Forget the Critics, buy a Honda CR-Z.

Released back in 2010, the futuristic Honda CR-Z was way ahead of it's time. It was a hybrid sports car with a manual gearbox and the dashboard from a star fighter. It didn't sell all that well, but today they are a used car bargain.
Model on review: 2011 CR-Z Sport IMA Hybrid
#honda #hondacrz
***************
If you'd like to see your car on JJ on Cars, email me at [e-mail] or contact me via Facebook or Instagram!
Instagram - / jjoncars
Facebook - / jjoncars
"Buy me a coffee" - www.buymeacoffee.com/jjoncars

[@senateaustin]

I have owned my 2014 Honda CR-Z for 8 years now, it has 130k miles and runs just like the day I bought it. Mine has the newer lithium ion battery and the CVT transmission. Mine is also white, which i firmly believe is the best color on these cars. I have had zero trouble out of the car, except that now my passenger door handle is starting to fail, common issue as you've shown. Some people seem to exaggerate the fuel economy of these vehicles saying they get 50+ mpg. They are full of it, we live in a day and age where you can get on fuelly and see real world MPG and I can tell you from 8 years of ownership this car gets about 38mpg in "normal" mode and 40-42.5 mpg in eco mode if you baby it. The car is quite slow in eco mode though and eco mode puts more strain on your battery so I typically use normal mode. each "mode" also adjusts the responsiveness of the steering wheel. Normal mode is extremely responsive, sport mode even more so, and eco mode a little more relaxed. I do wish I could have the tight steering of sport mode without the engine behaving like "sport mode". Sport mode might be better in the Manual, but in the CVT it just makes your RPM's increase. I rarely use it. I love the storage capacity of the CRZ's hatch. I like to go camping and stand up paddleboarding, my "SUP" boards are inflatable so I can throw 2 or 3 in the hatch no problem. I bought the car with 3000 miles on it from a KIA dealership in the US for $17,200 8 years ago. mine is the premium model with nav and the updated black interior (which looks a million times nicer than the awful grey interiors) Overall I am very happy with the car and I'm glad I bought it, but as a "sports car" it leaves SO much to be desired. I would go so far as to say it is not a sports car. It is a sporty car, there is a big difference. The car is a little heavy, especially compared to the classic CRX or other 80's/90'/00's Honda's. the electric motor does provide great low end torque, but equating it to a supercharger is a bit of a joke( although there was an HPD version of the car sold that did come from the factory with a supercharger and produced 200 horsepower) These cars can be turned into a performance car, but that typically involves K swapping the engine. The car also has quite a bit of body roll in the corners, so the suspension would need stiffening up. (anti roll bars and either lowering springs or coilovers) I recently put KONI shocks on mine with are slightly sportier but also take bumps a little harsher. The car is not rev happy at all, there is no reason to floor it because the result is pretty pitiful. Its great off the line, but that is where the excitement ends. this last year I acquired a manual 2014 NC miata and it instantly revealed how much the CRZ is not a sports car, that miata is exponentially more fun to drive than the CR-Z. But it also suggests premium fuel and gets 28mpg compared to the CRZ's 38-42 mpg. the miata also obviously doesn't have the storage of the CRZ. So i have both, two 2014 2 door japanese cars. I missed shifting gears so that is why I got the miata. By comparision the CR-Z seems boring, but that doesn't mean its not an amazing car. On the CRZ forums there is apparently someone who has 450k miles on the stock motor. The engine is under such low stress that it will literally run forever. Another interesting fact about these cars is that if the electric motor goes out, the car still drives, it will just lose all the torque. This is different from a prius which cannot run without the electric motor. I added the K&N air filter and it does make the throttle slightly more responsive. I'm Austinblack25 on instagram for anyone who might want to give me a follow. Cheers. great video JJ

[@JJonCars]

Well, that's a heck of a comment, cheers for the info, I'm inclined to agree with most of what you've said there 😄 The supercharger thing, I get that you are assuming supercharger = powerful feeling car, but if you'd seen what lower powered Mercedes Kompressors are like, you'd understand what I'm on about :) 45 mpg UK is 38mpg US so sounds about right what you get from the car. It's not a fast or particular sporty car but it can still be fun, it's quirky and as you say, it will run forever. Cheers.

