Overview & Reviews
When the Honda Insight two-door hybrid-powered hatchback first arrived on American shores, few people knew what to make of it. Dwarfed by the day's massive SUVs, this two-seater's oddball styling made it look as if it came off the set of a futuristic movie. Little did we know that it really was the car of the future -- thanks to the volatility of gas prices in the following years, hybrids soon became prized for their superior fuel economy. However, while the original Insight was remarkably fuel-efficient, it ultimately lacked the practicality found both in "real cars" and Toyota's four-door Prius.
Years later, Honda revived the Insight name, determined to rectify the original Insight's shortcomings. Like the first Insight, the current-generation model combines a small gas engine with an electric motor that's powered by a battery pack. The current powertrain falls short of its predecessor's impressive 60-plus-mpg potential on the highway, but the second-generation Insight is a superior car in all other respects. Its convenient four-door hatchback design provides decent cargo space and a tight but usable rear seat, and it still returns around 40 mpg combined. Compared to other modern hybrids like the Ford C-Max and Toyota Prius, however, the latest Insight comes up short in fuel economy, features and overall refinement.
Current Honda Insight
The latest Honda Insight, a four-door hybrid hatchback with seating for five, is available in base, LX and uplevel EX trim. Standard equipment for the base model includes 15-inch steel wheels, antilock brakes, stability control, automatic climate control and a two-speaker sound system. The LX adds cruise control, four speakers for the sound system and an iPod/USB audio interface. The EX comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, steering-wheel audio controls and six speakers. The EX can also be equipped with a navigation system (that includes a rearview camera) and Bluetooth.
Under the Insight's hood is Honda's familiar Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. IMA starts with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 88 horsepower and 88 pound-feet of torque that's supplemented by an electric motor that kicks in when needed to add another 13 hp and 58 lb-ft. A nickel-metal hydride battery pack keeps the electric motor whirring, and regenerative braking helps keep the battery pack charged. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) directs the power plant's output to the Insight's front wheels.
In reviews, we've found that the current Honda Insight delivers on the promise of miserly fuel economy. However, that fuel economy is still below what rivals like the C-Max and Prius achieve. Other downsides to the Insight include an unsophisticated ride, mediocre rear seat room and elevated amounts of road noise.
Used Honda Insight Models
When the current second-generation Insight debuted in 2010, it was only offered in LX and EX trim levels. The base trim was added the following year. Notable updates occurred for 2012 and included refreshed front and rear styling, more sound insulation, a bit more rear seat headroom (via a reconfigured rear seat), a redesigned gauge cluster and an updated navigation system (with rearview camera). Since then the Insight has been unchanged.
The first-generation Honda Insight was produced from 2000-'06. It was powered by a 1.0-liter inline three-cylinder engine that put out 67 hp. A lightweight electric motor supported the gas engine with low-end torque and provided extra power under acceleration. Combined, the IMA hybrid system was rated at 73 hp and 91 lb-ft of torque when coupled to the five-speed manual transmission. The optional CVT dropped these figures a bit.
Available in just one trim, the Insight came standard with full power accessories and a CD player. Automatic climate control (with air-conditioning) was optional, and many Insights had a dealer-installed CD changer in the hatch area.
In reviews, we found that the original Honda Insight wasn't very practical as a daily driver. It had a small cargo area, a paltry 365-pound payload capacity, a battery pack that drained fairly easily and rather pokey acceleration. The first Insight was also plagued by excessive road noise at highway speeds, and its ride was uncomfortably stiff. With regard to maximum fuel efficiency, though, the original Insight certainly delivered the goods -- manual-transmission models were EPA rated at 52 mpg in mixed driving, and 60 mpg or more was quite feasible in highway driving.
As a used hybrid, a first-generation Honda Insight could make sense for a buyer keen on the car's high fuel economy and distinctive look and willing to put up with the car's faults. Based on our own experience and anecdotal evidence, reliability for first-generation Insights should be similar to that of other Honda products. Since the Insight didn't change much over the years, shoppers can likely pay more attention to actual condition or mileage than model year.
