I'm considering a Honda CR-Z

Shant J. · Mar 30, 2011

I realize that it has shortcomings, but it also fits my needs.

I almost never use the rear seats of my current car, and decent mileage is always appreciated. I've test-driven one, and it was a tidy little car, with a great shifter.

I want an EX model in Milano Red, with the manual transmission.

Thoughts?

Thatman · Mar 30, 2011

Would you be opposed to a really nice, good condition Crx?

Thats my thought.

niky · Mar 30, 2011

Do it.

If you like the looks, like the way it drives, and can afford it... who cares what other people think?

SRV2LOW4ME · Mar 30, 2011

^I agree with niky.

I actually like the looks, I would really want to know what kind of quality they have before diving in, but if you're willing to find out on your own, then I say do it.

Shant J. · Mar 30, 2011

Thatman
Would you be opposed to a really nice, good condition Crx?

Thats my thought.

I personally would not, but my mom is helping me buy the car, and she wants something new. :/

I figure I'll get something a bit out there.

homeforsummer · Mar 30, 2011

I'd say go for it. I quite like the CR-Z and although it's not fast enough for performance freaks and not economical enough for eco freaks, it sits nicely in the middle as a fun and economical car with usable performance.

Shant J. · Mar 30, 2011

homeforsummer
I'd say go for it. I quite like the CR-Z and although it's not fast enough for performance freaks and not economical enough for eco freaks, it sits nicely in the middle as a fun and economical car with usable performance.

It really isn't all that fast, but I don't need a fast car, really.

Plus, I can't argue if I can get 40 MPG on the highway. That's horrendous when compared to small European diesels, but it doesn't get much better in the U.S.

Tornado · Mar 30, 2011

Just putting this out there, but how about a Fit or a base Mini? They both fill more or less the same niche.

Shant J. · Mar 30, 2011

Toronado
Just putting this out there, but how about a Fit or a base Mini? They both fill more or less the same niche.

I drove the Fit, which is nice, but I want a two-door.

I have nothing against MINIs per se, but I'm not the biggest fan, either.

E28 · Mar 30, 2011

Well, MINIs are very reliable and are good to drive but if you want better MPG and something more unique then go for the CR-Z.

niky · Mar 31, 2011

A Fit is a good car to drive with the 5-speed manual and the new 120 horse engine... but it's sorely lacking in tactility compared to the Mazda2. But apparently, the dynamic issues with the Fit were addressed with the CR-Z.

Thought about the 2, perchance? Yes, it's a 5-door, but it looks sort of like a 3-door if you squint just right...

freedomweasel · Mar 31, 2011

I'd definitely get a CR-Z. Looks good, nice interior, good fuel economy, lots of hatch space, why not?

I really don't understand all the complaints about the car.

JCE · Mar 31, 2011

niky
Do it.

If you like the looks, like the way it drives, and can afford it... who cares what other people think?

^ This.

I've run into the same quandary about my car shopping quest as well as what engine to put in my Camaro project. I say if you can afford it, fits your needs and you don't have any thing else that peeks your interest as much then go for it. I like the CR-Z, would go for one over a Civic or Fit any day.

👍

NLxAROSA · Mar 31, 2011

I love the design of the Honda CR-Z. 👍 Was on my shortlist, but lack of a Type-R made me scrap it from the list in favor of the Megane RS.

CodeRedR51 · Mar 31, 2011

ryanb98
Well, MINIs are very reliable and are good to drive but if you want better MPG and something more unique then go for the CR-Z.

I like Mini's actually, especially ones that are modified. What I can't stand about them is the dashboard/gauges.

Shant J. · Mar 31, 2011

Some more pictures:

YSSMAN · Apr 1, 2011

* Note: While this may come off as a post against the CR-Z, do not take it that way

I think what needs to be considered, first and foremost, is how much money you're spending, and what else you can get for that same amount of cash. Give or take, a CR-Z is going to run you between $20-22K. To be frank, there are a wide variety of vehicles that can be had for that kind of money, several of which I think should be seriously considered before settling only on the CR-Z. Things like...

* MKVI VW Golf 3-Door
Pro: Increased practicality, everyday performance, reasonable pricing
Con: Poor fuel economy, typical VW worries, insane insurance rates

* 2012 Ford Focus SE Performance Pack
Pro: European design and performance, 38 MPG, Ford Sync
Con: Expensive, limited availability, its "only a Focus."

