Thanks, but I'll take the Golf TDI all day. Costs about the same and you get more power, much more nice diesel torque, better MPG, three additional seats and two additional doors, a better interior and more ... And, as opposed to what Richard said, better reliability. VW's TDI engines are built like tanks. And, even though Honda builds reliable cars, it's still a Hybrid. And I personally am very careful with hybrids when it comes to long term reliability with all that electronic stuff going on.
Makes me laugh hearing all you ladies whining, I applaud Honda for having the balls to bring to market the CR-Z, it has certainly been well received in Europe even despite a few shortcomings, and the fact it's a Honda, it'll have bullet proof reliability and safety to match. Can't wait for it to arrive in NZ, time to trade up.
The only gasoline-electric hybrid on the market right now. That's what's going for it (for me anyways). It's a shame that almost all gasoline-electric hybrids have to be boring automatics...
Honda should make a CR-Z with the civic si motor in it. Now that would be nice. Crz Si . 200hp 140tq no hybrid stuff or anything just a regular hatch with backseats and powerful motor. that would be good.
Honda should just offer the four-door Insight with the stick and sunroof! I would also like to see like an Si version with the K20 and hybrid motor. Maybe a non-hybrid CRZ would be a good idea? offer it with the Civic's base motor, they hybrid, and the K20
@blipdownshift Actually, I believe you're mistaken. Clarkson's line refers to old-school Lamborghini's -- and I am paraphrasing -- having A/C that was like an asthmatic sitting in the dashboard blowing through a straw. I am comparing the motor's power in "Sport" mode to an asthmatic or person without a lung trying to run a marathon. Not the same thing.
@PortlandDriver Be careful when considering the Crossfire. I've seen several for sale online with under 100k miles and blown motors. Apparently, they're not all that dependable.
@ratmtbola It's one example of many little niggles that occur with VW products. Having been a VW owner and forum junkie during that period I have seen it all from blinkers needing replacement on a month-to-month basis, peeling buttons/trim, cars going into limp mode to cats needing replacement. There are serious quality issues at VW; however, the brand has loyalty and they still build entertaining cars. Essentially, it's the German Alfa Romeo.
Personally, I think the biggest argument against the CRZ is the Fit or the standard Civic coupe. All three actually get similar fuel economy (39, 35 and 34 respectively. I bet the Civic and Fit are tons more fun to drive and don't pretend to be a true sports car the way the CRZ does. Give me a Fit or Civic any day over the CRZ. Oh yeah, and the Civic and Fit start $4,000 dollars LESS than the CRZ which has no power, next to no luggage capacity and no backseats.
@rpps I see your point, but trust me when I say that VW can in fact deliver. In Europe they and the VW Golf - specially the TDI models - are among the most reliable stuff there is (I have data, but its all in German^^). Honda is up there, too, I won't doubt that. But seeing that VW is putting more focus on the US right now (->VW Passat), reliability is not that strong of an argument. Although I must say that the JD Power result is weird, as reliability has been one of VW trademarks in the past
Put that CRZ on the highway in 6th gear running at about 60 or 65 MPH and tell me the gas milage you get. Any car consumes more at city speeds. You were getting 34 MPG in winter at city speeds, that is pretty good.
@rpps my previous comment wasn't clearly stated; where I said 'he uses it in regard to the car's power' I didn't mean Clarkson,I meant you rpps use the asthmatic line in regard to the car's power; I know it s not the same thing. Its just that when I watched it , it reminded me of clarkson right away, and original lines would be more entertaining. Just giving feedback as a viewer although I understand that I blew a little line out of proportion, and it may have very well been completely original
@rpps Well, all I said was that the TDI engines are built like tanks. And that's true. Same goes for the transmission, atleast for the manual. And blaming VW because of a wiper blade flying off is dumb. That's either the fault of the wiper blade manufacturer or of the guy that put the wipers on the car. Not VW's fault.
sports hybrid= porsche 918 shit's on everything in mpg's and in every other category all sporty hybrids need to pull idea's from it. i know there's manufacturing cost and what not but just start taking the steps towards that direction. thats what i'd like to see
@butty41 Knowledge will set you free. Look at the 2010 JD Power Vehicle Dependability study where Honda Places seventh from the top and VW third from the bottom.
@rpps Well, I personally rather have my blinkers replaced every now and then but therefore no problems with the engine or transmission, which are both massively expensive to replace. Besides that, ... you're probably talking about some late 90's / early 2000's or maybe mid 2000's VW, don't you? Because from about 2007 onwards VW had a drastic increase in their cabin quality. So no more peeling buttons or trim.
