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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  Great Hybrid! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Black 2010 Insight - January 13 - 12:50 am

  Of the hybrids Ive driven (Prius, Camry, Highlander, Civic), this drives the most like a "standard" vehicle. You will notice when the engine shuts off when stopped, or the regenerative breaking, but its not nearly as obvious as in other vehicles. This car is smooth, handles great (compared to the Prius, which is a great car, but drives like a toaster- oven on wheels), and relatively quiet. It also has pretty good power for a hybid -- the pick-up is there when you need to accelerate quickly.

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  Favorite Car to Drive - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Edmond - November 6 - 9:48 pm

  I purchased the CVT and have not regretted the purchase at all. I get an average of 52 mpg in LA with stop/go/AC. The car had 80,000 existing miles but Hondas extended warranty (150K) for the battery as well as the Honda Care extended warranty (7yr/100K) has taken care of any concerns. I enjoy the car so much that I will be selling my other car because I no longer drive it. Looking forward to the release of the 2009 Insight.

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  What Noisy Ride? - 2010 Honda Insight
  By David Moore - October 27 - 12:46 am

  I was looking for an "adult" ride to replace my 05 Vibe. This is less expensive than the Vibe was, and is a delightful, crisp handling, and (compared to the Vibe) quiet. I love this thing. All in all a really classy vehicle for the price.

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  The Hallelujah Hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By hunter20ga - September 22 - 9:43 pm

  The Honda Insight makes you want to shout "hallelujah!" Finally, a hybrid with vigor! No one will confuse this car with the sporty Civic Si, but neither will you feel left in the dust at every stoplight in normal traffic. The Insight is responsive, fun to drive, and easy on the eyes. The interior is competitive in the price range. Seats could be upgraded some, though, with more adjustment for both driver and front passenger. Expect to beat the EPA ratings...my first 500 miles (about 65% highway and 35% city) yielded a nice 46.5 mpg, even with a strong quartering wind for the last 125 miles that knocked about a mile per gallon off the trips average.

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  Exceptional Car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By JA - August 24 - 10:23 pm

  Car has performed flawlessly - I have averaged 48.1 mpg on combined city/hwy driving which surprised me as the car is only rated at 40 city / 43 hwy.

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  Fun To Drive! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Chris - June 30 - 7:50 am

  The driving experience is very engaging thanks to a well designed informative display, and crisp responsive handling. If you are transitioning from a manual, the paddle shifters, tach and detailed display make driving just as interesting. Eco feedback is a good feature, 48 MPG so far after 500 miles of an even mix of highway/city. CVT shifting is smooth and braking is natural. Seats are comfortable and inner room is great for a car of its size, 510 friend could sit comfortably in rear. For me this car beat the Prius on style, interior design and the peppy driving feel, the lower price was just a bonus.

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  New Insight Owner - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Gibbey - June 21 - 8:53 am

  Ive never owned a new car, and also didnt think Id really be able to afford a hybrid anytime soon. However, the Honda Insight is a very comfortable and response gas-saver, and the features are incredibly well done. This is a very affordable ride for your normal commuter, and in going through my 90+ miles/day, I have to say the 2010 Insight is fantastic.

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  Great Small Eco Car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By crv139 - June 7 - 10:23 pm

  Great little car. Its no sports car by it gets you to drive in the most eco way and save you money on gas. Its a cool looking car that has a lot of features for the price. This vehicle will not cost you that much to operate. So the money you save from this vehicle you can go out and buy your sports car.

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  Very Pleased - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Ben - June 4 - 6:03 pm

  I knew I wanted a hybrid and did a LOT of research. It came down to the new Prius or the Insight. I went with the Insight and am very happy so far. The Insight is a lot of fun to drive. It feels really light, turns tight, and feels sporty. Pickup is surprisingly good considering the engine size. Cargo area is good. Some reviewers said road noise is bothersome, which I have yet to notice. So far the cabin is very quiet. When you really do put the gas to it the engine does rev high, and gets kind of noisy, but once up to speed comes right down. Its not distracting or annoying. In our first 200 miles weve averaged about 42 mpg, almost all city driving. I really recommend this car.

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  Fun little car, great for So Cal! - 2006 Honda Insight
  By Dude - March 2 - 11:37 pm

  Ive always wanted an Insight since they first came out years back. In CA I have the carpool lane sticker, and its invaluable as it always comes in handy having the extra lane as an option. Car is very reliable and had only minor quirks ( rear view mirror fix, and power window track cleaning ). It is super fun to drive, and has great handling. It is SUPER efficient on gas, and pretty quick and fast as well. There is some storage capability as well, and its great for So. CA. It might not work as well in rain and snow areas, as it is low to the ground and has small tires, but if you live in a moderate climate, it is really an excellent car to own!!!