 for Si, all in radial construction consistent with the CRX’s late-1980s fitment era.
Once the size is correct, the appearance decision becomes more subtle because the available products here use blackwall sidewalls. Owners pursuing a restoration-oriented result should also confirm the car’s wheel diameter and trim identity, since preserving the proper proportions matters more to the finished look than simply choosing any tire that can be mounted.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1989 Honda CRX restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment has a visible effect on a restored 1989 Honda CRX because each sub-model uses its own size and the Si uses a different wheel diameter from the Base and HF. Tire dimensions influence stance, wheel-to-tire proportion, and the overall character of the finished car.
A restoration-minded owner should verify the exact trim, wheel size, and current setup before choosing tires. If absolute originality is important, vehicle-specific references such as marque literature, build documentation, and knowledgeable CRX sources can help confirm whether the car still reflects its intended configuration before finalizing the tire choice.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Honda CRX?
Yes. A 1989 Honda CRX originally uses trim-specific radial sizes, but aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or prior owner tire substitutions can change what is currently on the car. The Si’s 14-inch setup also makes wheel swaps especially relevant when comparing it to Base or HF models.
The safest approach is to inspect the actual wheel diameter and width before selecting a replacement tire. Clearance at the fenders and steering components should also be checked if the car has been lowered, altered, or fitted with non-original wheels, since the right tire on paper may not suit a modified setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Honda CRX on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm lug hardware condition, and make sure the tire size matches the CRX sub-model and wheel diameter. It is also worth checking alignment condition, valve stems, and whether the tires seat properly on the rims being used.
An older CRX benefits from a broader once-over before regular driving resumes. Tire pressure, suspension wear, brake condition, and visible clearance at full steering lock can all affect how the new tires behave, so a careful inspection helps ensure the car is ready for more than just a short trip around the block.
How often should tires on a 1989 Honda CRX be inspected?
Tires on a 1989 Honda CRX should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Check for tread wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of air loss, even when the tire still looks acceptable at a casual glance.
Collector and enthusiast cars often age their tires by time as much as by mileage, so periodic inspection matters between drives as well as before them. A CRX that sits can also develop pressure loss or reveal suspension issues only when moved, making routine visual checks and pressure checks part of responsible upkeep.
