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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  Spirit of the old CRX intact - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By CRXLover - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Picked this car up as soon as it hit the showrooms. I love the styling, it attracts quite a lot of looks from everyone. Really does look like a modern CRX. Mine is the EX with the 6 spd and it was quite hard to find, had to preorder from dealership. It was worth the wait because I absolutely love taking this car out on the road. Its very fun to drive and still gets great gas mileage. I have about 1500 miles and average 38 mpg with the stick and hard driving. The hybrid power train is very torquey but still provides the Honda high rpm VTEC rush in sport mode. If Honda comes out with an Si version with the K20Z3 from the Si I will trade it in but i love the fact that this car is a 2 seater.

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  Best (affordable) hybrid yet - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By GoHuskies - September 13 - 2:00 am

  What an amazing replacement for my civic hybrid. Great fuel economy in econ mode over the highway, nice passing power if I flip into sport. Interior is what really sold me and makes me look forward to taking a drive. This is by no means a sports car but it takes the win as the sportiest hybrid one can easily afford.

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  Great Storage and Fun, Fuel Efficient - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Mary - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Im 56 years young and just turned in my leased 550SL. I decided to look for a sporty hybrid that would hold golf clubs, plants trays, blue tooth, and groceries. My rule is only buy groceries that will fit into my car. It seats felt identical to the 550SL (without the leather and heated seats). It was easy to drive and fuel efficient. IPOD connection as well as lap top. Has everything I need and fuel efficient. I just returned from Denmark and realized that Americans have it backwards and this is my step to help the economy as well as my pocket book. I recommend you take for a test yourselves.

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  Best Small Car for the Money! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By FondaHonda - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Were do I begin? We looked closely at the 10 Honda Insight & Fit, but could not help staring across the showroom floor at the bright red 11 CR-Z! Aside from the looks, we were sold on the bargain price for such a sexy well-built comfortable coupe. We test drove a loaded silver EX Navi-equipped model and were amazed at the high quality ride, materials and paint luster. After a short drive we immediately decided on the sporty red model that lured us in the beginning. The stunning good looks are complimented by a superb ride, great acceleration and 50 MPG on the highway. Even 40+ MPG on city streets is remarkable! Everyone praises the Honda as we drive by or park. The CR-Zs youthful & fun!

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  So far, so good! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By TK - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Very happy. Getting 37 mpg overall in Econ mode. Drops to 33 overall in Normal mode and 31 overall in Sport mode. On my 5th try, I got 0-60 mph in 7.70 seconds in Sport mode. People dont believe this, but whatever! In "Sport", it jumps pretty good.

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  Better than Expected - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Jeff - September 8 - 10:40 am

  After researching a few months before it was released, I was expecting to be disappointed when I went to take a test drive the day dealers received a few. I read about rear visibility issues (common in hatchback), and I was expecting poor handling/power (hybrid). I loved the outside look but THOUGHT I would drive and decide not to buy. Wrong! While I understand the enthusiasts of the old CR-X wanting an Si model with more power, this vehicle performed well! It is a true balance between sport/fun and economy. Sure, I cant pass another car at 100mph on the freeway like I could in my BMW Z4, but this is one fun car if you can deal with it seating only 2.

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  Great car for what it is - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Tom - September 7 - 2:20 pm

  If you are expecting a lean sports car with some serious power then keep looking, this isnt for you. This car is in the same category as a $20,000 hatchback, and it blows everything else for the price out of the water. If you are a lead foot and love to romp on the gas from a stand still every chance you get you will find yourself draining the battery pretty quickly. This is not a high performance machine, its a sporty hybrid, and for what it is, Honda has done a great job designing this vehicle.

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  Terribly dissapointing - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By abscsx - September 6 - 5:47 pm

  Looks better than in pictures. Seat is nice but adjustment for height is proper as it tilts at the same time. Shifter is very good. Rear wheels are too much tucked inside the fenders. The car is reluctant to accelerate at any rpm. Engine noise is not what one would expect from a Honda. Revs built slowly. Brake pedal feels unnatural with no initial bite. Steering does not feel connected, like most electric steering systems. Clutch is very too soft, hard to feel the engagement point.

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  A Thinking Mans Car - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By jinglehyme - September 4 - 9:29 am

  OK - Dont miss the point on this one. The CR-Z is not the fastest, prettiest, or "est" car out there in anyway- But, it is a nice balance of fuel economy and flirtations fun to drive. And it is big on the tech side. The 6 speed manual makes it a lot more drivable that any Toyota. If you want a big, fat, dumb muscle car - buy a Chrysler - um - Fiat. And my 30 something and 40 something friends (all edjamacated and stuff) get it.

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  Fun and sporty! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Barry - August 29 - 10:20 pm

  So far averaging 35.3 mpg on my first 200 miles, about 70/30 city vs highway. Very fun to drive w/ paddle shifters, navigation/ bluetooth interface works seamlessly which is typical of Honda. A little disappointed that no sunroof option is offered and no rear camera as visibility is a bit of an issue. Also no back seat option like over seas. However, no first year model glitches found yet.