User Reviews:
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Driving 100 Miles a Day - 2010 Honda Insight
By Rick from Woodstock - August 19 - 3:22 pmIve had my Insight for less than a month, but I drive 100 miles every weekday and Ive already driven on highways, in mountains, and in NY City. I feel I can now rave about how much I love this car (and not just because my monthly gasoline bill will be half of my gas bill for the 2000 VW Golf I traded in). Others in these reviews have complained about the auto stop feature, but Im a fan. I like the idea that my engine isnt idling for no reason when Im sitting at a long red light. The first time it happens you might thing you have stalled, but by the second time it happens, it just seems cool.
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Major concern - 2010 Honda Insight
By Mr Ski - August 18 - 8:45 amGreat car except for the poor illumination of the low beam projector- beam halogen headlights especially on dark secondary roads! Recommend checking before buying if I had, doubt if I would have bought it!
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Fun To Drive - 2010 Honda Insight
By Bankie - August 17 - 4:08 amThe A/C only turns off at stop when in ECON mode. When ECON mode is off, the A/C functions at a stop. A/C is cold. Love the dash/gauges, hate the cheap plastics used on the interior. Scratch easily, very cheap. Feels like an economy car but at 20+k for the base model thats kind of lame. Almost no sound proofing, $400 optional usb connector (seriously?) They shouldve thrown it in. Cross country drives are a drag as the engine is low torque so you spend the gas youd save putting your foot through the floor to climb hills.
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Great For People Doing Lot of Commuting - 2010 Honda Insight
By Officer Moore - August 15 - 1:01 pmThis car delivers with its great gas mileage and smart designs. I am getting an average of 38 to 40 mpg/city, and 46 to 48/hwy with combined (my actual daily travel) of 44.8 to 45.7 mpg. Love the ease of use and location of controls. Tons of storage space and love the use of every nook and cranny. Only downside is location 12 v plug and could use move in cockpit area and in hatchback area. Have not found good way to mount my 80 gb creative lab mp3 player. Cup holders locations are one of the worst features. Less road noise would be a plus. Loved this Honda so much, bought a 2007 Ridgeline with 40k miles (certified pre-owned) the next day!
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Disappointed - 2010 Honda Insight
By Disappointed - August 14 - 2:18 pmI really, really loved this car until this morning. I was waxing my car and trying to polish out what I thought was water spots. On closer inspection it was obvious that the paint was chipping in radial patterns all over the hood of my car. Worst paint job ever. Dont buy this car if you have expectations of a paint lasting over three months.
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Best Car I Ever Bought! - 2010 Honda Insight
By Rocky - August 12 - 9:24 pmIve owned this car for over a year, now. Gets better MPG than I expected. Have never gotten below 40MPG. Car looks good when I first bought it, other cars would irritate me by getting in front of me and slowing down, then switching lanes until I realized they were checking out my car. I have no complaints thus far. I only wonder how long the battery will last. I really love this car!
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Very pleased so far - 2010 Honda Insight
By EFC - August 12 - 9:04 pmI have only had my Insight for about a week but so far I am really enjoying it. It gets really good gas mileage and I think the car is a good value for the money. I have the LX and it is not a "Luxury" vehicle by any stretch of the imagination but it is cute and comfortable. The back seat is roomy enough for normal sized adults to sit comfortably. Next time might try the EX because it has a few more whistles and bells. All in all a great car.
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Bugs in design better than expected MPG - 2010 Honda Insight
By Bird Dog - August 11 - 5:14 pmThe Insight is extremely fun to drive. Our average MPG is also much better than the EPA report, 46-48 on every tank.
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Affordable hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
By Paul Yuen - August 8 - 12:24 amGood hybrid car with very affordable price tag ($22K with tax!), a little slow in pick up from stop light traffic,jirky at corners, especially in "Econo" mode, suggest use "S" gear for faster and responding pick up in stop and go traffic, uphill etc (Auto stop will shut off)overall it is a good hybrid car drive in town.
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15 month update - 2010 Honda Insight
By hunter20ga - August 5 - 12:58 pmIve had my Insight EX for nearly 15 months, now. Ive taken a 2,000 mile trip through the Montana Rockies in it with my son and daughter-in-law as well as driven around town on a daily basis in temperatures from over 100 to colder than -25 F. For the past 4500 miles Ive averaged 44.3 mph, and Im no hypermiler. I rode in the backseat more than half the time when traveling with my son and daughter-in-law, and had no problems with room or seat comfort. While I find the car to be quiet in most circumstances, I will admit that going up long mountain slopes tended to produce significant engine noise, but not enough to stop conversations between front and back seats. Its a good car.
