Used 2012 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe Review & Ratings

What exactly does the Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe have going for it? For starters it is the only car of its kind on the market. No other company produces a sports coupe that is also a hybrid. Of course it also gets excellent gas mileage. However, that may be where the benefits of this two-seater end. The simple fact is that one can save the same money on fuel with a number of other choices and the lack of anything spectacular about the CR-Z makes it a less favorable choice in the market.

The interior of the Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe is about as uneventful as the performance. There is no back seat in this vehicle and that limits the use to those who have no children to support. Most would think the lack of seat would add to more space for driver and passenger, but that is not an accurate scenario in the CR-Z. As a matter of fact those who are taller will find the quarters a bit more cramped than they would desire. All is not lost in the cabin. It boasts seats that are somewhat comfortable and a small area designated for cargo. The overall design of the interior is innovative, it just doesn't seem very lavish and lacks the practicality that one would expect.

The simple fact is that one who wants a true sports coupe will want to veer in another direction. While still an enjoyable trip down the road, the Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe cannot compete with sports cars that have strong power and fast speeds. Drivers will find that it is easy to steer and manages to get from point A to point B effortlessly. It doesn't have a lot of power to back it up and handling can be a bit off from time to time. All in all, it performs well but there are other cars on the market that can do just as much with a little more style and power.

The key to any car, even a hybrid, is what powers it. That is likely where the Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe falls behind the competition. It combines a 1.5 liter four cylinder with a small electric motor. The result is still only 122 horsepower pushing the car along. Even with a choice of six speed manual or optional CVT there simply is not enough gusto backing it up. Other hybrids are able to run solely on electric for a bit which increases the fuel economy, but the CR-Z has to utilize both at once.

The gas mileage tops out at 35 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with the Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe. While this is excellent gas mileage, it is not indicative of the traditional hybrid. Most can get much better fuel economy thanks to the ability to run on purely electric for a number of miles. In fact, there are non-hybrid models that can get equal or better gas mileage as this vehicle and they have a bit more to offer the buyer.