Overview & Reviews

Much like the iconic Honda CRX that predates it by two decades, the Honda CR-Z attempts to blend fuel efficiency with fun-to-drive dynamics. This time around, Honda makes use of a hybrid powertrain to motivate this sporty-looking two-seater.

When it comes to acceleration and handling, the CR-Z is a far cry from being considered a sports car, but it's certainly livelier than the typical hybrid or economy car. On the whole, the Honda CR-Z represents a compromise between eco-friendly fuel consumption and everyday driving excitement. However, that compromise results in the CR-Z not really excelling in either category. Many competing non-hybrid subcompact cars offer similar efficiency and fun along with greater practicality, more features and higher refinement.

Current Honda CR-Z
The Honda CR-Z is offered in two trim levels: base and EX. The base model features alloy wheels, automatic climate control, full power accessories, cruise control, Bluetooth and an audio system with USB/auxiliary audio jacks. The EX adds xenon headlights, foglights, heated side mirrors and a premium audio system. A voice-activated navigation system is optional on the EX. Other options include 17-inch wheels, performance tires and satellite radio.

Powering the Honda CR-Z is a hybrid system consisting of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor that is fed by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Maximum combined output is 130 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with shift paddles is optional (although torque is reduced to 123 lb-ft in this configuration). Fuel economy comes in at an EPA-estimated 34 mpg for the manual transmission model in combined city/highway miles, while the CVT ups that figure to 37 mpg.

Highlights for the CR-Z include its diminutive size, quick steering, customizable driving modes and sporty looks. The CR-Z's potential liability is ironically the source of its singular appeal, which is the lack of a rear seat. Honda instead has installed a pair of plastic cargo bins behind the seats, although they're rather difficult to access. The trunk divider can be folded flat to cover these bins, which increases cargo capacity to 25 cubic feet. The interior is handsomely designed, but the liberal use of hard plastics gives the cabin an entry-level feel. Poor rearward visibility and excessive road noise are also drawbacks.

Used Honda CR-Z Models
The CR-Z debuted for the 2011 model year. Prior to 2013, its hybrid powertrain produced 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, making it even less performance-oriented than it currently is. Fuel economy remains unchanged, however. These first two model years had slightly different styling and fewer standard features. For instance, Bluetooth could only be had on an EX.

User Reviews:

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  I am soooooo sorry I bought this car. - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By ihatethiscar - April 17 - 6:25 am

  I hate this car. I bought it on an impulse and am sorry I did. I actually waited almost 5 days to go pick it up from the dealership after I had purchased it. I am sure that it is a good car (after all, it IS a Honda), but I swear it is among the ugliest cars on the road - especially the back end. I do not like the car because of its impracticality. Too small, very uncomfortable, slower than I would have expected, noisy interior on the open road. There is also no place to rest your arms. Cup holders cannot accomodate anything too large - definitely a hazard when you are trying to get stuff in and out. My car is for sale and has been since about 3 months after my purchase. Hate it.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By josef3 - April 5 - 10:55 pm

  Dont miss out just because of the expensive tag.. Theres some joy to be had in a single CR-Z experience, no matter the drivers age or style (racer, casual)! Oh, and Im 63 Economics is a no-brainer. If you are a family man, this may not fit for you. (buy a Honda Fit)

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  Great ride, performance and fuel economy - 2012 Honda CR-Z
  By drewmn - April 4 - 1:03 pm

  Im not a treehugger. This car caught me with its design and road feel. The performance is available to you, and as a bonus you get some pretty amazing gas savings. Ive been averaging between 43-48mpg on the highway. Everything about this car is tailored to the driver and you really feel that this is your vehicle, not the passengers. Its quick to accelerate, handles great around corners, and is a fun car. The rear of the car has plenty of storage space unless of course you have a Great Dane. Plenty of leg room, great sound system, and exceptional quality really add value to this vehicle. Not to mention it takes up so little space in the garage.

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  Fun to Drive and Economical. - 2012 Honda CR-Z
  By lw3 - February 29 - 12:33 pm

  Im not a typical Hybrid buyer and this wasnt a car I was even considering until I saw it on the showroom floor. I took a test drive almost on a lark. But then a funny thing happened, I fell in love with this car. It feels like a sports car, and yet it gets great gas mileage and looks great. The design team looked at Minis, VW Sciroccos and Lotus. I would say they relied on the Lotus most of all. Yes , theres no back seat, but have you ever sat in a Mini backseat or a VW? I actually feel the cargo room is a better way to go.

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  love car, hate headlights - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By dj1937 - November 13 - 5:18 pm

  When driving with low beams on the visibility is terrible. it looks like a dark shade is pulled down 2/3s of the way on the windshield. On a hilly, curvy road you can see the posts , but not the sign on top of it.. I think it is dangerous. I have written Honda and have talked to the BB for Auto and filled out a kit they supplied. Honda in Calif. says there is nothing wrong with the headlights. . I am sure I will hear from the Better Business for Autos.

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  Will not crank - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By kpair - October 5 - 9:43 am

  I am wondering if we just bought a lemon? I have looked at all the other reviews and must say I wish we had that experience. The only problem is our CRZ often leaves us stranded. It just will not crank every time, we have had it less than a month and been stranded somewhere at least 12 times. The dealer has replace a battery and clutch mechanism and today it is being towed back to see why it still will not crank...If it ran properly we would love the car but as of now it just isnt reliable which takes all of the fun out of it...

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  Love it! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By case9488 - October 2 - 11:26 pm

  Ive had my CR-Z for over a month now and I still get excited every day to drive it. The handling is excellent and I feel safe, though the sport mode can certainly pick up the pace. The gas mileage is good but the great build, comfortable seats, and awesome technology make that just a bonus. Of course the only downfall is not having a backseat anymore, but there is plenty of trunk space.

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  Tell it like it is. - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By will_drive - August 30 - 1:23 pm

  Ive owned a 6 speed CR-Z for the past 11 months, I still look forward to getting behind the wheel. Lets be honest if you consider the 6 speed then mileage is not the only thing on your mind. Its all about the drive, the windier the road the better, any time at the wheel listening to a great sound system is a joy, long trips become more enjoyable. What this car delivers on is very solid crisp road handling, head turning good looks, maneuverability in tight spaces, Honda quality, great fit and finish, very conservative fuel consumption, and its just plain fun to drive.

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  LOVE my CRZ - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By dak_nj - July 21 - 3:32 pm

  I have my CRZ about 3 months now and LOVE IT!! I saw one on the road and followed it to find out what it was, and that is was a hybrid sold me on it! I have had people stop and ask "what is that?" and have seen people checking it out in parking lots. Getting mileage over 41 mpg. And I look good in it!

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  Love my "Shark" - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By jealousbaker - July 11 - 7:05 am

  Ive had my CR-Z for a little over a week now, and I absolutely love it! I researched new cars for several months, looking at all cars in the price range. It was love at first sight with the CR-Z. Great gas mileage, in my price range (unlike other hybrids), and great looks won it for me. It was a little annoying that it didnt have a backseat (I usually drive alone anyways) and the rearward visibility (I was driving a car with no rear view mirror occasionally, so it wasnt so bad!), and I wished it would have had the option of a sunroof. However everything else about it I love!! I drive A LOT and it is great to see my gas mileage is at 42 mpg right now. And everyone loves the looks.