Honda's Biggest Mistake? Why Now Is The Time To Buy The Misunderstood CR-Z

[@geoffkitchens3331]

Due to this review I bought a 2015 CR-Z with 26k miles on it... I use it as a daily driver to work & across town, and i'll say this. This car is fun as hell to drive. If I'm feeling frisky, the sport mode really performs. If I'm feeling economical, the normal/econ modes do the trick too. Like you said, it doesn't do the best with being either sporty, or an economical hybrid, but it makes a best of both worlds sort of car. Thanks for the review, I found it one of the best for the car :)

[@jdmguy44]

My mother bought one of these new in 2010 after they launched in the UK. Still has it today 8 years later. They are 'old school' Honda- reliable. Made in Japan. The build quality is excellent. They really are very solid small cars. They might not be performance cars, but there is fun to be hand from driving these. They are very nimble. The 1.5 VTEC unit is a gem. Smooth and eager to spin to the redline, aided by a snappy short throw six speed box and good braking response. A very underated little car unless you are in the know.

[@Mrzippy3]

JDM Guy Exactly. Well said.

[@swimsis]

I bought mine in 2011 - fast forward to 2024 - still have it - minimal issues

[@simonkaggwanjala]

Best underrated car of the last decade. Hands down.

[@burakgevsek6191]

No

[@francophysique5192]

Would the insight fall under this category too?

[@Flyingdutchy33]

I had it for a while, but it really isn't all that great. The battery doesn't even last 3 minutes WOT, the weight in the back makes this sucker extremely tail happy when braking into corners, it has traction control which pretty much guarantees that the moment you figure out the previous point, you will shit your pants. It's also absolutely uneconomical, with mileage that doesn't go beyond 15km/l. It's not fast in any way, shape or form. It has suspension technology that was considered outdated 4 decades ago, and it shows. The only good things I can say about this car is that the chassis is stiff and it looks cool.

[@knightingg8324]

Flyingdutchy33 liar! I have my car since 2011 . One of the first to buy it actually. I get almost 40mpg . This car is not older people. It really should be promoted to college kids.

[@Flyingdutchy33]

@@knightingg8324 Sorry if I pissed on your fire there, but 40mpg is almost exactly 15km per litre, which is what I said. And that, sir, is not at all economic compared to normal cars without the battery.

[@jakegackle7398]

I use a '11 CRZ as my daily driver. You can't beat it. I have the 6 speed. It handles very nice. Though it isn't going to win any drag races, you can have alot of fun rowing through the gears from a stop sign or up an on ramp. (Is it better to use 80% of a fun average car, or 10% of a very fast car?) The other benefit is if you drive it like you stole it it still gets high 30's mpg. Also, if you have to park in any of the big cities, the car will fit in any compact car space. Reliability is also absolutely awesome and the parts are cheap if you do need one. Again, as a daily driver, it's perfect.

[@edxander7169]

Can I make love with it?

[@brandontalley4288]

@@edxander7169 u could if ur into that lol

[@edxander7169]

@@brandontalley4288 ;DDD

[@alexandre007opa]

"isn't going to win any drag races" *looks at my country were most tuners are just old shitty and smokey seats* yeah...sure

[@jakegackle7398]

@@alexandre007opa I only added that because I always got asked if it was fast. It's relative, but, to me, the answer was a no. It was probably the least powerful car I've owned. It was still reliable fun though. I recommend one as a daily still.

[@Anonymous-fi6nq]

i bought this in 2013, after 450k km, recently 2023, i just changed Hybrid Battery. This car never disappoints me. It is still fun to drive even after 10years and 450,000km. No major issues at all. Worth every penny

[@josephchipulu7643]

Wow

[@josephchipulu7643]

How much was the battery

[@loamtrailer805]

Great honest review! I own one.....original owner of a 2013 CRZ EX 6 spd.....in 'Merica dang it!! I have 130,000 miles, just put in new rear shocks, CV boots and after a 130k, new front brake pads......been the most reliable car I have ever owned, I will drive it until I can't in California! I have owned a few VW's this thing is waaayyyyy more reliable. I love this car!!.....

[@johnbelt94]

I love how people talk shit about this car when it first came out, now everybody wants one. Used crz is in demand where i live.

[@sting2689]

Where do you live?

[@arturVSpura]

where is that?

[@andrewkerr8586]

A year later and... same here. Everyone at school likes my car because of its style and uniqueness. I also have quite a few mods to it. One of the only CR-Z in town, and the only one at school.

[@skispyder2121]

picked up my 6-speed crz with 115,000 miles for $5000 a few months ago, i've been loving it!

[@ultimatedab743]

I just drove a CRZ for the first time today. I have to say it is the most impressive hybrid I've driven thus far. The Ford C-Max was very impressive to me as well in terms of performance and utility but I felt it lacked good styling. I currently drive a Civic and I'm now looking into getting a CRZ after finding out how fun they are to drive.

[@gregorybenkert3180]

i have a 2015 crz and absolutely love it....best purchase i have ever made. oh yea cut my fuel bill from 280.00 a month to 80.00.....if you can grab one of these do so you will be glad you did.

[@Flyingdutchy33]

Going from a Civic to a CRZ increased my fuel bill almost by a factor 2. Its NOT a "green" efficient car at all. It's shit in every single way. Handling, performance, mileage, build quality....

[@deadryan4262]

How much are they

[@blademanx]

@@Flyingdutchy33 lool stop crying

[@Flyingdutchy33]

+Blade ManX I can tell by the kind of reaction you gave me that you are about 13 years old at the most. Why don't you come back in a few years when you actually have a driving license and some manners, kid.

