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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#444 - 2000 Honda Insight
By michael - December 18 - 6:58 pmI bought on of the first insights produced. I purchased because of its unique feature, but now because of high gas prices it is a very practical. I drive it to work and city over 5O miles each way on a regular basis. It handles well in all types of road conditions. My lifetime mileage is 57.6 mpg. My best trip mileage is 76+ miles per gallon with air conditioning on. I like the way it accelerates in traffic and zips along on the highway at 70 miles per our. I have not had one problem with the car. The only thing I have done is replaced the tires and the car battery(not the battery pack), and changed the oil on a regular basis. This Honda product is awesome.
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The best car i own - 2006 Honda Insight
By CHAZODIN - December 14 - 12:17 pmI have 5 cars and barely touch my MB, my BMW, my Escalade, my classic Bentley Convertible, or any guzzler. This is the most fun car to drive and I forget the last time each time I fill the 10.6 gal tank....I get up to 70 mpg.
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What were they driving? - 2010 Honda Insight
By Kevin - December 5 - 4:43 pmIm talking about most of those car experts who rated this car poorly based on ride and power. Ive used this car both around town (NYC) and on the highway. Considering its motor and transmission, it never left me waiting for the power to kick in. The assist needle will jump anytime you call for extra power. The ride is quiet and Im able to hold conversations at 70mph without yelling, unlike my Mazda3. The suspension does a great job of absorbing bumps and potholes. It takes turns with minimal body lean. Dont attempt anything sporty in this car, though. Very little engine noise when youre up to speed, though you can hear it in the cabin during acceleration.
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Honda Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
By Pat Mahoney - October 25 - 1:56 pmJust took delivery of my Honda Insight. It has surprised me in that the ride is comfortable and the road noise is non factor. The fuel mileage is tracked by the computer and registers 52.4 miles per gallon. I have yet to fill up the tank from delivery. Driven 400 miles. It has opened up my eyes in driving to conserve fuel. Great car for going back and forth to work.
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Great Buy - 2010 Honda Insight
By Wolfgang - October 18 - 3:40 pmThis was a pleasant surprise! The estimated MPG were 40 town and 43 hwy. I filled up after 1 week of driving and overall MPG was 49.7. The Dashboard instruments are easy to read and use. It handles the road better then the Prius and is better looking as well. What sold me was the cargo space was more then ample especially with the back seats folded forward. Give this car a solid 10.
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Great Car - 2006 Honda Insight
By jbyrne - October 16 - 9:24 pmI traded in my mercury Marquis when gas went over $3.00 per gallon. I drive a lot with my job and this car saves me $100/1000 miles compared to the old car. I figured out I could give my money to Honda or Mobil. I am getting between 65-70 per gallon at 65-70MPH. I drive about 3000 miles per month. I am just as comfortable in this car as the mercury.
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Best Value Ever!! - 2010 Honda Insight
By mikeyt1818 - October 2 - 4:20 pmI am 6"3, 235 and this car is comfy! I get 45.8 MPG after 3,500 miles. That is mostly city driving with AC on automatic at all times (74 degrees). I also have Economode on 80-90% of the time as well. This car is peppy for a 1.3 Liter engine, the features are great, looks are very nice and overall I am 100% impressed. Whoever says this car is noisy needs to drive a kia Rio, Suzuki SX4 and Toyota Matrix before this car, then tell me its noisy! After driving those cars the last 4 years I am overwhelmed by the library type quietness of this vehicle!
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Sports Car? - 2000 Honda Insight
By Mike - September 26 - 9:41 pmWhile this is my wifes car I do most of the driving. She drives for high mpg I drive to see how many people I can surprise by going faster than others. Needless to say our average mpg for 40000 miles is 48. I read in some of the reviews people calling it a good handling car. Not even close, its just a point and shoot vehicle. Gears 1, 2 & 3 for acceleration (3rd is good for 80 mph and the batteries are being charged!) 4th & 5th are strictly cruising gears, no torque at all. I had to buy a fastener for the rear spat...$17.00 for a screw!! Must be made from gold.
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Best car I have ever owned - 2000 Honda Insight
By Givemlharry - September 20 - 9:08 amI bought my Insight al little over a year ago, used. It is fun to drive, has held up very well and averages about 62 MPG. I cant believe Honda is stopping production. Instead they should be advertising the Insight as the answer to the worlds oil crisis. Anyone that has to commute long distances should own one.
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Honda Insight is great - 2002 Honda Insight
By dshirley - August 23 - 12:09 amI love my Insight. 50 to over 60 mpg, great looks (its red) and can park in tiny spaces. Plenty of cargo capacity, too.
