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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  Ive owned 3 of them - 2005 Honda Insight
  By William Kinney - January 3 - 7:07 pm

  The Honda Insight is an amazing vehicle. I drive mainly on highways and country roads, and over 155,000 miles (my 3 cars combined) I have averaged 86 MPG. If you only need 2 seats and do lots of highway trips, this is the car for you! For maximum mpg I highly recommend the 5-spd, as the CVT does not have the lean burn catalyst (good for an extra 21 mpg) I have never had a flat tire, battery problem, or any other problem. The ride is a little firm, with relatively high pressure in the tires. But ANYONE can achieve mpg in the 80s, if desired. Just set tires to maximum (rated on side of tire) and slow down a little, trying to hold a steady speed and keeping in lean burn mode.

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  Insight is a winner - 2005 Honda Insight
  By l Howe - December 28 - 7:14 pm

  This is one of the first cars in a long time to exceed our expectations. It is exceptionally well engineered and manufactured. The fuel economy is outstanding. Honda took their time and did this one right. They were obviously looking for every "tweak" they could find for economy. For a two person family with grown kids, this car is ideal. We have a Lexus RX 300 when we need to haul more than an average load of groceries or take another couple. The Insight is getting more than 2/3 of the use because of the economy and it is fun to drive and a joy to park. And this thing has zip. I have had to learn to keep my foot out of it and stay at 70 or a little below to go for the best mpg.

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  Honda Insight - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Andy - December 28 - 1:27 am

  The Overview basically sums it up... You just cant beat it for the money, used with aftermarket 5 yr 100K warranty for $7400. I did have a few slightly costly repairs from the previous owners minor accident, but it is well worth it in the long run. Everone should have their own Insight at least for a daily driver. Im sure the costs would drop dramatically if enough people were buying them for commutes.

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  Peppy, fun to drive - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Bob - December 14 - 3:23 am

  Bought this car an hour after test driving Honda Civic. Found Insight almost as peppy but with a slightly softer ride. Car is so bright inside, you feel like you have a sunroof. No complaints about acceleration: you just have kick down hard on the gas pedal as the manual recommends. Driving position and road feedback are exceptional. My two main complaints are that the sound system in LX model is a lot tinnier than in my 2008 Hyundai Sonata and the headlights arent bright enough.

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  Love Our Hybrid!! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Insightful - December 6 - 9:56 pm

  We traded in a REAL clunker (1988 Chevy blazer, about 16mpg) for the Insight EX, and couldnt be happier with the better mileage. The car has a roomy feel in the front seats and our dogs love the fold-down back seats. I love the video-style dash, and my husband loves spending $20 a week in fuel, as opposed to the $200 a week he was spending for his work commute. Steering is too tight at highway speeds; any steering movement causes over-response from wheels, and there is a definite roll-back problem on steep hills. I average 52 mpg for combo city/highway, and my husband gets about 42 for highway with hills. Overall great car for the $$, and our gas $$ savings is more than double the payment!

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  A Mean Little Hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Misty - December 4 - 1:30 pm

  I absolutely love my Insight. I love the way it handles like a Honda versus other hybrids. The dash panel makes viewing and learning how to properly drive a hybrid a breeze. I highly recommend this vehicle for handling, gas mileage, and a stylish look for the exterior. It is the meanest looking hybrid on the market (if a safer for the environment car can be mean).

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  Great vehicle - 2006 Honda Insight
  By L Howe - November 2 - 10:11 pm

  Totally satisfied with what we intended this vehicle to be. We get the EPA 55-56 on the highway staying at or under 70 mph without the A/C on. With a/c and a heavier foot it drops to 48-49 MPG. No problems so far and have had no reported battery drain. Is great in traffic and a joy to park. The hard tires give great mileage but add noise - Ill take the trade off. This is a second car for us but gets most of the use because of the fuel issues and the around town convenience. We also use it for occasional longer excursion drives and plan to leave our other car home for road trips. Highly recommend this great vehicle.

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  Best Car for Today - 2005 Honda Insight
  By AChoiredTaste - October 30 - 1:17 pm

  Absolutely the best value for today: Fun to drive, outstanding mileage: averaging 60 -70 mpg mostly freeway driving. In town not as good. Power is great as long as you rev it no low end torque. Great Climate Control. Lots of people stop you to ask you about it great for conversation. Able to use carpool lane and also get $2000 back from IRS. The savings in gasoline between this and my other car makes the payment (for 60months) on this car so its essentially free! Now want to get more options to trick it out! You can afford this and your "week-end only" gas hog with the fuel savings!

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  So far so good - 2010 Honda Insight
  By heidicat - October 2 - 12:30 am

  So far I really like my insight. Only real problem is plastic on hatchback broke part with light so I have to get it replaced. Love the mpg and enough room for my two kids and shopping. Wish she had a little more power on the hills but Ive learned to be light on the peddle.

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  Great mileage cruising in carpool lanes - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Tim Sakach - September 20 - 11:00 pm

  I recently obtained a "clean vehicle" sticker in California that allows the use of carpool lanes with only one person in the car. It just doesnt seem fair to get great mileage while cruising past stopped traffic on the freeway. It is normal to get at least 500 miles per tank, so you dont need to fill it up very often, and it doesnt cost very much at that. Compared to what I was driving before, the savings in fuel costs alone is enough to cover payments. It is amazing that it performs the way it does with only a 1000cc engine, which is smaller than many motorcycles.