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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  Just Hummin along - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Freda Ruth - June 8 - 2:52 pm

  Buying this car was the smartest thing I have ever done. I bought it just before the gas prices exploded. Thanks HONDA! I love to drive it! I parked in A very small parking place. the three men sitting on the bench watching me gave me a standing ovation when i got out of the car.

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  2004 Insight review. - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Gordon Shepherd - June 8 - 2:41 am

  For economy, the only car I feel could beat the Insight would be an electric car recharged with solar panels. Its aerodynamics makes it almost uneffected by wind for safety as well as energy efficiency. Only drawback is that it carries onlt 2 people, but the space is very ample and comfortable for those 2 people. I know I can race any car on the road to the end of our tanks, and win. The place where it wins the nicest is at the pump at every fillup.

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  2005 Honda Insight CVT - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Ryan B. - June 6 - 7:14 pm

  I purchased this new from dealer to help offset my high miles that I drive. Excellent car, lives up to its fuel efficiency claim.

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  Honda Insight Hybrid - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Richard - June 6 - 11:17 am

  Excellent in all respects. Just over 8700 miles. 63.4 MPG overall combined city and highway mileage. Can make easy 74 MPG on commute at sea level at 62 MPH less in the mountains. 0-60 acceleration not great, but quick off the line. As reliable as any Honda or Toyota. Turns Heads! Fun to drive, sports car handling. Can run with the BMWs on I5 using the Electric Motor Boost as passing gear (staying in 5th) and still get 58 MPG.

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  A great car - 2002 Honda Insight
  By dan ginsburg - June 6 - 7:52 am

  The Honda Insight is fun to look at, fun to drive, and the gas mileage is outstanding (I have gotten 50 mpg since I bought the car). It is best with the 5 speed manual transmission.

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  50+mpg, totally trouble free - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Dave - June 3 - 10:37 pm

  Except for no center armrest in console the best designed most efficient vehicle I have ever owned. Fun, cute, 10K miles mid-February to early june. 53mpg. average--with automatic, AC, PS, PB, PW, P. locks, P. mirrors. Comfortable and surprisingly roomy. 5 day round trip Tucson to San Francisco, driver and passenger and luggage - 38 gallons, $105, 1900 miles! And American Honda transferred the warranty (8 yr./100K miles) for $50 transfer fee, then informed me they had extended the driveline warranty from 8/100K to 10/150K.

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  Long Live the Insight! - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Dan L - May 26 - 11:41 pm

  Its a tragedy that Honda never really promoted the Insight in the USA. We love it - peppy, great gas mileage (30-50 city, 55-70 hwy), great looking. Now why would anybody need a larger car for commuting? A geniune joy to drive. Were sad to hear that Honda is discontinuing it in Sept. 2006. It will be missed by those who had the good sense to get one. Honda would be smart to produce a hybrid Fit (our other car).

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  My first hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By George - May 25 - 4:20 am

  I wasnt inspired by the Priuss unchanging design over the years, which started to look old after awhile. Honda is definitely offering something fresh, with real style. I have only had the 2010 Insight for about 3 weeks and am getting an average 46 mpg without using the econ mode. The driver feedback displays are really good, and help you to economize. I was driving a 2007 Toyota Camry before, and miss the size and power a little bit, but the hybrids really enable you to see what you are doing while driving, and encourage green driving. What a change, and now the other vehicles on the road seem so out-of-date. The future is electric and hydrogen, and the hybrid gets us closer.

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  Great Insight - 2006 Honda Insight
  By Robert - May 20 - 2:11 pm

  I have owned this car for 5 years. It has more storage than others give it credit for. Love this car, no problems of service required so far. I own a Prius too. Both are great cars. Was in an accident, T-boned by an elderly woman. No damage to my body.

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  Best car Ive ever bought - 2005 Honda Insight
  By DriverMan - May 20 - 12:04 pm

  What a refreshing, wonderful experience: a car Ive bought that does exactly what I expected and a lot more plus is saving me MORE and MORE money every day. I love it. Plenty of power, fantastic mileage. When it hits 200,000 miles, Ill definitely buy another Honda Insight!