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:

• 

  What were they driving? - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Kevin - December 5 - 4:43 pm

  Im talking about most of those car experts who rated this car poorly based on ride and power. Ive used this car both around town (NYC) and on the highway. Considering its motor and transmission, it never left me waiting for the power to kick in. The assist needle will jump anytime you call for extra power. The ride is quiet and Im able to hold conversations at 70mph without yelling, unlike my Mazda3. The suspension does a great job of absorbing bumps and potholes. It takes turns with minimal body lean. Dont attempt anything sporty in this car, though. Very little engine noise when youre up to speed, though you can hear it in the cabin during acceleration.

• 

  Sports Car? - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Mike - September 26 - 9:41 pm

  While this is my wifes car I do most of the driving. She drives for high mpg I drive to see how many people I can surprise by going faster than others. Needless to say our average mpg for 40000 miles is 48. I read in some of the reviews people calling it a good handling car. Not even close, its just a point and shoot vehicle. Gears 1, 2 & 3 for acceleration (3rd is good for 80 mph and the batteries are being charged!) 4th & 5th are strictly cruising gears, no torque at all. I had to buy a fastener for the rear spat...$17.00 for a screw!! Must be made from gold.

• 

  Drive what you need! - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Firecracker - June 27 - 10:58 pm

  I never considered the insight until a technology savvy person convinced me to test drive it. (I was not keen on the side skirts) Once I did I loved it and traded my Audi A6 in on the spot. Best decision I ever made! My lifestyle was very welcoming to a Honda Insight. I have been excited to drive it every day for the past 2.5 years. There is always a smug look on my face when I drive through the gas station past all the SUV owners and walk inside, just to get a soda! The thing is most people dont drive what they need. All seem to own a vehicle that could move a whole house if necessary. I say, buy the insight for the rest of the days you are not on the move to save $$$

• 

  Great car for commuters - 2006 Honda Insight
  By cha11 - April 28 - 2:17 pm

  Great car for driving to and from work. This car pays for itself by cutting my gas bill $100 a week. Couldnt be happier with the performance.

• 

  Ingrid the Insight - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Shoe - April 12 - 5:55 pm

  This is the best purchase Ive ever made. 90k miles later, Im still loving it. You must be committed to the cause of low emissions and reduced fuel consumption, because a two seater with fewer horses than most riding mowers is not for everyone. I can fit two sets of golf clubs in the back and my passenger and I are very comfortable. Smart car. Youd look smart driving it.

• 

  Yes its worth it! - 2006 Honda Insight
  By Lance Johnson - March 22 - 10:53 pm

  I have owned this little car for several months now. It has plenty of pep and zips right along. It is fun to drive and it gets incredible gas mileage. 47 in town and 60 frwy. I fill the tank about once every 3 weeks after driving it all over, and when I pull out of the gas station after filling up for 25 bucks and the guy next to me is still filling his suv after 60, somehow I feel as if I have out smarted some folks. I also feel good that I am driving a vehicle that is considered 0 emisions! I am concerned about the planet! Its not all about the money reviewers, its about being conscience, not wastefull! The only complaint that I have about this car is the lack of side door pockets.

• 

  What A Little Gem! - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Tim - February 26 - 9:49 am

  I originally bought this car, new, partially for its technology and partially because I have always preferred smaller cars. My test ride was more than I expected and I was especially surprised at its sportiness and very good excelleration. Other than normal oil changes, filters, I have had zero problems and just a great experience with this little gem for the past four years. I have taken several long trips (more than 1000 miles) and was not only very comfortable but averaged over 80 MPG, and my speed was over 70 MPH-usually 80 MPH. I enjoy passing by a huge gas guzzling SUV and just smile with a grin that says whos the dumb irresponsible consumer now?

• 

  5 Years Later - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Carl Abert - February 5 - 5:22 pm

  Car has excceeded my expectations. The MPG for 122K+ miles is 70.5 MPG. Coming from a Dakota, gas consumption has been reduced by 700+ gallons a year. Do the math. While a bit underpowered, the 5 speed manual allows for compensation. Wheres the Insight II with 90 MPG or so...?

• 

  So far so good - 2010 Honda Insight
  By heidicat - October 2 - 12:30 am

  So far I really like my insight. Only real problem is plastic on hatchback broke part with light so I have to get it replaced. Love the mpg and enough room for my two kids and shopping. Wish she had a little more power on the hills but Ive learned to be light on the peddle.

• 

  My best car - 2005 Honda Insight
  By frank manley - August 9 - 9:44 pm

  Had many cars in 84 years, including Ferrari, etc. This is the BEST one ever. I will never sell/tradeit! (Unless the new desigh Insight comes on the market).