@ratmtbola Built like tanks, huh? Typically, the powertrains are fine it's all the other problems that happen with VWs that sours the deal. My favorite story involves a VW Golf press fleet car and when it started raining. I turn on the wipers, driverside blade FLIES off the vehicle. So, there I am. Leaning over my passenger so I can see out of the car and NOT get into an accident...
@vasco10506 It didn't. I was bought for $20,980 just this year. It's a 2008 and the extra performance is courtesy of the former owner. I just don't understand why the CRZ gets such meager mileage when it has a bare bones 1.5L I4 with an electric motor and my car has a 2.5L I5 with a turbo. Minus the hybrid nonsense and it still gets better gas mileage.
@saavaa you cant just base it off your own ONE car... its just on average hondas are more reliable. and reliable dosn't always mean "last longer" its more of, "dosn't break down as much"
@jjk087 This may be true, but the CRZ could be much better then the CRX if it wasn't for all the weight added by modern safety requirements and power sapping emissions regulations.
The engine only has a 100 hp actually. The electric motor adds the rest, but not all the time. Step on the gas for a moment and the additional power is gone.
FLDetour please dont use your "outside the car" shots again when the camera is looking like it was fixed by some straws.... And like someone else said, a wash is not to much to ask. Btw I love your reviews, in fact I watch every single one of them so I'm not the hater type... I'm just giving my point of view on that one.
nice review, 3:10 stole the classic clarkson asthmatic line from his lambo videos regarding their air conditioning, he uses it in regard to the cars power, but more originality would make the show more entertaining.
If its smaller, lighter than a Prius, then why not have that MPG? The 1st Gen Honda Insight was a 2 seater hybrid that got better MPG. Honda moving backwards lol
Richard, how do you fit in this car??? And all the other cars your driving? I am just as tall as you and I barely fit in that CRZ!! Good and honest review though!
@ratmtbola Once again, you're missing the point. In 2008, 2009 and 2010 VW has been at the bottom of the JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study. This is an industry standard that is not disputed. If your 2007 + case is true, it'll show in the 2011 + JD Power results. Realize I am not disagreeing with you. I too would rather deal with the issues a VW Golf TDI would bring to the table and it's a car I adore, but don't ignore that reliability is questionable at best.
@PACMAN1134 If you have driven a fast car fast, you would know that's not true. Now if you've driven a GT-R, CTS-V or Turbo S at 40 mph, you know that a "...fast car slow..." sucks.
@desimunda116 Anything is possible with hypermiling. Hell, a Hyundai Sonata has gotten over 50 MPG by hypermiling and playing tricks. I drive this car exactly how I drive every car in essentially the same conditions in the real world. There's no games here.
So basically I'd be better off spending several thousand less to get a better looking '11 Elantra, which has a usable backseat, better MPGs, a better warranty, etc. If you want a hatchback, there are better choices. If you want something small and sporty, there are better choices. If you want something economical, there are better choices. Utterly pointless car, the CRZ. The closest competitor coming out will be the Hyundai Veloster, which is still much better in so many ways.
lol you're kidding right? They did a terrible job. They should have put a Honda D-engine in it and lowered the car's weight by 200lbs. Voila a fun car to drive that's a good bit faster and economical. The old CRX HF had 60+ mpg hwy, all petrol powered. Hybrid is over-rated. The 2011 Lotus Elise is proposed to be getting a 130 hp 1.6 L engine in it and since the car is 1900lbs it goes to 60 mph in 6 seconds and not to mention a 46 mpg rated fuel economy.
Definitely my biggest disappointment, loved the crx and old civic hatchback, and when i heard about this i was ecstatic. After watching like 3 reviews of this shit, honda made me cry.
Saying that the CRZ is more reliable than a VW Golf TDI is actually quite brave. But not backing that opinion up with any sort of data is just - and I am sorry to say that - bad journalism.
How can you say you get reliability! Bunch of BS its a hybrid and has never been sold before, nothing to compare it to for reliability. This annoys the hell out of me.
i dont get this car...The Ford Fiesta is like the same price, gets better gas mileage, and has a backseat... now i would never buy a Fiesta but then again why would i buy a CRZ?
This model CRZ is such garbage, but fear not honda fanboys. There's a turbo version in the works expected to compete against the GTI and other hot hatch segments.
these reviews have been getting worse and worse. camera quality, shots and over all before hand knowledge about the car. not saying i like the crz but really saying a Honda will have better reliability than a VW. the corny jokes and over all you are just all over the place in the review.
