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:
Showing 151 through 160 of 447.00-
no contest for economy - 2006 Honda Insight
By Dave - May 19 - 1:27 pmNo change between 2001 and 2006, so I expect the same from this one as the 2001 I traded in after 95000 flawlessly economical miles. Construction ensures rust will never be a problem. Small, yes, but agile, warmer and more practical than a motorcycle. Honda, keep making it. If you build it, they will come, especially as gas keeps climbing.
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Smart and Fun - 2002 Honda Insight
By Craig - May 18 - 4:39 pmIf you are confident enough to only need your vehicle define you are "smart" and "innovative" then this is the car for you. Its for people who like a sporty look as they tool around town and want to save on fuel as they do so. For those of you with fragile egos, there will always be SUVs. See you at the pumps!
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Insight - 2006 Honda Insight
By Rex - May 9 - 1:02 pmI Purchased this Insight used and have very pleased with it thus far. Average day to day fuel economy has been in the high 60s with mid to high 80s easily attainable during extended highway driving.
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Great Decision - 2010 Honda Insight
By Greg - April 29 - 4:33 amCurrently averaging 45.3 miles per gallon, and on various trips averaged 55 to 60 mpg (95% of my driving has been on econ mode). The car was carefully put together and made affordable for a 25 year old like me. Missing some luxury and quality, but happy with the simplicity that the car brings. I am 62" and have plenty of head room, and distance between me and the steering wheel. Could get a little tight in the back for someone my size, but it is manageable. The technological features are useful. If you are patient and smart on the road, then you will maximize the efficiency of this car, and also find time to play with the sporty features.
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Exactly what I need - 2006 Honda Insight
By griller - April 22 - 2:39 pmThis is a great little commuter car. I does exactly what I need it to do: get me and my briefcase across town, warm and dry on very little gas. The car is fun to drive in the same way the old MGs and small sports cars of the past were. Not too much power, but that is part of the fun and challenge of driving them. That said I have no trouble navigating traffic with the power the Insight delivers, in fact it is remarkably quick off the line. I get the advertised mileage of 55 mpg in city driving. Instrumentation is simple and adequate. This car is not for everybody, but if you just need to get yourself back and forth to work each day, and mpg is an issue, it is very hard to beat the Insight.
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Its a good car. Period. - 2010 Honda Insight
By Honda first-timer - April 3 - 5:53 amI compared the I2 to a number of other compact cars in the sub-$20k range. It drives better than any other car except for the Honda Fit. The driving feel is nearly as solid as the Saab 9-3 I own, except of course for the lack of 90 extra horses and no turbo. Its also a lot quieter on the inside than the hodgepodge of cars Ive owned previously (I know several magazines said the interior is noisy -maybe compared to a Lexus?). Though its not as tall as the Fit, with less cargo volume, the I2 can fit longer items which is useful for me. The so-called blind spot doesnt bother me -its negated by the giant mirrors. Take the I2 on its merits as a car and the only competitor is the Fit.
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Best Commuter in the World - 2005 Honda Insight
By Pierre - March 23 - 2:50 amSweet little car that gets the job done, currently averaging 70 mpg with 70% fwy driving. Totally reliable, quite, very peppy & fun to drive. Get stopped & questioned a lot about it. Easily go over 100 mph with it
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honda insight owner - 2000 Honda Insight
By paul burns - March 13 - 6:15 pmI have been driving my Insight for close to 5 years. Overall, it has performed very well-even when the battery pack unexpectedly failed recently (it was 6 years old), I had no problems getting back on the road in about 2 weeks, completely covered by Hondas warranty. Ive averaged over 54 mpg, mostly in short-trip, city driving in Michigan, where the cold winters reduce mileage quite a bit. However in the summer, I easily average 60 mpg or more.
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Proud Insight Owner! - 2002 Honda Insight
By Mia - March 12 - 9:39 amAwesome!!!!!! Go American Honda!!!! Ahead of its time and so am I. SULEV and thus far a lifetime MPG of 56 MPG. Im showing America (with the help of Honda) a better way. Thank you!
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Greeeeeeeeeeeeeen!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Honda Insight
By Jeanne - February 24 - 12:55 pmThis car has given me a new perspective on vehicles in general. While Ive always tended to make prudent purchases to fit my lifestyle, this ones been the best so far. While the car handles like a bat-outta-hell, gets mileage worthy of boasting, and has been comfortable and reliable for me, I realize its not for everyone, especially those with children. I own a retina-fryingly green Insight, and find that it does have what designers refer to as neck-break appeal. Mileage exceeds that of most hybrids, 54-79 mpg, depending on conditions & driving. Every friend I have shops, hunts & dreams about that better car to own in his/her future. I feel no need to do so. Im thrilled with this car!
