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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  Honda Review - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Amaya_Whitman - April 4 - 3:00 am

  so far experience has been good

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  yes - I get 57 mpg and I love it! - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Bluegrazz - April 4 - 3:00 am

  I have owned this car for almost three years and buying it was probably the best decision Ive ever made. It is reliable, inexpensive and easy to maintain. But you have to have a sense of humor to drive it! Ive found that driving does have other rewards, however. The police only warn me when I am stopped for speeding because they are surprised that a hybrid is so speedy. And I never have to wait long at busy intersections because people are extraordinarily courteous and curious when you drive a hybrid.

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  Milage not what I expected - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Bodnar - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Having driven about 10000 miles both in city and from Dallas, Tx to Ocala, Fl and back I can say the milage is nowhere near the 56MPG rating. Lack of cruise control really hurts. If you are used to cruise control you will have to change the way you drive or the speed will easily creep up to 80 and above. The best milage I have achieved is 52MPG highway and 46 in town. Once the summer temperatures go up you can expect those numbers to drop 20% because of the air conditioner. Electric motor is noisy.

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  I love it! - 2000 Honda Insight
  By AG4dillac - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my Insight for 4 years with no problems. Its a blast to drive with great lower gears acceleration and overdrive higher gears for quiet extremely low RPM high speed cruising. Its still tight as a drum and wind noise is negligible due to its best production car aerodymanics. Sky high gas prices are of no concern with a lifetime average of 52mpg driving it like any other car, without concern for gas mileage. And it still gets thumbs up almost daily.

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  Fantastic - 2010 Honda Insight
  By V - March 12 - 6:50 pm

  I ordered my car two months before it hit the market. I fell in love with it from the first time I saw it. I can honestly say that this car has saved me many tickets. I have become a much better driver, I love the fact of being rated every time I drive the car. I feel like I am flying a plane.

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  Sporty, economical Love Machine - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Kilroyrogers - March 10 - 2:00 am

  So Im on Sunset racing a Ferrari F40 and weaving in and out of rally cars last summer, and heads were turning and watching the 5 speed kick it, and I realized I had a sporty, head turning ride for relative peanuts. When I later saw said Ferrari with its hood up and smoke pouring out at the staion at PCH and Sunset, I realized I really do have the best of both worlds, minus the headaches.

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  It doesnt get any better than this! - 2003 Honda Insight
  By Tim Guiles - March 4 - 2:00 am

  In the summer I get 85 miles to the gallon while driving normally through the mountains and valleys of Vermont. This car is great in the snow - - - I live 2 miles off the paved road at the end of a small dirt road and I continue to be impressed by the capabilities of this car.

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  Oil imports? Trade deficits? Pollution? - 2000 Honda Insight
  By skyemoor - March 4 - 2:00 am

  (50,000+ mile review) 2 Seat Family Car Limitation: First, install an on/off switch for the passenger side airbag. Next, the Insight can be used when 2 or fewer occupants are to be transported. Our 33 mpg family car used otherwise. The 2 seat limitation never keeps anyone from going anywhere. Mileage: When I drive carefully, the Insight rewards me with 70+ mpg. When I drive otherwise, I average 60-65 mpg. Handling, Driveability: Not an out and out sports car, it does have a sporty, nimble feel. Fit and Finish: Its a Honda... Reliability: Its a Honda...

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  Coast to Coast - 2004 Honda Insight
  By harbold - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my Insite two times from California to the East Coast and return. One troble is keeping it down to the speed limit. When I look down we frequently are driving much to fast. One the desert I have had it over a hundered. Driving freeway 8 to Alpine from San Diego the trafic moves above eighty-five. The grade is steep and in the honda I keep having to slow down. The other car we use is a corvett on the 0 to eighty will lay you back in the seat which the honda wont. However the honda coners as well as it does. It is flat on corners and takes them as well as the corvett.

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  Well satisfied - 2004 Honda Insight
  By KatMcCulloch - February 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I drive the L.A. freeways daily, at 65 to 80 MPH [when the traffic will allow] so I get about 50 MPG. I combed the web for info and I got what I expected. I have had a 52 Chevy, 65 VW Bug, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic. This is the only car that makes me smile when I see it and drive it. Thanks Honda.