Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (200 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2016
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on owner expectations.
6 problems reported (3 recurrent, 3 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentUnderpowered performance
Described as "kind of slow" and lacking power, especially for highway merging or when compared to modern hybrids.
- RecurrentHybrid battery aging
Concern about the original NiMH battery nearing the end of its usable life in older, high-mileage examples (e.g., 15 years, 170k miles).
- RecurrentHigh-mileage mechanical wear
Beyond the hybrid system, owners report impending needs for water pump, A/C compressor, wheel bearings, and worn rear torsion beam bushings which are difficult to replace. The main bearing of the manual transmission is also mentioned as a known failure point around 170,000 miles.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedCVT transmission reliability concerns
Specific worry about long-term reliability, with one owner expressing anxiety and scheduling a fluid change at 80,000 miles.
- IsolatedFuel economy below EPA estimates
One owner reports achieving only 27 mpg combined versus EPA ratings of 35 city/38 highway, indicating potential degradation or driving style impact.
- IsolatedExterior paint/clear coat degradation
Reported failure of clear coat on the hood and roof on a 15-year-old example.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Owner discussions reference both manual and CVT transmissions, with a clear preference for the manual transmission among enthusiasts for engagement. One owner specifically recommends avoiding the CVT due to reliability concerns at high mileage. No specific model years or trims are singled out as superior within the available data.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Chevrolet Volt, Mazda 3 (2nd & 3rd Gen), Honda Civic (8th Gen & Hybrid), Ford Maverick Hybrid and Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on owner expectations. A dedicated, niche group of long-term owners express deep affection for the vehicle, praising its unique character as a fun, efficient, and engaging hybrid coupe. These owners highlight the satisfaction derived from its driving dynamics, describing it as a "great successor to the CRX" and a "fun momentum car" that is enjoyable on curvy roads, especially with suspension modifications. They also emphasize the engaging "optimization" aspect of hybrid driving, turning efficiency into a strategic game, with some reporting real-world fuel economy as high as 48 mpg on road trips. However, a more prevalent sentiment, particularly among those comparing it to traditional sporty or practical vehicles, is one of disappointment. The car is frequently criticized for being underpowered ("kind of slow"), lacking practicality due to its two-seat configuration, and occupying an awkward market position that is neither a true performance car nor a conventionally practical hybrid. Concerns about aging hybrid components and specific high-mileage mechanical issues also contribute to cautious ownership perspectives.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a unique, style-focused hybrid coupe rather than a mainstream choice. It is consistently seen as less practical than compact hatchbacks and sedans like the Mazda 3 or Honda Civic due to its two-seat layout. Compared to other hybrids like the Chevrolet Volt, it is noted for its more engaging driving experience but lesser electric-only capability and practicality. Against dedicated sporty coupes like the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, it is viewed as significantly less powerful and engaging, prioritizing efficiency over outright performance. The consensus is that it appeals to a very specific buyer seeking a distinctive, efficient, and moderately fun commuter, not to those prioritizing space, power, or traditional sportscar thrills.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is strongly recommended over the CVT for driving engagement and perceived long-term reliability. Modifications such as slightly lowered springs, performance dampers (e.g., Koni), and wider wheels/tires (e.g., 17" wheels with 205-section tires) are mentioned by an owner as significantly improving handling, making it comparable to more focused sports cars in the corners. No specific factory trim or package recommendations are provided in the data.
General recommendations
Recommended for a specific, understanding buyer: someone who values unique styling, enjoys the strategic, efficiency-focused aspect of hybrid driving, prioritizes handling feel over straight-line speed, and does not require rear seats or significant cargo space. It is suggested as a good second car or commuter for urban environments. NOT recommended for those needing passenger space, strong acceleration, or who are wary of potential high-mileage repair costs associated with an aging hybrid system and specific drivetrain components. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on the hybrid battery health, CVT fluid condition (if equipped), and checking for common high-mileage wear items is considered essential.
Remarks
The owner experience is sharply divided between a vocal minority of dedicated enthusiasts who appreciate the car's unique character and a broader perception of it as an underpowered, impractical novelty. Much of the discussion centers on vehicles with high mileage (100,000-170,000 miles), bringing age-related reliability of the hybrid system and other components to the forefront of ownership considerations. The driving experience is notably polarizing: criticized by some as merely "sporty looking," but praised by others for its tactile, momentum-based fun, especially when modified. The available data does not provide a clear view of ownership costs for newer or lower-mileage examples. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions and comparisons.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2011. Years to avoid: 2011Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Honda CR-Z years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 11 | 2 | air bags |
| 2012 | 7 | 2 | air bags |
| 2011 | 38 | 3 | air bags |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices7 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2013 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 19V500000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
2013 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 16V061000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
2012 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 19V500000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
2012 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 16V061000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
2011 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 19V500000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
2011 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 16V061000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
2011 · power traincampaign 11V458000
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CR-Z PASSENGER CARS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 8, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 27, 2011. SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT PRESSED, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE ELECTRIC MOTOR OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM TO MOVE THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE SELECTED GEAR.
Specifications
1.5 i-VTEC IMA Hybrid
1.5L 4-cylinder · 130 hp · FWD · automatic (CVT)
Built 2015–2016