First Drive - 2011 Honda CR-Z
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Joined: May 2010
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From: New England
First Drive - 2011 Honda CR-Z
For those of you just looking for the short version of my article, here it is;
"After a thorough review of both the CR-Z and the Fit GE8 (I own one), I believe it would not be worth the money to trade in your Fit for a CR-Z. That goes for both GD and GE owners. If you do trade it in, you are essentially doing so purely for looks because performance-wise the two cars are extremely similar."
Now, for those of you still interested, here is my analysis;
So I was one of a lucky few people to recently get invited to a test drive of the new CR-Z. I can't disclose the location or the person that invited me, but it was a dealership connection. I was a leasing consultant for some big dealerships back in 2005/2006 and still have some friends in the industry. Anyways, hopefully this helps put to rest any inclinations you might have to switch from the Fit to the CR-Z...
The new CR-Z is a lot to take in at first for a small car. You can definitely see the similarities to the Insight when the rear of the car is visible and quite frankly, it's very ugly. It also looks much bigger than the original Honda CRX. (I think it is because of the elevated rear end.) I wasn't blown away by the exterior design, but it's definitely a sporty looking car.
On the inside, if you thought the interior of the GE8 was futuristic, you haven't seen anything yet! The interior design of the CR-Z was my favorite part by far. I'm 6'0 tall and I had plenty of room. You sit very low, so visibility isn't superb. But the lighting and positioning of all the controls is awesome to say the least. It is very user friendly and doesn't require you to flip through the owners manual for two hours before operating. (Unlike the new STI or EVO). Oh, and don't expect to get anyone into the back seats.
So now the fun part... DRIVING IT!
It's not that exciting... Sorry if I got your hopes up, but its just nothing worth raving about. The ride is very similar to the Fit, VERY SIMILAR! The biggest exception is that you sit much lower to the ground so you have much more confidence in the corners.
We had the opportunity to test the car in a variety of driving situations. When in economy mode, the ride is quiet and comfortable. In sport mode you definitely notice a difference in engine sound, specifically when VTEC is engaged. It has a low, aggressive exhaust growl. The acceleration and handling characteristics really start to shine in sport mode. But for the life of me, I can't understand why anyone would want to take it out of sport mode. Gas isn't THAT expensive when you have a 12 gallon tank...
On the streets the ride was smooth, but you really have to wind out the RPMs to get yourself moving. It's not a car that is going to throw you back in your seat by any means. The acceleration characteristics are almost identical to my GE8.
In the corners the car is very well balanced and confident. The steering is very tight and precise. You can tell Honda focused most of their attention towards the handling department. Stopping power is decent due to the lightweight chassis, but the brakes quickly got hot and softened after a couple hours of hard driving through the cones.
Overall, considering the price tag as a major factor in the purchase decision, the CR-Z is just not worth the money. The way I look at it is like this; if you have the money to spend $24,000 on a CR-Z, there are several other ways to spend your money that will leave you far more satisfied. Here are 5 of my ideas if you find yourself looking to unload your Fit...
1. A used S2000. (You were already considering a coupe, why not make it a convertible and have all that horsepower and tuning already built in?)
2. A new or certified Honda Civic Si coupe. (Again, you were already planning on buying a coupe, why not get one that has a ton of aftermarket support and smokes the CR-Z in almost every category?)
3. Supercharge your Fit's engine! (If you already have a GD Fit, Supercharge that bad boy! You won't believe the results you can achieve with some quality suspension and engine bolt-ons coupled with a supercharger kit. If you don't believe me, check out the Youtube videos of the Kraftwerks Fit.)
4. Buy a used Volkswagen GTI or R32. (Some of you die-hard Honda guys might hate me for suggesting this, but you can't deny that the VW's are the Honda's of the European market. If you want a hatch-coupe, consider one of these cars. You will see much better performance from both these cars over the CR-Z.)
5. Buy a street bike! (If your Fit isn't cutting it for you, and you still need a speed rush every now and then, add a used CBR600 to your garage. They are pretty affordable and will look great parked next to your Fit.)
I hope this helped those of you considering the CR-Z. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad car. If you are an ex-CRX owner and are looking for some good 'ole Honda nostalgia, you might find that the CR-Z is the car for you. But compared to other car's in its segment, the CR-Z falls short in many ways.
"After a thorough review of both the CR-Z and the Fit GE8 (I own one), I believe it would not be worth the money to trade in your Fit for a CR-Z. That goes for both GD and GE owners. If you do trade it in, you are essentially doing so purely for looks because performance-wise the two cars are extremely similar."
