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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  This is the future - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Armin - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the automotive future today! There is no reason why any commuter needs to lug around 5000 pounds of big iron that burns gas at frightening rates. The Insight is the answer: lower fuel consumption, find easier parking, fund to drive, tax deduction, exciting technology and you can feel good about driving it, too!

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  First impressions very positive - 2003 Honda Insight
  By spinoza - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Weve had ours for a month now and its been a lot of fun to do drive. It drives and handles much like a little sports car (the Miata comes to mind), and weve had little problem adjusting to it being a hybrid. Features like the auto-stop and motor-assist are intuitive and easy to adjust to. Its amazing to see it already averaging over 50 miles a gallon in heavy city driving. The car has impressive acceleration and speed, and has no problems keeping up with traffic and passing. Its also very smooth and quiet.

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  A diamond in the rough... - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Gazoo - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Of the ten or so vehicles I have owned, this is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. Performance is great (keep in mind that it weighs =1800 lbs), its a blast to drive, phenomenal mileage (I averaged 87 mpg on a 250 mile trip once), etc. Ive spent roughly $1100 in gas over 50k miles the 2 years Ive had the Insight. I never realized how much attention this car would receive from all walks and places of life. I cannot say enough positive things about this car. Ill keep it until I die.

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  Excellent car for the money. - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Chris - February 16 - 3:46 pm

  This is a car that delivers what you expect for the money. An affordable hybrid that clearly was constructed with a budget in mind but never feels overly cheap. Yes, there is a lot of hard plastic and purchasing the LX model deprives you of cruise control, nice wheels and an armrest. But still, in the hybrid market at least, I think its the best bang for the buck.

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  Could be a "10" - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Hans Blixxxx - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is as promised with no major sacrifices.

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  Millenium Transporter - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Heb - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This Little Car is a 10. The only complaint ... its affected by crosswinds because of its low weight. Tailwinds provide up to 90 MPG. Average MPG has been 61.

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  A Fun Car - 2002 Honda Insight
  By edl41 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car that is practical as well as well designed.And economical too.My wife and I prefer the Insight to our new Accord 4dr.Getting better than 50 m.p.g.running errands in the city.The CVT transmission is outstanding.Feels like a turbine.Ride is extra firm--which adds to handling.Disappointed in audio-but I like the car so much I may upgrade.

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  Great Car - 2000 Honda Insight
  By And y Dettling - February 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is a huge step towards non reliance on fossil fuels. SUVs suck! Think about the effects that your personal choices have on the Earth.

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  Insight on Maui - 2000 Honda Insight
  By RicCorless - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Since moving to Maui, the Insight has been the perfect vehicle. Regular gasoline at $2/gallon - and driving about 700 miles a month for pleasure, the car is delivering 72-mpg! We dont use the A/C - it doesnt get hot in Maui - which helps the mileage a lot. Weve renovated our home, and all materials except major appliances were transported with this vehicle! I left a superb Mercedes behind, and miss only the sound system.

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  Love at First Sight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By roberto - December 15 - 4:20 am

  I bought this car on the day of my birthday - by accident. I accompanied my sister in law to buy a car at a Honda dealer and when I saw the Insight I immediately fell in love with it. Within minutes I was trading in my helluva noisy Toyota Matrix. My sis in law left and I stayed behind and within an hour I was driving home my Insight - the drive was smooth, the steering and seat was comfy - wow I love it. Right now Im doing 42 mpg after 3 weeks and hope to improve as I go on. The exterior looks great, love the interior, but the alloy wheels are my favorite. Save the best for last I find the engine quiet and smooth ride which I still havent got used to. OMG I could say this car is POETRY.