The Honda CR-Z Is the Weirdest Car of the 2010s. But Is It Any Good?

[@killerexe007]

My daily driver for 7 years and counting. I'm in love with this car.

[@Maxmulham]

The CR-X was never fast either. I love the CR-X but people need to take off the nostalgia glasses and realize the CR-Z is as good as it is gonna get in recapturing what was the CR-X mainly due to safety equipment.

[@a.p.6350]

This! 👏👏👏

[@suad01]

The reputations of the older JDM cars was largely a result of the big modding scene at the time.

[@SLOBeachboy]

@@suad01- First of all, JDM refers to cars that were made for sale only in Japan and not the USA (cars with the steering wheel on the right side of the car) so are you referring to the modding scene in Japan? Either way, the CR-X and other Civics were hugely popular long before the 90’s cars modding scene, as you put it, took hold. In fact, back when I owned my CR-X I never saw one that was modified anywhere. In fact, it was not until the early 2000’s that kids really started modifying these things in large numbers and that is because now the cars were old enough that they could buy a used one rather cheaply. Unlike today, back then people did not buy brand new cars and immediately start modifying them. They usually bough cheap used cars for that purpose. I also owned two Nissan 240SX’s in the 90’s by the way and at that time I never came across one that was modded. It was not until the early 2000’s when the drifting fad took hold here that all these kids started buying them up and modifying them right and left. The bottom line is that the popularity and the reputation of these cars with the general public had little or nothing to do with the modding scene.

[@SLOBeachboy]

Yes, as someone who owned a CR-X and now owns a CR-Z I would tend to agree. In fact, the CR-Z is actually better in many respects despite weighing nearly 1000 pounds more than the original CR-X. I would however say that the CR-X was probably better relative to the time period in which it was in production than the CR-Z is to the time it was in production. But what about simply comparing them head to head today. Well the original first year CR-X and the first year CR-Z have almost identical zero to 60 times but the stock CR-Z will pull more G’s on a skid pad then the stock CR-X. And although I hate the electric steering assist on the CR-Z (and on all newer cars) it actually handles great on windy roads even when pushing it to the limits. It has been so long since I drove the CR-X though that its hard to really do a comparison without having one here to drive right now.

[@suad01]

@@SLOBeachboy JDMs have been imported into Australia since the 90s

[@ObtuseRubberGoose628]

I clicked on this purely to say that the CRZ is not the weirdest car of the 2010s. That honor goes to the Nissan Juke Nismo.

[@davidostrovski9464]

Thank you for making that video, I own that car in manual since August 2023, I'm in love with it, handles turns like nothing else even in high speeds. The honda CRZ is one of the most underrated cars I've seen and everything you said is mostly true, thank you.

[@strangewayfaringstranger]

I agree, I just got one recently too. The only thing I dislike is being able to tell where the curb and other short distance things are haha. I often park off in parking spaces. Other than that, it has been an amazing car and I would definitely buy another.

[@dakotamontgomery4616]

@@strangewayfaringstranger i have the same issue i have found that backing in with parking spots is easiest

[@MrFastFox666]

I have one of these and it's an underrated car. My biggest complaints are the lack of power and the lack of an electrically driven A/C (no A/C when the engine is stopped), and the loud interior at highway speeds. Other than that, it's amazing. Interior is nice for an economy car and I love its design, the exterior looks good and stands out, and the handling is excellent. They're also super reliable, just make sure to change out the CVT fluid often.

[@suad01]

It doesn't have an electrically driven AC? The earlier civic hybrid had it so you'd think Honda would've incorporated that into the crz.

[@MrFastFox666]

@@suad01 my thoughts exactly. But I think they didn't because of the CR-Z's smaller battery. It's only 0.6KWh, and I think the HCH battery is 1.1 KWh if I'm not mistaken (which I could be)

[@GURUGURU_CR-Z]

Thank you for introducing CR-Z! Let's enjoy driving. From Japan :D

[@FreakyFunTime]

I got my 2016 manual last year, and I'm absolutely loving it.

