2011 Honda CR-Z

Base MSRP: $19,345 to $19,727

Reviewed

June 2011

Sharp looks, hybrid power define unusual two-seater

Pros

Agile handling
Unusual, sporty exterior styling
Good fuel economy
Sporty manual transmission
Hatchback utility
Modern interior design

Cons

Other hybrids get better fuel economy
Could be sportier
Compromised rear visibility
Road noise
Only a two-seater

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Our Analysis

The new 2011 Honda CR-Z is unusual; unlike most hybrids, the CR-Z has sporty intentions, seats only two people, has edgy styling inside and out and sports a wedge-shaped 3-door hatchback exterior, and it can be had with a six-speed manual transmission. The CR-Z, according to most reviewers, does have more agile handling than the usual hybrid. Many critics come away disappointed, expecting the CR-Z to be faster and have better handling than it actually does. Furthermore, its fuel economy is nothing to write home about when compared to other similarly priced hybrids, like the 2011 Honda Insight ( Base MSRP: $18,200 to $21,490) and the 2011 Toyota Prius (Base MSRP: $21,650 to $28,790). Most reviewers agree that in the end, the CR-Z is an interesting option that will find fans, but it isn't the best choice for either sportiness or fuel efficiency.

The 2011 CR-Z has a hybrid system similar to that of the Honda Insight, which is a mild hybrid system with nickel-metal hydride batteries, a 13-horsepower 58 pound-foot torque electric motor and a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. The CR-Z comes with a driving mode selector, in which three different modes can be selected based on the type of powertrain response desired: "eco" for the most fuel-sipping setup, "normal" for quicker responses and "sport" for getting the most power and sharpest response from the hybrid powertrain.

Sporty looks and handling, but not powerful

All reviewers note that the CR-Z is low on power; some reviewers find that this is a deal-breaker for sporty driving, while others can look past this in light of the agile handling. Scott Burgess from The Detroit News calls the CR-Z "fun to drive," but "a little anemic when cruising," and most reviewers echo this sentiment. In addition to fun handling, many reviewers say they are surprised by how comfortable the ride in the CR-Z is. An Automobile Magazine reviewer calls the ride quality "impressive for a vehicle with such a short wheelbase," and a few other reviewers point this out as well. The compliant ride is too soft for some, resulting in noticeable body roll and thus a less sporty feel. Autoblog.com summarizes by stating that it "isn't quite a canyon carver, but its firm suspension and adequate steering feedback are enough to provide an engaging experience for the driver."

Only hybrid to offer a manual transmission

The hybrid powertrain in the CR-Z yields a combined 122 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque, when taking into account the electric motor and four-cylinder engine. The Environmental Protection Agency gives the CR-Z an estimated 35 mpg city/39 mpg highway/35 mpg combined rating with the continuously variable automatic transmission, and it gives a lower 31 mpg city/37 mpg highway/34 mpg combined rating when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. The CR-Z is the only hybrid available with a manual transmission, and reviewers say the six-speed unit has "delightful weight and precision," as well as "smooth and linear" clutch take-up, in the words of an Automobile Magazine reviewer. Autoblog.com found that the six-speed manual "is super smooth, allowing you to fire off quick, slick shifts while still keeping the revs planted in the CR-Z's powerband." Reviewers preferred the sporty feeling that the six-speed manual delivered, but the CVT automatic provides better fuel economy.

Reviewers mostly like the unusually styled exterior and futuristic looking interior. Edmunds.com says the exterior "looks sharp," and another reviewer is confident in saying that it's the best looking Honda available today with its distinctive and sporty-looking wedge shape. MotorWeek.com says the "cockpit-like cabin perfectly echoes the exterior of the car," and that overall, "ergonomics are first rate." The CR-Z comes standard with the expected power equipment, hill-start assist for the manual transmission, a six-speaker stereo and automatic climate control. Optional equipment includes xenon headlights, a premium stereo system and a navigation system. The CR-Z's hatchback configuration allows for good cargo capacity: The trunk can accommodate an impressive 25.1 cubic feet of cargo.

