Honda CVT??

[x97labelle]

We are considering looking at the new CRZ when it comes out. My wife will only drive an auto, and the CRZ has Hondas CVT in it. I have been doing some research and see some issues with the early 2000's CVT's. Has this transmission improved? Where can I get some unbiased info on this.

We just got rid of our Mini because of BMW's poor CVT in that car.

 

[bepperb]

It's been in the Civic Hybrid since 06, it gets the normal complaints most CVT trannys get, which is more personal preference than anything else. Plus, that will be multiplied by the weirdness of driving any hybrid. I think you'll have to drive one to have an opinion. If longevity is your concern, there haven't been any complaints I've heard.

 

[EricF]

I think the mfgr's got the bugs worked out of the CVT systems.. the one in the saturn Ion seems pretty darn good.. as long as you use the saturn fluid thus far..

 

[shrooms]

Had the CVT since 2001 and no issues.

 

[barlowc]

Here's a thread from not too long ago discussing CVTs in general:

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/posts/1849246/

I have a 2008 Nissan Altima with a CVT and love the way it drives.

 

[The Critic]

Nissan seems to be the only one who can get CVTs right, and even then, it is on the V6 models do they actually have good driveability.

 

[saaber1]

If it is the same tranny as used in the civic hybrid, I would avoid it at all costs. I drove one of those on a long trip once and it was the worst car I have ever driven. And I have owned over 400 cars, so I've had some pretty bad ones. The constant noise and revving up but going nowhere fast just got on my nerves. If I never get into one of those cars again it will be too soon.

Jeremy clarkson's review of the insight mirrored my impressions exactly (in terms of the nightmarish driving experience):

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article6294116.ece

 

[rjundi]

They offer a 6 speed manual which peaked my interest in the car.

 

[x97labelle]

I guess I need to clarify. I am looking for info on reliability. Not driveability. Our mini had a cvt and we had no problems with how it drove. It was a little different to get used to at first with the rubber band-like power delivery but overall functioned very well. The reason we got rid of it was the proliferation of reading I did on how prone to failure they were and that they were $5,000-8,000 to replace. BMW only used this transmission until 2006 then bailed on it.

Now I would love to look at a 6 speed manual but my wife refuses to learn. So what I am really looking for is some knowledge on if Honda has got the bugs worked out of their CVT.

It seems Nissan had some issues early on, especially with the murano probably because it was such a heavy car for a cvt. I have also found some info on early honda cvt's in the civic hybrid and some shuddering issues.

I am assuming since the CRZ transmission is the same used in the Honda Fit that this means Honda has confidence in the longevity of this transmission.

 

[Schmoe]

Longevity wise, you'll be OK. Getting use to a CVT may take some time and maybe your wife might not like it. See if you can rent one first and play around with it to see if she'll like it.

 

[x97labelle]

Her Mini was a CVT, we liked it just fine.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: x97labelle
I am assuming since the CRZ transmission is the same used in the Honda Fit that this means Honda has confidence in the longevity of this transmission.


Honda Fit uses a 5-speed automatic, not CVT. The only Honda vehicles with a CVT right now sre their hybrids.

I definitely would not buy the CVT. Honda's reliability history with the CVT has not been great, and they have not done anything to prove that something has changed.

At least with Nissan, the warranty on the CVT has been extended to 10/120k. That isn't the case for Honda.

 

[rationull]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: x97labelle
I am assuming since the CRZ transmission is the same used in the Honda Fit that this means Honda has confidence in the longevity of this transmission.


Honda Fit uses a 5-speed automatic, not CVT. The only Honda vehicles with a CVT right now sre their hybrids.



The Fit is available with a CVT in lots of other markets (besides US I mean). Not sure if it's the same one as the Insight/CR-Z but it wouldn't surprise me.