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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Better than expected - 2010 Honda Insight
By Bill Gadbois - November 17 - 2:00 amThis was a white EX with 12,000 miles. Paid $16,000 before closing cost. Am still on my original tank of gas indicating 51 mpg, which is better than I had hoped for. Am driving with the Eco lite on and trying not to accelerate too hard. Have plugged a USB flashcard in with my favorite music. Will not subscribe to the Sirius capability. I find the car fun to drive with all the power I need. Have always been a heavy user of cruise control given sufficient room in front of me.
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Extremely happy with my Insight! - 2010 Honda Insight
By Hbarton88 - November 4 - 2:00 amThis car has helped me to become a more efficient and calm driver. The fuel economy you get is WAY better than EPA estimates.
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Great car for the money - 2010 Honda Insight
By Gill - October 30 - 2:00 amI have had this car for just over 3 months now. This is the first Honda I have bought,I usually own toyotas. I bought this car because I have a new job that I commute 60 miles a day on the highway. Honda had a $5000 rebate on the car, and my Province was giving $2000 environmental rebate. I compared the price of the Yaris and Corolla to the insight, and once I added options like A/C,P/W, cruise, AT, etc. with the rebates the insight was cheaper. The car is great to drive, the dash and gadgets are great. I drove my wifes 2005 loaded rav4 for a week, and I missed my insight big time. This car is made so the working person can afford a hybrid, and provides great fuel economy, & it delivers.
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Best car I have owned - 2010 Honda Insight
By frenchaln - October 29 - 2:00 amI have owned over 20 cars. That one is by far the best. No rattle. Very quiet. Sub compact but drives like a mid size car. Cheaper then Prius.
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Easy 50 mpg - 2010 Honda Insight
By dtl - October 24 - 2:00 amHow can US gov. can rate this hybrid gas electric at 40 mpg? I easily get 50 mpg with guidance from the built in monitors. Prius owners ask how is the mileage and have expressed that they are not happy with their mileage. I think this vehicle will be great for Teenagers as it teaches you how to drive efficiently and rewards you for doing so. The seats are completely adjustable and very comfortable. I chose this vehicle for mileage, styling, and the fact that it has 1 cubic foot more storage space in the back than the Civic.
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Real world mpg is 50+ - 2010 Honda Insight
By Donna - October 16 - 2:00 amI have had this car for a year now and I love it. My mpg has averaged 51 over 20K miles. The dash def teaches you how to drive efficiently and it is fun to try to continually improve your driving habits and mpg. I am baffled by the "official" mpg rating of 41-43, I do try to drive well but I dont do anything crazy to get my results. I have no complaints at all, I love driving this car.
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First Hybrid, I will never go back. - 2010 Honda Insight
By waypeter - September 29 - 2:00 amAfter driving the Insight for a month, I am in love it it. My old car was a 99 Lexus ES300. Although going from Lexus to Honda is a step down in brand, the technology in Insight is more advance then my old Lexus. Im 59" and I dont feel the car is small in the front or rear. However, I do wish the electronic system do more job, so it will get more MPG. So far, Im doing 41 MPG combined.
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Bang for the buck - 2010 Honda Insight
By seahurst - September 4 - 8:34 pmWe have now driven a year. Previously had a Toyota Celica for 20 yrs. Toyota service locally had gone downhill, so looked at the Honda. More care for the money. I like the fact that the car starts from gasoline power versus the battery. You give up a couple of miles per gallon, but I like getting out of dodge from a dead stop. Auto-Stop takes some getting used - when you change the temp, you have reset Auto- Stop. Minor issue. I hope the paint holds up as well as my Toyota did.
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Had Civic Hybrid and Prius - 2010 Honda Insight
By lindguini - August 28 - 1:02 amMy previous car was a 2007 Civic Hybrid and so the Insight was an easy transition. Our second car is a 2008 Prius which is our preferred people hauler. The Insight is much more responsive in acceleration and handling. The front seats are very supportive and the car has a firm, European feel in the steering and suspension. The engine is quiet except under hard acceleration where it gets a bit buzzy. The build quality is superb inside and out --it just feels solid. I mainly drive stop-and-go Los Angeles streets and average 44+ mpg. The Insight is hands-down more fun-to-drive than our Prius but the Toyota is capable of higher fuel efficiency. The Insight is Hondas best hybrid effort so far.
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Driving 100 Miles a Day - 2010 Honda Insight
By Rick from Woodstock - August 19 - 3:22 pmIve had my Insight for less than a month, but I drive 100 miles every weekday and Ive already driven on highways, in mountains, and in NY City. I feel I can now rave about how much I love this car (and not just because my monthly gasoline bill will be half of my gas bill for the 2000 VW Golf I traded in). Others in these reviews have complained about the auto stop feature, but Im a fan. I like the idea that my engine isnt idling for no reason when Im sitting at a long red light. The first time it happens you might thing you have stalled, but by the second time it happens, it just seems cool.