[@pilotavery]

You can get about 50 miles per gallon if you live in the Midwest. In Europe, probably not, Southern California I'm only able to get 44. I can get 51 miles per gallon on an entire tank when I went between St Louis Missouri and a small town in Ohio. Cruise control set to 50 mph. Keep in mind that you have to have really specific Michelin low rolling resistance tires to get 50 miles per gallon. If you change the tires out you lose about 10 MPG

[@pilotavery]

My last tank averaged 48.8 mi per gallon but that was mostly with cruise control going like 55 mph everywhere on soft rolling hills.

[@21bruce]

Gave my extremely fun car and efficient CR-Z to my son who needed the mileage but doesn’t appreciate my sense of humor in making him (finally) learn to drive a manual. He’s come round though and is beginning to finally understand driving is fun. I loved the car and helled about in it quite a bit. 36-38 was typ mileage and 40 on a good day in eco mode. Went looking for a new car to replace it but there is nothing comparable on the market now, too bad. Maybe I’ll get a type R, in a year or two my boy could maybe know enough to drive that race monster.

[@jorgevazquez654]

I am thinking about getting 2015 hybrid Cr-Z, CVT. 25k miles on it and $17k price tag. Do you think it's fair price?

[@mjr7817]

I had that! Was in my early 20s friends thought I was weird but I loved it. Such a fun and eco car.

[@JJonCars]

Really great car for someone that age I reckon!

[@micahknopp4800]

I absolutely love mine!! Wish mine was a manual, but I don’t mind the automatic. The biggest thing I wish was that it was just a bit more powerful

[@JJonCars]

Yes it could certainly do a with a little bit more power :)

[@JJLTACTICALSOUTIONS]

I just got a 2012 Base 6 speed manual with very low mileage. I freaking love it!

[@JJonCars]

Awesome, enjoy!

[@pedrohoyo5324]

I got one as my first car two months ago and i couldnt be happier! The 2013 model with the lithium batteries is almost unobtainable outside of japan, the uk and the us, and its also said that in the long run the nimh packs are more durable

[@JJonCars]

Brilliant first car!

[@merc7paul]

100 I have the NiMH and the Lion, the NiMH is at 350k kms no issues

[@dawidwsmole2248]

I like how from "can I get out now" you cut to a shot where you drive off haha!

[@JJonCars]

Haha, he's long suffering is Backseat JJ

[@fredonline]

Yeah, it's a crackin' looking car, I like the futuristic dash, not so much the black wheels - would be much better looking in silver! You had some nice new roads to pootle around on there, not even on Google Maps Street View yet!

[@JJonCars]

The owner says he reckons the alloys were looking a bit flaky so the dealer he bought it from 'tarted them up' but yeah I'd agree with you, silver is better IMO. Perfect spot to film a futuristic car!

[@Rjhs001]

Hi JJ. Well, a totally different take on the hybrid idea to that of Toyota and I can see the benefits of the Honda system although mpg may not be one of them. My previous car was a Civic and that had the spoiler across the back window which interfered with the rear view, although at night it successfully blocked the headlights of those driving too close behind. Another fair review, cheers.

[@JJonCars]

I also had one of those Civics, and there is actually a lot of familiarity in the CR-Z cabin from that car. The materials, the interesting dials with big speedometer reading, the little red starter button and gem-like hazard warning lights. That generation of Civic was another really interesting car and just totally crazy really for a normal hatchback. I don't know what Honda were smoking in the mid to late 00's but it must be some good stuff :) Thanks John.

[@Rjhs001]

@@JJonCars Yeah, all that 'magic seat' stuff with the rear seats made it a really practical car. Mind you, I think that was made possible by the space-saving solid rear axle with also gave a bit of a crashy ride. Also, that unfeasibly large glove box that was roomy enough to keep a Jack Russell in (not that I tried).

[@JJonCars]

@@Rjhs001 yes, the ride was really poor for that kind of car! I need to review one now 😄

[@Zlin0035]

I got a phase 2 car, so a bit more power and facelift etc. Love it and definitely wont change it for anything else.

