2010 Honda CR-V,Reviews

"It needs more power." This label has stuck to the 2010 Honda CR-V like industrial Velcro for as long as this compact crossover has been sold. The 2010 Honda CR-V's four-cylinder gets a welcome infusion of power, but a V6 option like so many of its competitors offer remains an unfulfilled desire. Safety? The backseat reclines and slides, while features like power heated seats, navigation and an iPod interface are options. Quality? Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Honda CR-V is a crossover SUV that straddles the line between compact and midsize. It is available in LX, EX, EX-L and EX-L with Navigation trim levels, and each can be equipped with front- or all-wheel drive.

The EX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, rear tinted glass, a dual-level cargo area, steering-wheel audio controls and a six-speaker stereo with six-CD changer. The EX-L adds automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a fixed front center console and a seven-speaker stereo that includes a subwoofer, USB audio jack and satellite radio. Every 2010 Honda CR-V comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 180 hp and 161 pound-feet of torque.

A five-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. AWD CR-Vs drop slightly to 21/27/23. Safety The 2010 Honda CR-V is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the CR-V achieved a perfect five stars for side protection. The CR-V's cabin is both functional and attractive. With the split-level divider stowed and the rear seats folded, the CR-V can hold an impressive 73 cubic feet of cargo.

2011 Honda CR-Z,Reviews

The 2011 Honda CR-Z is all-new.

A sporty hybrid? At first glance, the 2011 Honda CR-Z might seem a bit oxymoronic. Sales were slow, however, and Honda cancelled the car after a short run. Like the old CRX, the CR-Z is front-drive with two doors and just two seats. Mechanically, though, the CR-Z is related most to Honda's current Insight hybrid, sharing its basic structure and suspension design. Under the hood is Honda's familiar Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) mild-hybrid system. The electric motor is the same and generates another 13 hp and 58 lb-ft. Notably, Honda is offering a six-speed manual transmission in addition to the more hybrid-typical continuously variable transmission (CVT). The end result of all this is that Honda has indeed created a sporty hybrid. The CR-Z looks sharp and is fun to drive around town thanks to its small size and quick steering.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The two-seat 2011 Honda CR-Z comes in three trim levels: base, EX and EX with navigation. The base model comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, hill-start assist (manual transmission), automatic climate control, full power accessories, manual seats with driver-side height adjustment, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control and a six-speaker CD audio system (with steering-wheel controls and USB/auxiliary audio jacks). Notable dealer-installed features include 17-inch wheels, performance tires and satellite radio.

The 2011 Honda CR-Z is hybrid-powered by a team consisting of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor paired with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. If the CVT is selected, torque output drops slightly to 123 lb-ft. All CR-Zs come with a three-mode drive selector consisting of Sport, Normal or Econ. Each adjusts parameters for throttle sensitivity, steering assist, transmission programming (CVT), additional IMA assist (manual transmission) and air-conditioning usage.

Official EPA fuel economy numbers haven't been released as of this writing but Honda estimates that the CR-Z will get 31 mpg city/37 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined with the manual and 35/39/37 mpg with the CVT.

Safety

While the 2011 Honda CR-Z sold in other worldwide markets will come with a small backseat, Honda chose to equip the American version with a flip-down rear parcel shelf instead. Seat comfort is adequate.

The centerpiece of the CR-Z's interior is certainly its futuristic-looking dash. A configurable display can also show other fuel-economy-enhancing tools.

Driving Impressions

The 2011 Honda CR-Z is tuned for a smooth ride, and its economy-minded twist-beam rear suspension simply isn't up to the task of providing sports car reflexes and compliance. But if you lower your expectations a little, you'll find the CR-Z reasonably fun to drive. Sport provides a feel reminiscent of a classic, free-revving Honda performance car, while Econ transforms the CR-Z into a lethargic, deathly slow fuel-sipper.