[@BatmanTheHomie]

Flyingdutchy33... bye 👋

[@synct]

After watching this review, and finding a good deal on one locally, I am pretty convinced this is going to be my first car. Cheers for the great review, subbed!

[@hahnselativ695]

Synct thinking of buying this also as my first car, have you buy yours? How was it? Please tell me how was ur experience, thanks!

[@dexterrr9163]

@@hahnselativ695 this us absolutely one of the best choice for first car mate

[@mark-qi6di]

did you end up buying one and how is it?

[@1greenMitsi]

@@mark-qi6di he crashed it

[@edxander7169]

@@mark-qi6di yup he crashed it and killed other people involved in the crash..

[@BmoreIrish]

FYI- here in the states in 2012, they released a dealer add-on supercharger kit which raised the HP to 200, and could achieve nearly the same gas mileage if you kept it out of boost.

[@SkittyDoogle]

The problem there is it costs $7200. And you have to remove the wheel and motor mount to change the belt. Then you need a special oil for the supercharger that they don’t make anymore.

[@SkittyDoogle]

AOMechMarine I have the estimate from the dealership. Once every two years or 50k miles. Whichever comes first.

[@SkittyDoogle]

AOMechMarine The estimate is from the dealership, but the instructions are from HPD. They printed everything out for me. All 53 pages of how to do it including the registration you need to fill out for HPD’s record. Yes, it really says it needs to change the traction oil and belt every two years. If you worked for them you can find the TSB.

[@matthews1186]

erm, you can get one for $2600 including all parts. Looking at upgrading mine at some point soon and at under £2k it will make it a new car.

[@TampaSupastar22]

just K swap it for less...

[@johnford5568]

As usual, getting more mpg than the sticker , 43 consistent US, 2015 130 hp, never felt needed more power, very solid, no flex, doors shut with satisfying thump, maintenance only so far at 24000, it's the final ima and it works, feels larger than it is, fun yet comfortable for daily use. Driver's seat constantly requires vertical adjustment due to poor handle placement. they say it failed as a sportscar and as a eco car. The fact is it gets much better mileage than any sports car and it is tons more fun than any econ car.

[@brandontalley4288]

It's a car that is the best of both worlds 👍 just bought a Cr-z over the weekend and love it

[@chrislox1]

I have one. It's the most reliable, inexpensive, fun car I've owned. Still looks great too!

[@BatmanTheHomie]

Yup best hybrid and sports car feel in the game!

[@MLightningW]

Machiavelli i can say it does. Was just driving it up in the California mountains on their windy roads. Handling was great! It may not be able to go super fast straight, but boy can it turn!

[@AshleyEllwood]

I love my 2011!!

[@mdub1955]

I owned an '84 CR-X back in the day and drove it daily till I passed it to my son. In 2011, when I learned of the CR-Z, I bought one. Still own and drive it regularly. Very nice car to drive and offers a bit of fun as compared to my F250SD. Excellent and honest review... well done.

[@Puma8.91]

The CRZ is a nice commuter car and build very well for long term use. May not be the fastest but as long as it gets me from A to B, with low gas cost I'm happy.

[@MrRetroshep]

I have had mine, a manual GT-Navi in black, since new in November 2011. As stock it was, as everyone says, under-powered, but also as my research showed there was a lot of modding potential, something which mine has benefitted from in the 7 years I have had it. With a 5 month delivery time (you may remember Japan had a tsunami that year - this caused a few issues when it was retuned because of the 2nd gen ECU fitted wasn't recognised by Hondata's Flashpro, though it is now thanks to TDI & Hondata using my UK spec as a guinea pig) I had plenty of time to plan my programme & start saving for my modding budget. Suffice to say mine is now close to the sports car I wanted when I originally bought it, mainly thanks to the new Rotrex supercharger (I wore the old Mugen SC out after 75,000 miles driving), a Bisimoto re-profiled cam, ported head, Wavetrac LSD, a brace of Cusco bracing struts, Mugen 5-way adjustable suspension, 18" Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 8" wide alloys, Continental Contact Sport 5 225/35 R18 tyres (I like a bit of safety in the wet so Michelin Pilot Sport Cups don't quite cut it for my alloys' size), Spoon Monobloc front brake callipers, Dixcell Z-pads all round, Mugen exhaust back to the cat, FRS (fast road set-up) by TDI for the wheel geometry, Hondata FlashPro tuned, Mugen body-kit (front air dam, side skirts, rear wing), Mugen rear fog centre light, Cobra Sidewinder touring seats (I've always been a bit too big for bucket seats!), removed rear seat back & belts, HKS LA clutch, Mugen Assist meters, the larger manifold plenum from a Honda Jazz & many more mods all fitted over the 7 years by TDI (Torque Developments International of Thurrock, Essex). The dyno now says its putting out 210 bhp at the hubs, so that's probably around 245bhp at the fly. This all includes the electric boost generated by the regenerative braking, which has yet to be uprated from the original unit off the back of the Nickel-Metal-Hydride batteries; I am starting to notice their more rapid depletion as the car ages with over 115,000 miles on the clock, so I am considering my options for when I will get the better Lithium-Ion battery swapped in. The uprated stereo is the only thing by others - that's courtesy of Sextons' ICE - it masks the new rattles that have sprung up following fitment of Innovative Mounts' poly-bushed engine mounts. So it is now so far from stock it probably is now closer to the CR-Z's most have wanted Honda to build. It's insured by Keith James Insurance & (unfortunately) Adrian Flux have never got close enough to them with a competitive quote, but I'll give them another go this year. Banzai magazine did a great article on it in summer 2017 (when it had its old Mugen SC) & did it justice. It's now a bit difficult to drive in traffic on my daily 50 mile commute but, if I leave early enough & don't hit too much clutch-pumping traffic, its a joy to use the extra power & listen to the grunt of the engine through the Mugen exhaust. Its no Porsche 911 but its not far off, with sub 5 seconds to 60 & plenty of torque making the Honda gearbox so very versatile in all the gears now. It's very much the CR-Z i wanted, though ideally to go on more track-days I would want 4 point harnesses & am considering what other future track orientated mods my budget (& wife's understanding) can accommodate. Each time I do a track-day I crave more (mods & money for my budget), but need to keep it going for my daily commute as well, so its a careful balancing act. Since the engine rebuild (stronger forged pistons etc added when the cam was re-profiled) the block has got a new lease of life for a further 100,000 miles, so I can see keeping it for at least another 8 years. Who knows what it will end up like, but I know whatever it will be another 8 years plus of thrilling driving. My only regret is just how much my obsession has cost me in both money & time (in the garage at TDI). Yes I could have got an Audi RS3, 4 or 5 or something in a similar vein, but I have always liked to be different & my modified CR-Z is exactly just that, so I am happy. I'd be pleased to hear your comments, Cheers, Rob

