Honda CR-Z

The CR-Z is a combination of two things I don't like: hybrids and Hondas. Yet despite those two faults, I do like the new CR-Z.

It looks great. While it may just be a little hatchback, it stands out in a world full of bland economy cars. Big wheels and a modern design make this Honda a true head turner.

The CR-Z strays from the path of the boring hybrid. It's not designed simply to use a small amount of fuel. It's also designed to be fun.

The CR-Z is the first hybrid ever to come with a manual transmission. That is a good sign that it is meant to be enjoyed. It's got four wheel disc brakes and a nice 1.5 liter, 4-cylinder gas-electric hybrid motor. It only produces 122 horsepower but as usual with Honda engines, it makes the most of the power it has by revving to 6000 rpm. 

Seems great then. It's good to drive, economical, good looking, and at $19,200, it's cheap too.

At this point, I was going to say that there are lots of better buys for nineteen grand, but there really aren't any. If I didn't care about buying American, I'd have a tough time walking away from the CR-Z. It makes the Prius look pretty lame. That's partly because the Prius is lame, buy also because the CR-Z really is a good car.