Can a Honda CR-Z be Dolly towed behind an RV, if not why not?
I own a 2011 CR-Z and would like to dolly tow behind an RV. Why does Honda only recommend towing with all 4 wheels off the ground?
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2011 Honda CR-Z Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Whereas overseas the CR-Z offers 2+2 seating – in theory at least – here it’s a two-passenger, two-door hybrid hatchback. Its single powertrain, a 1.5-liter inline four paired with a brushless DC electric motor, is mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in both Base and EX trims. Inspired by the CR-X and derived from the Fit and Insight, the CR-Z aims to add sporting appeal to the hybrid arena.
The chassis is a truncated version of the Insight's, with a wheelbase chopped down more than 4.5 inches for a total of 95.8 in the CR-Z. Overall, the CR-Z measures 160.6 inches, and it stretches up to a 54.9-inch height, but despite these shrunken proportions, the CR-Z weighs within 100 pounds of the Insight, topping off at a curb weight in excess of 2,600 pounds.
With a combined power output of only 122 hp, don’t expect the CR-Z to define “sport” in the hybrid segment. At least its 128 lb-ft of torque – 123 if you choose the CVT – arrive at only 1,000 rpm and stay pretty constant until 5,000. Peak horsepower doesn’t show up until 6,000, but I wouldn’t stick around that long if I were you, as things get rather uncivilized after 5,000 rpm, and in the worst of ways. The engine is increasingly loud and unpleasant the further you push past the 5,000-rpm mark, enough that you’ll want to forgo the last grand of the powerband.
So high performance isn’t this hybrid’s forte. Honda has been gracious enough to offer three drive modes, selectable by push button on the dash. Normal, Sport and Econ modes illuminate the dash in blue, red or green accordingly. Each setting offers unique throttle, steering and power profiles that sadly range from “not that sporty” to “not that efficient.” Truly, EPA estimates for the CR-Z fail to impress, with 31/37 mpg for the six-speed manual and 35/39 for the CVT.
Project leader Norio Tomobe claims he used his BMW 325i as the benchmark for the feel of the CR-Z’s electric power steering system, and when in Sport mode, the steering feel is quite good, but falls far short of its benchmark. Normal and Econ modes provide noticeably different feels, but none combats the excessive roll and lean that are evident when attempting to actually drive the CR-Z in a sporting manner. No surprise here, as they made an effort to stiffen the chassis, but utilized the same suspension found under the Insight – MacPherson strut front and rear torsion beam. The rear suspension has been adjusted here, and both front and rear tracks have been widened, resulting in better handling than the Insight's, but again we’re falling far short of "sport." The same can be said for the hydraulic/regenerative braking system. It’s not bad, and in fact it’s entirely competent, but it’s certainly not sporty or even confidence-inspiring.
And don’t forget the disturbing blind spots to the rear corners, an unfortunate result of the car's dramatically sloping roofline.
In all, the CR-Z is an interesting foray into the sport-hybrid segment, but ultimately falls flat. A Mugen version will reportedly be out next year, and this will hopefully address at least the sport side of the equation, but I can’t imagine it’ll help the economic side as well. Meanwhile, best of luck to Honda as they look for a demographic that wants a mildly sporty, sort of efficient two-seat hatchback.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2011 Honda CR-Z
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Lone Jobber B
Feb 06, 2024
I really liked my 2010 Honda Insight, but the miles where getting a bit higher up after nearly a decade. Found this one with only a little higher than half the miles my Insight had when I bought it. Drives well, much higher mpg than it claims it does. Zippy fun little car.Feb 06, 2024
by Anonymous
Sep 05, 2023
Wonderful zippy , sporty eco appliance.