Now, for those of you still interested, here is my analysis;
So I was one of a lucky few people to recently get invited to a test drive of the new CR-Z. I can't disclose the location or the person that invited me, but it was a dealership connection. I was a leasing consultant for some big dealerships back in 2005/2006 and still have some friends in the industry. Anyways, hopefully this helps put to rest any inclinations you might have to switch from the Fit to the CR-Z...
The new CR-Z is a lot to take in at first for a small car. You can definitely see the similarities to the Insight when the rear of the car is visible and quite frankly, it's very ugly. It also looks much bigger than the original Honda CRX. (I think it is because of the elevated rear end.) I wasn't blown away by the exterior design, but it's definitely a sporty looking car.
On the inside, if you thought the interior of the GE8 was futuristic, you haven't seen anything yet! The interior design of the CR-Z was my favorite part by far. I'm 6'0 tall and I had plenty of room. You sit very low, so visibility isn't superb. But the lighting and positioning of all the controls is awesome to say the least. It is very user friendly and doesn't require you to flip through the owners manual for two hours before operating. (Unlike the new STI or EVO). Oh, and don't expect to get anyone into the back seats.
So now the fun part... DRIVING IT!
It's not that exciting... Sorry if I got your hopes up, but its just nothing worth raving about. The ride is very similar to the Fit, VERY SIMILAR! The biggest exception is that you sit much lower to the ground so you have much more confidence in the corners.
We had the opportunity to test the car in a variety of driving situations. When in economy mode, the ride is quiet and comfortable. In sport mode you definitely notice a difference in engine sound, specifically when VTEC is engaged. It has a low, aggressive exhaust growl. The acceleration and handling characteristics really start to shine in sport mode. But for the life of me, I can't understand why anyone would want to take it out of sport mode. Gas isn't THAT expensive when you have a 12 gallon tank...
On the streets the ride was smooth, but you really have to wind out the RPMs to get yourself moving. It's not a car that is going to throw you back in your seat by any means. The acceleration characteristics are almost identical to my GE8.
In the corners the car is very well balanced and confident. The steering is very tight and precise. You can tell Honda focused most of their attention towards the handling department. Stopping power is decent due to the lightweight chassis, but the brakes quickly got hot and softened after a couple hours of hard driving through the cones.
Overall, considering the price tag as a major factor in the purchase decision, the CR-Z is just not worth the money. The way I look at it is like this; if you have the money to spend $24,000 on a CR-Z, there are several other ways to spend your money that will leave you far more satisfied. Here are 5 of my ideas if you find yourself looking to unload your Fit...
1. A used S2000. (You were already considering a coupe, why not make it a convertible and have all that horsepower and tuning already built in?)
2. A new or certified Honda Civic Si coupe. (Again, you were already planning on buying a coupe, why not get one that has a ton of aftermarket support and smokes the CR-Z in almost every category?)
3. Supercharge your Fit's engine! (If you already have a GD Fit, Supercharge that bad boy! You won't believe the results you can achieve with some quality suspension and engine bolt-ons coupled with a supercharger kit. If you don't believe me, check out the Youtube videos of the Kraftwerks Fit.)
4. Buy a used Volkswagen GTI or R32. (Some of you die-hard Honda guys might hate me for suggesting this, but you can't deny that the VW's are the Honda's of the European market. If you want a hatch-coupe, consider one of these cars. You will see much better performance from both these cars over the CR-Z.)
5. Buy a street bike! (If your Fit isn't cutting it for you, and you still need a speed rush every now and then, add a used CBR600 to your garage. They are pretty affordable and will look great parked next to your Fit.)
I hope this helped those of you considering the CR-Z. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad car. If you are an ex-CRX owner and are looking for some good 'ole Honda nostalgia, you might find that the CR-Z is the car for you. But compared to other car's in its segment, the CR-Z falls short in many ways.
the only thing i loved about the review video i watched was the exhaust tone, sounds throaty i like it alot, i think who ever has a gd or ge like 2legit2fit said should just keep it, it does have cool features like the dash layout ect ect but a mild modded fit if not a stock fit gd or ge should take the crz in the turns and all
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,371
From: NC USA
For those of you just looking for the short version of my article, here it is;
"After a thorough review of both the CR-Z and the Fit GE8 (I own one), I believe it would not be worth the money to trade in your Fit for a CR-Z. That goes for both GD and GE owners. If you do trade it in, you are essentially doing so purely for looks because performance-wise the two cars are extremely similar."
Overall, considering the price tag as a major factor in the purchase decision, the CR-Z is just not worth the money. The way I look at it is like this; if you have the money to spend $24,000 on a CR-Z, there are several other ways to spend your money that will leave you far more satisfied. Here are 5 of my ideas if you find yourself looking to unload your Fit...
