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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  My car is a fun game. - 2000 Honda Insight
  By bena - December 7 - 6:45 pm

  I love my Insight. I play it like a video game, trying to get the "high score" of mileage. I also hate stopping to get gas. Its really wonderful to be able to drive from San Francisco to San Diego on less than one tank of gas. Because I play the game, I drive differently than I used to. I try not to speed up or slow down suddenly. My lifetime mileage is at 58 miles per gallon. Ive found that where I drive makes the difference: hills, short trips and bad traffic are the things that reduce the mileage. Also the tires must be inflated for good mileage. I love the controls. I thought I wouldnt like the digital speedo, but I do. I found that the car is plenty big.

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  I love the Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By New Owner - October 31 - 8:40 pm

  Ive had the Insight for about three weeks now and I really do love it. Over the first 1,000 miles Ive achieved an average of 51 miles per gallon without really trying. The only thing Ive had to do differently is slow down from my pre-Insight speed of 75 on the highway. I live in the Midwest and my commute is not very hilly. At a speed of 65 MPH I am getting 50 MPG. I have not yet had to use the A/C or the heat, which I expect will bring down the numbers come summer and winter. The auto-stop feature is great on gas, but takes a while to get used to. The gas kicks back on when you release the brake and the result can be a jerky response at the line if you hit the gas too quickly.

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  You have to do the speed limit. - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Gregory - October 29 - 1:10 am

  I love driving this car. It feels great in the drivers seat. If I drive the speed limit, I get a average of 48mpg. I love the mp3 player. My family sings every time we take a trip. It lacks on the pick-up, but I did not buy a sports car (It just looks like one). I sold my old car that was great on gas (A Toyota Echo), and I have no regrets after 5 months! My only complaint is the view from the rear window is blocked by the hatchback design. Its hard to see cars behind you, and it takes a while to get used to.

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  Sports Car - 2004 Honda Insight
  By demanding driver - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This tiny car draws comments everywhere. I have found it responsive and reliable, reasonably comfortable, and large enough to go camping with, but it wont carry a boat or bike. You have to learn to drive it carefully to get the best gas mileage. Push it too hard too long and the mileage goes down. But it will go fast and far with no complaints. Have taken it to Maine from the Midwest, have taken a passenger on a trip, have gone ten thousand four hundred fift three miles since I bought it 3 months ago. Frankly, I love it. Wish it had cruise control, but it has everything else I need.

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  Excellent Car, No maintenance issues - 2004 Honda Insight
  By ralph fairchild - September 29 - 2:00 am

  My Insight is actually a 2001 model with about 80,000 miles. Original tires, clutch. New brakes. I have had no difficulty. It is a great car. I am 64" and weigh about 230. SUVs are for people with small, well, you know... Smart cars from Europe are great as well, but not available in US. If people in the US would use more efficient cars, they wouldnt "need" to sent their kids overseas to get killed. Why not think about that EVERY time you fill your tank.

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  Better Gas Mileage Than Expected - 2010 Honda Insight
  By lovemynewinsight - September 18 - 11:00 am

  When I went to buy a new car, I was looking for fuel efficient and economical. I tried the Prius, but didnt love the way it handled and couldnt handle how expensive it was, even used, especially if you want some additional features. I was very pleased when I drove the new Honda Insight. The handling is great. It is comfortable. Extra features (I got the EX) dont add that much to the price. So far I look forward to driving my car every day. And I am getting over 50MPG (I drive entirely in city), versus the 41 average that is advertised. I no longer rush to get where I am going- instead I enjoy playing the game of how to get better MPGs.

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  Love my Insight! - 2004 Honda Insight
  By candykidz - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Since July 2003, going 22,000 I have had an average of 66mpg and have spent $519 on gas.....that pretty much says it all!

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  Low the Price - 2004 Honda Insight
  By jadeeh - August 17 - 2:00 am

  very fun to drive in.1.0L 3cyl Gas

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Honda Insight
  By jacques - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my commute car. I drive 65 miles to and from work, down hill in the morning, no traffic, 55-60 miles all the way. I can get up to 92 miles a gallon especially following a flat bed truck on the flat. There is a speed between 53 and 58 at which the car seems to be running on electric only and charge at same time... amazing. My first 43,000 miles averages 60.8m/g. The 1200 miles from my house to Los Abgeles and back where with a 73m/g average. I have kept track of the mileage at each fillup and every 1000 miles if you need proof. I drove the car at 103 m/h down hill... it zooms. Only problem: leaky struts in back (covered by waranty).

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  DREAM MACHINE - 2004 Honda Insight
  By JON HENRY - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in Oct., 2000. Currently over 50,000 trouble free miles. Mileage depending on driving conditions: +50 mpg in Michigan winter to +60 mpg in summer overall. Have gotten +85 mpg when trying in summer and as low as +47 mpg above 80 mph highway or cold winter mornings. Excellent acceleration. Tight sports car like steering and suspension. Highly recommended.