Great Honda quality and feel.Sep 05, 2023
by Bobby J
Jun 13, 2022
Great looking and driving car! Hybrid is a plus for great gas mileage. Car handles well and because it is a manual transmission, its just fun to drive!Jun 13, 2022
User rating:
by Lone Jobber B
Feb 06, 2024
I really liked my 2010 Honda Insight, but the miles where getting a bit higher up after nearly a decade. Found this one with only a little higher than half the miles my Insight had when I bought it. Drives well, much higher mpg than it claims it does. Zippy fun little car.Feb 06, 2024
by Anonymous
Sep 05, 2023
Wonderful zippy , sporty eco appliance.
Great Honda quality and feel.Sep 05, 2023
by Bobby J
Jun 13, 2022
Great looking and driving car! Hybrid is a plus for great gas mileage. Car handles well and because it is a manual transmission, its just fun to drive!Jun 13, 2022
by Anonymous
Apr 04, 2022
Very small, 2 seats. Cant upgrade to 4 seats without voiding insurance. Looks very different from the pictures shown. Apr 04, 2022
by Leon V
Mar 14, 2022
Great car ! LOVE everything about it other than low horsepower Mar 14, 2022
by Carl G
Jan 09, 2022
I think the car is of great value. I wanted a vehicle that got gas mileage. This one does that. Its also fun to drive!Jan 09, 2022
by Michael R
Aug 26, 2021
The fact that you can find a 6 seed manual and its a hybrid..
There is no car to compare it 2
But if you were to combine the CRX and the Insight.. you would get this carAug 26, 2021
by Scott W
Aug 03, 2021
I miss the CR-X but this is close. Like the CR-X it has really no backseat. Its a Honda. Change the oil replace the sparkplugs... Youre good Aug 03, 2021
by Mik B
Jul 22, 2021
Its Hondas reputation for reliability that you are buying into. Honda was also the first to mass produce hybrid technology cars. During my test drive of the CRZ with the VTEC transmission, I would some hesitation from a fully stopped position in the throttle response. Part of that likely due to the engine shutting down when coming to a full stop. Transmission was notibly smooth, since there is no gear changing. Rear visibility was poor, thus the reason for the back up camera. It makes for a good commuter car, it has a distinct look. Its gas mileage for a hybrid is not the best compared to others. Build quality is good though sheetmetal gauge is thin, you look at the car the wrong way it wil produce a dent. Overall, good car for commuting and banging around town.Jul 22, 2021
by Samuel H
Mar 27, 2021
Love this car so far, it can be fast and fun, but can also save you some fuel when you need it to be.Mar 27, 2021
by Peter S
Mar 18, 2021
Like 300z and like the zzzzzzi loveituea. Thank youMar 18, 2021
by frank r
Feb 02, 2021
Drives fast, quick and agile. Fun to drive Feb 02, 2021
by DJ D
Dec 28, 2020
It was great. I loved the car and the dash cluster was very nice and the car drove great. I wish it had back seats but the extra trunk space is definitely awesome. 10/10 bought the carDec 28, 2020
by Alfred W
Apr 24, 2015
This little Honda coupe looks great and makes driving fun. It has all the electronic gadgets one could wish for, shiftable automatic CVT transmission with Paddle shifters on steering wheel. Automatic climate control. 3 modes to choose from: Econ, Normal, Sport.