@PortlandDriver My point was that you can have an all gasoline powered engine and get good performance as well as fuel economy.
1990 BMW 525i with 389455 miles 120hp tops.........29-31 MPG highway
He is the best at doing FLDetours
I want to get this car just because it is a hybrid with a manual transmission, and I want car companies to make more of them.
mini cooper, just a bit more, but get much more fun and average 35+mpg at the same time. and can still fit two short people in the back
Nice review on this one. i like how you kept to facts and just enough opinion
@NeckPeck It's a 10 second 0-60.
Thanks, but I'll take the Golf TDI all day. Costs about the same and you get more power, much more nice diesel torque, better MPG, three additional seats and two additional doors, a better interior and more ...
And, as opposed to what Richard said, better reliability. VW's TDI engines are built like tanks. And, even though Honda builds reliable cars, it's still a Hybrid. And I personally am very careful with hybrids when it comes to long term reliability with all that electronic stuff going on.
Makes me laugh hearing all you ladies whining, I applaud Honda for having the balls to bring to market the CR-Z, it has certainly been well received in Europe even despite a few shortcomings, and the fact it's a Honda, it'll have bullet proof reliability and safety to match.
Can't wait for it to arrive in NZ, time to trade up.
The only gasoline-electric hybrid on the market right now. That's what's going for it (for me anyways). It's a shame that almost all gasoline-electric hybrids have to be boring automatics...
Honda should make a CR-Z with the civic si motor in it. Now that would be nice. Crz Si . 200hp 140tq no hybrid stuff or anything just a regular hatch with backseats and powerful motor. that would be good.
Honda should just offer the four-door Insight with the stick and sunroof!
I would also like to see like an Si version with the K20 and hybrid motor.
Maybe a non-hybrid CRZ would be a good idea? offer it with the Civic's base motor, they hybrid, and the K20
@Kimon69 the golf tdi
@blipdownshift
Actually, I believe you're mistaken.
Clarkson's line refers to old-school Lamborghini's -- and I am paraphrasing -- having A/C that was like an asthmatic sitting in the dashboard blowing through a straw.
I am comparing the motor's power in "Sport" mode to an asthmatic or person without a lung trying to run a marathon.
Not the same thing.
@PortlandDriver Be careful when considering the Crossfire. I've seen several for sale online with under 100k miles and blown motors. Apparently, they're not all that dependable.
@AWDfreak I meant only gasoline-electric hybrid on the market with a manual right now
@ratmtbola
It's one example of many little niggles that occur with VW products.
Having been a VW owner and forum junkie during that period I have seen it all from blinkers needing replacement on a month-to-month basis, peeling buttons/trim, cars going into limp mode to cats needing replacement.
There are serious quality issues at VW; however, the brand has loyalty and they still build entertaining cars.
Essentially, it's the German Alfa Romeo.
Spoon built a CR-Z that does near 300hp and Bisimoto built one that does 500hp.
@Razor4ever haha, you got the point! Where I live gas is 1,20 € per liter ! And they are the ones complaining...
@machinegunmana Wrong. I use 5,5 l per 100km (47mpg)
Personally, I think the biggest argument against the CRZ is the Fit or the standard Civic coupe. All three actually get similar fuel economy (39, 35 and 34 respectively. I bet the Civic and Fit are tons more fun to drive and don't pretend to be a true sports car the way the CRZ does. Give me a Fit or Civic any day over the CRZ. Oh yeah, and the Civic and Fit start $4,000 dollars LESS than the CRZ which has no power, next to no luggage capacity and no backseats.
@TheTallGeorge
Very carefully.
If I can fit into a Boxster Spyder at 6'8, I can fit into anything that's not an MX-5 ;)
I've heard great things from huge car guys about this car. Everyone says its a great DD for a car guy.
@rpps
I see your point, but trust me when I say that VW can in fact deliver. In Europe they and the VW Golf - specially the TDI models - are among the most reliable stuff there is (I have data, but its all in German^^). Honda is up there, too, I won't doubt that. But seeing that VW is putting more focus on the US right now (->VW Passat), reliability is not that strong of an argument. Although I must say that the JD Power result is weird, as reliability has been one of VW trademarks in the past
@NeckPeck I'm just going by the numbers I've read. I've never driven it.
TDi all the way, plus no battery replacing necessary.
Put that CRZ on the highway in 6th gear running at about 60 or 65 MPH and tell me the gas milage you get. Any car consumes more at city speeds. You were getting 34 MPG in winter at city speeds, that is pretty good.
@shadow2389 haha yep and it is far more "green" than any new "hybrid" car as it is already built!
