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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  Try it, youll like it. - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Tim - June 23 - 4:26 am

  I considered buying a Prius given the deals currently available. But, after driving an Insight I bought it the same day. Not to say that the Prius isnt a good bargain at the moment, I just found the Insight to be a better overall car. Yes... a little smaller, mileage not quite as good. On the other hand, more comfortable driving position and much more fun to drive. Took it on a 700 mile trip this past weekend. Quite comfortable for myself, my wife and one 8 year old. Put it in sports mode for the Long Island Expressway and youre good to go!

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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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  Juans New Hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Juan Valdez - May 29 - 3:26 am

  When I did the math this car will not pay for itself in 10 years. In the mean time my head hits the door edge getting in and out and Im only 58". The back seat is for decoration as my teens cant fit in there with the sloping roof and no leg room. The interior is very plastic with only one cheap removable drink holder for 2 small child size cups. The fabric seems cheap too and stains easily with its dirty looking brownish gray color. It even has the cheap Dunlop tires. Be careful when you lean on it. I should have bought that Honda Fit. Though its a lot cheaper, it essentially gets the same real world gas mileage. The Fit is just as tiny and plastic, but will save a bundle of cash!!

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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!!!

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  Great Car! - 2003 Honda Insight
  By SL - January 19 - 2:34 pm

  This car is great...I wish there were more cubbyholes in the car to put change, DL, etc. The car is tiny but it performs extremely well. Drives like a normal car but half the price at the station.

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  The MPG Rating is the real deal! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Vox - January 10 - 4:13 pm

  Other reviewers have covered the vehicle design and overall performance thoroughly, so I will only say that the build quality and design have lived up to my expectations. What impressed me most is the MPG!I have driven approximately 3k miles to date, with the majority being city miles. My mileage has been consistently around 45 mpg, which is better than Honda advertises. Only in the last two weeks have I had a chance to do any serious amount of freeway mileage, and let me tell you, this is where the car shines! On a 250 mile trip in the flat central valley of California I ended up with 54 MPG! Tonight I returned from a 460 mile trip over the Sierra Nevada on one tank with gas to spare.

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  Good Car for City Commuting - 2010 Honda Insight
  By John - January 4 - 5:43 am

  Well I got inspired and traded in my 2008 CRV for an Insight. I have an average commute of 40 mile per day total with about 4 miles of city driving. I live in San Antonio and my last 5 miles of my commute is stop and go traffic. Anybody who drives 281 North in the evening will know stop and go should really be stop and stop traffic. I have 1400 miles on the car and am averaging all around 45.2 MPG. I will admit I do miss the CRV, but I am a city driver only and with the exception of going back and forth to work I do not do that much additional driving... bottom line. I like the car. Even though gas is down right now we all know when this economy get back on track will be looking ^$ gas.

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  Great Value! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Mtloveskg - December 22 - 10:06 pm

  EPA says 43/40 MPG, I get after 2k miles 45.6 with AC on and NO hypermiling! Economode is on 75% of the time! Fun car to drive, economical and a Honda so you cant go wrong!