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Sounds like an awesome and very different build to me

[@MrRetroshep]

@@JayEmmOnCars Thanks. You should see the Banzai magazine article on it from July 2017. They certainly did it justice too, albeit with a few spec typos on the make of supercharger.

[@ronniekenny1616]

@MrRetroshep would you be able to provide numbers in terms of how much money it cost to get to where you are? I’ve got a 2011 black GT that I’m hoping to modify in the coming years and have no clue how much I should budget

[@MrRetroshep]

Hi Ronnie, it depends who you get to do the work.....I chose TDI in Thurrock, who whilst exceptionally knowledgeable and do great work, are pretty expensive. I was earning well at first, so I could afford it, but more recently I haven't had so much but the car continues to evolve, so I have to be careful with the work I have done. If you send me your email I can be more detailed with specs & costs etc

[@ronniekenny1616]

MrRetroshep [e-mail]

[@grahamrock3942]

Thank you for your confident overview of the CR-Z...so I have found a truly OUTSTANDING late '10' Plate with just 31k on the Clock...this is the GT Model, Red with Grey Leather interior. The Interior is typical Honda MICROMETER perfect, outstanding would be an understatement. Granted this is a 2+2, (may as well be a straight 2 seater), but just look at the internal loading space you get...forget about the obligatory "GOLF CLUBS", just take the Kitchen Sink, complete with Base Unit, and the LARGEST F&M Picnic Hamper with the Table and Chairs...PERFECT. Neighbours, I never realised HOW MANY neighbours I had...without exception ALL have visited to see what this Rare UK Spec vehicle is, apparently the UK only has 3844 Registered on the Road, (Australia only has less than 700, yes 700 !!). Honestly, speed accepted, can you honestly say that you will NEVER find a better Manual Transmission, with Hybrid, ever constructed. Best of all...Future Classic Vehicle, 44 to 53 average m.p.g., now 13 years old and turning Heads every time my Wife takes it to the wide expanses of South Lincolnshire....SIMPLY OUTSTANDING...Stay Safe...G.A.R.

[@oifovo]

It most certainly wasn't the first hybrid to have a manual gearbox. The first gen Insight was offered with a manual gearbox and the first Civic IMA hybrid was manual as well.

[@19Mako71]

Yes sir. I stopped watching as soon as he said it. Can't trust anything he says after that because he obviously didn't do his homework.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I believe it was the first hybrid with a SIX SPEED transmission, my error

[@pinut187]

19Mako71 and there was a Mugen Edition as well.

[@greybird33]

@@19Mako71 I own a 2013 CRZ EX. CVT, not manual, but much of what he said was of note to me. He drove it, gave some history and made some sensible comments, in my opinion. Still have it, just spent a Grand on new tires & 28,000 mile service. I bought it at age 61, and will say it is a bear to get in and out of sometimes, but after 5 ½ years, it is more fun to drive than ever.

[@paulrobinson3528]

@@JayEmmOnCars Good save lol

[@mlnuwan]

I have 2013 version, 4 years of ownership never disappointed on my purchase, very reliable easy to use fun car, even for 7 years old car still looking good on the road

[@madcurls9655]

I luv my 2011 CR-Z😊 I threw a set of 19” wheels on it from the garage and now it turns a few heads. It’s not fast but who cares. One of the best things I like about the car is the curb/door clearance. No bumping the curb when opening the door.

[@terrymurphy562]

Had a crz for a month now and love it. 40mpg around town and easily 50mpg on motorway in eco. It’s just a lovely looking motor to look at and the interior is just as nice. I’ve had a few motors and this will take some beating. Nice review by the way.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks Terry

[@taylorwest6986]

I love mine. Great little commuter car.

[@jackwicks9993]

Same it's great

[@jackwicks9993]

@@jamesevans4366 that's what I love about it you can drive it as hard as you like and still save money on gas it's great

[@curtismokey]

yer i love mine aswell

[@DR_socal]

Same, it's perfect for dense city driving too... I've had mine for over 5 years now, plan on refurbishing it when I have the money to.

[@rockhardnugzrockhardnugzak2471]

Love my 2011 CR-Z and have driven it for nearly 250,000miles since the day I drove it off the lot. It still starts instantly, drove it through 18" of snow up hill coming over the hood and still kept traction controlling it to the top of a steep hill that had not yet been plowed.

