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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  Love this car! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Diana - December 5 - 1:46 pm

  I really didnt believe the MPG promises made by the dealership, but I wasnt concerned because I knew it would be better than my trade in. In econo mode, Im getting about 46 MPG on surface streets! That is mind boggling! I routinely get about 50 on my commute which is a mix of freeway and surface streets. I do turn the econo mode off during the hot AZ summers and the mileage is still really good, probably about 45 MPG on my commute. The performance is great. I can pass when I need to pass, accelerate to get on the freeway. I also store a surprising amount of cargo in the back, with the seats folded down.

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  Watch the Batteries and Value - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Another New Car? - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Recently I noticed that the power cells were discharging more frequently and with less of a stress on them. After contacting my dealer and finding out that new batteries were unavail. and when they were they would be re-manuf & cost $3-5000, I traded the car. The value after 3 years on a trade is only $8-9000. So, If you can sell it privately, do so. Otherwise pay it off and keep it until the batteries need replacing and then hope that they are available. As of Nov. 2002 they were not. A new vehicle priced at 21k only worth 9k three model years later, (with normal mileage) says alot about the manufacturers and dealers opinion of the vehicle.

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  First month in the books - 2010 Honda Insight
  By aw2pp - October 24 - 8:50 pm

  Bought mine this month, after running an old Ford Focus into the ground. First tank of gas returned 46 mpg in mixed driving, in ECO mode, with AC mostly on. And I have learned quite a bit in these last few weeks about driving in a way that maximizes fuel efficiency. I think 50+ regular is well within reach. I am 65", and have little trouble getting in a comfortable driving position. Thankfully, I dont tote anyone around the back seat (which is one of the reasons for choosing the car in the first place). Not much room back there. I know there are complaints about road noise, but in comparison with my previous car (a 2002 Ford Focus), this Insight is a vault at highway speeds.

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  A decent compromise - 2010 Honda Insight
  By mheikka - October 22 - 12:40 pm

  The 2010 Insight is a decent compromise for the money. It is a good second or commuter-only car, provided your other car can carry all of the people and junk in your life. Despite having 4 doors, it is really a 2 seater car with room for 5 year old children occasionally. Most of the complaints (modest acceleration, engine noise, small back seat, blind spots, road noise, A/C shuts off at stoplights, short seat cushions, etc.) are true, but not unexpected for a small, inexpensive commuter hybrid. If you want a solid little commuter with its associated compromises, it is a solid choice.

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  Great car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Andrews - October 19 - 8:30 am

  We previously had a 2003 VW Passat 1.8T, which was fun to drive but in the shop more than on the road. This car obviously isnt as sporty, but is great for its target audience. Its much more roomy than it appears, and performs its function with aplomb. Were getting about 42 mpg normally, although my wife got ~50 mpg on the highway somehow. As long as you acknowledge that this isnt a sports car, the performance is great. You do have to pretty much floor it to get on the interstate, but thats the only time I notice any lack of power. The cars mpg game is pretty addictive, and really helps make it fun.

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  Insightful - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Mithril - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for just over a year and am mostly happy with it though it doesnt make for a good winter car as it is too light. Road noise is a bit harsh also.

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  Insight Is Better Than The Naysayers Say - 2010 Honda Insight
  By 3rd Honda man - September 24 - 9:20 pm

  Researched 2010 Insight heavily. Test drove several times here in Colorado. Test drove Civic. Replacing my 97 Civic HX wasnt easy but the Insight exceeds my expectations. Styling is superb and high end. Comfort is excellent for average height like myself. MPG already coming in high 40s, low 50s. Drove in snow second day of ownership today and handled great. Cons by many people are not typical of a superbly designed hybrid, so dont expect big power. Plastic? Nothing wrong with the interior plastic, it is light and saves on weight. I do agree mats should come standard, but overall the Insight EX is a beautiful vehicle, my 3rd Honda. I will keep for many years!

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  its so cool - 2002 Honda Insight
  By mr. ark - September 17 - 2:00 am

  the insight is the only vehicle ive driven that is a compact car with a QUIET ride and groove design. i like the fact its got some kick to it as well. overall it rules.

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  Insight Built For The Track - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Iselin - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car over 30,000 miles and find it faster then all the magazines claimed it to be.The car is capable of standing starts much quicker than PT Cruiser,Mazda Miata,Dodge Durango,Porsche boxter,Cadillac STS,and many others too numerous to mention.Once you learn to sycronize the clutch,shift and gas pedal for best performance you get a car that out performs all the previous data that I have read. I have climbed steephills at over 90mph with pedal left over.I have embaressed Porsche owners as I have left them at traffic lights and out maneuvered them in traffic.

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  Insight 2002 - 2002 Honda Insight
  By henry8744 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  With over 50000 miles I am averaging 62 mpg. I really enjoy this car. It is fun to drive and comfortable.