# Help me pick out a car (Honda CR-Z vs. Mustang vs. ???) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 5, 2011, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533 "2011-08-05T03:00:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2011, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/21 "2011-08-05T22:39:27Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > The rear seat is deleted for the American market, 'cause it’s too small for us and our fat kids anyway, but IIRC you can have it back as a no-cost option. I could be wrong, but I don’t think it’s an option. I don’t think it has to do with it being too small for American tastes/sizes, I think it has to do with tougher safety standards. ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2011, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/22 "2011-08-05T22:46:03Z")
> [@Waterman](#): > > Not sure what you are looking for in terms of a “year round” car as the Mustang is a rear wheel drive, not very good in the winter, sorta car. Not a huge deal. The Fit is a front-wheel drive, and if it can’t get me there then I can just stay home. If I have a car that’s good in the snow people will expect me to go places when it snows. > [@](#): > > If you’re looking for “fun”, spending perhaps at least $25,000 then I would suggest looking at a Suzuki Impreza WRX. Four wheel drive with power galore that will “put a smile on your face”. Nice car, but they start at about $34K. I’d only consider that if I truly loved it. ---
**Author:** ![Renee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/renee/32/287_2.png) [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2011, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/23 "2011-08-05T22:51:38Z")
We’ve been really happy with our Scion TC. It’s quick and fun to drive, easy to get in a stick, great gas mileage (we’re getting 30+mpg), and has a backseat that is actually quite roomy along with a hatchback with excellent cargo room. Love it. ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2011, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/24 "2011-08-05T22:56:35Z")
> [@smithsb](#): > > Definitely drive the Miata (yeah - it’s supposed to be an MX- something or other). The Mazdaspeed 3 is a gas but not particularly efficient. It brings a real smile with your foot to the floor once you get used to the car’s desire to head away from the straight-and-narrow. The torque steer is reduced but still present. I’ll add it to the test drive list. > [@](#): > > Don’t know if used interests you? Only if I found something I couldn’t pass up. > [@](#): > > Should have asked if you drive a stick or a slushbox (yeah - they are better now). Another good question. I have never driven a stick full-time and haven’t at all in about ten years, but it seems like a shame to buy something sporty and not get a stick shift. > [@](#): > > Not real sexy looking but a VW Golf GTI is great drive. I would agree except that I’m kind of over VWs, especially considering the ridiculously expensive electrical problems mine has suddenly developed. I’m sure it’s no more likely to have such troubles than other cars, but after nine years with the Cabrio I’m ready for something new. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2011, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/25 "2011-08-05T23:01:36Z")
I loved my CR-X - the 80s version of the CR-Z. It got great mileage and I handled like a champ. I could drive it in any kind of weather, it never let me down. I have thought about getting the CR-Z as my next car, but I’m getting too old to get into a car that sits that low… I think I’m getting an old man’s car next time. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2011, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/26 "2011-08-05T23:03:19Z")
Mustang! I got one. A 2007 V6. I got it used, but it’s my first indulgence in the car owning arena. Before this I was driving a Kia ferchrissakes. It’s crazy fun to drive … a little steep on the gas expense, though. I’m thinking of trading up for a newer model. The 2008’s go something like 300 hp. Mine sports 208, I think. I’m not really a car guy, sorry. But I love my Mustang. ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2011, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/27 "2011-08-05T23:13:08Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > The rear seat is deleted for the American market, 'cause it’s too small for us and our fat kids anyway, but IIRC you can have it back as a no-cost option. I don’t think it is possible, but even if it were I wouldn’t do it. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve even had **CrazyCatLady** in my car in the past year, and it’s been years since I had anyone in the back. The more I think about it I’m leaning away from the CR-Z and toward the Mustang, but we’ll see after my test-driving marathon tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2011, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/28 "2011-08-05T23:21:55Z")
