Why was the CR-Z discontinued?
The Honda CR-Z, a sporty hybrid coupe, was discontinued in 2016 after just six years on the market. The primary reasons for the CR-Z's discontinuation were its lackluster sales performance and its inability to meet the evolving consumer demand for more practical and efficient hybrid vehicles.
Declining Sales and Lack of Market Fit
When the CR-Z was first introduced in 2010, it was marketed as a "sporty hybrid" that combined the performance of a compact coupe with the fuel efficiency of a hybrid powertrain. However, the car struggled to find a significant customer base. The CR-Z's sales numbers were consistently low, with annual U.S. sales never exceeding 6,000 units. This was far below Honda's initial sales projections and expectations for the model.
One of the key reasons for the CR-Z's lack of market success was its positioning. While it was marketed as a sporty hybrid, the car's performance and driving dynamics were not as engaging as many consumers had hoped. The CR-Z's hybrid powertrain, which combined a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, produced just 130 horsepower, limiting its performance capabilities. This made the car feel underpowered, especially compared to other sporty coupes on the market.
Shift in Consumer Preferences
The discontinuation of the CR-Z also coincided with a broader shift in consumer preferences towards more practical and efficient hybrid vehicles. As the hybrid market matured, buyers increasingly sought out models that offered greater passenger and cargo space, as well as improved fuel economy.
- The rise of hybrid SUVs and crossovers, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid, became more appealing to consumers than the compact and sporty CR-Z.
- Consumers also gravitated towards hybrid versions of popular sedans and hatchbacks, which provided the practicality and efficiency they desired without sacrificing interior space.
In the face of these market trends, the CR-Z's niche positioning as a sporty hybrid coupe became increasingly less relevant and appealing to the majority of hybrid buyers.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Honda CR-Z was the result of a combination of factors, including its consistently low sales performance and the shifting consumer preferences towards more practical and efficient hybrid vehicles. While the CR-Z offered a unique blend of sportiness and hybrid technology, it ultimately failed to resonate with a broad enough customer base to justify its continued production.
Why did Honda stop making the CR500?
2001 was the last year of the CR500 then Honda discontinued them. This was due to the AMA 500 motocross races which were discontinued back in 1993. There was no longer a designated motocross race for the bike to be in so Honda didn't pay as much attention to the CR500 anymore.
Does the Honda CR-Z have a timing belt or chain?
The timing chain replacement interval for the CR-Z (ZF) 1.5 IMA (ZF1) is once every 150.000 km.
Is the Honda CR-Z good or bad?
Honda is known for its reputation for making reliable and durable vehicles. It certainly applies to the Honda CR-Z. RepairPal says the Honda CR-Z is the 12th most reliable subcompact car out of 21 models from other brands.
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.
Can a CRV last 20 years?
With proper care, you can expect the CR-V to last 15 to 20 years, depending on driving conditions and maintenance. Honda has earned a reputation for building durable vehicles, and the CR-V is no exception. Regular maintenance is key to reaching this impressive lifespan.
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.
Why did they stop making Honda CR-Z?
Discontinuation. 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.
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.
Why did the 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 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.