[@JJonCars]

Nice, quite rare too :)

[@grahamrock3942]

JJ...Shussssh, for Heaven's sake, less than 3800 of these SUPERB cars, Registered to drive in the UK, (only 760 in Australia). In 2010, being short of funds, I promised myself that one Day I would find a HONDA CR-Z to cherish and enjoy....promise realised at last. Convincing my Wife that She would be very Happy to Love and enjoy this exceptional quality vehicle we found one....Red, 2010, Hybrid Sport, Manual, WITH JUST 30K genuine miles FSH on the dial. Obviously, being a Honda, with that superb 6 Speed Box, genuine SCI-FI body and interior, this vehicle "turns heads" even today...a future 'Classic', absolutely. Agreed, NOT fast, NOT that frugal for a Hybrid, but the pleasure of ownership cannot detract from the sheer pleasure of driving this unbelievable vehicle. So, not too much praise please, these proud CR-Z owners make every attempt to keep quiet and unreservedly proud to enjoy motoring as it should be...comfortable and reliable. STAY SAFE...G.A.R. *and Wife*

[@JJonCars]

Haha, I should be keeping it a secret shouldn't I 😂 Glad to hear you finally got one. I remember also really wanting one back in 2010 but there was no way to afford one for me either!

[@josef5675]

There are very few videos of this car, but this one is by far the best!

[@JJonCars]

Thank you!

[@felixbelanger2659]

Bought one back in August, I already put 3k km on it, such an awesome car!! I don't regret a thing and I get 48 UK mpg

[@JJonCars]

48 isn't too bad. Glad to hear you're enjoying the car!

[@Tezasaurus]

Reminds me of my first car that I miss dearly, the old Mazda MX-3. Might have to pick one of these up.

[@JJonCars]

Ooh yes, the MX-3 is cool

[@neilduignan9835]

Another great video, JJ. Only 39 on Auto Trader and a decent one can be picked up for less than £4k. Still looks modern today!

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Neil, bargain aren't they!

[@SurgeX798]

Awesome vid

[@JJonCars]

Thanks!

[@alexanderswagin9618]

Hi from Australia. 5 days time taking delivery of my next CRZ(luxury spec,2014 only available as one trim final year of import here) Traded my original standard spec for a Civic type R. Had an Mazda mx30 and a Mazda 3 skyactiv X and now realise what a great car the CRZ was. Even the type R was too firm despite being the update 2020 model. An event to drive but too tiring to drive for long. Didn’t help I was recovering from cancer treatment. Can’t wait to get back in the CRZ. Cheers.

[@JJonCars]

Hello! That's great, the 2014 models are quite rare, and even better if it's the top spec. Type-R will have been a whole different beast, not comfortable but somewhat quicker than the CR-Z, but as this car proves, it's not all about power and speed. They're great cars, so different to anything else out there. Enjoy being back in a CR-Z :)

[@Mahar4ja]

Do you have any advice for finding a CRZ in Aus?

[@alexanderswagin9618]

Hi Maharja4, Usedcarsales has the most CRZ’s for sale. It’s where I found mine. The seller of mine has another available from 2014 with an extra 27000 kilometres(in the ACT). Look for one( no more than two owners). With luck not too much kilometres and a good service history with books filled in, especially filter( air, fuel and transmission fluid pages).Invariably the 12 volt battery under the bonnet will need to be replaced and they don’t like sitting for long periods unless you trickle charge the 12 volt battery.Test drive and make sure no warning lights appear, air-con works and never use the door handles to swing open the doors, only to unlatch( notoriously weak and parts supply patchy). CRZ forum(US based) great amount of information. Best of luck. Cheers.

[@alexanderswagin9618]

Hi again from Australia. Have been driving the 2014 CRZ for three months. Put 3000 km so far locally and several drives to Canberra 150 km each way usually same day. A service with oil change, cabin filter and transmission fluid change. Additionally air filter and transmission fluid filter have been replaced and have seen a significant improvement in fuel economy( 6.1 litres down to 5.3 and now will do 5 litres/100 kilometres)Invariably the difference between indicated and calculated consumption is.1-.3 litres/100 kilometres. As nimble and responsive as I remember from my previous CRZ 5 years ago . Barely slow down for roundabouts and feel very connected to the road. Noisy on coarse surfaces but came with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres on 17’s. Brilliant and sublime. Best decision after going through so many cars. Cheers.

[@MrAarongilbey]

I still love my 2010 CRZ GT Navi. Panoramic roof, all options including Glow pack (speakers, kick plate and door lighting), Carbon pack - spoilers and silver grill. It's ultra reliable, starts first time every time. It's not super economical nor fast, a Mini Cooper S will run rings around it. It's a great blend of both and unlike a Mini it looks so different and uncommon. Eco mode feels like you've left the handbrake on, I rarely use it. Boot is a decent size for me and huge once the back seat is dropped. It's one of the cars you look back at when locking up and walking away.

[@JJonCars]

Nice version of a great car. 100%, the only cars to own are the ones you have to look at as you walk away :)

[@21bruce]

Gave my extremely fun car and efficient CR-Z to my son who needed the mileage but doesn’t appreciate my sense of humor in making him (finally) learn to drive a manual. He’s come round though and is beginning to finally understand driving is fun. I loved the car and helled about in it quite a bit. 36-38 was typ mileage and 40 on a good day in eco mode. Went looking for a new car to replace it but there is nothing comparable on the market now, too bad. Maybe I’ll get a type R, in a year or two my boy could maybe know enough to drive that race monster.

[@JJonCars]

Haha lucky lad, even if he doesn't know it!

[@jdmguy44]

The CRZ is indeed a great little car. My mum bought one new in 2010 and still has it to this day. The drivetrain is bullet proof. I remember wondering how long the hybrid battery would last but here it is at nearly 14 years and is still absolutely fine. Its a solidly built car too with no rattles or creaks. I like driving it. Good fun to chuck about. My only slight criticism is that the steering would benefit from a touch more feel. I wish Honda had replaced it with a new CRZ....

[@JJonCars]

Awesome. It is amazing how well the batteries have lasted on them. Maybe one day we will get another CR-Z... We can hope haha

[@merc7paul]

25 years

[@Tekma]

I've had a 2013 since 2017, and I just picked up a one-owner 2011 that I found for sale locally

[@skylar2254]

I've got a 2011 crz with 230000km on it. Still runs great!

[@JJonCars]

Awesome, the longevity of these cars is another really big plus point

[@merc7paul]

Mine has 350k now still going strong all original everything

[@jimmytai1915]

Thanks for sharing

[@JJonCars]

Thanks for watching!

[@Puma8.91]

Love this car! Just hate how a lot of other sports car owners always like to race me on the highway, not knowing it's a hybrid. LOL

[@JJonCars]

Haha!

[@ishan4269]

Looks so freaking cool!

[@sansorio]

I have a 2011 and I'm the only owner and it's my only car. The best mileage I've ever seen is 6.4l/100km or 37mpg. Granted, I don't do many long trips with it. Reason I still have it is I can't find anything newer I want to replace it with. It's just a very special car. I'm reminded everytime I sit down in it, and everytime I see it. It's so low and squat and tiny compared to almost everything. It's not perfect by any means, tbh I think the hybrid route was a wrong move with a car like this, though I like the torque. This car would be ideal for a 1 litre 3-cyl and a turbo. But that age came afterwards.

[@identiticrisis]

6.4 l/100km is 37 miles per US gallon. The figure reported in this video was for Imperial gallons. 37 mpgUS is 44 mpgImp, so inline with the video in fact. That figure is about what a city car would get, or a small hatchback on longer journeys only, but the CRZ is much nicer than those generally are. The hybrid system makes most sense around town, out on the open road its contribution to fuel economy is greatly reduced. At least there's less of a short journey penalty with this car, meaning you can enjoy it guilt free that way.

[@JJonCars]

You're right that there isn't really anything else like it - Might as well keep it and enjoy it :)

[@merc7paul]

Yeah I had the same problem so I just replaced my 2011 CVT with the 2016 manual with all the bells and whistles, only thing I can think of replacing it is with the new prelude if it comes in manual😂

[@xletzyy]

2012 CVT Red. Owned mine for 5 and a half years. Love it lots. Got it at 16 bought it off my mom she never drove it. Mines bright red. Love the little red beast. Shes slow but she got personality 😂 i got a catbsck exhaust and k and n air intake. Sounds great all the time, and runs great. Ive been on my services all the time and she runs like the day i got her, not even over doing it. I always let it warm up, i keep it chill somewhat. Runs great. I personally dont get good gas i get like 29-35 mpg, idk if its the exhaust. I been maintaining the CVT and doing all the repairs too its extremely responsive like i could pinky toe it. I got drilled and slotted brakes but hes not wrong the braking from the hybrid is really good i notice it whenever i drive something else. She stops on a dime. These are very reliable but keep up your servicing. Like dead reliable. Honda went stupid on this car tuey realky loved this little car, they put lots in researching for this car. Litteraly in the manual it says this car was made to run and run. It loves it. I love my CRZ. If you want something kinda cheap, different and reliable this is it. These are like FRS/BRZ level speed. 😂😂 but yeah get one if you can im genuinely thinking about buying another black one next year.

[@JJonCars]

Very nice in red. If I was buying one I'd want red or that metallic turquoise colour they did. Perhaps the CVT is sapping some of the economy, though they're not that great even in manual. Great first car and glad you enjoy it

[@stdev.]

