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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  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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  Great gas saver - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Dominik - August 16 - 1:43 pm

  I used to drive a 300hp Subaru loved that car but I was spending $200 a month on fuel, so I decided to buy me a hybrid to save some $, well now fuel costs me $80, cant beat that. I have no regrets, I love the car design, build quality, its all great. Performance-wise I mean come on its a hybrid I did not expect a race car perf. The car is great at saving money, I know some people say that they are getting 56mpg but in reality you will most likely see more like 44mpg, my best was 45mpg at average speed of 70mph, although computer said I did 49mpg. The one thing about my Insight that I love is that its not a Prius. I saw one Insight so far and I live in Chicago area. Love my Insight.

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  review - 2000 Honda Insight
  By eejjp - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great personal vehicle (no back seat). Cant beat the mileage. Has been factory realled 6 times.

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  Trade in special - 2004 Honda Insight
  By unsatisfied driver - June 26 - 2:00 am

  From the frist day the trouble began, the car (or over powered skateboard) did not provide the power needed to passs, or get smoothly into the normal traffic pattern. on hot days the a/c could not keep up. and most of all the customer service was dreadfull.

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  Love my car - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Happy Peanut - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. It is fuel efficient, comfy, looks nice, heat and AC work well. My ex bought on the same day and his is the sedan. I wouldnt drive anything else.