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 Value - 2010 Honda Insight
  By John - March 4 - 10:14 pm

  46 MPG so far, mostly city with limited freeway driving. Nice standard equipment, except lacking 4 wheel disc brakes, stability and traction control. These are no big deal, as far as Im concerned I bought for the great lease deal and MPG. Very happy with the car great economy, comfortable, decent sound, etc.

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  2010 Honda Review - 2010 Honda Insight
  By David - February 27 - 10:44 pm

  Have driven 7,000 miles. Insight is well built and has the tight suspension of a sports car. Not plush but a fun car to drive. Mileage is excellent at 42-53 mpg. Impressive technology with good information display.

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  Insight review 2 months - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Francine - February 19 - 9:21 am

  I fell in love with the overall car and its price made it affordable. Presently not driving that much, and with the cold weather only getting about 37.6 mpg. However, I have been told that during the Spring/Fall mileage goes up dramatically with the temperature. So far, so good.

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  Honda Insight - Its a Honda! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By The Dreamer - February 16 - 12:24 pm

  The MPG is better than EPAed in most of my driving conditions. The feedback the the car provides really helps to max the mpg. Fast starts like I used to do in the Del Sol does eat into the mpg. But fast starts in any car do the same. I achieve over 50 twice and 48 mpg over 170 mi hwy trip with cruse set to 67. Handling is wonderful!

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  Its a simple hybrid... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By fromguzzlertogreen - February 6 - 11:15 pm

  I chose the insight since I couldnt see myself in a prius. I drove an 2007 BMW M5 that gave me mechanical problems and bad gas. I was looking for greatest gas mileage plus prestige that only came with a hybrid like prius- Insight was just the car. In CA-it was great since its warm. No need for heating. Drove to seattle for $80 in gas. Now, I am averaging 34-36MPG- not happy with these #s. I have to remind myself I bought it for the distinction, otherwise I should have spend less on a civic.

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  A Great Car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Millers - February 6 - 11:58 am

  We ordered it in late July and it came in late Sept. We love it . I do have to watch me head getting as I am tall ,but it is very comfortable it has good pickup in traffic .we get great mileage in mid 40s a gallon consistent and better depending on circumstances. I love the way it keeps track of how you are doing for fuel usage.It also does great in the snow. in short WE LOVE IT .

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  All around nice car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Chevy Person 4 life - January 29 - 9:16 pm

  My honda has 4300 miles on it now. I went to change the oil and dealer said not to change until the car told me to. I could possible get 8000 miles before oil change wow. Went from LasVegas to Knotts Berry farm California at 75 m.p.h.It took 5 Gallons of gas. my daughter and I had a great time in the insight a little uncomfortable after 4 hours on the road. The nave system was great! Would like to see gas cap lock instead of pushing on it to open it. this way nobody can get to your tank. All around nice car so far.

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  wise choice - 2010 Honda Insight
  By xana - January 28 - 2:33 am

  Economical. Thats what the car is. It give great mileage and driving is smooth and easy. Though like the other reviews, power and acceleration needs improvement. Going up on an incline is pretty hard. It takes a while for the car to speed up. Though, I may say this "deficiency" had made me a "more lawful" driver. I got the EX with Navi and I would have to say that adding extra to get the top of the line of this model is worth it rather than spending the same amount on other standard hybrid models. I would also like to add that I had my seat covers changed to leather for no additional cost. I know this feature is not offered but my dealership did so as requested. )

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  Love This Car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By cgold - January 25 - 11:10 pm

  Just got mine a few days ago. They made me a great deal. I was fortunate to get the EX with Navigation. The nav system is fun to use, especially when it doesnt understand what you are saying. Maybe I should try Japanese. The gas mileage has exceeded our expectations. It is fun to drive and looks good. I hope Honda is as good as their reputation.

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  After 8k miles the car works for me - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Rick in Seagrove, FL - January 17 - 3:17 pm

  After about 6 months of driving the Insight on my 40 mile daily commute Im very pleased with cars style and performance. After 8k miles Ive gotten 53 (indicated) and 50 (measured) MPG as my lifetime to date fuel economy. I keep my tire pressure at 40 psi and drive fairly conservatively and the car has really rewarded me with impressive fuel economy. Im currently using about half the gas I was using with my previous ride which was a 01 Focus ZX3. Aside from fuel economy I think the car is the most attractive high mileage car on the market. It has a sleek, futuristic look and comes with great looking wheels for an entry level hybrid. BTW, Im 5-10" and I fit in the back seat just fine.