6:46 It is! I wave to other CR-Z's from my black 2011. Brake pads replaced at 114k miles. Now 173k and going strong. It's proven to be a practical car for me, moved across the country and back with it. Mine's got manual transmission unlike most in the US. (I haven't driven an automatic but can you imagine?) Cheers from across the pond!

[@JJonCars]

Awesome, that's great to hear :) 173k is very impressive for a little car like the CR-Z. Cheers!

[@retroroshi5232]

Hi, great content. Where was this location? Thx

[@JJonCars]

Hello, thank you. This was filmed in the UK at Keele University

[@shibaweebas]

We do wave to each other for sure 😂 they're pretty uncommon & are only getting rare. I hope to hold onto mine forever

[@JJonCars]

Brilliant. Love cars like that. People don't wave to each other in older Mercedes, I think we're too pompous for it hahah

[@merc7paul]

Only thing I got was a bird one time from a blue CRZ 😂

[@Aliendeadspace]

I love this car 😍

[@JJonCars]

Me too!

[@user-xs3ih7ow7s]

i love this car but the only thing that stops me buying this car is the problem of seats i have family of 5 only 2 and hardly 3 person could sit in it. wish me luck!

[@JJonCars]

Haha good luck! Maybe just tell the rest of them to walk or get the bus? 😂

[@morganhawkins2250]

I have a 2011 that has 125,000 mi on it and still runs perfectly fine I've done some aerodynamic modifications such as the DuckTales spoiler and the rims off of a 2006 Honda Civic hybrid and now I get around 42 mi the gallon average. I've contemplated buying a new car but at the same point I just think why there's really no reason due to how cheap the CR-Z can run and how reliable it's been.

[@JJonCars]

Definitely keep the car :)

[@NeverGiveUpYo]

This is a cool car. A friend of mine bought one just so he could K swap it. I guess that's the next hype.

[@roycarder6179]

Great review got one summer just gone ….great car the best I’ve had ….I love it ….the car can shift in sports mode £3,200 best money ever spent on this already cult car

[@JJonCars]

Awesome, thanks. That's an absolute bargain :)

[@roycarder6179]

@@JJonCarsyour welcome

[@dirkkeersmaekers4343]

I have one.14 years young.

[@azzii_x]

Point to be made, it is really light on brakes, especially on the rears. It's a very common issue where the rear calipers can bind just because they never get used. Door handles as well are prone to breaking. However, the hybrid batteries are VERY rare to go wrong, since how it works it doesn't ever get as stressed and cycled as much as in a conventional hybrid. These things can entirely reasonably make 200k+ miles on stock battery no issues. Just watch out for major rust and stay away from cars with no service history, and you'll have a fantastic car. Don't fear higher mileage ones, I bought mine on 130k and it's the best driving car I've ever had.

[@JJonCars]

Wow, funny how something that's essentially such a positive can end up causing issues. The door handle is an issue on this car, I guess it's quite a different design to your normal Honda door handle so it wasn't a proven thing already. That is really good to hear about the batteries though.

[@SLOBeachboy]

While I’ll admit that the brakes on the CR-Z are not exactly the best in the world I’m not quite sure what you mean by “light on brakes”. This term would normally indicate that one feels the brakes are not beefy enough, which makes no sense. And then you go on to say that the rear calipers do not get used enough which would suggest that the brake proportioning is not adjusted properly, which of course would have nothing to do with whether or not the brakes are beefy enough. Of course, on all cars the front brakes do 80 percent of the braking so even if the rear brake were completely disconnected you would still only loose 20 percent of your stopping power. And if you understand the laws of physics then of course you know why the front wheels have to do most of the braking. That being said I have not really noticed a brake proportioning issue in my own CR-Z. In any case, if you are driving the car regularly and your rear calipers lock up it has nothing to do with a lack of movement over time due to improper brake proportioning. After all, even if you never brake hard your rear brakes are still always going to be engaging unless there is something very wrong with your car. And if the rear brakes were not functioning at all it would be pretty easy to tell because the rear rotors would start to oxidize over time. You would also not notice that ugly and annoying brake dust build-up on your real wheels if the real brakes were not functioning properly. Speaking of brakes, while we are here, I would like to dispel the myth that bigger brakes can shorten the stopping distance of a car. The fact of the matter is that while bigger brakes will prevent brake fade under heavy use, they cannot otherwise change the stopping distance of the car. Only wider and or stickier tires can do that. I have been telling people this for over 30 years now and yet this idiotic myth just will not die for some reason.

