Honda did do it right!

[MilesNsmiles]

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased my 2011 Honda CR-Z EX (CVT) on 11/09/10. I have been reading through all the posts relating to this car over the last couple days. Seems to be a lot of mixed feelings out there on whether Honda did this one right or not.

Look, I'm not here to gloat about my car, saying how its the best hybrid yet, or anything like that, but I do want others to understand that Honda did do something right here, they created a new breed of Hybrid vehicle. A Transitional Hybrid!

I'll explain:

Even though I'm still fairly young in life, its not only me, but all the generations who are constantly bombarded with new, exciting, and efficient technology. Take for examples; HD, Bluray, high graphic video games, smartphones, and even video chatting. Truly we are all, in someway, becoming accustomed to these things. So how then are we also supposed to feel thrilled about driving new, exciting, and efficient vehicle technology if our only options are to sit in various sized boxes, which contain two toned displays and give simple MPG readouts... I'm sorry, but if I'm going to be forced to shell out a good sum of money to be earth friendly, while driving a vehicle, I also want to keep pace with modern times. So give me such options as a sleek exterior profile that screams ENTER! Various shades of color and texture on the interior that stimilate, a nice seat to settle into, a cockpit that wraps around me and gives me total control of all its functions. One with a brillant high graphic display that gives my current speed, and digitally for that matter, with accent colors that change to Red as I exceed maximum gas pedal pressure, or Blue letting me know I'm coming back to my senses, and then Green reminding me how I'm getting my money's worth, and at the same time making everyone around me happier and healthier.

I would certainly be surprised if someone could show, or give an example of a better Hybrid layout that not only guides, but actually inspires an individual to drive efficiently and too help the enviromant. Isn't that why we are all on this forum...? To me the added bonus of driving a CR-Z is that I can do all this, while at the same time also feel very much alive. And that's exactly what we all need. To feel alive, be inspired, and to have fun while doing the right thing.... So right on Honda!... Keep inspiring those like me! Perhaps in the future we will all have changed our mindset for the better!

Now, I know some Hypermilers discuss how the CR-Z is no Prius or first generation Insight, but give us newbies (future hypermilers) a chance to catch up. Congratulate those of us who choose to take a step towards cleaner and more fuel efficient vehicles. Why talk anything down that's new and progressive, even if it only amounts to more individuals trying to do the right thing? Because expections were not met? What expectations? I didn't expect to be on this forum... until I came across the CR-Z! Its gotten me to start thinking about saving fuel and to learn the techniques necessary to do so. Now that seems purposeful!

[xcel]

Hi MilesNSmiles:

Welcome to CleanMPG and that was a very interesting and well written introductory post!

While the CR-Z is no Prius, it does answer the need of those looking for something a little more “me” without sacrificing the actual ability to drive the thing. I love the Prius because it is nice to look at; easy to drive for really great fuel economy and as of late, is going for what I deem a steal of a great price. Where it falls apart is it is similar to driving an appliance.

While most drive an appliance in some form or fashion anyway, the CR-Z definitely brings back the passion to drive without completely throwing fuel away like most non-hybrids in its class. Which makes it not only unique but a class leader in the respect it saves fuel by the tanker full while allowing its owner a fun car to drive. As long as seating for two is their only requirement. EVER.

The CR-Z w/ a stick when pushed can achieve almost Prius like FE on the highway and amazingly or not, can best any hybrid or diesel on the road today when you take any of them to their limits. The stick is an amazing fun to drive machine

Honda Is Entrusting CleanMPG With the 6-speed CR-Z For A Week

2011 Honda CR-Z Fuel Economy Results


115 mpgUS actual and near maximum. Nothing available new in the US allows this level of FE.


65.8 mpg actual over 431 miles – top off to top off.


~ 54.0 mpg over 378 miles coming back with A/C in temps as high as 95 degrees.

