4 Star Reviews for Honda CR-Z

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.63/5 Average
66 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1 through 10 of 66.00
  • An awesome blend-- - 2013 Honda CR-Z
    By -

    I had a 2006 Mini. Same MPG as my CRZ but used premium. The CRZ has proven to be more practical for stuff than the Mini was for me. Traded the Mini in 18 months on an Prius. 50 MPG--but--BORING !! No driver connection at all. Makes the CRZ feel like an Elise! My CRZ is base with a CVT-- BUT paddle shifters and sport mode and this buggy can zoom down a twisty country road with great aplomb and put a smile on an road course instructors face too. I have been getting 38-42 MPG per tank as well. Ive tested the Fiesta, Focus and some Asian itty-bittys. The CRZ is much sportier as a momentum car, not a point and squirt car like most car magazine reviewers want. I just wish it was RWD.

  • A Safe and Fun "Sport" Hybrid - 2011 Honda CR-Z
    By -

    I bought this car after driving a 2006 VW GTI 1.8T for over six years. I will say that the CR-Z is a fun little car to drive, but has VERY slow acceleration. Pretty good storage space considering youre giving up a backseat. The WORST thing about this car was the blind spots caused by the rear hatch door and window design. My CR-Z was totaled two days after I bought it. I was rear ended while standing still by someone going about 45 mph and walked away with pretty bad whiplash but not much else. Its a safe car. A good value for the money but Id wait for them to work out the design flaws before investing in one. Again the blind spots are TERRIBLE.

  • I love getting in my car each morning! - 2012 Honda CR-Z
    By -

    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.

  • Exceeds Expectations - 2011 Honda CR-Z
    By -

    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.

  • Will not crank - 2011 Honda CR-Z
    By -

    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...

  • Test Drive - 2011 Honda CR-Z
    By -

    Drove both the manual and automatic and found the manual more fund to drive. Particularly the close shifting ratio of the gears and the smooth shifting. The critics reviews on Edmunds are accurate. I am buying an automatic 2009 Nissan Maximum V-6 SE Coupe, which has 270 hp and I am averaging 22 MPGs. Wanted to test drive the CR-Z, not available in 2009 due to its MPGs and MSRP and the high trade-in vale of the Nissan. Decided the CR-Z is not worth purchasing due to what I would give up with the Nissan for only 12 more MPGs and the MSRP of the CR-Z, which is not being discounted that much, even if gas went to five dollars a gallon. Also due to the crash ratings. Would prefer to wait.

  • CRZ in Miami - 2011 Honda CR-Z
    By -

    I traded in my 2007 Ford edge for the 2011 cr-z ex CVT. At first I had to get used to much less room and lower visibility but fun driving and spending 50% less gas money is great and helps to comfort me in other ways.

  • Almost bought one... - 2011 Honda CR-Z
    By -

    Honda, please take this engine/drivetrain and put it into a Fit! Having owned a Del Sol in a previous life, I know that a 2 seater car is not practical for me. The CRZ is a very traffic friendly vehicle. Like the Del Sol, when pushed it is surprisingly entertaining, but easy to keep under 100mph. It is balanced, handles well, and is much more solid feeling than the Del Sol. I got 40mpg on the test drive with mostly hills and traffic... Its not quite as fun to drive as a Mini Cooper, but it is so much more fun to drive than a Prius!

  • A Car that should be Enjoyed - 2011 Honda CR-Z
    By -

    We have had Hondas in the past. Starting with the 2007 Fit, then a 2009 Fit, we planned on trading in a 2011 Fit until my wife sent me a pic of the CRZ. Our local dealer had 2 in stock, but one was sold. I went to the dealer not intending on buy it, but it was taken by the styling and even more impressed when I drove it, So I bought it. It is a head turner and a lot of fun to drive.

  • Works for Me ! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
    By -

    Have 1000 miles on it now. I bought the automatic. Lots of fun. The fuel mileage is increasing now that I"m driving it in "Normal" all the time. Getting 38.4 mpg now. Has plenty of PEP. Handling is good. No the smoothest ride because the battery under the trunk is so heavy. Hope it holds up! Happy so far! Got 7.0 seconds 0-60 on the 5th try in "Sport-Mode".

Honda CR-Z Reviews By Year:
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