* 2012 Fiat 500 Sport
Pro: Arguably more "unique" than the CR-Z, ladies love the shape, as close as you're going to get to an Alfa right now
Con: Its Italian, good luck finding a dealer, as close as you're going to get to an Alfa right now

* 2012 Scion iQ
Pro: Will probably be strangest vehicle sold in the US this year, when we say "maximizing the space you use" we mean "maximizing the space you use," fuel economy should be up there.
Con: This thing is seriously small, a little playskool, and would likely be classified as "cute"

Of all of those cars there, I would probably look closest at the Focus and the 500. Both are going to be difficult to come by, however, so the greatest of luck to you in that regard.

Everything else in mind, I still believe the CR-Z is a fantastic little car, Honda fanatics be damned. Sure, the car could have been lighter, it could have been a little more focused, and in the end could have been a little more green... But in the end, they stuck to a pretty straight line in the design department inside and out, and for me, it paid off. The interior alone is a place that I would love to be every day, plenty of open space with nicely designed pieces that are attractive to the eye and soft to the touch. The seats are fantastic, the driving position is great.

I really recommend shopping around, but settling on the CR-Z is still a wonderful option.

Tornado · Apr 1, 2011

If he isn't already on a dealer's list to get a 500, he's not going to be able to get one for at least a year.

YSSMAN · Apr 1, 2011

I think it depends more on where you are in the country, and whether or not you have a dealer. We've only seen one on the street around here so far, and I have no idea where it came from. The closest dealers are in Detroit or Chicago, just the same as it was with MINI a few years back.

motortrend · Apr 1, 2011

I have mixed feelings about this car. It looks great, and probably is not that bad of a performer, but it is pretty expensive for what it offers. If it is the car you like, get it. It´s also pretty unique, I have only seen about 2 different ones, and i think they look great. I wouldn't get one at that price, but I do like it. So, drive it, look at it, think about it. You like it? Can you buy it? If yes, then get it

Shant J. · Apr 1, 2011

YSSMAN:

VW Golf - There are already four in my extended family, so I'm already sick of them.

Focus - Rear doors are a no-go.

500 - I'd only be interested in the Abarth.

iQ - We're not getting the manual gearbox in the U.S.

Not bad suggestions, though.

Joey D · Apr 1, 2011

ryanb98
Well, MINIs are very reliable and are good to drive but if you want better MPG and something more unique then go for the CR-Z.

Cooper's are reliable, Cooper S's however are not. In fact I think the Cooper S is one of the least reliable cars on the road, or at least has the most problems of any other car per JD Power.

The CR-Z is a nice car, I've driven one and thought it to be OK. It's not as tight as the MINI through the corners but then again it is heavier and larger so that makes sense. If it had a backseat and something other then a CVT for the automatic I'd strongly consider one.

Robin · Apr 1, 2011

I would definitely go for a CRZ, its an amazing looking car and that dashboard is killer. If your not tight on cash you could wait for the CRZ Mugen.

SVX · Apr 1, 2011

Sadly the Mugen was only (IIRC) going to be a concept.

Danoff · Apr 1, 2011

I know you said your mom is insisting on something new, but if you're looking at this you should really consider a lightly used RSX, which has a similar look (but better). I'll always recommend used... especially to young people.

Shant J. · Apr 1, 2011

Danoff
I know you said your mom is insisting on something new, but if you're looking at this you should really consider a lightly used RSX, which has a similar look (but better). I'll always recommend used... especially to young people.

My entire family is like this. The only alternative might be to get a slightly used one under warranty, but that's not in the cards for the CR-Z. They're still pretty new; I've yet to see a used one.

Also:

Shant J. · Apr 3, 2011

I GOT IT!

It's an EX with the manual transmission.

(P.S. Sorry for the double post. I just wanted to bump this back up.)

Horde_R35 · Apr 3, 2011

If you like it, buy it:tup:! I love Hondas and that one is pretty cool, looks great, handles almost perfectly and its eco

! I Probably wouldnt bye one just because im an old fashion guy when it comes to Hondas :sly:

! Buy it pink if want

!

Jim Prower · Apr 3, 2011

Well, he's got one...

But it's useless without Photographs.

Crash · Apr 3, 2011

Pics or ban?

Jk, well congrats on getting your CR-Z. Now you need to post pictures of it in the Member's Ride area. :cheers:

I'm considering a Honda CR-Z

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