If you’re going to the Ford dealership anyway, consider taking out the Fiesta for a test-drive. If you also test-drive the CR-Z, I’m curious to hear your comparison. ---
**Author:** ![littlespeedysuperbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/53a042/32.png) [@littlespeedysuperbike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/littlespeedysuperbike)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/29 "2011-08-06T00:03:59Z")
The Honda S2000 has been out of production for about a year. New ones are still available at some dealers. If you like the steering, it might be the best car ever made. It’s immensely fun to drive due to what might be the greatest engine in a production car - a screaming 2.2 liter four making 245 horsepower, in a 2750-lb car. The chassis is great, gives you good seat-of-the-pants responses, and corners and brakes as hard as anything. You will hate the electronic dash for about five minutes, and love it forever. I wish my Honda motorcycle had one. They originally listed for $30,000 or so; the remaining new ones will probably be a little less. ---
**Author:** ![littlespeedysuperbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/53a042/32.png) [@littlespeedysuperbike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/littlespeedysuperbike)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/30 "2011-08-06T00:07:50Z")
The Mazdaspeed3 is a completely different kind of monster - complete freeway bomber, capable of hitting 140 MPH in a mile from a dead stop. They’re widely available. Same goes for the Subaru Impreza WRX (not the $5000-more STi). Other than that, if you want a Mustang, try a Bill Clinton Special - a grey or light blue convertible with a six cylinder, a manual, and no options. No distractions either, just a fun and stylish little car. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/31 "2011-08-06T00:08:00Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > Mustang! > > I got one. A 2007 V6. I got it used, but it’s my first indulgence in the car owning arena. Before this I was driving a Kia ferchrissakes. It’s crazy fun to drive … a little steep on the gas expense, though. I’m thinking of trading up for a newer model. The 2008’s go something like 300 hp. Mine sports 208, I think. > > I’m not really a car guy, sorry. But I love my Mustang. the new-ish 3.7 liter is both more powerful and more economical than that wheezing old 4.0 liter boat anchor. > [@littlespeedysuperbike](#): > > If you like the steering, it might be the best car ever made. It’s immensely fun to drive due to what might be the greatest engine in a production car - a screaming 2.2 liter four making 245 horsepower, in a 2750-lb car. that’s assuming you _want_ a screaming four-banger in your car. I despise them. ---
**Author:** ![littlespeedysuperbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/53a042/32.png) [@littlespeedysuperbike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/littlespeedysuperbike)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/32 "2011-08-06T00:16:22Z")
The entire Mazda coupe/sedan line should satisfy you. The 2 is the sportiest hatchback they make. No power (100 hp) but halfback agility. The RX8 has a real powerband like a 2-stroke dirtbike, and has the best steering and handling this side of a Lotus. Speaking of Lotuses - don’t drive one if you have anything like the means to own one, you will buy one as soon as you possibly can. ---
**Author:** ![littlespeedysuperbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/53a042/32.png) [@littlespeedysuperbike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/littlespeedysuperbike)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/33 "2011-08-06T00:21:25Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > the new-ish 3.7 liter is both more powerful and more economical than that wheezing old 4.0 liter boat anchor. > > that’s assuming you _want_ a screaming four-banger in your car. I despise them. It’s a “Honda Four” which should be said with the same reverence as “Porsche flat-six”, “Chevrolet V8”, or “Ferrari V12”. It screams because it’s supposed to; it hits the high notes other cars with 240 hp can’t; a 14-second quarter from a naturally aspirated four with a warranty in a 2750 lb car is something to be proud of. ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/34 "2011-08-06T01:09:26Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > Oh yeah BTW, from what I understand, the CR-Z’s A/C turns off when you’re stopped. Not sure if there’s a way to override that feature(?!?), but if there isn’t, there’s no way in hell I’d even consider that car. This was a little disconcerting to me at first as well. However, the A/C is only off for as long as Auto Stop is active, which is only active as long as your foot is on the brake under no acceleration. Lift your foot off the brake and the A/C fires up again. Basically, you’re talking a few seconds that the blower is not pushing the air through the system. The car doesn’t have time to ‘lose its cool’ (heh) before the air comes back on. ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/35 "2011-08-06T01:22:27Z")
> [@Khadaji](#): > > I loved my CR-X - the 80s version of the CR-Z. It got great mileage and I handled like a champ. I could drive it in any kind of weather, it never let me down. > > I have thought about getting the CR-Z as my next car, but I’m getting too old to get into a car that sits that low… I think I’m getting an old man’s car next time. Yep, that is one thing about the CR-Z that I’m still trying to get used to. I’m beginning to feel like I’m driving a low-rider preparing to chat up some hynas on the strip …ese. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/36 "2011-08-06T01:29:25Z")