1. A used S2000. (You were already considering a coupe, why not make it a convertible and have all that horsepower and tuning already built in?)
2. A new or certified Honda Civic Si coupe. (Again, you were already planning on buying a coupe, why not get one that has a ton of aftermarket support and smokes the CR-Z in almost every category?)
3. Supercharge your Fit's engine! (If you already have a GD Fit, Supercharge that bad boy! You won't believe the results you can achieve with some quality suspension and engine bolt-ons coupled with a supercharger kit. If you don't believe me, check out the Youtube videos of the Kraftwerks Fit.)
4. Buy a used Volkswagen GTI or R32. (Some of you die-hard Honda guys might hate me for suggesting this, but you can't deny that the VW's are the Honda's of the European market. If you want a hatch-coupe, consider one of these cars. You will see much better performance from both these cars over the CR-Z.)
5. Buy a street bike! (If your Fit isn't cutting it for you, and you still need a speed rush every now and then, add a used CBR600 to your garage. They are pretty affordable and will look great parked next to your Fit.)
I hope this helped those of you considering the CR-Z. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad car. If you are an ex-CRX owner and are looking for some good 'ole Honda nostalgia, you might find that the CR-Z is the car for you. But compared to other car's in its segment, the CR-Z falls short n many ways.
"After a thorough review of both the CR-Z and the Fit GE8 (I own one), I believe it would not be worth the money to trade in your Fit for a CR-Z. That goes for both GD and GE owners. If you do trade it in, you are essentially doing so purely for looks because performance-wise the two cars are extremely similar."
Overall, considering the price tag as a major factor in the purchase decision, the CR-Z is just not worth the money. The way I look at it is like this; if you have the money to spend $24,000 on a CR-Z, there are several other ways to spend your money that will leave you far more satisfied. Here are 5 of my ideas if you find yourself looking to unload your Fit...
1. A used S2000. (You were already considering a coupe, why not make it a convertible and have all that horsepower and tuning already built in?)
2. A new or certified Honda Civic Si coupe. (Again, you were already planning on buying a coupe, why not get one that has a ton of aftermarket support and smokes the CR-Z in almost every category?)
3. Supercharge your Fit's engine! (If you already have a GD Fit, Supercharge that bad boy! You won't believe the results you can achieve with some quality suspension and engine bolt-ons coupled with a supercharger kit. If you don't believe me, check out the Youtube videos of the Kraftwerks Fit.)
4. Buy a used Volkswagen GTI or R32. (Some of you die-hard Honda guys might hate me for suggesting this, but you can't deny that the VW's are the Honda's of the European market. If you want a hatch-coupe, consider one of these cars. You will see much better performance from both these cars over the CR-Z.)
5. Buy a street bike! (If your Fit isn't cutting it for you, and you still need a speed rush every now and then, add a used CBR600 to your garage. They are pretty affordable and will look great parked next to your Fit.)
I hope this helped those of you considering the CR-Z. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad car. If you are an ex-CRX owner and are looking for some good 'ole Honda nostalgia, you might find that the CR-Z is the car for you. But compared to other car's in its segment, the CR-Z falls short n many ways.
I sold my CRX SiR anticipating a real CRZ but not happening. However, Hyundai has shown their Veloster, much same as CRZ, with 140 hp and 40 mpg. A hybrid based on the Sonata is rumored with 'over 150' hp and 40 mpg for early 2011.
get a move on, Honda, or we'll think Sochiro moved to Korea. You're supposed to be the Porsche of cost efficient cars, not Aveo of them.
New Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 16
From: South Jersey
I just went to Coast Honda in Jersey to see if they had any on the lot, and they had just dropped off 2 yesterday, so naturally I was curious and had to drive one. The sales rep told me no one at the dealer even had the chance to drive the car yet, and he actually took it for a spin after I had my fun.
The two CR-Z's were autos, so I can't speak for the 6spd, but the car was pretty nice. I completely agree that it's not worth trading the fit in for it, but for what it is, it's a sweet little car. The dealer said they would call me when they have a 6spd on the lot, and then I can compare the gearbox to my GE8's 5spd for a better overall comparison.
The two CR-Z's were autos, so I can't speak for the 6spd, but the car was pretty nice. I completely agree that it's not worth trading the fit in for it, but for what it is, it's a sweet little car. The dealer said they would call me when they have a 6spd on the lot, and then I can compare the gearbox to my GE8's 5spd for a better overall comparison.
I took my fit in today and they had two on the lot. An auto and a 6spd. And omg is it sexy.
