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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  Plastic is not a good quality - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Devan From San Diego - July 30 - 9:33 am

  I like this car. But it is such a lightweight that plastic on left hand side makes noise on bumpy ride. I showed it to dealership. They fixed it. But it again started making noise after two days. Also power on acceleration is not good. It is not able to drive fast enough on hilly roads. It starts charging battery on the middle of the hilly roads, rather than waiting for a while. That makes cars power stink.

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  Honda beats Prius - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Tom - July 17 - 6:06 am

  I drove both and hands down the Insight drove better and was more responsive than the Prius. Very enjoyable ride in the hybrid era. I really enjoy the way that the car encourages you to drive with efficiency. The stereo rocks and the car is smooth and sleek. Nice to have a car that stands out and has a great look, especially the front and rear design. I am very happy with the decision to buy this car!

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  2010 Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Frank G - July 13 - 11:50 am

  I drove a 2010 Prius before I purchased this car. The Prius is bigger and does not handle as well. Also, noise seemed to be more intrusive. I have consistently achieved mileage above 40 without trying. The car structure is tight and strong giving a very secure feeling as you drive. To sum it up, the various components of this car work well together leading you to the realization that a great deal of thought and engineering went into the design of this car.

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  The Fhantm Strikes - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Aleeza St. Clair - June 28 - 9:59 pm

  Ive never had a car that I enjoy driving so much and Ive owned many different models including those with turbos. It does lose speed on steep inclines, but other than that it has quick pick up and is truly fun to drive. It also handles well in the ice and snow which is a must here in Alaska and I also love the sound system. My friend and I had room for two sets of golf clubs, two pieces of luggage, and a cooler with room to spare on a recent golf trip. I had to wait 8 months from the time that I ordered it until I received it, but it was well worth the wait!

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  love this car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Lee - June 13 - 10:56 pm

  This is my first hybrid purchase and i did not know what to expect, so I did a lot of research before I set to the dealership to purchase one. Most reviews are accurate, Honda Insight is one car to fall in love with, it is very interactive, fun to drive and most importantly, fuel-efficient. The fact that it is less expensive than the leading hybrid car of its kind makes it more appealing to budget- conscious people like me. I do not regret getting the EX with Navi although that cost me a couple thousand more. It gives the Insight more features than simple navigation alone.

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  I go eco - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Tfoster - April 1 - 11:21 am

  I love my Insight! Its actually my 2nd Insight. Its perfect for someone whose lifestyle allows for only two seats and plenty of room in the back for all sort of stuff. While Im not going to win any wind sprints, I take comfort in knowing that I can make it 600 miles+ on my 10 gallon tank, especially with gas prices what they are today. Its a fun car to drive while protecting the planet.

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  Head Turner - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Fallacy124 - April 1 - 1:57 am

  I purchased my Insight 2 1/2 years ago. I noticed that reviews say you dont get the mileage on the sticker, theyre right. I get better!!! You just have to know how to drive one of these cars, you cant drive it like a normal car and it takes time to learn it. 70 mpg is not unreasonable to attain with this vehicle. No problems whatsoever in 35,000 miles.

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  An overview and corrections - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Frank Manley - March 23 - 9:46 pm

  84 yrs old, and cars all my life, including Ferrari, and road racing, This is finest engineered ever, with worlds most advanced engine. Also, fun to drive. You guys lie a lot-the 5 speed will give 65 M/G all day. 70 M/G is common. I have a CVT and can get 60 plus/gal on flat roads to Cal. from Seattle. Next year when oil goes to 80/barrel, I will have to lock it up!

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  honda insight 2001 - 2005 Honda Insight
  By sharon wilson - March 16 - 1:12 am

  Great mileage car, filled up for $11.00 and it would last a whole month. Not too much pick up-you will never get a speeding ticket. I had the 2001 which was to get 50 mpg in town and 70 on the highway, this was quite accurate - once on a highway trip I got 93 miles per gallon. I didnt like people coming up to me wanting to talk about the car all the time. It is built real solid and accident resistant. You could push in the fender with your thumb and it would pop back out. I was sitting in traffic on the highway at a dead standstill, and someone ran into me about 65-70 miles per hour, the car was so well built it took them about a week to discover the car was totaled. I would buy another one.

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  One word, AWESOME! - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Brian Tennis - March 1 - 2:32 am

  Not sure why Edmunds rates this car so low, could it be that that simply did not give something so unique and worthwile a chance? The amazing gas mileage aside, this is a VERY reliable and fun car to drive. My wife and I bought it brand new and have put over 75,000 miles on this vehicle and have had to do only minor repairs. Windshield wipers, oil changes and tires come to mind. This is a great car for us, however it may not be for everyone. You cannot have a lead foot or be an overly large human being with this car. Its small and its not going to do any burn-outs, but it just might make individuals think about their actual driving needs and not some imaginary status symbol. SUVs suck!