[DGthe3]

It might be helpful if you explained why she likes the CR-Z. You mentioned she is concerned about fuel economy and reliability, which is fine. But she could get an Insight or Prius which have better fuel economy and you can actually look into their reliability (something thats impossible to do on a new model). Not that I recommend either of those other hybrids, but something to think about when those are the only two concerns she listed.

I'd recommend a Sonic or a Fiesta. The lower cost will more or less balance the loss in fuel economy. And I bet they'll be just as 'zippy' as the CR-Z is, despite the fact they're not supposed to be all that quick. Could go with a Cruze, but I think its going to be too different from the others to be a serious contender. I'm guessing she wants 'fun and efficient' and the Cruze doesn't exactly fit the bill. Its a good car sure, but probably not the type she is looking for.