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:
Showing 351 through 360 of 447.00-
Perfect car for commuting - 2004 Honda Insight
By tussjohn - December 20 - 2:00 amEverybody asks what it is.
-
I love it - 2010 Honda Insight
By Hutch42 - December 5 - 8:06 pmWhile Consumer Reports has just reported on this car and they do not recommend it, I totally disagree. While it has many of the "faults" indicated by Consumer Reports, it meets my needs perfectly. It is nice looking, drives nicely, rides nicely, and gets great gas mileage. After over 1,000 miles in this car, Ive averaged around 50 mpg. At 6 ft. in height, I have never hit my head entering the car. The driving position is comfortable and I have plenty of head and leg room. The only down side, in my opinion, is that it seems to work hard climbing long hills, but Ive had it up to 80 mph. going up hills.
-
Great Economical Car - 2010 Honda Insight
By utahdriver - November 29 - 7:00 amI took a look at a 2007 Prius, but it didnt feel like a traditional car like this one. The styling, handling, and overall driving experience is great on the Insight. I did have to get used to the fraction of a second hesitation when you start from a full stop. And there is a very small shudder as the engine turns off when you stop. But these have only been minor annoyances that I dont even notice anymore. I am going to the gas station a lot less these days, and the price is well within the range of your average new compact car.
-
Great Car to Drive for City only - 2010 Honda Insight
By Brian - November 20 - 5:06 amThis is a great car to drive, for city driving only. I am not so sure, I would not use this car to drive on the highway for great distances. This car would work in big cities around the USA, where traffic is really bad - the auto stop option, is far the best feature in this car. I am just dont understand why, the big 3 never put that in there cars to begin with. I think, if the big 3 had put the auto stop in all of there cars, they would not be in financial ruin right now, and there world not be global warming crisis. There is NO REASON WHY, cars need to burn gas at any stop light or traffic congestion points while polluting the air we breath.
-
FUN TOY - 2003 Honda Insight
By FRED SARABIA - November 18 - 2:00 amI have four cars including Mercedes Convertible,VW Cabriolet,Mazda truck and the Insight....I practically NEVER drive the others and sometimes have to jump start them I have so much fun in the Insight....zippy and have only filled in 4 times since I bought it in March......
-
Happy Camper - 2004 Honda Insight
By HappyCamper99 - November 15 - 2:00 amit is efficient, economic and serves my purpose: even though I drive 150 miles per day, I only fill up once a week as opposed to my civic I had to fill every other day. And I only have an 11 gallon tank. This thing gets recharged when I go down hill, when I downshift and when I brake. Never have to plug the babe in. it has good pick-up when needed, just as a regular car without a turbo. It is peppier than the small Subaru I use to have, thatÂ’s for sure.
-
great job with this car - 2004 Honda Insight
By patrick garrity - November 15 - 2:00 amThere are the rest and then there is the insight that is the best. The insight inside and out makes other cars look old and outdated. Heads will turn when you drive this car. Be prepared to answer alot of questions. It looks and drives like no other car on the road. So why has Honda been so quite about this great car? Are they still losing money for every insight they sell. Well get out the word, this car is worth every dollar.
-
ME AND MY HONDA - 2004 Honda Insight
By ED CONDRA - November 15 - 2:00 am2000 honda insight has been the best performing car I have ever owned. I get 65 to 72 MPG on it. I drove from Louisville KY to Chicago round trip on 9 gallon of gas. Thats good. Now one better. We drove from Louisville,Ky to BattleCreek, MI round trip on 16 gallon. 70 mpg that trip. As Tony the tiget said "thats great." I have hit the 102,400 milage mark. SATISFIED? I CAN NOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THIS CAR. I am a driven commercial for HONDA. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES AND SO MUCH FUN. My service work has been done by Honda Cars of Clarksville,Indiana.I cant say enough for this dealership. Service Execellance bar none. EXCELLENT TEAM. NUFF SAID.
-
I wish I had Honda "Insight" sooner! - 2004 Honda Insight
By HLeith - November 15 - 2:00 amIf your life style permits a 2-seater, the Honda Insight is an excellent combination of fuel economy, style, driving pleasure, and reliability.
-
want a Honda - 2004 Honda Insight
By Jo - November 15 - 2:00 amDefinitely prefer Honda rides smooth gets great gas mileage looks good-- insisde & outside. Still looking and plan to purchase real soon.