I sat in it but won't test drive the 6spd until next week. I can't wait!
I would never trade my Fit tho. It's my dog car. I can't fit two 24x36 crates in the back of the CR-Z! (plus I'm just not rich enough to trade-in cars period. I wasted all that money buying new, I'm keeping it for 200k)
I sat in it but won't test drive the 6spd until next week. I can't wait!
I would never trade my Fit tho. It's my dog car. I can't fit two 24x36 crates in the back of the CR-Z! (plus I'm just not rich enough to trade-in cars period. I wasted all that money buying new, I'm keeping it for 200k)
I just read this article.2011 Honda CR-Z EX - Article - RoadandTrack.com
Maybe if it was available last year when I bought the FIt I may have opted for it.
My wife has given me the go ahead to trade. But why? I am not crazy about the dash. I do like the throttle controller buttons. Who is going to be the first to somehow get them into a fit? Styling is soso. Prefer the Fit rear.
Too pricey as well.
I am Fit happy
Maybe if it was available last year when I bought the FIt I may have opted for it.
My wife has given me the go ahead to trade. But why? I am not crazy about the dash. I do like the throttle controller buttons. Who is going to be the first to somehow get them into a fit? Styling is soso. Prefer the Fit rear.
Too pricey as well.
I am Fit happy
New Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 16
From: South Jersey
I agree with you guys. It would be a cool toy, but I'm not really in need of a second car... and even if I were, I would be looking for a used S2K or MX-5. I just like so see what Honda is up to, and it's always fun to try out their latest and greatest! But I do wish the S2K received a refresh instead of Honda making the CR-Z, so they still had one fun rwd sports car to offer... oh well I'll keep dreaming.
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,899
From: tx
Saw them at the dealer yesterday, and had my car parked near one for a long time while I waited on an inspection.
Consensus is - I like my Fit better, but it's a unique concept that I'd have no problem owning as a second car. I've always wanted a manual hybrid, and did take the TDI route once due to that lack. It was a VW, and reliability was pretty good, but I still like gasoline engines for the sound and the revs.
What's interesting is how almost none of the reviews express any joy over having, for the first time, a direct connection to the added torque of a hybrid. Who cares if there is additional weight? That is a different power curve and a welcomed one on a Honda. If the Fit had even the tiniest amount of extra squirt down low for more relaxed driving, I'd think it would be pretty notable. Hmm. Where are these reviewers really driving their test car? Full blast canyon runs and boring traffic? What about neighborhoods with dense rolling stops and starts in 2nd gear, or low speed 30 mph zone right angle turns where a lot of enthusiasts put their car under the most extreme situations regularly - like on a whim through a neighborhood you know well, or that "one turn" you take every day really fast but still aren't really putting anyone at risk, or getting a ticket for. I bet, like tdi owners, enthusiasm in the real world for this car will be pretty high for the manual trans owners.
Consensus is - I like my Fit better, but it's a unique concept that I'd have no problem owning as a second car. I've always wanted a manual hybrid, and did take the TDI route once due to that lack. It was a VW, and reliability was pretty good, but I still like gasoline engines for the sound and the revs.
What's interesting is how almost none of the reviews express any joy over having, for the first time, a direct connection to the added torque of a hybrid. Who cares if there is additional weight? That is a different power curve and a welcomed one on a Honda. If the Fit had even the tiniest amount of extra squirt down low for more relaxed driving, I'd think it would be pretty notable. Hmm. Where are these reviewers really driving their test car? Full blast canyon runs and boring traffic? What about neighborhoods with dense rolling stops and starts in 2nd gear, or low speed 30 mph zone right angle turns where a lot of enthusiasts put their car under the most extreme situations regularly - like on a whim through a neighborhood you know well, or that "one turn" you take every day really fast but still aren't really putting anyone at risk, or getting a ticket for. I bet, like tdi owners, enthusiasm in the real world for this car will be pretty high for the manual trans owners.
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,371
From: NC USA
Saw them at the dealer yesterday, and had my car parked near one for a long time while I waited on an inspection.
Consensus is - I like my Fit better, but it's a unique concept that I'd have no problem owning as a second car. I've always wanted a manual hybrid, and did take the TDI route once due to that lack. It was a VW, and reliability was pretty good, but I still like gasoline engines for the sound and the revs.