@machinegunmana Maybe in the States, here in Europe it's not that expensive... + diesel cost less than gasoline
I don't like diesels very much, but give me a diesel over any hybrid...
all they had to do was have an hybrid option and normal gas engine option
122hp from 1.5 isn't bad in any sense but still, slap a turbo on it!!! please put out a performance version of this
@shaggyusm26 good point
@rpps my previous comment wasn't clearly stated; where I said 'he uses it in regard to the car's power' I didn't mean Clarkson,I meant you rpps use the asthmatic line in regard to the car's power; I know it s not the same thing. Its just that when I watched it , it reminded me of clarkson right away, and original lines would be more entertaining. Just giving feedback as a viewer although I understand that I blew a little line out of proportion, and it may have very well been completely original
@rpps Well, all I said was that the TDI engines are built like tanks. And that's true. Same goes for the transmission, atleast for the manual.
And blaming VW because of a wiper blade flying off is dumb. That's either the fault of the wiper blade manufacturer or of the guy that put the wipers on the car. Not VW's fault.
sports hybrid= porsche 918 shit's on everything in mpg's and in every other category all sporty hybrids need to pull idea's from it. i know there's manufacturing cost and what not but just start taking the steps towards that direction. thats what i'd like to see
@butty41
Knowledge will set you free.
Look at the 2010 JD Power Vehicle Dependability study where Honda Places seventh from the top and VW third from the bottom.
@rpps Well, I personally rather have my blinkers replaced every now and then but therefore no problems with the engine or transmission, which are both massively expensive to replace.
Besides that, ... you're probably talking about some late 90's / early 2000's or maybe mid 2000's VW, don't you? Because from about 2007 onwards VW had a drastic increase in their cabin quality. So no more peeling buttons or trim.
@ratmtbola
Built like tanks, huh?
Typically, the powertrains are fine it's all the other problems that happen with VWs that sours the deal.
My favorite story involves a VW Golf press fleet car and when it started raining. I turn on the wipers, driverside blade FLIES off the vehicle. So, there I am. Leaning over my passenger so I can see out of the car and NOT get into an accident...
NO PARKING AT ANY TIME
ACTIVE DRIVEWAY
its fun to drive a slow car fast ..true but as long as it's not the kinda slow this car is.....
@aethrus
Yeah, see my comment to butty41.
It's pretty clear that Honda has VW beat in terms of reliability.
@vasco10506 It didn't. I was bought for $20,980 just this year. It's a 2008 and the extra performance is courtesy of the former owner. I just don't understand why the CRZ gets such meager mileage when it has a bare bones 1.5L I4 with an electric motor and my car has a 2.5L I5 with a turbo. Minus the hybrid nonsense and it still gets better gas mileage.
Offers clean emissions
@rorschach775 i actually just got new tires and an oil change and i got 41mpg (HWY)
@saavaa you cant just base it off your own ONE car... its just on average hondas are more reliable. and reliable dosn't always mean "last longer" its more of, "dosn't break down as much"
@jjk087
This may be true, but the CRZ could be much better then the CRX if it wasn't for all the weight added by modern safety requirements and power sapping emissions regulations.
@WretchedDrake How is that a bad thing. I
anyone else confused on this? sooo are you saying you recommend this car or not?
i feel these reviews are more entertaining than informative.... that's not necessarily a good thing folks.
@shadow2389 But at the end of the day, you drive a Civic.
My car gets like 12mpg with 400 hp YAY!
The engine only has a 100 hp actually. The electric motor adds the rest, but not all the time. Step on the gas for a moment and the additional power is gone.
shot with a go pro ??
@saavaa I agree with you but i call BS on the 400k lol
FLDetour please dont use your "outside the car" shots again when the camera is looking like it was fixed by some straws.... And like someone else said, a wash is not to much to ask.
Btw I love your reviews, in fact I watch every single one of them so I'm not the hater type... I'm just giving my point of view on that one.
@Kimon69 Golf TDI.
nice review, 3:10 stole the classic clarkson asthmatic line from his lambo videos regarding their air conditioning, he uses it in regard to the cars power, but more originality would make the show more entertaining.
@RicMpt how fast this car is compare to golf fit or even a civic?
why did he say tht hyundai and kia had bad manuals?
If its smaller, lighter than a Prius, then why not have that MPG? The 1st Gen Honda Insight was a 2 seater hybrid that got better MPG. Honda moving backwards lol
@c0nv1ct1337 I don't think ''once'' is countless...
what is up with the background music?
@shadow2389 Your civic also won't pass today's crash test standards.