[@sly8108]

How many miles do you have on it? And any issues yet? I have a 2011 and let me tell you... lol

[@FreakyFunTime]

@sly8108 it's at 67k and no major issues, the passenger door handle is a little spongy feeling, but other than that been very lovely

[@sly8108]

@FreakyFunTime all I can say is get ready for the door handles, hybrid battery, and Cat converter (possibly). I've been fixing mine up lately

[@FreakyFunTime]

@sly8108 has your battery went out? I know the earlier models have a nimh battery, and the later models switched to lithium

[@sly8108]

@FreakyFunTime yea it went out. I replaced it for around $1500

[@mhd9953]

Only recently got myself a well maintained 2010 CR-Z (because the facelift is practically non-existent in europe) and it's such a blast to drive. It's not a perfect car by any means, but anyone who has a heart for weird Honda cars is bound to enjoy these. Great video explaining all the quirks and details regarding the interior and driving characteristics as it's certainly not an ideal car for everyone.

[@MithrilMotors]

A nicely balanced impression of the CRZ! The manual one is definitely under appreciated by the enthusiast community (what other Hybrid manuals are there?!). Give it a few more years & that should change.

[@SLOBeachboy]

“Under appreciated”? Where on earth did you come up with that one? Pretty much every CR-Z enthusiast on the planet wants the manual transmission but since they are hard to come by these days some of these people end up having to settle for the CVT transmission instead. I have never however come across an enthusiast who actually prefers the CVT. Perhaps you meant to say that they are underrepresented in the community.

[@MithrilMotors]

@@SLOBeachboy or perhaps I was referring to the enthusiast community as a whole instead of just the CRZ enthusiast community. Who knows - I dont.

[@chozar]

Only 3 manual hybrids ever made. CRZ is the only 6 speed. The other 5 speeds were the original Insight, and the Original Civic Hybrid.

[@zakuraayame5091]

it isn't fast; it is swift. IMA system tend to make 0-25 quite decent for around town. The CVT while not the enthusiast choice, it does it the right way (doesn't shift) and nails the power/efficiency choice you are making by pedal request. Using S+ as it appears to be intended in a non-aggressive way nets you this result: You hit 18 mph and press the button, then slightly more pedal pressure and the revs jump up a few thousand and the electric motor gives its all for about 5 seconds. That is typically enough ... with nominal pedal pressure, to get you to about 55-65. Doing it in this manner nets you the most acceleration with the least fuel used. It is a really interesting system. Having driven a first gen Civic Hybrid in both CVT and 5MT forms I can tell you the CR-Z is much quicker while matching/beating its cold weather performance in mpg. Last month I switched from a 2005 Civic Hybrid CVT to a 2015 CR-Z CVT. My comparison is fresh and personal. I probably driven 60k or so between two 2005 Civic Hybrids. I had another CR-Z in 2011 without the S+ button or fancy subwoofer. I would say mindset is most of the issue people have when approaching a car like this or any mild hybrid from the 00s/10s. It is not for the M3 driver looking to save fuel. It is for someone who is making a conscious effort to drive differently. I've had an RX-8 and a Civic Hybrid at the same time. I would never expect a 50 mpg drive out of the rotary; though 30s is more than possible on a highway cruise if you are dedicated; low 20s was my average on two different 8s. The Civic Hybrids could get 60s with a bit of finesse; 90 with sheer dedication. The CR-Z offers something special if you are accustomed to all the other IMAs besides maybe the 2007 Accord hybrid because it was paired with a larger engine, but I've no experience with one. You have something that can get low 30s mpg driving a bit 'normal', 40s if you are gentle, 50s if you keep speeds under 50 and gentle acceleration. S+ makes a friend of mine giggle who thinks a BRZ is slow and complains about it. She didn't care for the sluggishness of the Civic Hybrid. She smiles like she did in the 8. I think it impresses her more than it does me and I'm the one that has driven all the cars. Passenger seat perception counts; and apparently the CR-Z when I use S+ feels as fun as the RX-8 and better than a BRZ. Alphanumeric soup these days. One thing no one has really shown in the videos I've watched is how the cruise control operates. The modes make a difference. Thanks for a honest video, no dominate superego just a respectful personality clear of odd bias/angles. Especially in more niche cars such as hybrids, rotaries, etc. It can be all over the place so having great videos like this is a breath of fresh air. I was actually wishing you'd do more on it but if I can infer by the channel name, you do this with a lot of vehicles; off to see what other videos you have.

