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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  Average car, not worth the money new - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By rlangsh - April 19 - 11:12 am

  Just traded in my Honda CRZ after 2 years. Bought it new, not at all worth the 20k I paid. This is a car that has all the potential, but none of the thought process it needs to be unique and worth it. The interior is typical cheap crap that scratches VERY easy. Since the car is low to the ground, youll mainly do this getting out of the car. The engine shuts off when you stop the car, and this car dents VERY EASY. Engine shutoff was getting worse in mine. Also, its slow as hell. Get ready for insane blindspots in this car. The hatch is not positioned properly, so changing lanes on the highway/backing up will be, lets say..fun LOL. My new Dodge dart is faster and gets the same gas mileage.

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  Fun and fuel efficient car - 2013 Honda CR-Z
  By kingme8 - March 8 - 2:53 pm

  The CRZ is a rare mix of Hybrid MPG and sport mode. The 3 mode driving system is really convenient. You can switch between the modes at any time during your drive. The 2013 comes with a more powerful lithium ion battery this year, as well as S+ button for a 5 second burst of speed, and a back up camera. Some of the negatives: -Rear window visibility(backup camera helps) -No armrest in the center(Although you can buy a slide in accessory) -No locking gas flap Overall, I really love this car. When you sit in the cockpit, the blue panel looks really futuristic. Even though Im getting better MPG, I think Im spending more on gas because I want to find reasons to drive it.

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  I love my 2013 Purple CR-Z - 2013 Honda CR-Z
  By prpldawn - March 1 - 12:10 am

  I have only had my CR-Z for two months, but I love it. I owned a 1985 CRX-SI, and the CR-Z is the flower child of the CRX with current tech functionality. When looking for a new vehicle, my main requirement was it had to be PURPLE, and the Passion Berry Pearl is a beautiful deep/dark purple. The continuously variable transmission is an adjustment, since I always drove a manual transmission, but I enjoy not having to use a clutch. I am still waiting to get the mileage mentioned on the Honda website, but most of my driving so far has been city driving, with lots of hills and stop and go. Still, I am averaging 30 mpg. I look forward to my first road trip to test the fuel efficiency.

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  Lots of Room for a 2-Seater! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By heatherfeath - January 11 - 10:53 am

  First off, I love my CRZ. We were on a waiting list to get one when they first came out. Test drove it, and it was instant love. Having had the car for about two years now, we still love it. Part of me wishes they would come out with a 4 seater version, but then I guess it would loose some of its appeal? There is a WHOLE lot of room in this tiny car. I kid you not, we bought a queen sized bed frame, mattress, etc (From Ikea of course -.-) and we fit it in the car?! Amazing. It also fits multiple full sized bikes, without taking off the wheels. I dont recommend it.. you might mark your interior plastics.. Its really fun to drive and great on gas. We easily average about 40mpg

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  I love getting in my car each morning! - 2012 Honda CR-Z
  By kristen21 - December 2 - 10:44 pm

  I love this car! I bought it because I wanted a fuel efficient car that was also fun to drive. This car is definitely fun to drive and I love getting into it each morning. Ive owned my CR-z for about 6 months now. This car is really comfortable-- I love that the seats hug you. I also like all the bells and whistles like blue tooth phone connection, radio adjustment from the steering wheel, and a USB port to hook up my ipod. I had to rent a Chevy Malibu and every time I got in the car I missed my CR-z. I hated the way the Malibu handled and I didnt like its responsiveness. I love this car and would definitely recommend it.

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  Great comprimise between sport and milage - 2012 Honda CR-Z
  By rskdsk - August 27 - 2:54 pm

  I absolutley love this car. It is sporty, has a cool 3d dash, has some power in sport mode, and has style! It is not a tire shreader ... but much 1000X better than the veloster I traded in! The car even handels decent. Yes, it does not have rear seats and the real mpg is about 35-37mpg in eco mode ... 30-32mpg in sport mode ... but it is perfect as the daily go to work car.

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  Great CRZ - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By lazycatprod - August 5 - 1:57 pm

  I recently purchased a 2011 CR-Z EX from beaverton Infinity. I was looking at new but found this one with less than 7k miles and saved a ton of money. I love this car. The styling and performance are great. The best part I am averaging over 44 MPG since purchase. I have a daily commute of over 70 miles and my fuel cost is averaging $30 a week. If your looking for a fun to drive yet economical car. You should check it out.

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  Fun Drive! - 2012 Honda CR-Z
  By rzmann - May 21 - 10:55 am

  Had this car for 5 months now and cant wait to drive it each day. We live in the Rockies and travel to Salt Lake Utah valley often. Love the ride up and down the mountains. No lost of power coming up. Fuel average is 40 mpg. Sport car all the way!

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By hondaowner15 - May 7 - 6:48 pm

  I bought this car in Jan 2011 as a commuter. As of 5/1/2012 have over 33,000 miles. No problems, only time gas mileage less than EPA hiway was 2 people climbing mountains in NC, got 36.5. Average commute is 80 mi/day, 99% hiway. Averaging 39MPG, high was in city driving on a week-end trip when we got 43MPG in Miami. Performance good for 65-75MPH driving on interstates, very little around town but when I do it shows about 40.3. More than enough room (61"), actually have to pull the seat up to reach the pedals. Interior quality good, more than enough room for my usage.

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  I love it - 2012 Honda CR-Z
  By dano_seattle - April 25 - 12:02 am

  I saw a couple of these running around town, but never really stopped to look. I began calculating gas costs of my 1997 gas eater and decided it was time to look around. I looked at all kinds of different models, hybrids, new, used, etc. I finally settled on the CR-Z as my first choice for test drive and once I drove it, that was it. If I wasnt convinced before I was then. Sleek, sharp, and comfortable all around would be the best way to describe. I completely agree with the other reviewers as well.