[@bmacster1985]

Have you had it since new?? Also have you had to replace the battery yet?

[@deluxedetailing1715]

I watched this car about a year and a half ago, I just got myself one and I love it! Thank you for this video otherwise I would not have known about this gem.

[@Snoqmike]

Not only is my 2012 CR-Z my daily driver, it also brought me my fiance. She drives a 2011 and that is how we met. ;)

[@lauriekowing1653]

I have a 2012. I love everything about it. In sport mode I quickly kick it up and being small an nimble I move smoothly through traffic. I only buy hatchbacks and am constanly hauling things. I don't get why everyone say's people don't like them, I will drive this until I can't find parts. Great gas mileage. Love,love, love it!!!

[@MariGarris]

I bought my 2011 CRZ 6 years ago, I still love it. It's fun to drive.

[@mrdayumfine109]

Needs a K swap.

[@wonkybomb1865]

Hopefully doing it in the near future. Others have done it and the motor swaps in easy. The wiring takes a little work if you want the stock cluster but if you’re gonna use an AEM, Holley, or Motec dash it’s easy peasy. Just working on saving all the pennies because once I start the project I want it done because it sounds amazing in theory and people have enjoyed the ones built so far.

[@AAA310]

Save money adding a turbo kit or supercharger

[@michaelyounes29]

Torsion beam rear axle?

[@danalexander2149]

I own a 2015 Honda CRZ w/ 45k miles. The door handles are plastic shit that frequently break. Honda charges $500 for parts and labor to repair/replace the handles. The problem is the replacement parts haven’t been updated due to Honda discontinuing the model. FYI, parts are NOT cheap. One of my best friends is a service manager at a Honda in Florida. He told me that CRZ parts are THE most expensive that they order. You can go fast in the CRZ, but your top speed is limited to about 110-120mph. Using the Sport Mode and paddle shifting available in later models (2015-2016) has allowed me to accelerate more quickly than most other vehicles I share the road with. My favorite part about the car is that you can literally park anywhere. The car fits into spots that most other vehicles cannot. The vehicle also sits low to the ground, which sucks entering/exiting the vehicle, but also gives pause to anyone considering attempting to steal parts.

[@RogerBaileyOnCars]

A great looking and intriguing car, well worth a look, good choice J

[@BatmanTheHomie]

This car is awesome to drive! It's like a sporty little space ship some people think my 2011 Cr Z is a 2018 car but they don't know bout this gem 💎

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

You need more than 20 hp and the passing power of an old lady on a bicycle to be considered sporty.

[@pn8024]

@@iHaveTheDocuments some people don't drive only in straight lines

[@DavidxMarino]

Mike Morris I also have a 2011 cr-z. It’s definitely fast enough to drive on the road lol

[@another3997]

@@iHaveTheDocuments You clearly have a very limited definition of "sporty". Sporty, powerful and fast are three very different properties you can apply to a vehicle, but the latter two don't necessarily make something sporty.

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

@@another3997 I had a Mazda miata. Not fast, certainly not powerful. But it was sporty. I still don't think the Crz was sporty. No one else did either. Otherwise they would have sold instead of flopped.

[@elanjacobs1]

If only Honda made a Type-R trim level. Ditch the hybrid power train and all the associated weight, drop in a K20 and LSD, add a pair of Recaros and some aero and tighten up the suspension. Charge $5k on the base price and watch them roll of the lots. That would have been a true and worthy successor to the CR-X (2nd gen, NOT the del sol)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

DREAM Automotive did this I think

[@pn8024]

I never got the point of putting K20 into this thing...what's wrong with the Civic? It got irs vs the twist beam on this thing and can be just as light.

[@elanjacobs1]

This was clearly meant to be a revival of the CRX (just look at the shape) and the CRX was quite a zippy car, especially if you managed to score an SiR (I did and it's awesome), therefore the CRZ needs an appropriate amount of power to shove its 1200+kg around. A B18C would probably do the job as well, it's just a bit older. There's nothing wrong with the Civic, but if you want something that stands out in a crowd, a Civic ain't gonna cut it.

[@pn8024]

@@elanjacobs1 this thing is more of a hybrid (pun intended) of crx and first gen insight, it was also a testbed for technology that found its way into 2nd gen nsx(that everyone hated as well), especially with the HPD supercharger that was available during the last couple years of its production. B series have been out of production for almost ten years when this car came out. So as a true enthusiast you care only about the looks? Crx also had irs if I think.

[@elanjacobs1]

@@pn8024 I don't know how you came to the conclusion that I only care about looks. My point was that if you're trying to make a sporty hatchback, you need to at have a powertrain that will deliver, at least as an option.

[@Chadnmurfreesboro]

I have a very well kept 2011, and it's really a ton of fun to drive. Very little downshifts when overtaking others, average economy is high 30s(great for any car) and 2 seater in US(should have never had seats in the back) I don't have kids, not married. If you are considering a used one these days, do yourself a favor, and go drive one. In Sport mode. It's a magnificent commuter car!

[@ukmitch86]

High 30s isn't great at all anymore. Sure, compared to 6L American V8s, but that's local to US. Standard expectation really ought to be 45-60 for straight fossil burners.

[@Chadnmurfreesboro]

@@ukmitch86 It's great when I drive it like i stole it every time, and beat a lot of these 6L V8s.... not like I'm trying to savor any of this so-called fossil you speak of.