All this and great mpg - I get 50 mpg on the highway!Apr 24, 2015
by Anonymous
Nov 26, 2013
Great for a daily commuter. Fun to drive and has decent performance. I feel safe and in control driving it. Some blind spots while backing out of parking spots, so I added a reverse camera. Had more fun driving the CR X but this is a different time. Nov 26, 2013
by Nathan S
Jun 14, 2013
We bought this car as a second vehicle for my wife to drive in early to work. Fell in love with how it drives and ended up driving it more than our first car. Lots of heads turned out way whenever we drove it around town. I love how the seats hug you and it eliminated my wife's carsick feelings on curves. I would recommend this car for to anyone!Jun 14, 2013
by Markus S
Apr 06, 2012
cool looking,fuel saving car with a good overall use. Fun to drive, lots of people are turning head when you pass them. highspeed on german highway is around 205 Km/h enough for a hybrid... more then enough for USA :-)Apr 06, 2012
by Drake S
Feb 01, 2012
For a hybrid it has great acceleration, and handling. For good handling in
the snow and ice winter tires are a must. Overall it is a great car, that is
fun to drive, and I would encourage anyone that is looking for a car that
gets great fuel economy, and is fun to drive to go test drive a CR-Z you
will love it.Feb 01, 2012
by John L
Jan 12, 2012
The Peformance is Excellent from the little 1.5 litre petrol engine, with the little electric boosts from the Hybrid motor Seemless and giving the car a more sporty feel then any 1.5 litre car should have. The Interior is Excellent touches of the civic are visible, but it feels a special place where the driver is king. The seats are very very comfortable and the ride is low and smooth. The car even manages to accomodate my 6'4 frame, but I would suggest anyone my height or taller, should test out the car before buying. Also beware, the rear seats are only there for somthing to see over your shoulder (since there is little to be seen out the rear window, and even less when my Mugen Spoiler arrives) and hold little or no practical use.Jan 12, 2012
by Jabick P
Jan 04, 2011
cette voiture est tout ce qu'il y a de plus sportif . tout ce que je peux vous dire
cest que jai acheter cette voiture parce qu'elle était en nouveauté. it this a car fun
to drive donc je me permets de dire que cette voiture est importante.Jan 04, 2011
by Ian S
Dec 12, 2010
Awesome well packaged coupe that actually evokes the spirit of my old CRX-I wish Honda had a traditional gasoline engine or the European turbo diesel under the hood; I think I might be the first person to buy a hybrid that did not buy it for that reason.
This car is perfect for me-Thank you Honda! - I love my CRZ EX 6MT-it corners well, gets awesome gas mileage, looks cool as hell and is fun to drive. Just point it and aim-have fun rowing through the gears while getting great fuel economy. It reminds me of my CRX Si's from 86 and 91 in many ways (dashboard cubby from mk1, glass window on hatch mk2) with all of today's modern features-Bluetooth and a USB port for my IPOD and 3 different selectable driving modes I can chose from-economy car on the highway, normal in the city and Sport for back country roads make this 3 cars in one. The UPSHIFT/DOWNSHIFT lights are not annoyingly bright like I've experienced in other cars, and I try to get as many leaves on the tree as possible by driving efficiently. I look forward to many years with my CRZ; Thanks Honda!
Either way, I look forward to years of enjoyment with this baby.Dec 12, 2010
by Marc K
Aug 26, 2010
Inexpensive commuter car with gas savings and a little zip to get you along. Not a replacement for a sports car, but a good gas alternative for the daily grind. The three modes; Sport, Normal, Econ are fun to switch around. Rear view mirror and view out rear are pretty useless, but car is fun to drive and looks loads better than the other gas saver cars in it's price range.Aug 26, 2010
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Have you driven a 2011 Honda CR-Z?Compare this car
2011 Honda CR-Z Pricing
Original MSRP
$19,345 to $22,705Price range
$6,988 to $7,630Average price on CG
$7,122YoY price change
$7,576 to $7,122Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Cargo area: easy clean floor · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: in dash · Vanity mirrors: driver
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.11
Engine
EV battery capacity: 0.6 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 13 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 10 · Electric Motor Torque: 58 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 113 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 107 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4800
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Roof
Sunroof: fixed glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Diameter: 17 · Profile: 45 · Type: all season · Width: 205
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 360 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area: easy clean floor · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in dash · Vanity mirrors: illuminated driver
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.20
Engine
EV battery capacity: 0.6 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 13 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 10 · Electric Motor Torque: 58 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 113 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 107 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4800
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: fixed glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 17 · Profile: 45 · Type: all season · Width: 205
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 360 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area: easy clean floor · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in dash · Vanity mirrors: illuminated driver
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.11
Engine
EV battery capacity: 0.6 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 13 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 10 · Electric Motor Torque: 58 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 113 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 107 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4800
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Roof
Sunroof: fixed glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 17 · Profile: 45 · Type: all season · Width: 205
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer