2013 Honda CR-Z

2013 Honda CR-Z Overview

Is the 2013 Honda CR-Z a Good Used Car?

If a two-seater suits your lifestyle, the Honda CR-Z is a very good choice. It delivers better fuel economy than most cars this size, is more fun to drive than rival hybrids, and comes with respectable reliability and safety ratings.

Used 2013 Honda CR-Z Performance and Interior

Components of the CR-Z's hybrid powertrain include a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery. The CR-Z's EPA-rated fuel economy of 35 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway is above average for a small car, but it falls below fuel sippers like the Toyota Prius c and Honda Civic Hybrid. In addition to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), some CR-Zs come with a six-speed manual transmission. That's unusual for a hybrid, and Honda's enjoyable manual gearbox will put a grin on any sporty driver's face. Nimble handling and responsive steering also make this front-wheel-drive car more entertaining to drive than most hybrids.

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The CR-Z holds two people in its sole row. The seats are cushy and spacious, and they feature sport-style bolstering for added comfort. Visibility out of the rear is poor, making the standard rearview camera a welcome addition. No seating upgrades – such as leather upholstery or heated seats – are available.

Standard features include Bluetooth phone connectivity, a USB port, an auxiliary jack, and a six-speaker sound system. Controls are conveniently located, and you can view useful vehicle information on the customizable display. The available navigation system comes with a multi-angle rearview camera, Bluetooth streaming for audio, and Pandora compatibility.

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Used 2013 Honda CR-Z Prices

The base price of a 2013 CR-Z starts at $10,000, which is slightly below average in our ranking of the best subcompact cars. Expect to pay about $300 more for a CVT-equipped model, while the range-topping Honda CR-Z EX has an average price of $11,000. Keep in mind that used CR-Z prices fluctuate based on vehicle mileage, condition, and location.

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We Did the Research for You: 41 Reviews Analyzed

Our goal is to make shopping for your next car as easy as possible. You'll find everything you need to know in our comprehensive Honda CR-Z review. It combines concrete data (like fuel economy estimates, horsepower specs, and cargo space dimensions) with 41 professional reviews.

Why You Can Trust Us

The Best Cars team – a division of U.S. News & World Report – has been reviewing cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007. With more than 75 years of combined automotive experience, our editors, writers, and analysts rank a wide variety of new and used cars and issue three annual awards: Best Cars for the Money, Best Cars for Families, and Best Vehicle Brands. To keep our recommendations unbiased, we decline expensive gifts from carmakers, and a third party handles our advertising.

How Reliable Is the 2013 Honda CR-Z?

CR-Zs are expected to be more reliable than the average used car, with a J.D. Power score of 3.5 out of five. Still, they don't rate as high as a Toyota Prius c or Honda Fit.

See CR-Z reliability scores »

How Safe Is the CR-Z?

The 2013 CR-Z earned top scores in every Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test, and it was named a Top Safety Pick. Every model includes a rearview camera with guidelines. This is upgraded to a multi-view camera in CR-Zs outfitted with the optional navigation system.

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Is the 2013 CR-Z the Best Model Year to Buy?

Yes, the 2013 CR-Z is the best model year to buy. Honda refreshed the CR-Z for 2013, making a number of improvements. These changes included a peppier hybrid powertrain, more standard features, and updated styling. For the best value, we recommend shopping for a 2013 or newer model. A few changes were made in 2014 and 2015, but the 2013 CR-Z will save you the most money without sacrificing merit.

Compare the 2013, 2014, and 2015 CR-Z »

Which Used Honda CR-Z Is Right for Me?

You'll spend almost the same amount of money whether you are buying a Honda CR-Z Base or the uplevel Honda CR-Z EX. Of the two, the best value is the well-equipped, slightly less expensive base model. Essentials such as cruise control and power windows are included, as are Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, automatic climate control, a six-speaker audio system, a rearview camera display with guidelines, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The EX models look sportier all-around and feature fog lights, aluminum pedals and shift knob, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a premium seven-speaker sound system. The optional navigation system is only available in the EX trim level.

Consider purchasing a certified pre-owned Honda CR-Z if owning a hybrid makes you nervous. Honda extends its original new-car limited powertrain warranty to seven years or 100,000 miles for all certified pre-owned models, and it extends the new-car non-powertrain warranty to four years or 48,000 miles. If the CPO Honda you purchase is more than four years old or has more than 48,000 miles, you’ll receive a one-year/12,000-mile non-powertrain limited warranty. Honda CPO vehicles must pass a 182-point inspection. Additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance may be available, so read Honda’s warranty page carefully. The model's original sale date determines whether it is eligible for the CPO program.

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Read more about the Honda certified pre-owned program »

2013 Honda CR-Z and Other Cars to Consider

Which Is Better: 2013 Honda CR-Z or 2013 Honda Insight?

The Insight and CR-Z are both Honda hybrids, but they are aimed at very different lifestyles. With its seating for five and higher fuel economy rating, the Insight is a better choice if you have a family or a long commute. If you're a solitary driver or part of an active duo, the sportier CR-Z and its larger hatchback will serve you better.

Which Is Better: 2013 Honda CR-Z or 2013 Prius c?

When it comes to lowering your fuel costs, the Toyota Prius c easily beats the CR-Z. It earns an EPA-estimated 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway. Other advantages with the Prius c include seating for five and a perfect reliability score. Skip this hybrid, however, if driving enjoyment is important to you.

Which Is Better: 2013 Honda CR-Z or 2013 Hyundai Veloster?

Overall, the Hyundai Veloster isn't as good of a car as the CR-Z. It comes up short in crash test and reliability ratings, prompting an automatic disqualification for shoppers seeking a trustworthy small car. And though the Veloster has an available turbocharged engine, its performance generally isn't very exciting. Additionally, the Veloster's fuel economy, while good for a nonhybrid, can't quite match the CR-Z's ratings.

Compare the CR-Z, Insight, and Prius c »