Good Luck

Wayne

[Nevyn]

This why I feel one is perfect for me - even though I can't afford it. I don't take anyone with me on my commute, and our other vehicle is the "people mover." So, I don't need a massive car to move around 180 pounds of meat and 5 pounds of laptop. I need something that can be pushed to great MPG with the type of commute I have, but I still want it to give me a thrill when I wind through some twisties. Also, it'd be nice if I had a sleek looking car for when my wife and I get to go out and the kids are with 'Grammy and Grampy' for the evening.

CR-Z fits the bill 100%! I'm just too poor for a car payment, and the 'people mover' is next on the list for replacement, not my car.

So MilesNSmiles - I totally get where you're coming from, and I say both congrats and I envy you!

What color did you get? can you post us up a photo?

[msirach]

Welcome to CleanMPG MilesNSmiles!

Thank you for a great introduction and explaining how Honda has gotten you behind the wheel of a hybrid. Transitional is an excellent description. I was talking to a salesman at the local dealer yesterday, and they are selling all that they get in.

[MilesNsmiles]

Thanks for the reply Wayne.

Originally Posted by xcel

I love the Prius because it is nice to look at; easy to drive for really great fuel economy and as of late, is going for what I deem a steal of a great price. Where it falls apart is it is similar to driving an appliance.

I agree with you that the Prius is by far the best valued Hybrid out there. But for my funds I was already stretching for my EX (CVT) without Navigation at $21,460 (minus tax and registration). Considering a similar equipped Prius (adding an extra backseat of course!) would have ran me around or above $24.000 (plus tax and fees), I figure I also got a pretty good value. And yeah, an appliance is a good term when discribing the Prius's performance (excluding FE - learned a term! ), but really I don't mind its looks both on the inside and outside. I mean there has to be more then just fuel economy as reason enough why so many choose to own them. To me, the Prius just doesn't scream out, YOU NEED TO DRIVE ME! like the CR-Z does.

Originally Posted by xcel

The CR-Z w/ a stick when pushed can achieve almost Prius like FE on the highway and amazingly or not, can best any hybrid or diesel on the road today when you take any of them to their limits. The stick is an amazing fun to drive machine

Yes definitely, I have owned stick shifts before and they certainly do give one a more spirited drive, but the CVT can be pretty fun too (especially in Sport mode w/ the paddle shifters). I just didn't realize how much the car would inspire me towards fuel efficiency, enough so to even consider Hypermiling. At the time I was only thinking of "Normal driving patterns" in which the CVT seemed to have the better fuel rating. I don't know... perhaps it will be my mission to try and duplicate the Stick Shift's MPG with the CVT. Not that I would ever meet your bar Wayne. Absolutely amazing!

[MilesNsmiles]

Thanks Nevyn,

It really is a great car. And don't worry, by the time you get one I'm sure Honda will have it even more suited for you.

As for the color, I decided on the Premium White Pearl! All of the colors look great on this car, but to me none seem to hold its brillant color, no matter the lighting, as well as the PWP does. Well, except for the Milano Red, talk about sporty looking! Its just a little too flashy for my personality. I like sleek but also with a bit of stealthiness. There's also the Crystal Black Pearl but man... the possible scratches and dirt!

I will definitely post some pictures as soon as I can.

Here you go:

[Nevyn]

I've only seen ONE on the road as of yet, but several at dealers. Hoping to play with on Saturday morning.

I too really like the white, but when I saw that one on the road in that deep blue that they have, it was screaming I'M TOO SEXY FOR MY PAINT JOB about as loud as I could stand.

[MilesNsmiles]

msirach,

Yeah, the term "Transitional" seemed to stick out for me concerning this car. Especially for those of us who were not thinking so much about fuel efficiency in the past.

Also, I am still very new to this forum, and new to Hypermiling. Where would be a good starting point to learn the basics and terminology?

Thanks.

MilesNsmiles

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Check out the link in either MSirach's or my signatures for good starting points.

Welcome to the board from another enthusiastic Honda driver.

[MilesNsmiles]

Nevyn,

Yeah, there's a Moderator on the CRZ forum who absolutely drools over the North Shore Blue Pearl color. I went to the dealership the other day to add an armrest. They had one in that color. It looked really good sitting there in the sunlight.