[@neldrion3531]

Driving my CRZ for 70k km now and it is great fun, great value, not super quick, bought it used fairly cheap, people still ask about it, in my town there's about 3 CRZs, we greet when we meet :)

[@emz3565]

The CRZ was really a wasted opportunity by Honda and I think they could have done more with it. I don't even recall ever seeing any advertising for them, that coupled with their price point is probably why many didn't sell and they ceased production. This said, I still really like them and am thinking about getting one. Looks great, it's reliable and although it doesn't have the best economy or power, it does a decent job. Not a wow car but a totally solid option and as close to a CRX as I can justify 😅

[@pn8024]

It's the minidisk of cars. Did kind of bad in the English speaking market, but they did well in Japan.

[@detailingandstuff]

If they threw a K20 in it would have been a much better car. I wish honda would do performance variants of more of their cars. I always thought a fit SI would be cool.They did have it on top gear usa other than that i dont remember any other marketing really.

[@pn8024]

@@detailingandstuff K20 is like a teenage dick, Honda fanboys wanna stick it into anything. How will this thing with a K20 be better than the Civic SI?

[@pinut187]

The main reason it wasnt a succes because there wasnt a fast version of it.

[@larsfrerichs7174]

If Honda would have made a 4 seater version in America it might have actually kept up with the market.

[@bradcogan8588]

It is a 4 seater. Although the back seats are pretty small.

[@p.informatico1320]

@@bradcogan8588 It was a 2-seater in USA. They removed the back seats and placed two plastic trays instead.

[@alansmilealot]

Would have survived if it wasn't a hybrid. I knew I wanted one, only if it was just a gas engine

[@Burnt_clutch89]

You'd only be able to fit children in the back.

[@digitalkov]

Even if it was small, would have been nice to have backseat... in US. Homda did this with the CRX long time ago... Something to do with classifying the car in US to cut cost...

[@dcd5050]

I bought one not expecting much, just needed a daily commuter and a friend advised me to go try one. So i ended up buying cause it surprised me a lot. I come from a background of older 80s 90s cars, i love my light hatchbacks, the most fun i own is a fiat seicento sport with a 1.4 16v from a fiat stilo with custom ecu exhaust etc. Making around 110hp and heavily modified suspension/wheel wise, so i wasnt expecting that the crz actually corners as good as ny little track car project and its stock haha very happy with it

[@justinholmes5614]

My GF has one of these and I love driving it. Looks great parked in front of my MK2 CRX. The MPG is great in town driving. GF is a community nurse and was putting 100 quid a week in my diesel Accord. The CRZ only uses 40 quid a week.

[@flychomperfly]

It wasn't a mistake... it was just too far ahead of its time.

[@TheShamarski]

Honestly, I'm an owner of a CRZ... A performance version would have been great... a k20 + IMA as the power plant. The car was designed for a K, but it supposedly couldn't pass crash test safeties. Still... It handles beautiful... Jeez the cockpit is easily the best I've been in.

[@doncoombez]

Just bought one with 125k on the clock - still feels tight

[@StonewallThomas1]

I still have my 2011 CR-Z EX that I bought new when it came out (USA). I normally trade my car every year or two, but I've been driving this for a record 9 years now. I have never been bored with it, and I hope to keep it for many more years. Just regular maintenance, no problems ever. I have upgraded the head unit twice, and it's nice to be able to do that since the head unit doesn't control any essential car functions.

[@lindahehn7442]

I am still driving my 2011 (bought in 2010) and my CRX (bought somewhere around 2006?). I refuse to trade them.

[@autozamwin]

How many miles, if I may ask?

[@bmacster1985]

Have you had to replace the battery pack yet.

[@bmacster1985]

@Stonewall Thomas hmm. Okay thanks, I’m thinking of picking one. Mileage is a little high but I test drove it, checked it out, and it’s in great shape. Only $4500. Honestly I think even if the battery goes out on it soon it still might be a decent deal.

[@bmacster1985]

@Stonewall Thomas you sure about that. I thought the hybrid battery is what is used to start the car.

[@moshewakatelutiw6233]

I drove it. Felt like a faster more modern crx with hybrid technology. I don’t usually get excited about anything built after 1999. I dig this car a lot

[@chrisclarke5040]

Mine is just about perfect for my 110 mile round trip commute on a mix of rural roads and motorway. A great balance of fun, comfort, refinement and economy without having to resort to the horror of diesel. Even on such a long commute it gives me the thing I wanted most of all - at the end of a long day I actually want to get in it and have an enjoyable drive home.

[@SWatchik]

This has been my car I've been lusting after since they came out. Saving mode is fully on now i've graduated.

[@MrX-wd8cm]

40-50 mpg ? That's fantastic .

[@Da.Onus.Burger.618]

I’ve had my 2012 for the last 3 years and I love my little car. Mines an EX, same color and rims as this one, but with sat nav! I still get compliments on this little 7 year old Honda!

[@amyburton6640]

The.Otis.Burger I bought my 2012 brand new. It's white and I've got the windows tinted dark. People still stop me and ask all about it. Total strangers feel the need to compliment it. I love it !

[@SerenaCavanaugh]

I own this car and the fuel economy is pretty much the best I can get without getting a prius or an EV. Cars in north america don't really come better than 40 mpg. I don't need anymore power than this, not interested in the constant temptation and weekly speeding tickets lol. The look of most sedans and hatchbacks is so boring to me, that's why I chose this

[@thomasapel5730]

Perfect! I own one, a black GT from 2012, driven now for 5 satisfying years...i'm still in love with it! It now has 55.000 km, consumption is about 6.3 l/100 km...

[@michalskrovan4451]

Nice oddity review. And such a wasted opportunity by Honda, they could have done a cheaper, more funnier petrol-only version... some things I`ll never understand.

