Not deterred by bad press - Honda CRZ Forum: Honda CR-Z Hybrid Car Forums

JR-Z · 08-19-2011, 10:34 PM

I can't quite believe the really bad reviews of this amazing vehicle - Consumer Reports is one of the worst. Less than a month ago I had no idea this car existed, looking to downsize from an '02 Dodge Intrepid SXT, which I still think is awesome. I got pretty frustrated looking at sub 20 grand cars, either too cheap (Nissan Sentra), not good enough mpg (Mazda 3) or too cramped (Hyundai Elantra) inside. The CR-Z is a fantastic car! Who cares if it's not "sporty" enough or not good enough on gas to qualify as a real "hybrid" and not the CR-X resurrected? I certainly don't and couldn't be more pleasantly surprised at how much fun it is.
Really get a kick out of seeing another one on the road, too.
Nice One - Honda!

HazDaGeek · 08-19-2011, 10:57 PM

I have to think that the "press" has really shown itself to be number sensitive as far as the CR-Z at least. Makes me wonder how many other great vehicles have been given short shrift due to the published numbers.

I do have to admit I've never driven a Lotus Elise or a Porsche 911 Turbo, but damn, find me another car that can get these mpg numbers with the confidence inspiring handling to really enjoy the ride at this price.

The wife and I found the CR-Z in a Greenville, SC parking lot. Having seen the press blurbs on the net didn't really impress. Seeing the car in person made all the difference for us. The primary factor is how often you need to ferry more than two breathing bodies.

Cue up some Iron Maiden (2 Minutes to Midnight or perhaps Tailgunner) point the CR-Z toward some twisties, enjoy the ride, and marvel at the STILL decent mpg numbers!

sleighman · 08-19-2011, 11:25 PM

The car reviews really missed it on this one. I have driven a lotus elise, owned a 2005 BMW Z-4, 2003 Celica GTS, 2002 Subaru WRX and I am very impressed with the entire package in the CRZ. I think Honda is not doing the car justice. They have lame advertising. Then need to get rid of the stock 16" and play up the great over all package.

I down sized from a Toyota Tundra. I tapped out when gas prices went to $4.50 a gallon. I looked at every car on the market and drove a bunch of them. I drove the CRZ last and loved it. It is a well balanced package. For stock with basically upgraded rims and tires it is a great bang for the buck.

I usually average 34mpg and have gotten up to 44mpg but the most fun was on some twisty roads in sports mode and driving it hard I still was able to get 29mpg.

TinTin · 08-20-2011, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleighman

I down sized from a Toyota Tundra. I tapped out when gas prices went to $4.50 a gallon.

in canada we've been paying $4.50+ for a few years now... jus sayin...

we have been averaging around the $4.92-5.00 mark yet our dollar is par if not better than the americans... Some things just aren't right.

aerodan · 08-20-2011, 02:14 AM

If the press pans it, it's either a total flop or it'll be a cult classic. Anyone remember the VW Corrado? Press hated it, but it was a huge cult classic. The Saab Viggen, awesomeness. The Gen III RX-7... so many mixed reviews especially Consumer Reviews, and it had it's issues for sure, but total classic.

I guess there's a genre of driver that just loves to fiddle, tinker and wants the best platform in look and feel for the money. To my mind, nothing can touch a CRZ for the cost to fun factor in a new car right now.

But then we're all a little odd I guess, and so be it. I love popping this thing into eco in traffic and purring along with little fuel usage - and then flipping again and tearing around corners... Sure, more power would be nice... but I'm happy. And I'll bolt a Supercharger on it when the time comes...

Or maybe I'll hit the lotto and get an Exige and call it day. Sigh.

-D

starDBA · 08-20-2011, 04:23 AM

I absolutely love my CR-Z. I too was swayed by the press in the beginning, but after I drove the Z I had to have it. I went to the dealership looking for an Insight for the MPG, but they didn't have any. For that I am grateful.

TwoZs · 08-21-2011, 07:10 PM

Welcome, JR-Z. You're right - it's a great car that the car reviewers got wrong. I love mine and even some of my more skeptical friends are converted now. Like any car, it's not going to suit all drivers, but it does what it was meant to do exceptionally well.

sfrace · 08-21-2011, 08:11 PM

love my crz. don't really pay attention to press releases or write ups on vehicles
because every car feels or the expectations are different to different people. I have always owned hondas test drove this car and loved it and bought it on that alone. I also test before I finalized on the crz a 2011 hyundai elantra. found interior looked cheap. was gutless accelerating on highway, engine noise seemed loud for new car. but to someone who likes hyundai's may enjoy that car and hate honda civics
.

08-19-2011, 10:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
JR-Z Newbie Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: New Jersey Posts: 3	Not deterred by bad press I can't quite believe the really bad reviews of this amazing vehicle - Consumer Reports is one of the worst. Less than a month ago I had no idea this car existed, looking to downsize from an '02 Dodge Intrepid SXT, which I still think is awesome. I got pretty frustrated looking at sub 20 grand cars, either too cheap (Nissan Sentra), not good enough mpg (Mazda 3) or too cramped (Hyundai Elantra) inside. The CR-Z is a fantastic car! Who cares if it's not "sporty" enough or not good enough on gas to qualify as a real "hybrid" and not the CR-X resurrected? I certainly don't and couldn't be more pleasantly surprised at how much fun it is. Really get a kick out of seeing another one on the road, too. Nice One - Honda!

08-20-2011, 04:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
starDBA Newbie Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 9	I absolutely love my CR-Z. I too was swayed by the press in the beginning, but after I drove the Z I had to have it. I went to the dealership looking for an Insight for the MPG, but they didn't have any. For that I am grateful. __________________

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08-19-2011, 10:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
HazDaGeek Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Western NC Posts: 61	I have to think that the "press" has really shown itself to be number sensitive as far as the CR-Z at least. Makes me wonder how many other great vehicles have been given short shrift due to the published numbers. I do have to admit I've never driven a Lotus Elise or a Porsche 911 Turbo, but damn, find me another car that can get these mpg numbers with the confidence inspiring handling to really enjoy the ride at this price. The wife and I found the CR-Z in a Greenville, SC parking lot. Having seen the press blurbs on the net didn't really impress. Seeing the car in person made all the difference for us. The primary factor is how often you need to ferry more than two breathing bodies. Cue up some Iron Maiden (2 Minutes to Midnight or perhaps Tailgunner) point the CR-Z toward some twisties, enjoy the ride, and marvel at the STILL decent mpg numbers!

08-19-2011, 11:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
sleighman Supporting Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: North Florida Posts: 986	The car reviews really missed it on this one. I have driven a lotus elise, owned a 2005 BMW Z-4, 2003 Celica GTS, 2002 Subaru WRX and I am very impressed with the entire package in the CRZ. I think Honda is not doing the car justice. They have lame advertising. Then need to get rid of the stock 16" and play up the great over all package. I down sized from a Toyota Tundra. I tapped out when gas prices went to $4.50 a gallon. I looked at every car on the market and drove a bunch of them. I drove the CRZ last and loved it. It is a well balanced package. For stock with basically upgraded rims and tires it is a great bang for the buck. I usually average 34mpg and have gotten up to 44mpg but the most fun was on some twisty roads in sports mode and driving it hard I still was able to get 29mpg.