> [@littlespeedysuperbike](#): > > It’s a “Honda Four” which should be said with the same reverence as “Porsche flat-six”, “Chevrolet V8”, or “Ferrari V12”. It screams because it’s supposed to; it hits the high notes other cars with 240 hp can’t; a 14-second quarter from a naturally aspirated four with a warranty in a 2750 lb car is something to be proud of. I’ll think what I like, thank you very much. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/37 "2011-08-06T01:33:47Z")
> [@Onomatopoeia](#): > > This was a little disconcerting to me at first as well. However, the A/C is only off for as long as Auto Stop is active, which is only active as long as your foot is on the brake under no acceleration. Lift your foot off the brake and the A/C fires up again. Basically, you’re talking a few seconds that the blower is not pushing the air through the system. The car doesn’t have time to ‘lose its cool’ (heh) before the air comes back on. I’m not clear on this. So does the A/C turn back on if you’re stopped and take it out of gear or put it in park with your foot off the brake? You say it’s only a few seconds, but what happens if you’re stuck in a traffic jam? I don’t know where you live, but around here even a few seconds of no A/C can be quite noticeable. Combine a whole bunch of repeated periods of no A/C, and it can quickly become unbearable. ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/38 "2011-08-06T02:40:56Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > I’m not clear on this. So does the A/C turn back on if you’re stopped and take it out of gear or put it in park with your foot off the brake? I’m pretty sure. I’ll have to go out and check though. Mine has a manual transmission, so I won’t be able to report how an automatic functions in this regard. > [@voltaire](#): > > You say it’s only a few seconds, but what happens if you’re stuck in a traffic jam? All I do is partially engage the clutch while lightly depressing the brake, just enough to keep the engine running and thereby the A/C, but not enough to actually propel the vehicle. Manual drivers do this all the time without thinking, so I’m not doing anything I don’t normally do anyway. However, once I disengage the clutch while depressing the brake all the way, Auto Stop kicks in and the A/C shuts off. > [@voltaire](#): > > I don’t know where you live, but around here even a few seconds of no A/C can be quite noticeable. Combine a whole bunch of repeated periods of no A/C, and it can quickly become unbearable. I’ll have to take your work for that. The only time Auto Stop kicks in for me is when I’m at a light, and I can even eliminate it then by following the procedure I wrote above. I actually like the Auto Stop feature. Then again, I’m a money-grubbin’ penny pincher who enters a fugue of satisfaction whenever Auto Stop kicks in as I imagine the fractions of cents I’m saving on gas each second as I sit, zen-like, rapt in utter quietude …until the light turns green. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Noodles\_Fellicini](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e36b37/32.png) [@Noodles\_Fellicini](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noodles_Fellicini)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/39 "2011-08-06T04:07:02Z")
If you can hold out one more month you can get a Hyundai Veloster. Interesting sporty looks, hatchy usefulness, good warranty, dual clutch transmission, 40 mpg and NOT a hybrid. Closer to a CR-X reincarnation than the CR-Z could dream of being. Yes, I will be replacing my still awesome 1995 Honda Accord LX with a Veloster, possibly the turbo version due out next spring. Or a MINI Paceman later in the year since we now have a dealer 2 1/2 hours away that provides pick-up/loaner service for $10 and several good MINI mechanics here in town. ---
**Author:** ![TurboNuke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f19dbf/32.png) [@TurboNuke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TurboNuke)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533/40 "2011-08-06T05:33:01Z")
I’m gonna say S2000 also. You can get a used one for under $20k. They are awesome cars. I love mine. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-out-a-car-honda-cr-z-vs-mustang-vs/591533.md?page=3)