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 Car So Far - 2010 Honda Insight
  By shlomo875 - December 23 - 1:16 am

  I have driven my Insight about 250 miles in Los Angeles (combined city/highway, hills, etc) and so far have averaged about 37 mpg. Not too bad at all. Its a pretty smooth ride, though I wasnt prepared for how much the Econ feature would take away from my A/C when I was stopped at a light and it was about 98 degrees outside (thats the price paid for running on battery power alone, which is what happens when you stop with the Econ on). Getting on the highway is a strain, but of course that is little surprise for this size engine. The instrument console is the least satisfying aspect of the vehicle, but the positive aspects make it well worth it.

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  Recent Purchase - 2010 Honda Insight
  By William - December 12 - 3:30 am

  Read a ton of stuff before I ran out and got one. Paid invoice and am getting $3,000 back from work. I got a $22,000 car for $17,000. I love it. Ive seen many comparisons to the Prius. I skipped the Prius because it was so expensive. People who complain its not quick miss the point. I am amazed at the technology it comes with. Traction control? Climate control? LED lights? Paddle shifters? I am getting close to 50 mpg. Typical (excellent) fit / finish for a Honda.

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  Im liking it but... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By dweiser - November 29 - 11:56 pm

  I also own a 2009 Honda Fit Sport w/Navi so my comments will include that comparison. An all electric vehicle/plug-in vehicle will fit my driving habits (short trips) perfectly and either the Insight or the Fit will leave when a decent one is available. Ive had the Insight for about 3 weeks and I have to admit the look of it continues to grow on me. Like some I never thought it unsightly at first but I like its looks more each day. I hit my head getting out sometimes and Im only 5 9". I really miss having the stereo (loudness) controls on the steering wheel like the Fit. Im only getting 37 m.p.g. with ECO button on and careful driving. My Fit gets 34 so I hope this improves soon.

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  Hybrid tech at a fair Price - 2010 Honda Insight
  By crv139 - October 16 - 4:06 pm

  I test drove the ex at the local dealer, I was impressed with the vehicle and the packaging of the EX model. This vehicle has a nice ride and is made to save money on gas. You must realize that this vehicle is not a sports car. It performs as it was design to. I traded in my 08 CRV and bought the Insight EX. The insight teaches you how to get the most mileage out the vehicle by changing your driving habits.

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  BEST Car I ever owned - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Tooler1988 - August 25 - 1:39 pm

  Why they stopped making this car I will never understand. Running original plugs at 230000 miles. On 3rd set of tires, Getting 70000 per set. Only thing that had to be replaced was the air fuel sensor, which took me less then 10 min to do. Great in the snow.

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  Extremely satisfied - fun and frugal - 2000 Honda Insight
  By San Francisco Driver - August 19 - 11:08 am

  You know about the high mileage - 64MPG lifetime average in my case. What you may not know is that this is a zippy little car and quite fun to drive. While it has "just" 100 foot-pounds of torque, its aluminum frame and body weighs next to nothing so it blows away the Prius.

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  Great Transportation - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Phyllis Ponisciak - July 18 - 7:16 am

  We have had this car for almost 3 months and our gas mileage has increased consistently. Latest is 43 MPG and that is with the AC running. I do change my speed demon driving habits when I drive this car because it sort of defeats the purpose, but the car has plenty of power when I need it. The dashboard has so much info, making it easy to see how the car is performing. My husband drives the car back and forth to work, but I always steal it when I go to the grocery store because it is so easy to put stuff in the storage area. Our dog thinks we bought the car for her because she has so much room when we lay the back seats down. Great car for the price, and fun to drive.

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  Insight, not only insightful, delightful - 2010 Honda Insight
  By mcgirl99 - July 17 - 10:53 am

  I drive a lot in my line of work as a claims adjuster. Im getting between 43-48 on my highway drives, so Im definitely loving this car. Costs me less than $25 to fill up. Can fit two kids (ages 6 & 8) nicely. My two boxer dogs fit nicely in the hatch area even with the back seat in position. If you are on the fence, take the jump. This is a great car!!!

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Jim B. - July 16 - 6:33 pm

  I came, I saw, and I clunked. This was a CFC transaction. I couldnt be more pleased with the ride and the features. I considered a Prius, but local dealers had no inventory. My dealer threw in floormats and wheel locks. Im a big guy and pleased with the head and leg room. The displays with performance information are excellent. I am averaging 46.6 MPG, but I expect to improve as I climb the learning curve.

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  Rather regretful - 2010 Honda Insight
  By kay - May 28 - 10:53 pm

  Really slow on the uphill. I gave up pep for top gas mileage. Although I have gone by the book to maximize my MPG I have been averaging 29 city and 32 highway. Needless to say I am very disappointed. The car has an odd feel on the highway - its hard to describe, but there is a play in the steering that causes it to feel like it has a slight fishtail movement which makes me a little motion sick. I love the exterior design but feel the interior has design flaws. I agonized over whether to buy the Insight or Prius. I loved many features of the Prius but didnt feel they were worth the price diff. I am regretting my choice.