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:

• 

  Exceeded my expectations - 2011 Honda Insight
  By chaffstealth - August 18 - 4:10 pm

  I wanted to have a small fuel-efficient car that also fits my budget and the 2011 Honda Insight LX is just the perfect car. I narrowed down my choices to either a Fit, Ford Fiesta, and Insight. My decision to buy the Insight was because of outstanding advertised MPG. So far in the last couple of weeks I actually get to average 45 mpg mostly city driving. It is also a fun car to drive. A hybrid for $20K under is a steal! CONS: For taller people the headroom will be a challenge.

• 

  After 9 months and 12,000 miles - 2010 Honda Insight
  By egadbois - August 7 - 10:42 pm

  The first 6 months I drove with the Econ engaged and never got more than about 52 mpg and no less than 48 mpg. I decided to turn off the Econ mode and drive normally. I have always been a very heavy user of cruise control. That and the fact that this is a small town with few lights, I am now getting 54 mpg without trying very hard. The Dunlap tires ride a bit harsh and the road noise is more than normal for a Honda. After two long trips I have found the seats to be very comfortable. I have no complaints with the sound system and use the USB port to plug in a flash memory stick with all my favorite music.

• 

  Great car - 2011 Honda Insight
  By jakata - July 28 - 10:33 am

  Ive had my Insight for a week now and Im very pleased. Very comfortable, I dont notice much road noise as mentioned in the Edmund review. Although its a very small car it has a excellent ride and feel of a much larger car. Im getting 45 mpg with air on all the time. I love its looks and feel. After researching every car out there I feel I made an excellent decision.

• 

  Honda Insight Delivers Fun & Savings - 2011 Honda Insight
  By rfbronk1 - June 26 - 11:31 pm

  I really like my Honda Insight EX in polished metal. I am getting better than 40 MPG and what I really like it how well it drives. I like the hatch feature and the styling. The Insight is just sharp and it works nicely. I like the ECO feature - when you stop in traffic it just stops! I tried the Prius but found the Insight to just be more fun. Also - the Insight EX is a much better value. I am very pleased with my choice.

• 

  Nice car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By jett456 - June 10 - 6:37 am

  I am liking this car more as the gas prices go up. I get decent mileage. Around 45-50 on the highway, 36-40 city. Cruise control seems to use up more gas in my opinion. Ive had no problems with the battery as some reviews have mentioned. My navigation disc is outdated. For some reason I have a 2007 version in my car. Honda offered to split the cost with me. It should be free for all the money the navigation system cost!! The front passenger seat is uncomfortable for a large person. This is a leased car but I think I will go with a larger car when the lease is up.

• 

  LOVE my 2011 EX Insight - 2011 Honda Insight
  By rjbjr5 - May 31 - 1:33 pm

  The main reason I love the Honda Insight is the gas mileage Im getting. I had a 2006 Pacifica, getting 18-19 MPGs... now I average about 42 MPG just running errands and back & forth to work. Drove to NH & back and got 48.6 MPGs - calculated manually (miles/gallons). I am saving at least 1/2 my monthy car payment in gas each month! Driving it is fun & feels sturdy... its a smooth ride and I never can tell when transitioning from gas to battery etc. Since this is only the 2nd year of the new Insight, Im really hoping the engine etc. is made as well as all other Hondas and will last just as long... time will tell.

• 

  Honda Insight Base - 2011 Honda Insight
  By steve190 - April 29 - 6:40 am

  Fun car for the money, yeah you wont win any races with it but that is not what it was designed for. If you are looking for a car that is reasonably fun to drive and great on gas if you drive it right check out the Insight. You can do better on mileage with the Prius but you will also pay more for it and in my opinion the Honda drives and handles much better. Try them both and decide for yourself. Excellent value for a hybrid! Loving it so far!

• 

  I really love my Insight!! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By svrider1 - April 24 - 7:40 pm

  It gets great gas mileage. I average about 45 mpg (mostly city driving) but if you are willing to drive a little slower it could be better. I also live in Florida and constantly use a/c which effects your fuel economy. Interior ergonomics are nice and futuristic looking, with seemingly very good build quality. Seats are really comfy with super-soft fabric!

• 

  Quigz Review - 2011 Honda Insight
  By quigz - March 24 - 1:56 am

  I traded in a 2004 Pontiac GTO! I had a 5.7 liter V8 gas monster, and traded this in for a gas saver. I dont care to much about being green, I care about saving money, and the Insight allows me to do just that in gas. I love this car! I save so much money in gas it is unreal. I have a 10 gallon gas tank and get over 60 MPG! I get triple the gas mileage now. I get $30 in gas every seven days as opposed to $45 every three days. I am using a solar panel now to increase my MPGs [violative content deleted]

• 

  Great little car for the price - 2010 Honda Insight
  By ledeof01 - March 12 - 11:33 am

  This is a great little car for the price. Dont take any notice of cost comparisons as the often compare it to a Honda Fit. This car is much bigger than the Fit. Its closer to the Civic. I love the instrument display which can be customized. Fuel economy is great. I do mostly stop/start town driving and still get around 40 mpg average. On long trips, I have easily managed over 50 mpg highway averaging 65 mph. Visibility is poor but thats typical of most small cars these days as they increase pillar sizes for better crash safety.