[@merc7paul]

What he means is brake replacements are so infrequent because of regenerative braking, I only replaced my pads 7 years and 4 years which is insane

[@devoncalixte8194]

I love Honda especially the CR-Z what a cool car very unique shape unusual and stands out from a lot of other cars and it really reliable definitely gives me the look of CR-X unusual shape back in the days I would definitely buy this car anyway great video I really enjoyed it and great information to

[@JJonCars]

Yes, great cars! Thank you

[@devoncalixte8194]

@@JJonCars you're welcome

[@Kacpa2]

Even modern hybrids like what mercedes is doing on C class or GLC could have manual box. Its sad noone does them so, it would be nice to have such cars as an option. We do have mild hybrids but its always boring CUVs like Puma.

[@JJonCars]

True that. Sadly its the way the newer hybrid systems are designed, not suitable for manual gearboxes :(

[@Kacpa2]

@@JJonCars Well some are, mild hybrids and even some full out ones that are like mercedes 350e ones could work. Its still sandwitched between combustion engine and the transmission on those. If it works with conventional geared auto in that, it couod be offered with a manual technicly. I guess in this perfect storm of bad trends it not something even remotely considered. Toyota is busy with faking the manual for their lexus cars, but i dont think it will feel right.

[@JJonCars]

@@Kacpa2 oh, well that's even more of a shame if it's possible but they won't do it!

[@Prometheus20236]

Honda & Toyota, nothing else.

[@ExpressionCulture]

Great video, i make a lot of videos on the honda crz

[@JJonCars]

Thanks! Nice cars aren't they

[@ExpressionCulture]

@@JJonCars certainly are, i have people come from all over the country for me to work on their CRZ’s

[@merc7paul]

On my second one, the unpopularity was a boon to get mine for cheap twice😂😂😂, now I'm eyeing the nsx which is similarly unpopular, here's to all the unpopular rare unappreciated cars🎉🎉

[@JJonCars]

Yes, I love a rare unappreciated car! Though the NSX are not that unpopular, worth a few £ now 😄

[@Birmingham_racing]

Even if the crz didn't sell well they should have put this engine in the civic and jazz. Would be alot if power for a jazz

[@JJonCars]

That's a good shout. Would love to see it in the Jazz

[@klappars]

They did. The GK generation Jazz Sport 1.5 has the came engine but without the hybrid system.

[@merc7paul]

It is the same engine as the Honda fit/jazz

[@atrem7942]

I love my crz gt. Only the suspension squeak heavily it like an old man getting out of chair sound.

[@JJonCars]

Haha! I know the sound you mean

[@philippillis9393]

Love this car. I hope Honda would come up with atronger batteries as an option to increase the power of the IMA system but I guess this model was a flop. It's already difficult to get original parts. The engine I think is very good for this car, its not super powerful but it makes a nice noise above 4K rpm and it's not super greedy when it comes to fuel. It's fun without being an expensive nuisance. Also very teliable thanks to the lack of turbo and the use of nickel batteries. I will gladly spend mony on maintance and fixing cosmetic damages instead of getting another car. The only nice upgrades are way more expensive... I'm thinking about S2000, 350Z, Civic...

[@JJonCars]

Exactly right, it's a good combination of efficient with a small amount of poke. The 350Z or S2000 would be nice, but much much more costly to run :)

[@philippillis9393]

@@JJonCars yes and their prices are getting higher and higher it's ridiculous. Maybe a Toyota Celica last gen, pre face lift would be affordable but the 192hp one is also expensive and rare to find in good conditions and with no history of abuse by crazy kids.

[@georgejetson1754]

I own 4! Did I overdo it? One is signed by Tatsuru Itchichima.

[@JJonCars]

Haha yes, maybe you did. What do you do with them all? :D

[@ikbalhussain1376]

Any issues with blind spots, saw an American owner stating it was difficult to merge with it

[@JJonCars]

I think that rear quarter view is a bit of a blind spot, big rear pillar. So you'd just have to take more care with merging etc

[@pspr33]

Was that Keele Uni campus?

[@JJonCars]

It was indeed!

