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Why did Honda discontinue CR-Z?

Honda has discontinued the CR-Z, its sporty hybrid coupe, after a relatively short production run from 2010 to 2016. The CR-Z was intended to be a modern interpretation of the popular Honda CR-X hatchback from the 1980s and 1990s, but it ultimately failed to gain traction with consumers.


Reasons for the CR-Z's Discontinuation


There are several key reasons why Honda decided to discontinue the CR-Z:



  • Lackluster Sales Performance - The CR-Z never managed to sell in high volumes, with global sales peaking at around 20,000 units per year. This was well below Honda's expectations for the model.

  • Compromised Driving Dynamics - While the CR-Z was marketed as a "sporty hybrid," its hybrid powertrain and focus on efficiency meant it lacked the performance and driving excitement of the original CR-X. This disappointed many enthusiasts.

  • Changing Consumer Preferences - The rise of crossovers and SUVs in the 2010s meant consumers were less interested in small, sporty hatchbacks like the CR-Z. Buyers were gravitating towards more practical, utility-focused vehicles.

  • Competition from Other Hybrids - As hybrid technology became more mainstream, the CR-Z faced stiff competition from other hybrid models that offered better fuel efficiency, more interior space, and similar or better performance.


Ultimately, the CR-Z's niche positioning and compromised design meant it struggled to find a large enough customer base to justify its continued production. Honda decided to discontinue the model in 2016 to focus on other, more successful products in its lineup.


Lessons Learned for Honda


The discontinuation of the CR-Z provided some valuable lessons for Honda:



  • Balancing Performance and Efficiency - The CR-Z's attempt to blend sporty driving dynamics with hybrid efficiency proved challenging. Future hybrid models will need to better prioritize one or the other.

  • Aligning with Consumer Trends - Honda misjudged the market shift towards crossovers and SUVs, leading to poor sales for the CR-Z. Staying attuned to changing consumer preferences is crucial.li>
  • Differentiating from Competition - As hybrid technology became more widespread, the CR-Z failed to stand out from other, more practical hybrid options. Developing unique selling points is key.li>

These lessons will help guide Honda's future product development as it continues to navigate the evolving automotive landscape.

What were the worst years for the Honda CR-V?


Worst Honda CR-V Model Years
The 2007 and 2008 models had their share of troubles, including engine stalling and power steering failures, which could compromise the vehicle's drivability and safety. The 2011 CR-V had a range of issues, from air conditioning malfunctions to problematic locks and power steering.



How many miles will a CR-Z last?


How long do Honda CR-Zs last? You can expect your Honda CR-Z to survive around 250,000 miles, which offers a little over a decade of ownership. High mileage for the vehicle is around 200,000 miles and good mileage over 150,000 miles.



What year Honda CR-Z to avoid?


Here are the least reliable years from the Honda CR-Z: 2011 Honda CR-Z. 2014 Honda CR-Z. 2015 Honda CR-Z.



Why did the Honda CR-Z fail?


The Honda CR-Z was touted as the driver's hybrid with sporty driving dynamics, a design nodding to the iconic Honda CRX, and stellar fuel economy. There was only one problem as the production car wasn't that sporty, that economical, or all that practical.



What is high mileage for a Honda CR-Z?


What Is a Good Mileage for a Honda CR-Z? A standard Honda CR-Z will last around 250,000 miles and high mileage for the vehicle is above 200,000 miles. Thus, good mileage for the Honda CR-Z is around 150,000-180,000 miles.



What is the best year CR-V to buy?


In summary, the best years for the Honda CR-V include the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020 model years. Each of these years offers a unique combination of advanced technology, safety features, fuel efficiency, and reliability.



Are Honda CR-Z expensive to repair?


The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Honda CR-Z is $430, compared to an average of $456 for subcompact cars and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.



What replaced the CR-Z?


On June 17, 2016, Honda announced that the CR-Z would be discontinued at the end of the year to make room for the Accord Hybrid and Clarity.



Why was the Honda CR-Z discontinued?


Its niche positioning as a sporty hybrid coupe meant that it catered to a specific audience. Eventually, the CR-Z was discontinued. Sales numbers were less robust than Honda might have hoped. In many markets, especially in the United States, the sales figures were below expectations.



How much is insurance for Honda CR-Z?


Compare Honda CR-Z insurance rates by model year

Model YearAverage Monthly CostAverage 6-Month Cost
Honda CR-Z 2022$47$283
Honda CR-Z 2021$47$283
Honda CR-Z 2020$47$283
Honda CR-Z 2019$47$283


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.