[@BmoreIrish]

They should’ve had three engine options: the hybrid, a standard ICE engine R18 or older K20 (160hp version), and a Type R (200-210hp version.)

[@michalskrovan4451]

Exactly, no idea if homologisation, engeneering or managment limits decided for the one engine only option. I believe it could have been a nice selling car just giving people options like a bit sporty tuned 1.6-1.8vtec even below 150hp.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Lack of interest I suspect and lack of funds because of that - hence the cancelled Mugen version

[@pn8024]

Most people who say stuff like that never driven one.

[@blademanx]

@@BmoreIrish why, not enough demand judging by the stupid moaning comments on this video...im glad they cancelled it. ppl dont appreciate efforts made to bring a car to market. just crying constantly. These same ppl are forced to go buy junk as a result

[@jeffmullinix7916]

My wife bought one and now having 60,000 miles she still loves the car . One thing I do like about this car is that it drive swell in the snow and rain .

[@JamesLeekiwiglider]

Yes, amazing in the snow. A surprise.

[@Paul20883]

I’ve had my 2011 GT model for three years and have done 40,000 miles. It’s been very reliable! They aren’t quick. But they’re unique and rare. Great video btw!

[@stabg289]

have a 2014 CRZ with over 250,000 miles and still runs great so Id least say it is dependable ?

[@barnitzn]

I love this car, could use a little more power but it works great! They're in huge demand now too. I had to drive 4 hours to buy one because there were only 2 being sold in the state of florida with a clutch.

[@kinggerr7093]

The first gen Insight was the first hybrid with a manual. And the first production hybrid in the US! The CR-Z actually has a lot more in common with the Insight than the other. I'd say the CR-Z is the spiritual successor to the Insight

[@iesarahman8144]

Dammit Jay! Now people will know about this hidden gem :D loved the video

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thankyou!

[@ConsciousRobot]

I have always been a fan of the CR-X, so naturally I've always been intruiged by the CR-Z. Super cool looking car. Always wanted to get one for a K20 swap project. It seems like a lot of people don't even know it exists and I don't think I've ever actually seen one in person.

[@SkittyDoogle]

I quite like mine. The styling has aged very well and the interior is extremely well layed out. I get well above the advertised fuel economy ratings even with larger Mugen NR17 wheels equipped too. It’s not fast, but neither is the CRX.

[@markguppy2715]

My wife has had one from new, 2010, and the first one our local Honda dealer sold. She loves it and has no intention of selling. Although it's not quick it is a fun car to drive. Rock solid reliability and decent economy. The only problem we've had is after it's first service the main dealer had accidentally disabled the hybrid system. After limping back to the dealer, a lot of apologies and a call to Honda H/O for some tech' advice we we back up and running within 45 mins. These are a great buy at £5k.

[@malcolmheavens2213]

This is a very underrated car. I bought the power upgraded version in 2013. Not a sports car but great fun. I can get a minimum of 48 mpg with enthusiastic driving. You have to know what to do to get the best out of this car. At 40000 miles it has just got run in. No problems or issues. A great car.

[@Mrzippy3]

Malcolm Heavens Nail on the head Malcolm. Its a great little car. You definitely have to know how to drive it to get the most out of it. I like the flexibility it provides - a bit of zip with the ability to sip.

[@malcolmheavens2213]

@@Mrzippy3 Great to hear from somebody who really understands this car. On our busy roads and you had a more powerful motor, you would get 28mpg and it would be so much more expensive to run. Then the bad news would be that when you looked in the mirror there would be the CRZ. Full of surprises. So much fun.

[@rxkpee797]

@@malcolmheavens2213 I owned one ,bought used about one year ago and is really enjoying every moment in it. Zippy enough to join the traffic and with the sport mode or s+ pressed , able to over take comfortably if need to.

[@Knight-tro]

My 2011 CR Z Hybrid is awesome. Only had it for about two months but I love the damn thing and it's so fun

[@top7s207]

What was your previous car?

[@Knight-tro]

@@top7s207 this is my first car. I'm 17

[@top7s207]

@@Knight-tro oh fair.. I am coming from 4 different brands before getting BMW and currently Audi. Due to the fuel going up like never I am looking for a hybrid car and I kinda like this car shape, it is pretty stylish, however I am concerned about the speed. I cannot drive an unresponsive slow car. The guy on the review mentioned it is too slow. What is ur personal opinion?

[@Knight-tro]

@@top7s207 Not really. You may need to floor it going into 6th but it's not really meant to go above 75, which most places won't let you. If you get the EX Sport version and turn on sports mode it goes faster

[@top7s207]

@@Knight-tro thanks for support mate it meas a lot. Btw just watched another review, damn that back seat is a joke. U can't even have adult or a quick bang in there 🤣🤣.

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

Cletus, when you said weird and unusual, I was expecting you to introduce Clovis‼️ Referring to my favourite reviewer, where is the old dog❓ Honda stopped selling the CR-Z❓I always thought they never really started, and that was the problem. Love the fish-eyed lens, and the red Honda badge. It's not very nice calling your Lotus a dog, even though it may not be inaccurate. Hondas are always well made and very easy to live with. If I may be sexist, chauvinistic and politically incorrect, cars are like women; a hot, fast one is great fun for a quick blast, but easy to live with is of overriding importance for the long haul. Never mind all this pre-holiday camera fodder, where are the USA films⁉️ A very good review ( sales pitch? ) of a car that I'd forgotten about. Thank you for the excellent refresher.

[@tadficuscactus]

They should have put the civic type r engine in it and used the electric motor to give more torque before vtec kicks in.

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

They would have sold hundreds of thousands.

[@isk8ip0kesm0t]

Thats the beauty about cars like this from Honda,you can swap engines and all that fun stuff. It can definitely be a little "hybrid" sleeper

[@dexranch]

Nice little car Good mpg Fun to drive

[@jrbaeronz9840]

Son's just bought a Jap import 2010 with low k's and excellent condition and loves it. It has the sat nav/radio/cd player/tv unit and auto box with paddle change as well, and has all the bells and whistles (probably more than a lot of new cars) The car rides like a go-kart and has an after market exhaust (fitted in Japan) and 17" mags. A little firm in the rear suspension so may have had a set of sport shocks fitted in Japan (still have to look under it) Very nice interior and styling which could be from 2019, and my son says in the short time he's owned it, a number of people have pulled alongside and tried to get him to race, so it is obviously getting attention (very few in NZ so they probably think it's something new, with hybrids and electrics getting more popular now). Plenty of power for normal driving, and our max limit in NZ is only 100kph, so it doesn't matter really how fast it is. Battery here from Honda fitted is about NZ $3000, which is not that bad. Great review by the way.

[@johnfrary9589]

I have just picked up a late 2010 GT with 28000 miles on the clock no it isn’t fast but it is definitely a drivers car which it more important, like a go kart, fantastic thing with excellent build quality and did I mention how good it looks in Milano red and nobody believes it’s over 11 years old. So underrated.

[@graz9372]

heck no. this car is sick! my cousins selling me his 2014 crz this week and it’s going to be my first car. im so hyped!

[@scottsoltani3203]

Bought mine new in 2011, got 99000 miles on it. It’s my daily driver basic maintenance for most part oil, brakes, tires. Will keep it until it stops.

[@Anonymous-fi6nq]

I have bought back in 2013 and still using it until today and it has reached 412k km mileage in total. I have never change the hybrid battery nor overhaul the car. It is really reliable car that is underrated. I still can drive up to 160km/h speed without any problem. For me it is the best car and investment.

[@wardencobb7442]

I don't care about sporty in terms of speed, I care about handling both in city and highway. I care about saving money on gas, I care about reliability, I care about ease of operation, maintenance, driving and parking. I'm not a big speeder, I rarely drive more than 30km above the limit so the best it needs to do on the freeway in Canada is 140kph

[@Spike241195]

Just bought a 2011 CR-Z a few days ago in Germany, 95000km on it. As the kind of new potential young driver i feel like it fits me perfectly. I don't need a performance car and don't want a boring Eco car for the mileage, but rather the mix of it for a few years until i decide which way to go. The really neat look of it completely specced out doesn't hurt my CR-Z either. Do u think it will keep depreciating in price or eventually rise again? I guess it might rise again due to it's potential buyers audience becoming bigger and the market becoming smaller. loved your vid, keep it up.

[@AniSky759]

Found a 2011 CR-Z while shopping for used cars. I was skeptical to start out with and wasn't too eager to pull the trigger on it, but after a few months of driving it, I think it may be one of my favorite cars of all time. Sure, it's not all that fast, but it's a very fun car to drive regardless, and having owned a fairly large SUV for some years, I am very impressed with the gas mileage. I think a few years down the line, if I can afford to, I'll get a manual transmission variant as a project car and turn it into the compact powerhouse it deserves to be.

[@catfi5h336]

I'm glad you included the list price. just perusing carvana and saw these listed as their cheapest available manual trans honda coupe, at the low low price of only 3 -4 times what the seller was asking in 2018! do you happen to remember the miles on her? if the buyer just putted around town since then I'm sure they could also do well on their "investment" in this classic vehicle today. no offense to the car. I think it's so cool but sad what's happened to the market. I'm certain I've never seen it before! I'm in california all I remember from that time is the prius. thanks for the review I'll be following :)

[@gravy_ray2743]

My girlfriend has one and it is so fun it’s no hellcat but it’s nimble zippy and vary responsive the only complaints I have is it have many blind spots and it’s a little too low for my taste if I were to lift it it would only be an inch or two overall this is a great first car 8.8/10

[@andrewtwinam8528]

It will only use the starter motor when the temp is below 0, other than that it will always use the hybrid pack to start.

[@HazDaGeek]

When you walk away from the vehicle, look back, and smile EVERYTIME, you got the right one. 2012 CVT EX. My other ride is a Husqvarna Vitpilen 701. Still grinning!

[@WeekendWarrior604]

I’ve been driving a ‘02 Yukon Denali since ‘04 and with the gas prices in the West Coast at record levels, am tempted to grab a 2011 for my daily... lots of negative reviews regarding lack of power at acceleration or on straight lines... but coming from a behemoth SUV this is quite a fresh change plus I get to change my other insurance to leisure only and just drive it on weekends or camping/fishing/hunting trips 👍

[@RhysFjFrankland]

Had one of these before my S2000, fantastic looking cars with a few simple mods. £20 road tax and fuel economy is a bit better than you say, town driving I would average 45mpg, motorway driving mid 50s.

[@r7coo]

There are such a bargain in 2022

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

Interesting, saw one the other day so was curious about it. Good to see you had it covered Jay Em 👍

[@happyhomeenergyefficiency8050]

A great, quirky car that was possibly the first to try and deliver on a number of fronts. I've owned mine a year and absolutely love it. Future facing cockpit with a fantastic factory sound system. Once up to speed it handles well and pulls nicely in sport mode - the thinking man's Tesla!

[@greybird33]

Yeah, the sound system is superb. I do enjoy and appreciate my 2013 CRZ EX.

[@badmd4052]

I have had two CR-Z a 2011 and 2015 the later I still own, which is a lot faster bigger wheels, bigger battery. they are great cars. Had people movers before them... children, now with the back down just my golf clubs joy!

[@tc6793]

I own a 2014 version & am loving it... Never broke down on me before... who cares about the -ve reviews out thr....

[@UpRoaryus]

I disagree that it's not sporty. I think it depends on how you define it, and what you mean by "quick". I love the way the crz drives, especially on curvy roads (at least in the mt), and I really appreciate how it's styled. I wanted something practical and reliable and somewhat stylish and fun, which is exactly what I got in my crz. The seats in my EX are more comfortable than my sofa at home, and I find myself sitting in the car in my driveway long after I have pulled in just because I'm reluctant to get out. Love this car.

[@MrCarrera28]

Great video, good to see you dip into the Honda range.

[@Benitentiary]

as an Ep3 owner I was waiting for you to mention them the whole time, then you finally did at the very end!!!

[@phil_nicholls]

Nice review, and aligns with the reasons I recently bought a 2010 GT for my 16 year old lad (he turns 17 next month) - I consider him very lucky to have a car such as this for his first motor. Indeed, I’ve been driving it around for the last few weeks myself, and am seriously impressed with it - as you say, a nice place to be! Costs about the same as a 1.4 Mini to insure as a new driver, and yet is so much cooler. Not being able to fill the car with his mates is a bonus too - no peer pressure to ‘show off’ behind the wheel.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

He's very lucky!

[@phil_nicholls]

@@JayEmmOnCars - he certainly is - and passed his test yesterday - so now he's 'solo'! :D

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@phil_nicholls pass on my congratulations

[@greybird33]

I was giddy when I picked up my 2013 CR-Z at 61. I cannot fathom how I would have behaved at 16. Cheers.

[@phil_nicholls]

…and 3+ years later, he’s still driving the CR-Z. Still a cracking little car!

[@Kcabs10]

Thanks to your influence I'm going to consider (and probably buy) Honda CRZ as my first car. As you said it impressed me with her look and I don't really care about the performance. If you didn't lie in this video, this seems to be a perfect car for me. Have a good day and thank you again.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

You're welcome

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

I was working at Marshalls Honda when this was in it last 3 years we had one in the showroom for 2 years could not sell it, they were ridiculously expensive for what they were.

[@williamfence566]

Had my CRZ for 6 years . Never expected that . It's the facelift lithium iron battery with a combined output of 137BHP which makes quite a difference over the first versions. Serviced at the main dealer it now has over 100,000 trouble free miles. Had periods were I look to change it but keep coming back home in it. With the second hand prices going silly it's now worth 25% of it's new price and going up . Also found a 7 " sat nav which clips into the centre console no brackets required. You'll have to prize it of me one day.

[@johnford5568]

Don't listen to the haters. I held off till finally over the 'battery'. So happy with this car. The power is entirely usable all the time and plenty. Top speed stability is superb. It's built like it was chiseled from a slab of stone. It gets low 40's US all day long in city or 70mph. Have hauled serious goods with the hatch and flat floor. 40,000 miles and just oil changes, tire rotation, and cabin filter. Mid life crisis wanted v8 mustang or corvette but this "2 seater" has ended that itch and cost $17,500(leftover 2015 in 2016) new as opposed to 40 and 60k for v8's. I catch people looking at it. Win, Win, Win. Its the same with my motorcycle Honda NC750X, all the haters and so glad I didn't listen, usable power, economy, storage, solid chassis, DCT, etc, etc, go Japanese made Hondas!

[@chinkang3566]

I had enjoyed my CRZ for the last 5 and an half years. No problem. It is not high performance car but it's pretty fun.

[@marcd.7664]

Performance is almost identical to a BMW 325I or other cars slightly below 200HP. Real world economy is way better than almost every other car and even cars with less HP. its a very good mix between performance and economy. I never had a car before which consums less with the same performamce. For ebery day driving its really enogh car and power. There are not much cars which are faster. Especially at speeds under 80 Mph this car is direct and punchy (but you dont feel it as much because of the low end torque from the e-motor). This car will always be special and not acceptatet/understoof by some people, but if you own one its really hard to find a "better" car in this range.

[@LoneWolf-wu6yn]

If you live in North America, I always recommend buying a 2013+ 6 speed MT. I have a 2011 CVT and have missed out on the Sport+ and the handsfree upgrades w/ touchscreen NAV. Also the upgraded IMA Batteries are a huge plus.

[@janetsbrick]

Love your videos, but thought I'd mention that the Civic Hybrid was available with a manual gearbox all the way back in 2001-2005. My ex had one, it was a fairly nice car for a commuter vehicle, around 55-60mpg (imperial).

[@H2VPROEternal]

Still a great car for 2020

[@jasoncopin]

I got a 2015 and use it to deliver pizzas at 109K. The driver side handle just went out. I have stretched the oil out to 30K, get about 37 mpg in the city, very comfortable, driver side seat has some wear and tear, and the brakes are easy to change. Over all, happy with this car.

[@LevinTRD]

Mugen actually released the CR-Z RZ (aka Mugen RZ) which came factory fitted with a supercharger. Sadly, it was sold in Japan only and it’s limited to 300 units.

[@stuartmercer3096]

I've had my 2016 EX since 2017 new. I'm in my 70's and this is the funnest car I've ever owned.. Not a single issue commuting over 300 miles a week to work. I'm fortunate that that it isn't faster as I'd probably kill myself lol but I do drive pretty aggressively... My Veteran plate probably has helped me skate a few too many times... If I needed another car, I would buy another.