Richard, how do you fit in this car??? And all the other cars your driving?
I am just as tall as you and I barely fit in that CRZ!! Good and honest review though!
@ratmtbola
Once again, you're missing the point.
In 2008, 2009 and 2010 VW has been at the bottom of the JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study. This is an industry standard that is not disputed. If your 2007 + case is true, it'll show in the 2011 + JD Power results.
Realize I am not disagreeing with you. I too would rather deal with the issues a VW Golf TDI would bring to the table and it's a car I adore, but don't ignore that reliability is questionable at best.
@PACMAN1134
If you have driven a fast car fast, you would know that's not true.
Now if you've driven a GT-R, CTS-V or Turbo S at 40 mph, you know that a "...fast car slow..." sucks.
a hybrid that gets 32 mpg? good job honda!
@desimunda116
Anything is possible with hypermiling. Hell, a Hyundai Sonata has gotten over 50 MPG by hypermiling and playing tricks.
I drive this car exactly how I drive every car in essentially the same conditions in the real world. There's no games here.
Golf TDI. Thumbs up, VW fans.
dude what car is he saying at 4:56. can't understand it.
Problem with it is that Honda's hybrid system just pretty much sucks
So basically I'd be better off spending several thousand less to get a better looking '11 Elantra, which has a usable backseat, better MPGs, a better warranty, etc. If you want a hatchback, there are better choices. If you want something small and sporty, there are better choices. If you want something economical, there are better choices. Utterly pointless car, the CRZ. The closest competitor coming out will be the Hyundai Veloster, which is still much better in so many ways.
You can't test handling in Yankland, one corner in a 6 minute video.
:( i want TST back.. this just doesnt do it for me
I pay 1.50 euro per litr at my place. Fck when I go back to US im buying a V10 M5 and call it a day!
lol you're kidding right? They did a terrible job. They should have put a Honda D-engine in it and lowered the car's weight by 200lbs. Voila a fun car to drive that's a good bit faster and economical. The old CRX HF had 60+ mpg hwy, all petrol powered. Hybrid is over-rated. The 2011 Lotus Elise is proposed to be getting a 130 hp 1.6 L engine in it and since the car is 1900lbs it goes to 60 mph in 6 seconds and not to mention a 46 mpg rated fuel economy.
HOW ARE GOLFS NOT RELIABLE? DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE BUY THEM, THEY WOULDNT SELL IF IT WAS CRAP
i would rather get a v6 mustang 31 mpg and 305 hp
id just get a fit instead.
TDI's aren't reliable? Tell that to my 400 000 miles Golf Mk4 !
more expensive, slower, and same gas millage as a Civic Si........ I wouldnt say pointless but.... yes i would
Dear Honda,
Ditch the IMA - it stinks. Drop a K20 motor in the CR-Z and I will love you forever.
my '97 Civic LX is faster and get better fuel economy @ 38 MPG HWY and it only cost me $1500. Epic Win
Definitely my biggest disappointment, loved the crx and old civic hatchback, and when i heard about this i was ecstatic. After watching like 3 reviews of this shit, honda made me cry.
@PortlandDriver Check out the 2012 Hyundai Veloster that's coming out in a few months. It's like a CRZ, but MUCH better.
Saying that the CRZ is more reliable than a VW Golf TDI is actually quite brave. But not backing that opinion up with any sort of data is just - and I am sorry to say that - bad journalism.
@shadow2389 but is it a honda cr-z? no its not. well obviously its not you said it wasnt. lol im bored.
chevy cruze gets 40mpg.
How can you say you get reliability! Bunch of BS its a hybrid and has never been sold before, nothing to compare it to for reliability. This annoys the hell out of me.
i dont get this car...The Ford Fiesta is like the same price, gets better gas mileage, and has a backseat... now i would never buy a Fiesta but then again why would i buy a CRZ?
@matman142 And you think I care...
@Mrscooby242 "Honda will have better reliability than a VW"
Can you predict my future too?
Golf TDI is so much better
can I ask why the hell you guys filmed with a shitty iPhone camera on the outside shots when you have perfectly good cameras on the interior shots?
@shadow2389 my 2000 gets about 35 lol
hyundai veloster is gonna destroy this car
0-100 in 8 sec tho
This model CRZ is such garbage, but fear not honda fanboys. There's a turbo version in the works expected to compete against the GTI and other hot hatch segments.
these reviews have been getting worse and worse. camera quality, shots and over all before hand knowledge about the car. not saying i like the crz but really saying a Honda will have better reliability than a VW. the corny jokes and over all you are just all over the place in the review.