2011 Honda CR-Z

Pros: Good handling

Cons: Price
Fuel economy
Acceleration
Interior Space
Seats Two

Summary: Honda's new CR-Z can be considered Honda's answer to the Smart Car and while the CR-Z is about $4k more expensive than the Smart both cars are relatively similar. Both the Smart and CR-Z have about the same fuel economy of 36mpg. Both the Smart and CR-Z are very nimble in terms of handling. Both the Smart and CR-Z seat only two people. The differences begin with visibility. The Smart has all around better visibility than the CR-Z and that's the only category where it beats the CR-Z hands down. The CR-Z has much better trunk space and you can actually do some grocery shopping where as in the Smart, you might fit two frozen pizzas in the back. The CR-Z's acceleration may be dull beyond belief (10+ sec), but it will beat the Smart's 0-60 time by about 3 seconds.

Overall, the CR-Z can be considered a car that does nothing well. It's hybrid fuel economy leaves much to be desired and it's performance is equally lack-luster.

In the battle for worst of the worst, the Smart Car can still be considered the worst car for the money. Honda's CR-Z is not too far away though and when the Smart finally gets thrown out of the American market, it will be the CR-Z that holds the worst of the worst title.

If you want to do yourself a favor, buy a Mazda Speed 3 for about the same money as a CR-Z. It might not get the same fuel economy as the CR-Z but it definitely out perform most of the cars on the road.