[@mrn.1533]

6 speed Manual + hybrid makes this unique, a car none of the manufacturers is going to produce again. I now own my second CRZ i sold my first and didn't find a replacement so i bought another one and will not sell soon. Still need some modifications isntalled like lowering springs, Remus exhaust. Got some new Yokohama tires they handle perfectly with this car. I don't like the noise on highway and the bumpy ride due to the rear axle for a daily. It's not a sports car but fun to drive

[@189Blake]

Pretty much, I want to have hybrid fuel economy, but I want the manual transmission. This is pretty much the only car that has that

[@bindang7191]

False…the first is the Honda Insight…and I have one

[@mrn.1533]

@@bindang7191 6 speed or 5 speed?

[@bindang7191]

@@mrn.1533 5 speed

[@mrn.1533]

@@bindang7191 then it's not false what i wrote, crz is 6 speed manual

[@RNMCCLAIN]

I have a 2015 CR-Z EX 6-Speed Non-Nav with 60k miles on it. This car is fun to drive. I recently wanted to get into doing mods for my car and found out about the HPD Supercharger that can boost the Hybrid engine from 130 to 197 (Manual Only). I was about to purchase it until I read more about the Supercharger's support up to 2014. I'm sure the supercharge would have fit in 2015, but I talked to HPD (HPC now) directly, and they said that they legally can't flash my ECU. So, after learning this information, the only options are to downgrade to a 2014 CR-Z EX 6-Speed, which looks to be well over 100k miles or do a K20A Swap. That may seem cool, but I wanted to keep the OEM theme to the extent that the Honda parts were legal accessories for supercharging your car and primarily keeping the FWD Hybrid Manual as a car staple. This seemed like too much extra work, and I see it being more expensive than just buying a new car. The good news is that I'm hearing rumors that Honda has a 2025 Civic Hybrid coming out this summer, and it would be fantastic if they could make another manual for it. It's either that or going with a 2025 Type R or something else. Pretty bummed that I can't do my car mod project.

[@alexanderswagin9618]

Hi from Australia. Just took delivery of my second CRZ. Had one six years ago. Had a Civic type R (FK 8), Mazda MX 30 and a Mazda 3 skyactiv X(top spec) since. I have gone back to the CRZ being the most enjoyable to drive and sit in. Love the interior and sharp appearance. This is the 2014 build which includes 17 inch wheels, glass roof, leather heated seats and 136 horsepower. My preference was CVT gearbox like my previous 2011 base model. Less rowing of the gearshift and bigger gear ratio spread. Fortunate to find one in Milano red with only 26000 miles. One 12 volt battery replaced and good as new together with an oil change,filter and transmission fluid drain and fill. Still brilliant to drive, doesn’t require massive power and easy to access all of the potential. Not selling this one till I am in the ground. Cheers.

[@RNMCCLAIN]

Too bad you couldn't get an ECU flash with getting an installed HPD Supercharge on your 2014 CRZ; that is what I was trying to do, but I have a 2015, and because of this unfortunate circumstance, I can't see myself keeping this car because not being able to do the build I wanted to do.

[@strangewayfaringstranger]

I also got my CR-Z for 5k and nothing was wrong with it. So that was a steal.

[@a.p.6350]

The manual version is praised to be even more fun, because of the handling and the gear ratios, which are different.

[@duckduckgoose8049]

I have a CR-Z and it's one of the coolest cars I've ever driven! I'm glad that years later people are starting to fall in love with these cars. They weren't as appreciated when they came out as they are now.

[@jasonironside4546]

I just bought one 2 weeks ago... i love it !!

[@caydenhall5780]

@@jasonironside4546 got mine 9 motnhs ago its so fun!!

