2011 Honda CR-Z

darex

This may sound petty, but in reading the specs on the U.S. CR-Z, I noted certain missing items -- many of which I enjoy in my current ride, a 2005 MINI Cooper, and all of which I would AND COULD get in my next MINI, were I to get one:

- no heated seats
- no leather option
- no back-up sensors
- no keyless ignition
- no power-folding mirrors
- no headlamp washers
- no moonroof
- no self-leveling HID headlamps

That these are unavailable is disappointing. I note that on Euro-spec CR-Z's, ALL of these are available (on the CR-Z "S"), with the exception of the keyless ignition and maybe self-leveling HID's [this BMW/MINI feature is really important in a small car in my opinion, and should be standard on any HID-equipped car].

I would absolutely pay for these options, were they available. So, just like with my Yamaha T-Max, the U.S. gets a stripped-down version, missing many features, and no option to add them. Not having them is not a deal-breaker, but it is disappointing. With such poor rear visibility, I think rear parking sensors are important and a moonroof makes for a more roomy feel. Heated seats, once you've had them, you always want to have them. Where I live, I always have to fold my mirrors. To have them automatically (or manually) power-fold would be very welcome. Minor things, but things I'd miss.

Having said that, I keep vacillating on this car, but I'm getting increasingly interested in it to replace my 2005 MINI Cooper. I think it's great value, and I love the look of it. Will have to test-drive one soon. MINI sets the bar very high though. Nearly everything else tends to be highly disappointing.

dmhltd1

I agree all of those features would be nice to have. I really wanted a Mini when they first came out. I loved the look of the dash. I drove one and found it pretty rough riding because I was use to a Camry Solara. I was also leery of the reliability issues I read about. Coming from a Camry (pre accelerator recall fiasco) I didn't want to deal with repairs. Especially since the closest dealer was 180 miles away. I had a '07 Camry Hybrid.It was loaded and I loved it but I was T-Boned in it and it was totaled. I got a CRZ mostly because of the looks and Honda reliability. I've had several Honda's in the past as well. How has your reliability been with the Mini? Read my post in the "Price Paid" section of the forum if you want to know more about the CRZ.How has your reliability been with the Mini?

elias

Anyone got the 6-speed version of CR-Z yet?
With 6-speed-manual version, how is the ride comfort & mpg at real highway speeds on a long drive (~75 mph)?

hpmctorque

The January 3 issue of Automotive News includes the CR-Z in its list of "Blunders of 2010," saying that "it's neither fun to drive nor particularly economical."

I've read that Honda will introduce a non-hybrid turbo version of the CR-Z. That should have been an alternative choice from the get-go, in my opinion. Question is, is this too little, too late to save boost the CR-Zs tepid sales? It'll be interesting to watch.

It will also be interesting to see the all-new '12 Civic. Will Honda leapfrog the competition with this compact, or merely catch up with the new Focus, Elantra and Cruz (not sure the Cruz is quite class-leading).

lenthewriter

The CRZ was fun to drive. Lugging that battery weight around didn't help either acceleration or handling and the mileage was really disappointing. But it was more fun than a Civic Si. I'd consider buying a turbo-4, which should get in high 30s mpg or higher with careful driving!

beemerrider

I had an 87 CRX Si and loved it! I bought a CR-Z in April this year and it is a blast to drive! I'm definitely missing the amenities that I had in my Acuras, but they are easy to overlook...especially when I'm now passing more gas stations than I stop at! Honda's mpg ratings are 35 city/39 hwy, to which I say WTH??!! Keep in mind that I also calculate my mileage and it always matches the car's computer. That being said, I've NEVER gotten less than 43 miles per gallon..of course I keep it in Economy mode about 95% of the time. It's interesting though, my hwy mpg is 44 and my city is 49!! Of all the issues I could have, this is one that's more than easy to live with.

Good luck with your buying decision!