[@srtlgr]

2012 model from turkiye. o çok güzel

[@ek7637]

I own a Crz for 2 years now and so far I've never had any problem and it's really fun to drive

[@fantomphoenix6170]

Really is a great car, this is pretty much just a commuting car with a touch of sport, that can get thrown around in turns quite well. Higher mileage doesn’t matter too much for these cars, it is a hybrid so the battery does not like to sit a long time. Aim for a 2013+ the interior is better, doesn’t stain as easily, has the S+ button with gives you a bit of power in command, better battery, and smaller improvements all around. Most common upgrade is swapping the battery out for a 51R instead of the 151 which is super easy. Only thing to be careful of with this car is the door handles, use the handle just enough to pop the door, then open with the frame. Super fun little car, I get 38-42MPG, others get close to 50-55mpg on the highway. Not sure how, but they do it.

[@JJonCars]

I think those who get 50-55mpg might be 'telling porkies'... 😄

[@calvinbradford1042]

Loved my crz but unfortunately they are as slow as stop !

[@JJonCars]

Yeah they are not the quickest!

[@novicetheaf]

Back seats are only good for putting the dogs into 😂

[@JJonCars]

Haha yep, dogs and Backseat JJ

[@merc7paul]

I like the fact in North America they deleted the rear seats like a 911t

[@ibrhmkrc]

It's a great vehicle except for the parts issue.

[@JJonCars]

I hadn't heard anything about parts issues, but I guess its an unusual car so that comes with the territory

[@merc7paul]

I've had no issues most parts are shared with other Hondas

[@GF-nm1cl]

Cvt trans with electrical steering assist though

[@identiticrisis]

This one's a manual. Electric assist isn't that bad, the NSX had it.

[@JJonCars]

Unfortunately everything is electric assist now, though there is one advantage - the ability to adjust the weight of it dynamically - i.e heavier when in sport mode. In the UK we didn't get the CVT.

[@merc7paul]

Drive it then speak

[@andrewpreston4127]

".... a CRX reimagined... " Actually, I bought a CRX brand new in 1986. I was bowled over by the looks. But soon, I realized that I had made a mistake. You had to keep the revs up to make much progress. Inside felt like a tomb. Handling on anything other than a billiard table smooth was rough and jiggly. Thing is ..., a while before, I'd rented a Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6, the original one. And it was just about everything the CRX wasn't. Airy and spacey inside. Power that came in from quite low down. And supple suspension in a way that only French cars seem able to do. It was a joy to drive in almost every way that the CRX wasn't. I got rid of the CRX within months. Your review of the CR-Z only really describes why I wouldn't buy one, even though it does look great. I don't want to feel like I'm driving a spaceship..., (interior, dials...). Not particularly economical, not particularly fast, not much room, and Honda hybrid technology which really isn't on a par with Toyota. So no, thank you, you have reminded of the reasons why I quickly got rid of the CRX, and why I would not buy a CR-Z.

[@JJonCars]

The old CRX is a bit of a cult classic, but then so is the Peugeot 205 GTI. So each to their own I guess. Glad I still managed to help you in some way lol

[@jdmguy44]

The 205 GTi was not in the same league as the MK2 CRX VT that came out in 1990. The B16 VTEC engine in that car was one of the best four cylinder engines ever made.

[@merc7paul]

It's not for everyone😂

[@nivens.1604]

Never was sure about the crz, always thought the hybrid part would make it automatic-only. Nice to know it was manual too, but I still don't think I'll get one. It sounds perfect for the way I like to drive, but I don't have the kind of 'just in case' money you'd need if a battery gave up, or frankly to buy the car in the first place. So my eco, quirky car is set to be a 1.4 petrol Audi A2 (currently have a 2004 1.2 12v Polo, if you'd be interested in driving that JJ?)

[@JJonCars]

That's funny as I've been really admiring the A2 recently, I desperately want to review one haha. Yes, would like to review that generation Polo for sure, that era is rapidly becoming the one of choice for this channel :)

[@merc7paul]

The battery will be the least of your problems, I have two 2011 and 2016, my 2011 is at 350k kms only the catalytic converter is gone no other issues

[@olafk2297]

I drove one, a few years ago, and i felt no power, very disapointing.

[@JJonCars]

yes they are not quite as powerful as you'd hope. But for me, the rest of the car makes up for that

[@Dystopian_Reality]

Sad that Honda discontinued it in the USA. Too many subcompact hating types here, sadly, so they have gone all but extinct in this market.

[@bilokenneth]

It looks cool until 3:49...... 9.7 sec 😂😂

[@JJonCars]

Haha yeah, it's not the quickest

[@shand1967]

Fabulous car and would make a great city car. However at this age, the £1000 plus fitting cost of a new battery would put me off.