[@LouixIskander]

Yes life the handling and low down sporty feel of my crz. It’s nippy in sortmode too

[@miguelm6307]

I wasn't familiar with the CRZ until i saw one parked in the lot recently. Given im in the process of planning a family, i got the HRV just to have a bit more space for when we have kids. This video, however, makes me wish i had spare money to have a CRZ for fun lol

[@dualnon6643]

im pretty sure the speedometer works by using a 2 way mirror that is angled to reflect a screen inside the hole in the top of the speedometer unit... spent some time wondering about it myself haha

[@kevinpedz]

I love this car, i love that I can plug in a fire stick into the dashboard and simply turn off the parking brake restriction. Tether to my phone and I have the entirety of streaming platforms for my passengers to watch. It is great on gas and has nice pickup in sport mode. Also it is a thin and tiny car, about half the size of a normal compact 4 door, so it makes for easy and more accessible parking in Chicago. I can park between cars that nobody except a motorcyclist can. 😂

[@sharkey_b7574]

I bought one of these to replace my rusted out 5-speed focus and I love the thing! I got it with the 6-speed stick and it's one of the most comfortable cars I've ever driven, and I can see it lasting a while.

[@barrupa]

It'd have been far more interesting if Honda had made an Si version with a K20, sure it would miss the point in being a hybrid, but it would be a fun quirky alternative to a Civic Si.

[@RNMCCLAIN]

HPD (now HPC) made an HPD Supercharger Kit and other HPD parts that were basically a Honda CR-Z Racer. Not as powerful as a K20A, but it still increased it from 130 to 197 and still kept the Hybrid option (Only made for Manuals). Gas mileage took about a 10 mpg drop but averaged around 28-30 depending on the driver you are is still good, IMO.

[@matthewsmith8573]

@@RNMCCLAIN When I bought my 2013 CRZ 6MT, I was planning to get the then still-in-development supercharger kit (which was originally announced as something that would also be DIY-friendly). Development took longer than expected, it lost the DIY installation option, and the price was a lot higher than original speculation (due only in part to the newly-required dealer installation). I still have it, and it's still fun to drive, but not as nimble as my '88 CRX Si was. No issues with the hybrid system [yet], but wondering if a K20 or K24 swap would make more sense (from a money or drivability standpoint) than starting over with a new car (e.g. Civic Si??).

[@RNMCCLAIN]

@@matthewsmith8573 IMO, I would go with a K20A Swap; I plan on doing that to mine 15' CR-Z since I can't do the HPD Kit.

[@keeshy]

I have a 2013, absolutely love it. 💜

[@Blank00]

The upcoming Prelude would have been the perfect opportunity to revive the CR-Z nameplate

[@x1tekja]

I loved my CRX SI it was perfect for my needs and fun. The CRZ Needs a K-series motor to make it anything like that.

[@lunaticfade4044]

It’s hard to find any manuals for sale, which means owners don’t want to sell…I found an 2013 CVT and I love it…should mention the interior, battery, and S+ upgrades were standard after 2013

[@tommior9553]

ivent seen any auto cr-zs in finland for sale lol

[@jesuschavez8417]

Good luck lol it's hard enough in the us already​@@tommior9553

[@tylerengborg1750]

I wish they made more hybrid manuals

[@dadzwag]

Currently looking for one of these. Daily drive a Del Sol and a Solstice. Dont think I can ever go back to something with more than 2 seats

[@illajayscrewedup5886]

Great review! thank you

[@lexisnep525]

All this tells me is that this car is freakin' awesome, and the haters are wrong.

[@im.azraelz]

i love my crz and you did it justice 💃🏻

[@comeconcon569]

I wanna get a modified one, but it's hard to find one out there.

[@bill123f2]

Imagine this with a small turbo and a bigger e motor

[@trumpet12345]

i never got to drive the CRZ, but the second gen insight has to be the worst penalty box Honda ever produced as a driver or especially an average height rear seat passenger. The A/C cannot effectively cool the car on a hot day, and using it just to breath and not melt kills the sole purpose of the car - MPG. The brakes felt worse than my 1995 Geo Prizm project car I got from a buy here pay here before I changed the old fouled braked fluid. Trying to get into traffic when parked on the hill reminded me why I have a will, and if I ever owned on - my worst enemy can take it because otherwise it felt like leaving a timeshare property to my next of kin. I could go on, but I know the Crz gets more love, especially in manual form. They really do an interesting unique interior with Honda.