Safety features and ratings

The Honda CR-Z has been crash-tested by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. NHTSA gives the CR-Z a 3-star out of 5 rating for front and side crash protection and a full 5-star rating for rollover resistance. Overall, NHTSA gives the CR-Z a 3-star out of a possible 5 rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not tested the CR-Z as of this writing. Standard safety equipment includes front airbags, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, active head restraints, antilock brakes, stability control and traction control.

The CR-Z comes with a 3 year/36,000 mile basic warranty, which is a shorter warranty than some other hybrids. The hybrid components are covered by an 8 year/80,000 mile warranty.

Summing up the 2011 Honda CR-Z

Although the 2011 Honda CR-Z doesn't full achieve its sporty hybrid goal, according to many reviewers, it still represents the sportiest driving experience of low-price hybrids. Shoppers looking for the particular mix of agile handling, unusual looks and good fuel economy will likely be pleased, but more practical, fuel efficient, and better handling options exist. The 2011 Honda Fit (Base MSRP: $15,100 to $16,860) is cheaper and almost as fuel efficient, and it can fit five passengers. The 2011 Honda Insight and the 2011 Toyota Prius get significantly better fuel economy and are in the same price range, and the 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI (Base MSRP: $22,760) is as fuel efficient and sportier. Reviewers say the CR-Z has a particular charm and allure, but most say they feel indifferent about it too, citing the many available alternatives.

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Where To Buy

Free Price Quote for 2011 Honda CR-Z

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

ConsumerReports.org ranks the 2011 Honda CR-Z against other small cars, hybrid and nonhybrids, and it is one of the most respected sources for automotive reviews. Editors' overview includes driving impressions and thoughts on how it stacks up against other cars on a number of criteria. ConsumerReports.org requires a subscription to see most content.

Review: Small Cars, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

2. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com provides a full overview of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, including specific information on trim levels and features. A link to a full road test is also available here. The editors of Edmunds.com like the Honda CR-Z for its unusual look and good fuel economy, but they think that some buyers will find it to be not as sporty as they expected.

Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z, Editors of Edmunds.com

3. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

The conclusion here is that the 2011 Honda CR-Z is good, but it will probably be limited in its appeal. As the article points out, there are cheaper and almost as fuel efficient vehicles even within Honda showrooms. So the CR-Z is a good car, but isn't the most practical, given the alternatives.

Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z EX -- Road Test, K.C. Colwell, Sept. 2010

4. WindingRoad.com

Although the reviewer acknowledges that fuel economy isn't as good as other hybrids, he also say the CR-Z is decidedly more fun to drive. Not only that, but the hybrid technology allows for nice low-end torque. This reviewer likes the interior's modern and high-tech look.

Review: Driven: 2011 Honda CR-Z, Seyth Miersma, June 22, 2010

5. About.com

Aaron Gold at About.com finds a lot to like about the CR-Z, like the good looks, hatchback utility and easy-to-park size. Ultimately he says he isn't sure if he'd pick it over alternatives, as there are better options at the price for either sporty driving or high fuel economy. Yet Gold does say the CR-Z will find followers who want good fuel economy in an unusual package. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z test drive, Aaron Gold

6. Automobile Magazine Details/Subscribe

Ride quality is called "impressive" for a vehicle of its size, and the six-speed manual transmission is "typical Honda in its delightful weight and precision," according to the reviewer. Because many people compare the CR-Z to its spiritual ancestor, the Honda CRX, the reviewer points out that the CR-Z isn't a full on sports car, but neither was the base Honda CRX back in the day. The reviewer says, "both the dudes and the dorks can find a lot to lover about this little car."

Review: Identity Crisis: 2011 Honda CR-Z, Jason Cammisa, Sept. 2010

7. Cars.com

As more than one other reviewer has pointed out, Cars.com's Joe Wiesenfelder says his "first and most lasting impression was how comfortable the CR-Z's ride is." While comfortable though, he says this compliant ride comes at the cost of the highest levels of sporty handling because the CR-Z exhibits noticeable body roll. In the end, he says the CR-Z doesn't live up to its sporty intentions.

Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z, Joe Wiesenfelder, June 18, 2010

8. The Detroit News

Scott Burgess from The Detroit News finds the Honda CR-Z to be underpowered, but agile and fun to drive. Interior amenities are praised, as it the available passenger space (though it only seats two). He says there will be many people who like the CR-Z, but those will likely be the non-SUV European crowd.

Review: Sporty Commuter Honda CR-Z Offers Everything but What Americans Expect, Scott Burgess, Aug. 26 , 2010

9. Motor Week

The editors at MotorWeek.com, like others, enjoy the futuristic look of the interior and edgy appearance of the exterior. They say that "hands down the CR-Z is more entertaining than any other hybrid," despite its low power output and good but not great fuel economy numbers.

Review: Road Test: 2011 Honda CR-Z, Editors of MotorWeek.com

10. The New York Times

This article spends a lot of time talking about the driving style button that allows users to choose between eco, normal, and sport modes. The reviewer decides that a hybrid's fuel efficiency gains are somewhat at odds with the sportier driving modes of the CR-Z, as in this mode one is unable to achieve the stated fuel economy figures. In sport mode though, the CR-Z is considered to be quite a peppy driver.

Review: Sportier but Thirstier, a Hybrid Honda Tries to Be Hip, Richard S. Chang, Aug. 6, 2010

11. Inside Line

Edmunds Inside Line compares the 2011 Honda CR-Z with its predecessor, the 1987 Honda CRX Si. This shows how close Honda came to recreating the fun but economical driving experience of the original. The conclusion is that "times have changed, and the 2011 Honda CR-Z shows us that modern standards of safety and comfort have taken their toll on the size and weight of small cars." Even so, "what Honda offers in the CR-Z isn't that bad at all."

Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z vs. 1987 Honda CRX Si, John Pearley Huffman, July 6, 2010

12. Autoblog.com

Here the Honda CR-Z isn't seen as a clear winner in either the sporty or fuel economy realms, but the reviewer suspects that some buyers will be "sold on the car's appearance and unique positioning within the marketplace." Other cars in the same price range are better options in this reviewer's opinion, and more traditional alternatives choices "far outweigh our desire to break the mold of the traditional subcompact set."

Review: Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z, Steven J. Ewing, Aug. 31, 2010

13. Jalopnik.com

Jalopnik.com, an enthusiast-oriented blog, is rather indifferent to the Honda CR-Z, particularly when compared to the levels of fun offered by the original Honda CRX. They call the car "decent" in the end though, and they say it's definitely a step in the right direction for imbuing fun into the hybrid set.

Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z: First Drive, Sam Smith, June 2010

14. The Truth About Cars

This enthusiast automotive blog typically focuses on driving fun and driving dynamics within its reviews. Unsurprisingly then, the reviewer takes a negative stance on the Honda CR-Z and finds the powertrain to be too weak and the handling not involving enough.

Review: Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z Take Two, Michael Karesh, Sept. 15, 2010

15. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

This unique comparison pits the 2011 Honda CR-Z against the 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI, and it compares diesel powered alternatives to hybrids. The Volkswagen Golf TDI is the more expensive of the two, but the reviewer says it's worth it; it has better road manners, better fuel economy and a back seat.

Review: Round One: 2011 Honda CR-Z vs. 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI, Wesley Allison, Oct. 2010

16. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The 2011 Honda CR-Z gets 3 stars out of a possible 5 for overall safety, as tested by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Front and side crash protection get the 3-star out of 5 rating, while rollover resistance is given a 5-star rating.

Review: 5-Star Safety Ratings, Editors of SaferCar.gov

17. FuelEconomy.gov

This chart compares fuel economies for 2011 hybrid vehicles. The 2011 Honda CR-Z gets good fuel economy, but other hybrids do substantially better and some new nonhybrids almost as well. The CR-Z gets a combined 37 mpg with the automatic transmission and 34 mpg combined with the six-speed manual.

Review: 2011 Hybrid Vehicles, Editors of FuelEconomy.gov

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