Sold my Insight, bought a CR-Z...my impressions.

[nupower]

Well, after following the progress of the CR-Z since it's inception as a concept vehicle and test driving it about 4 times over the last month, I finally sold my 2006 5sp Silver Insight and bought a 2011 6sp Silver CR-Z EX w/Navi.

History:

I've owned 3 Insights over the last 10 years (2 manuals, one CVT), and took pride in getting 53 mpg city and 70 mpg Hwy consistently. I am a hypermiler and will ALWAYS be a huge fan of the 1st Gen Insight.

I've also owned several Miatas (all 3 generations) and always enjoyed having a sporty, affordable, efficient, highly maneuverable sports car.

I've also briefly owned a 2010 Prius (sold it promptly and vowed never to buy an automatic again...awesome car but I needed more involvement in my driving experience!)

The economy now dictates I can only own one car so my intent was to buy the CR-Z and try to satisfy my need to save fuel AND enjoy a sporty ride, all in ONE car.

I've had my CR-Z for five days now and have done only city driving, here are my impressions (in comparison to my Insight):


Highs:

-Slick modern looking car, inside and out!
-Solid structure and build quailty (the sound of the door closing still makes me smile)
-Awesome technology, ie: Voice Navi, bluetooth, cruise control etc... all new for me
-Feels sportier, more powerful and more planted than my Insight
-Even with tires inflated to 45psi, still a VERY complaint ride
-Quiet cabin
-Sound system (in the EX it comes with 360 watts, 7 speakers + subwoofer)


Lows:

-So far only getting 40 mpg in the city (altho I expected lower, I miss getting in the 50's)
-Ride is comfortable but exhibits too much roll in turns
.....um, that's all, so far!


So overall, I am extremely pleased with my purchase. I knew going into it that I would be giving up approx 10 mpg (in the city, where I do most my driving) but I also knew that I would be getting into a solidly built, good looking sporty looking car with all the bells and whistles that were previously unavailable to me.

Hope this helps anyone who is thinking of making this transition.

I must say though, that, I miss my Insight still, it will always be one of my most favorite cars, EVER!

[MN Driver]

I agree with you, it's definitely a great looking car. It's the best in the looks department for any hybrid. If it is better in the handling/fun category, than the Insight it might possibly be the best in the realm of hybrids for being a blast to drive, I figure if this and the 1st Gen Insight share the top that the Fusion Hybrid is probably close for its power but the Ford is too big of a car for my needs. 40mpg in the city doesn't sound so bad, better than I expected too. It seems the 2nd Gen Insight folks gets better MPGs as their cars break in a little, I'm wondering if you'll see the same, keep us posted.

As far as body roll goes, I have a feeling with this cars popularity that there will likely be an aftermarket option coming to those interested.

I really need to visit a Honda dealer and test drive one. I'm not in a position to buy one though so I'm a little hesitant to, I don't like wasting peoples time. If I knew it was one of those 'toss the keys' test drives, I'd be all over it but I have a feeling my luck would have someone in the car and I don't like dealing with salesman because I never buy on the first time I visit or try something, I'm not impulsive at all. I've done what they do and would hate to be on the other end of a no-sale test drive when the guy might have a chance to sell the car to the next person who walked by when he was in the car with me.

[Jivko57]

40 mpg in the city is not bad,
I drive mainly short distances lately, with some ac and my insight 1 gets on average ~ 44 mpg.

the battery pack is on its last leg and I get recals often, so this might be it, but yesterday i had a 50mile round trip with a lot of highways and got ~67mpg with not too much trying I was around 62 mph most of the time.

will be glad if you can post some feed back once you know what is the mpg on the highway.

I like the CR-Z also , but will miss the insight I if I have to change one day.

Is the Cr-z aluminum body also?

Your new CR-Z is a beauty!

[nupower]

Just an update...took the CR-Z on the freeway on a 120 mile trip, drove at 65-70 mph using cruise control the whole way and got 46mpg, keeping in mind that I am only on my second tank of gas, also keeping in mind I think I can do better without the criuse control on...maybe 50mpg will be possible in the future! He he...I really noticed how much more quiet and stable this car is on the freeway when compared to my Insight, it was a VERY pleasurable experience and looking forward to taking another roadtrip next week from LA to Sedona.

[motornature]

I had an Insight for 2 days, it was one of the slowest car I've ever driven, the CRZ is way better. More power + better looks = more fun. The manual trans helped a lot.

I was very pleasantly surprised by the space. I'm 6'3 and I had a lot of room for my head or legs. A great car for 2, and better than the Insight which has so little headroom in the back that it can"t fit as a family car.

[twilight]

Hyundai Veloster has a similar look CRZ but I like CRZ most.
My friend has crz and given below is track result. I think it is not bad.
Track Test Results
0-60 mph, mfr. claim (sec.) 8.5
1/4-mile, mfr. claim (sec. @ mph) 16.7 @ 115

[vmirjamali]

Can you tell me if the buckets in the back work well as seats in times of need or are they just there for putting things in?