What's interesting is how almost none of the reviews express any joy over having, for the first time, a direct connection to the added torque of a hybrid. Who cares if there is additional weight? That is a different power curve and a welcomed one on a Honda. If the Fit had even the tiniest amount of extra squirt down low for more relaxed driving, I'd think it would be pretty notable. Hmm. Where are these reviewers really driving their test car? Full blast canyon runs and boring traffic? What about neighborhoods with dense rolling stops and starts in 2nd gear, or low speed 30 mph zone right angle turns where a lot of enthusiasts put their car under the most extreme situations regularly - like on a whim through a neighborhood you know well, or that "one turn" you take every day really fast but still aren't really putting anyone at risk, or getting a ticket for. I bet, like tdi owners, enthusiasm in the real world for this car will be pretty high for the manual trans owners.
Consensus is - I like my Fit better, but it's a unique concept that I'd have no problem owning as a second car. I've always wanted a manual hybrid, and did take the TDI route once due to that lack. It was a VW, and reliability was pretty good, but I still like gasoline engines for the sound and the revs.
What's interesting is how almost none of the reviews express any joy over having, for the first time, a direct connection to the added torque of a hybrid. Who cares if there is additional weight? That is a different power curve and a welcomed one on a Honda. If the Fit had even the tiniest amount of extra squirt down low for more relaxed driving, I'd think it would be pretty notable. Hmm. Where are these reviewers really driving their test car? Full blast canyon runs and boring traffic? What about neighborhoods with dense rolling stops and starts in 2nd gear, or low speed 30 mph zone right angle turns where a lot of enthusiasts put their car under the most extreme situations regularly - like on a whim through a neighborhood you know well, or that "one turn" you take every day really fast but still aren't really putting anyone at risk, or getting a ticket for. I bet, like tdi owners, enthusiasm in the real world for this car will be pretty high for the manual trans owners.
Might want to contest that first time bit. Both my 2000 Insight and Civic hybrids have a bit of extra torque from that 13 hp electric motor. And if you want to beat my poor little Insight across an intersection you better bring a drag race tired vehicle. So far I got over 200 'kills' registed over even mighty Vettes who didn't know weight is a serious factor in the first 100 feet.
PS that Civic hybrid seems to have the same hybrid setup as theCRZ.. Can't wait I'm allowed to test one against my Civic but sales come first.
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,899
From: tx
Didn't know those came in manual. Torque is fun. My tdi was a beast across an intersection with the mods I had on it, so I know the feeling. Could pull on just about anything for a few tenths of a second from a roll too.
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,371
From: NC USA
A fit weighs 2600 lb and has 116 ft-lb, just not in that 2000 -3000 rpm critical to dragging ( even high powered cars ,if they aren't spinning their wheels have to begin at 2000-3000 rpm and when spinning the traction is only about that at 2000-3000 rpm.)
The real secret is pounds of vehicle weight per ft-lb of torque in the 2000-3000 rpm range. The less weight the greater the 'thrust'. Anyone who has ever had the misfortune of dragging against a horse or a model T for 100 feet quickly learns not to bet. Only a slingshot dragster has a chance against a good horse for 100 feet.
Last edited by mahout; Aug 31, 2010 at 03:12 PM.
Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 293
From: Montréal, Québec
In the first 100 feet more weight is better since it allows to get more traction (with adequate tires) or at least as much... It's just that people don't dump de clutch at every light, and if they do, they will have more than enough power to spin the wheels for 100ft.
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,371
From: NC USA
One of the worst assumptions is weight equal traction. If it were, you could throw away f=ma, and all those race cars, especially F! could pile on the weight.And go a lot slower. Weight acheived not by weight but aerodynanmics is good but any weight at all beyond minimum is detrimental to acceleration especially in the first 100 feet. But sure you have to match the tire to the weight carried. Talk to any pro dragster.
And spinning wheels other than on drag tires isn't the best traction mode as any tire engineer will tell you. That tire needs to hook up as soon as possible.
PS a=f/m indicates the more mass the slower acceleration for a given amount of force Don't mess with ma nature.
Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 293
From: Montréal, Québec
One of the worst assumptions is weight equal traction. If it were, you could throw away f=ma, and all those race cars, especially F! could pile on the weight.And go a lot slower. Weight acheived not by weight but aerodynanmics is good but any weight at all beyond minimum is detrimental to acceleration especially in the first 100 feet. But sure you have to match the tire to the weight carried. Talk to any pro dragster.
And spinning wheels other than on drag tires isn't the best traction mode as any tire engineer will tell you. That tire needs to hook up as soon as possible.
PS a=f/m indicates the more mass the slower acceleration for a given amount of force Don't mess with ma nature.
And spinning wheels other than on drag tires isn't the best traction mode as any tire engineer will tell you. That tire needs to hook up as soon as possible.
PS a=f/m indicates the more mass the slower acceleration for a given amount of force Don't mess with ma nature.
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