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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  great car for a guy to commute. - 2003 Honda Insight
  By crazyjake1982 - March 14 - 6:24 pm

  I bought this car new in march of 2003 and I have put 130,000 miles on it. It has been very reliable and rugged. I drive 52 miles one way to work and I get an honest 60 miles per gallon on every tank full. It is not good on snow being so low, and its performance on ice was terrible with the original tires, I soon bought snow tires and that was well worth the money. I love this car.

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  Its a simple hybrid... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By fromguzzlertogreen - February 6 - 11:15 pm

  I chose the insight since I couldnt see myself in a prius. I drove an 2007 BMW M5 that gave me mechanical problems and bad gas. I was looking for greatest gas mileage plus prestige that only came with a hybrid like prius- Insight was just the car. In CA-it was great since its warm. No need for heating. Drove to seattle for $80 in gas. Now, I am averaging 34-36MPG- not happy with these #s. I have to remind myself I bought it for the distinction, otherwise I should have spend less on a civic.

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  All around nice car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Chevy Person 4 life - January 29 - 9:16 pm

  My honda has 4300 miles on it now. I went to change the oil and dealer said not to change until the car told me to. I could possible get 8000 miles before oil change wow. Went from LasVegas to Knotts Berry farm California at 75 m.p.h.It took 5 Gallons of gas. my daughter and I had a great time in the insight a little uncomfortable after 4 hours on the road. The nave system was great! Would like to see gas cap lock instead of pushing on it to open it. this way nobody can get to your tank. All around nice car so far.

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  Im liking it but... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By dweiser - November 29 - 11:56 pm

  I also own a 2009 Honda Fit Sport w/Navi so my comments will include that comparison. An all electric vehicle/plug-in vehicle will fit my driving habits (short trips) perfectly and either the Insight or the Fit will leave when a decent one is available. Ive had the Insight for about 3 weeks and I have to admit the look of it continues to grow on me. Like some I never thought it unsightly at first but I like its looks more each day. I hit my head getting out sometimes and Im only 5 9". I really miss having the stereo (loudness) controls on the steering wheel like the Fit. Im only getting 37 m.p.g. with ECO button on and careful driving. My Fit gets 34 so I hope this improves soon.

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  Great looks but dangerously underpowered - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Texas Consumer - May 19 - 8:56 am

  Been a big Honda fan. Owned Civic, Accord, another Accord and Integra. All great cars. This one, I really wanted to like it. Looks: Very cute. Wife thought interior reminded her of video game console. Very gadgetty. We test drove. Right out of the dealership (w/ 3 people driver, passenger and salesman), we were on the access road next to the highway. I had to punch it to make it to the entrance ramp. The car revved very high but the speed increased ever so slowly. 3 sets of 2 cars passed us both on left and right side of the Insight before making it. Too dangerous! When got off and did local driving, the car was great. Considering the size, very comfortable.

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  Economical: Yes!! Fast: No!! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Rookie60 - December 31 - 1:40 am

  This car was made to sip gas. It does that. It was not made to be fast. It is not fast. It is terribly underpowered. I like the hatchback for carrying things. Steering is numb. Car is relatively quiet except on hard acceleration where the underpowered engine groans.

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  My Wifes Fantasy Car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Mowgli the Man Cub - December 16 - 2:33 pm

  We have put over 700 miles on this car in the first two weeks and its a perfect fit for my wife. She is a slow and steady driver who is also fuel conscious and so all the gas-saving features are right up her alley and I have to admit I have become a more fuel-efficient driver with the constant reminders. I was surprised to read so many negative media reviews about this car, we find it a perfect commuter and errand running complement to our beloved 2004 Honda Pilot (which still can move all the cargo and dogs around). This will be a perfect car to pass to one of our daughters for college commuting in five years or so.

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  2000 Honda Insight - 2000 Honda Insight
  By atlaw4u - October 29 - 11:11 am

  I purchased a used 2000 Insight after researching this car for months on several forums inclduing insightcentral.net and I love it. It is excellent at its intended purpose- incredible MPG. I would also consider it a drivers car. If you drive correctly you will be rewarded but drive wrong and you will be punished. My mileage varies from 70mpg to 90+mpg but a few users have only seen 45+mpg. This car is also a compromise. You give up many things for that ultimate MPG. Due to its design, there is more road noise and the suspension leaves a little to be desired among others. But compromise in a few areas and you will be driving and enjoying one of the greenest cars on the planet.

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  Try it, youll like it. - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Tim - June 23 - 4:26 am

  I considered buying a Prius given the deals currently available. But, after driving an Insight I bought it the same day. Not to say that the Prius isnt a good bargain at the moment, I just found the Insight to be a better overall car. Yes... a little smaller, mileage not quite as good. On the other hand, more comfortable driving position and much more fun to drive. Took it on a 700 mile trip this past weekend. Quite comfortable for myself, my wife and one 8 year old. Put it in sports mode for the Long Island Expressway and youre good to go!

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  Good Car for City Commuting - 2010 Honda Insight
  By John - January 4 - 5:43 am

  Well I got inspired and traded in my 2008 CRV for an Insight. I have an average commute of 40 mile per day total with about 4 miles of city driving. I live in San Antonio and my last 5 miles of my commute is stop and go traffic. Anybody who drives 281 North in the evening will know stop and go should really be stop and stop traffic. I have 1400 miles on the car and am averaging all around 45.2 MPG. I will admit I do miss the CRV, but I am a city driver only and with the exception of going back and forth to work I do not do that much additional driving... bottom line. I like the car. Even though gas is down right now we all know when this economy get back on track will be looking ^$ gas.