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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Totally cool/fun - 2003 Honda Insight
By fritz - October 11 - 2:00 amI bought this car after 3 test drives. It took a little getting used to the way it runs, but it handles well, is pretty quick, and the coolness factor is not to be believed! My partner and I fight to drive it, and have taken many road trips around California. It is a Honda, so the usual fine fit and materials are evident throughout. The car is quiet, the seats very comfortable, and the climate control system is flawless. In all, I will drive this rig into the ground!!
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Still love my Insight - 2001 Honda Insight
By Z6throck - October 11 - 2:00 amIve had my Insight for almost three years now. Every month my mpg gets a little better (averaging about 65 mpg per tank now). The car is wonderful for my daily 50 mile commute and does well for small trips like going to the grocery store.
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Insight - 2003 Honda Insight
By cars - October 9 - 2:00 amIts great. The perfect car for anyone.
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THE MOST FUN CAR EVER - 2003 Honda Insight
By MANY CARS - September 2 - 2:00 amI have five cars including classics, MBs,Wagon, Truck,and if I had to throw them all away in order to keep driving my Insight, I would do it...This car is so much fun and a fill up every few months.....It is low, spiffy, LOTS of zip, and I NEVER have to drive other couples home.The rear is easier to load than my Lexus.I love it that my Insight turns more heads than $100,000 guzzlers.
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insight rocks! - 2000 Honda Insight
By JL1595 - August 31 - 2:00 amFun to drive - especially past the gas station! Surprisingly responsive. A technology marvel. It fits two full size adults and two golf bags -- no problems.
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Most Wonderful Car ever made - 2003 Honda Insight
By nth - August 22 - 2:00 amThe insight is the best car ever. Ultra high gas milage and handles like a beaut. Ill drive these hybrids forever!!
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the less obvious - 2002 Honda Insight
By jgray - August 13 - 2:00 amWhile others have whooped the obvious, other of the real assets of this car get less air. Do you remember your old VW? The classic oversteer? the single reason to have one of those piles of scrap? This Insight handles just like it - seems just like oversteer, great handling fun. The single most important reason to buy? Emisssions - low, and lower! Just a grand little car to be thankful for as you watch the "truck" drivers try to negotiate the world.
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nice - 2003 Honda Insight
By huh? - July 29 - 2:00 amthis is the best car ive ever owned
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A fun and classy economy car - 2010 Honda Insight
By Jim L - July 15 - 10:13 pmIve wanted a hybrid for many years, but I didnt think they would be worth the extra expense. I realized that dealers were going to be more flexible due to the economy so I seriously started looking. I looked at a Prius and Civic Hybrid, but both were a bit pricier than I wanted to pay. The Insight seemed like the best value and I really liked the exterior look better too. The fuel economy displays is probably the best distinctive feature of the car and it really helps you save gas. Im still learning, but I am averaging 49 mpg over 8k miles. I use the a/c all the time. The car is extremely quiet under normal conditions, almost too quiet.
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Awesome - 2010 Honda Insight
By Chrisopher Roberts - June 25 - 10:00 amWhat a great car! I have driven almost 100 miles and have barely used any gas! Not to mention the IMA (Integrated Motor Assistant) and the Eco score systems. The eco assist feature really helps drivers to know how "well" youre driving and the longer you drive well the more trophies you earn. The car is surprisingly roomy and comfortable, with more storage room than it seems from the outside. I enjoy the smooth transition between electric and gas motor, and that you dont use gas while stopped. I would recommend this car for anyone looking in the $20k range, or for a hybrid: I drove 15 different cars before buying this one, and absolutely feel I made the right decision.