[@jbailey690]

Also got my CR-Z super cheap, a little under 5k, 100k miles. It was going to be my backup and eventually sons first car....but I love it. He will still get it but I'm getting rid of my daily ( Alfa Romeo Giulia ) for something more practical as I love driving the CR-Z so much. Got a little cold air intake for it and everything. My first car ever was a 1990 Honda Prelude Si ( not the 4WS ), got it for my 16th in 1999. It wasn't well loved by its previous owner and almost got me killed a few times, but I loved that pos. This thing has brought that back, I'm 41 now and handing it down to my son in a few years but here I am out here modding it, improving the meh audio system, detailing it and putting my far nicer car on Autotrader because I don't like it as much. Stupid Hondas.

[@JudeFahley]

I have one with just over 100k miles its a 2012 all white. Little bit of cosmetic issues but it runs great. Automatic, ill sell it to you. Start making me offers.

[@mohdhisham2138]

Yeah, quirky but fun. I love it!

[@andykhalilov2353]

10k for this? i bought mine with 175k km for 4.3k USD. never caused me any issue and it is definitely much more fun to drive than my old w204 c class.

[@strangewayfaringstranger]

Dammit that's the color I wanted haha. I got white instead, which is alright.

[@q335r49]

The weight of the 2g insight with the number of seats of the 1g? Cool car but feels the loss of those two back seats really dooms it

[@MrFastFox666]

While you can only transport two people, the back is surprisingly roomy and you can fold the top part of the bins down to get a ton of room. That plus the relatively flat hatch means the CR-Z is surprisingly roomy back there.

[@phil_nicholls]

In markets other than North America, you do get rear seats. They are rather tight though, so maybe not that useful where people are of a ‘larger persuasion’! 😊 But we don’t have the rear wiper - I think we have the better deal, particularly as we get manual transmissions and panoramic sunroof.

[@MrFastFox666]

@@phil_nicholls you also get headlight washers, electrically adjustable headlights, that sunroof you mentioned, and power folding mirrors. I'm not sure why they never made it to the Americas

[@trumpet12345]

Plus insurance companies love to jack up the rates with 2 seaters. Despite this car not being anywhere near the liability or power of other 2 seat typical examples.

[@a.g415]

The car color is very nice

[@peetymcfly8871]

if theyd just put a k20 engine instead of the hybrid crap then this car would be a hit. their hybrid is not really a hybrid like you see on a prius. its more of a boost feature. Its not a bad looking car. it has sharp steering as good or better than an s2000.

[@callumwilson-n3t]

Those front tires look balder than Vin Diesel

[@AlexWall-z5n]

oh and hsd means hybrid synergy drive

[@bobby4657]

NOW A DAYS ITS ALL ABOUT FUEL CONSUMPTION NOT FOR THE RICH PEOPLE

[@tasstychezbugu1563]

The CR-Z is truly a good car. But with added weight and safety the HP numbers simply won’t cut it anymore. It’s fun but sluggish. I owned one for about 5 months putting on 18k miles. I had the 12’. 6MT. It was fun but not as sporty as I’d hoped. I guess I was asking too much. I eventually traded it in for a 15’ GTI.. A far better daily in my eyes. My way to put it is, if low power doesn’t bother you, test drive it. It’s fun but the modern effects numb the driver feel quite a bit. One really cool characteristic of the car is the steering ratio. Quicker than an S2k, was VERY fun in the twisties. Not so fun on the interstate..lol. Good car but could’ve been great..

[@Satch_4_Hogs]

great car. the worst door handles.

[@lonestar02173]

👍🙂

[@boxingandbbq3596]

I have this car...it's trash

[@brewcrewchug9359]

Why 😅

[@a.p.6350]

lol sounds like a liar would write that. There is literally no CR-Z owner who says this.

[@brandontalley4288]

​@@a.p.6350I do have this car and I enjoy it, my only gripe is the auto stop/start function.