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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  windows - 2005 Honda Insight
  By robert c. schulze - February 26 - 3:11 pm

  you need to get side vents that let you have the window down and not let rain in.The builds up alot of heat when parked in sun the vents would allow the heat to escape. Something like shade vent makes for other cars. My car is a 2002 Insight. Your 2005 doesn,t look much different.I am afraid the heat might cause windows to popout. thanks

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  Homda Insight - 2005 Honda Insight
  By WVBoogieman - February 26 - 1:01 pm

  Its fun to drive, feels safe, gets great gas milage, is a little cramped in the back seat, but most small cars are, seats are a little uncomfortable on very long trips

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  Great car for two - 2005 Honda Insight
  By alexkoch - February 25 - 2:04 am

  Great car for two, compliments my other vehicle (LX470) nicely. Fun to drive, small enough, great design (well, exerior looks are different, no question). I just love it for fule economy, it gets me anywhere for basically nothing, still stylish and great dashboard.

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  Fun car, but only for two - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Constance Van Valken - February 19 - 6:41 pm

  I bought the Insight for its excellent mileage. During the summer I did indeed get 56 MPG, but in the winter it came down to 52.6. I carry a passenger sometimes, as well as groceries et al. Took it to Maine from the Midwest last summer. Wonderful trip. Could have used a cruise control, but otherwise could not fault its sports car handling. I used the AC, and still got 55 plus mpg. So nice to ignore all those gas stations, and get 600 miles per fill up. Love the car, even in winter. Heater excellent. Three cylinders make for a quick pickup with the help of the electrics. Never have run out of electric help when needed.

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  Fun car, but only for two - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Constance Van Valken - February 19 - 6:41 pm

  I bought the Insight for its excellent mileage. During the summer I did indeed get 56 MPG, but in the winter it came down to 52.6. I carry a passenger sometimes, as well as groceries et al. Took it to Maine from the Midwest last summer. Wonderful trip. Could have used a cruise control, but otherwise could not fault its sports car handling. I used the AC, and still got 55 plus mpg. So nice to ignore all those gas stations, and get 600 miles per fill up. Love the car, even in winter. Heater excellent. Three cylinders make for a quick pickup with the help of the electrics. Never have run out of electric help when needed.

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  Best Caar Ever - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Frank Manley - February 12 - 2:28 pm

  Ive owned cars for 68 years. Raced sports cars 17 years and built own engines. This is finest automotive creation I ever owned. Engineering masterpiece! Met Honda wnen racing at Suzuka. Toured Honda plants and saw excllencce. Drove Insight Bellcvue,Wa to Monterey,Ca twice. Over 60 M/G at times. NO environmental effrcts (which robs a LOT of HP)

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  Great Car for the Money - 2001 Honda Insight
  By sherri schroeder - January 31 - 4:29 pm

  This car has been a outstanding vehicle for a commuter, you cant beat its performance or mileage. The tire size is a major factor in the mileage factor even though they have to be ordered they are not a regular stocked tire size. I someone is thinking about this car for its mileage, I highly recommend it.

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  WOW ! - 2003 Honda Insight
  By Jimbeemer - January 16 - 6:59 pm

  I just bought this Insight yesterday and I can sum it up so far by saying WOW! This car is spacious for 2 adults, comfortable (almost like my Civic and much better than my Miata), fun to drive, gets great mileage (55 mpg with CVT so far after 900 miles and during the winter), has award-winning engineering and design, has the typical Honda fabulous build quality and attention to detail, and has slick cutting-edge technology everwhere you look (hybrid IMA system, silky smooth CVT transmission, electric power steering, automatic HVAC system, ABS brakes, and the list goes on-and-on).

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  Good car - 2004 Honda Insight
  By south bay sean - January 13 - 3:15 am

  I really wouldnt want any other car at this point. I am VERY tall and cruise control would be nice so that I could stretch my right leg sometimes. Other than that it is great!

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  2010 Honda Insight EX w/Navi - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Spectrum Pearl - January 7 - 10:30 pm

  The 2010 Insight is a practical compact car that also happens to be a fun and engaging hybrid to drive. My first week with the Insight has been pleasant and rewarding with regard to the overall driving experience. Most of all - it meets my needs and fits within my budget. Exterior fit and finish is on par with its Honda kin - crisp lines and flowing forms that line up impeccably. Inside one will find a great deal of plastic, although it is mostly agreeable and retains the same level of refinement found outside. While I have yet to drive it without Eco-Assist enabled, my real world fuel economy is coming in at just over 50mpg with helpful coaching from the Multi-Information display.