[@JJonCars]

Definitely. One thing to consider is, let's say you could get one for 4k. An extra grand for a battery IF needed would still only mean you'd have a CR-Z for 5k which is worth it IMO :)

[@identiticrisis]

The early batteries are pretty bullet proof though given they're Nickel Metal Hydride, not Lithium ion Dead cells are almost unheard of for that chemistry and the "range" (capacity) degradation can be conditioned out of them periodically, to a point. I personally wouldn't be fazed by a battery swap on this car, they're not large and heavy and from the outside they're extremely safe if you follow a sensible procedure. Once opened, they look easy to repair as well, even the lithium ones. You don't have to replace the whole battery, you can get partial cell stacks for them relatively cheaply. There are independent services for this popping up here and there.

[@jdmguy44]

My Mum's 2010 CRZ is still on the original battery.

[@hunyango2k]

legolas into cars...

[@JJonCars]

?

[@jolladevices]

I see you're still in the honeymoon... :-D

[@JJonCars]

Ha, well that's often the case given I review cars and it's not mine :D

[@jolladevices]

@@JJonCars ah ok now I get it. Once you buy it, you realize the handle issues and then you start the quest for more HP 😀

[@pixelnazgul]

Купи мой шампунь.

[@nathandale4760]

You have to be a pretty shocking driver to only get 45mpg. I get 55mpg without trying. If I do try, I can get it up to 58 or higher.

[@Folskyfied]

Maybe you have really low mileage in your car, cause I get the highest 49mpg even trying very hard.

[@JJonCars]

What year is your CRZ Nathan? I found a forum post survey where there were a lot of responses and most people said they averaged 45. Do you average 55? And what kind of driving do you do? A roads, motorway etc?

[@Folskyfied]

@@JJonCars my crz recently hybrid battery died, and it was working since 2010 and I was still getting 47mpg. It gonna be expensive but I'll gonna buy new battery and see if my mpg increases or not. I think the guy have fresh battery that's why his average is good.

[@identiticrisis]

​@@Folskyfied try reconditioning it first, if it's the NiMH battery. Lithium won't respond to that, though.

[@identiticrisis]

​@@JJonCarsI think some people may be tripping over units issues. Imperial and US gallons are different volumes. Fuelly collates mpg figures and gives statistical plots, and there's only one CRZ drivetrain so it's pretty useful. There the average is indeed around 45 mpg Imperial. But the most common is 48 mpg, and the 50% cutoffs are at 42 and 50 (meaning half as many as the most common achieve this). Plenty of people get into the low 50s, and barely anyone dips below 40. That's pretty good for a 1.5 petrol, thanks to the hybrid system. For comparison, the average 2010 Jazz only averages 37 mpg, even though the average Jazz has a smaller engine and weighs less than the CRZ. To say nothing of the interior and driving experience. Any hybrid shines in stop start driving, i e. around town. On the motorway, unless you're speeding up and slowing down a lot, the fuel economy is dominated by the ICE and the hybrid system may as well be dead weight.

[@raptorjesus4758]

"This has got to be the worst car i've sit in the back of" try a fiat 500, leg room is non-existant

[@JJonCars]

I have, and the CR-Z is worse I promise you 😂

[@emmanuelalva6597]

I genuinely feel bad for anyone who has this car. Keep telling yourself you like this car. It’s not good at anything.

[@colinl5985]

And so sad when people judge when they know v little

[@emmanuelalva6597]

@@colinl5985 whatever makes you happy. Some people are happy just looking fast and that’s ok.

[@JJonCars]

It's good at being quirky, different, reliable, economical for a sporty hatch, looks good and handles nice enough, affordable to tax, insure, run. So yeah I'll keep telling myself I guess :)

[@emmanuelalva6597]

@@JJonCars as long as your Honda insight makes you happy that’s all that matters.

[@jdmguy44]

I genuinely feel bad for people who know jack all about cars and emmanuel seems to be one such individual.

[@jimbryan2271]

I like it - quirky

[@JJonCars]

Sure is!

[@pretol1]

There's absolutely NO DOWNSIDE to having uncomfortable seats in the back, if you love US version, just don't put anyone back there... IT'S EASY... They're still seats if you have little people or absolutely have to put people back there.... I fucking HATE that US version doesn't have backseats.. It's literally a deal breaker for me, as I want a small car that can SOMETIMES function as a family car if absolutely necessary for short pickups and errands around town.