OFFICIAL: Driving Impressions/Review

[bizzybear]

silly Chris... not knowing what ur buying eh? did u just walk into the dealership like and pick out the first car u saw and drive off??

[forumonlooker]

If that is all the ex really brings, then I can't see myself purchasing it. I am not an audiophile and Id rather get some led strip fog lights than the abnormal looking eggs in the grill. I really didnt compare the headlights when I looked at the the two and you were the first, bear, to inform me they came with projectors standard (though not xenons).

[Chris]

Originally Posted by bizzybear

silly Chris... not knowing what ur buying eh? did u just walk into the dealership like and pick out the first car u saw and drive off??

LOL. I went into the dealership looking to get rid of my gas guzzler Frontier. I was totally taken off guard when the dealership was like "Here's one of the 2 CRZ's in texas" later found to be a lie, but is that really news? lol. I didn't pick out the first, i picked out the second lol. But, either way, its a ton better (less? lol) than my Nissan lol. I'm going to love every minute of ownership lol.

[bizzybear]

cool stuff Chris!

Originally Posted by forumonlooker

If that is all the ex really brings, then I can't see myself purchasing it. I am not an audiophile and Id rather get some led strip fog lights than the abnormal looking eggs in the grill. I really didnt compare the headlights when I looked at the the two and you were the first, bear, to inform me they came with projectors standard (though not xenons).

headlights will "appear" to be the same until you turn them on... daytime this obviously doesn't matter... at night the HIDs cast off a cleaner "white" light which makes it easier to see at night...

for me justifying NOT getting the EX is hard to do... it's ONLY $1,560 more than the base and it comes with all those goodies... even if you were to upgrade the fogs to LEDs, like i'm going to do, it's easier to have the wiring already done

in the end you should buy what you want and only that b/c it's YOUR money not mine

[Ecotune]

The HIDs and stereo are worth it imo. I am obsessed with my s2k hid output so i cant see myself getting another car w out them! I wonder if they use the same projector/setup?? Does anyone know? S2k projectors are my fav i wonder how they stack up to the crz

[ELEMENTAL]

Finally got to test-drive one today. CVT with Nav,as no MT's were in yet. But...

Right off the bat, I gotta say to the "critics" out there, who've been typing away in speculation: SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I've been reading everywhere,for months now, where folks are making all kinds of assumptions
(based on printed specs),before ever even seeing one,much less driving one. My advice,prepare for your crow sandwich,raw.

I was quiet pleased with this thing. To the folks worried about "slow,underpowered",forget it. If you know how to drive,and how to press an accelerator hard,no problems. This thing is easily as fast ,or faster than, the Civics. (except,perhaps the Si). Even in ECO mode,with the A/C full-blast. There is nothing slow about that ECO mode....
Oddly, Sport mode didnt seem quiet as responsive as ECO or Normal, until I turned the AC off.
But once I turned that off....
Got her up to 127mph on the Interstate,was trying for even faster,but spotted a speed-trap and a lot of bored cops a ways ahead of me,and had to haul her down.She felt like she still had a lot of GO left in her..

For more sane/normal driving, I tried her out -both directions-on one of the larger/steeper bridges we have here. She took the crest of that bridge@ 77mph. with no sweat. My Civic struggles to even cross that thing,unless Im doing 80 or more when starting up. This was in ECO mode.,AC on.
The return run was in Sport mode/AC off. 83mph, no sweat.

I took her for a quick run through the countryside near my home. 2-lane,winding, S-curve heaven for miles. My Civic handles these roads like a dream. This thing handled them like a Wet dream.Excellent steering. Tight cornering-the whole bit. THIS is where the SPORTY resides.Very nice,indeed.

Traffic/congested driving. Nice also. Smooth, small enough car to weave in and out of the tightest spots. BUT-here's where my one complaint with the car comes out- the blindspots. Can get a bit hairy trying to keep track of the 18-wheeler at your right rear,when looking out through those little slits for back/rear side windows. But,Im sure once one gets used to it..

The CVT...jury's out on that one. For the most part felt like an AUTO. The paddle shifters didnt seem to do all that much. At odd times,the CVT seemed to be searching for where it should be operating. It was my first time trying a CVT car, so maybe I just need to get the feel of it.I wont knock this version of the car for it.

Nice Smoke Gray paint (according to the build sticker). Saw the Black one that was sold already,also, and it was very nice too,but I may think of a Gray one if I decide to get one. (all my civics have been black)
Anyway-great car.Loved it. Some odd things to get used to,but Ill hold out on things until I can try a Manual,for now.
Bottom-line though. It's a Honda, and the specs listed in the media,etc. are conservative,to say the least. Dont let printed numbers concern you-find a dealer that has one, and try it for yourself. I think most will like it.

[Ecotune]

cvt and the manual are totally different machines IMO. If you like the cvt you will be sold once you drive the 6spd

I just got my black ex manual (no nav) AMAZING

[bizzybear]

This is the official "driving impressions" thread... So whether it's a test drive or you're an owner and wanted to leave your impressions, post them in here.

SN: I know it might be hard with all the CR-Z-lovers on here, but please do not bash anyone if their review wasn't what you expected. Just keep it civil

[LeeMoon]

This is just a quick mention about my test drive this afternoon...

I had a wonderful sales person assist me yesterday and today (thank you again Linda!!)

Yesterday I arrived at the Honda dealer just as they closed. Linda showed me the CR-Z on the showroom floor until well after closing. We exchanged business cards and I promised to come back today for a test drive.

This afternoon I took the Storm Silver Metallic EX/CVT with Navi out for a drive. I've been driving a 2008 Civic Coupe LX and I have to say that the CVT CR-Z moved with authority, feeling quicker up to highway speed than the Civic. I did not floor it at any time (I don't know what the break in period/recommendations are for the car.) The 3 Mode system does indeed give 3 very distinct personalities to the driving experience. I never felt like the car had inadequate power at any time. It was a real delight to drive it and Linda was a terrific companion on the drive.

Once again, we stayed at the dealership until after closing talking about the car and life in general. The cleaning crew finally had us leave.

I'll give a more involved account of driving the car tomorrow afternoon/evening.

Yes, I bought the car tonight (traded my beloved Civic in.) As always, I had a great time buying a car at the Honda dealership.

[bizzybear]

nice Lee... sounds like you made and interesting friend in the process