Consumer Reports: Honda CR-Z "Not Recommended"
12-09-10 | 06:36 AM
#1
Consumer Reports: Honda CR-Z "Not Recommended"
2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid gets low score from Consumer Reports
By Steph, 08 Dec, 2010.
2011 Honda CR-Z
After subjecting the Honda CR-Z to several tests, Consumer Reports concluded that the vehicle is reliable but is not recommended due to its long list of drawbacks. The two-seat CR-Z is derived from the Insight, a five-passenger hybrid hatchback that also scored very low on its tests. Consumer Reports said that the CR-Z has received several improvements. It observed that the interior isn’t obviously cheap and its handling is far better than the Insight’s. It also noted that the CR-Z's manual transmission is crisp and easy to shift and its fuel economy rating of 35 mpg is satisfactory.
But its shortcomings are far too many and severe to be ignored. For instance, the handling of the CR-Z is short on steering feel, which is also seen on other recent vehicles from Honda. This small sports coupe offers a stiff ride and it has high noise levels. Also, the stability control intervenes too late when it's required, so the CR-Z's tail can swing out mid-corner. According to one tester, its lousy rear and over-the-shoulder visibility made changing lanes "like Russian Roulette."
Its payload capacity of 400-lb. negates the large cargo hold and is considered to be a serious limitation. When stopping to save fuel, the vehicle shuts off along with the air conditioner. Its exterior door handles are not very comfortable to grab, and since the CR-Z is low-slung, the passenger or the driver has to lunge in and out of it.
By Steph, 08 Dec, 2010.
2011 Honda CR-Z
After subjecting the Honda CR-Z to several tests, Consumer Reports concluded that the vehicle is reliable but is not recommended due to its long list of drawbacks. The two-seat CR-Z is derived from the Insight, a five-passenger hybrid hatchback that also scored very low on its tests. Consumer Reports said that the CR-Z has received several improvements. It observed that the interior isn’t obviously cheap and its handling is far better than the Insight’s. It also noted that the CR-Z's manual transmission is crisp and easy to shift and its fuel economy rating of 35 mpg is satisfactory.
But its shortcomings are far too many and severe to be ignored. For instance, the handling of the CR-Z is short on steering feel, which is also seen on other recent vehicles from Honda. This small sports coupe offers a stiff ride and it has high noise levels. Also, the stability control intervenes too late when it's required, so the CR-Z's tail can swing out mid-corner. According to one tester, its lousy rear and over-the-shoulder visibility made changing lanes "like Russian Roulette."
Its payload capacity of 400-lb. negates the large cargo hold and is considered to be a serious limitation. When stopping to save fuel, the vehicle shuts off along with the air conditioner. Its exterior door handles are not very comfortable to grab, and since the CR-Z is low-slung, the passenger or the driver has to lunge in and out of it.
12-09-10 | 06:44 AM
#2
To be fair it's a highly stylized two seat sporty coupe. Getting in and out is going to be an issue in most low slung coupes. Visibility is usually a problem in coupes.
I still wouldn't buy one anyway on grounds that it's an anemic engine for such crap-tastic fuel economy.
I still wouldn't buy one anyway on grounds that it's an anemic engine for such crap-tastic fuel economy.
12-09-10 | 08:35 AM
#6
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,296
Likes: 140
From: Illinois
12-09-10 | 08:50 AM
#7
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 82
Likes: 2
From: CA
The A/C turns off when the gas engine shuts down??? How often does the engine shut down? Is it like in Toyota's where it pretty much happens at stop lights and during traffic?
That can't be fun when you are stucked on the freeway in the summer.
That can't be fun when you are stucked on the freeway in the summer.
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12-09-10 | 08:59 AM
#8
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,591
Likes: 88
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
When I reviewed a CR-Z, I thought the worst feature was the motorboating/surging/rubber-banding sensations that the the CVT gave. This used to be a problem with many CVTs, but some automakers, like Nissan and Subaru, now have CVTs that feel and operate more smoothly and conventionally. Honda's unit simply needs more engineering. The IMA hybrid powertrain, like that on the sister Insight and Civic Hybrid, does not engage or operate as smoothly as comparable Toyota units.
I said, in my review, that I thought the CR-Z 6MT version might be preferable to the CVT, even though I usually don't recommend manuals over automatics for congested-traffic areas.
I said, in my review, that I thought the CR-Z 6MT version might be preferable to the CVT, even though I usually don't recommend manuals over automatics for congested-traffic areas.
12-09-10 | 09:10 AM
#9
12-09-10 | 09:24 AM
#11
The Camry weighs 1000 lbs more and has 65 more HP.
The CRZ is a dog that doesn't even get good MPGs.
12-09-10 | 04:36 PM
#12
Out of Warranty
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,926
Likes: 12
From: Houston, Republic of Texas
As far as mileage is concerned, I could regularly get 37mpg in my Civic on that same road. Why can't these hair-shirt "economy" cars beat that?
I'd blame the low-rolling-resistance tires for the minimal load capacity that wouldn't even carry a driver, passenger, and a week's worth of luggage. In most cases the load rating is determined by the el cheapo tires they put on the vehicle at the factory. My old Opel came with a set of French-made bias-ply Goodyears that indicated a max capacity of 850# stamped right there on the sidewall.
I was regularly hauling 175# of gear and a passenger or two three hours East to Lake Charles every week back then and the rear tires were seriously overloaded. Solution: Go to Sears and install a set of their radials (actually manufactured by Michelin in those days). Rated at 1250# each, they were far better in almost every test category - well, except price. When I sold the car some 75K later, those tires were still on the car and showed only moderate wear. Your do get what you pay for.
I'd blame the low-rolling-resistance tires for the minimal load capacity that wouldn't even carry a driver, passenger, and a week's worth of luggage. In most cases the load rating is determined by the el cheapo tires they put on the vehicle at the factory. My old Opel came with a set of French-made bias-ply Goodyears that indicated a max capacity of 850# stamped right there on the sidewall.
I was regularly hauling 175# of gear and a passenger or two three hours East to Lake Charles every week back then and the rear tires were seriously overloaded. Solution: Go to Sears and install a set of their radials (actually manufactured by Michelin in those days). Rated at 1250# each, they were far better in almost every test category - well, except price. When I sold the car some 75K later, those tires were still on the car and showed only moderate wear. Your do get what you pay for.
12-09-10 | 11:51 PM
#13
Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: The Great Northwest
Too bad. I might be in the minority, but I actually like how it looks, especially compared to their other cars..
My relatives' Prius gets close to 50MPG without a sweat. This little thing should be able to beat that..
My relatives' Prius gets close to 50MPG without a sweat. This little thing should be able to beat that..
