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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  Dynamite comes in small packages - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Brian Tennis - August 3 - 4:04 pm

  I really dont understand why the Editors rating is a full 40% points different than the individuals who actually own the car? Not enough horsepower for you guys? Cmon, this is a GREAT car. While not for everyone, those who do own them, bye and large, love them to death!

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  Fair comparison - 2010 Honda Insight
  By nathan - May 5 - 11:23 pm

  Bought my Insight today for my college daughters and we took it straight from dealer to Santa Barbara for a 120 miles spin. We all loved it. All professional reviews are too harsh on Insight comparing with Prius. Insight has 10 times better driving position; better road feel; all the gadgets youngsters want (13 buttons on steering wheel plus pair of shifter paddles). Coupled with good price, this is a better choice. About accusing Insight copying Prius style, I remember this. Before Prius, there was this big ugly Pontiac. Before that, there was little cute Honda CRX. This style is for small cars. Insight has low and narrow profile to make it much nicer looking. And lots of fun.

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  Great Little Car - 2001 Honda Insight
  By mh54 - April 11 - 4:23 pm

  My 2001 Insight is coming up on 100,000 miles of oil-change only driving. It has been an excellent automobile! Yes, I wish it was a little more powerful, but 60 MPG does not come without cost.

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  The Escape Craft - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Bunswha - April 6 - 11:45 pm

  Overall the only things that have been done to the car since I own it is regular oil changes. I live in the foothills of NY about 60 miles NNW of NYC. During the winter months I did find out the all season tires are not very good on snow covered roads. The car is very light and I would suggest studded snow tires in front for more traction and bite.

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  Best High Mileage car there is - 2005 Honda Insight
  By TUN FLOG - March 26 - 2:14 am

  If you are looking for a high mileage vehicle, THIS IS IT. When the price of gas is over $3.00 a gallon and you consider how many times you have to have more than a two place car, you will see the value. The manual version is light and easy to move through the gates, and the extra control of the torque band of the engine is invaluable for extra high mileage. Expect 65 to 70 mpg at 70 mph. My best run...82.2 mpg!! (at 55)

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  Honda Insight - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Honda Insight - March 24 - 1:06 am

  Great car, I own a 2000 insight, I had great results and finf it very reliable, I dont know why they say they don"t have power. The one I have has lots of power.

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  Insight Remains Extreme - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Bob - March 24 - 12:52 am

  We own a Prius, Accord Hybrid and anInsight. Nothing beats the Insight on mileage. Its fun to drive and perfectly wonderful for daily activities and commuting.

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  Thanks to American Honda - 2005 Honda Insight
  By What Savings? - February 12 - 3:04 pm

  This car is a fantastic design. Unfortunatly it was my bad luck to get one of the lemons? I bought this car because of my long commutes for work and visiting family. Since 2001 with 170K on the car, the Insight has gone through 2 secondary batteries, and 2 main battery system failures! Not to mention several visits because of a bad 02 sensor. In addition the CAT converter had to be replaced at $500.00 out my pocket! Had I paid for the system failures out of pocket it would have been over 12,000 dollars!! Its all I can do to keep up with repairs plus make the monthly payments. Ive tried to get out of this contract, but Im STUCK!

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  Going green - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Jeff - February 10 - 3:10 pm

  I traded in a 1994 Toyota 4 runner with 227,000 mile on it in the cash for clunkers deal. I was getting about 13-15 MPG on the 4 runner and my first tank on the Insight got 41. That was driving around town and now I get about 45-47. I think the car looks good and I love the Clear blue sky metallic paint. It lacks off the line power but I got that out of my system with my Porsche 911. The car has plenty of power to get on the freeway and smoothly gets up to 65-70 MPH. The handling is nice and sportier than I thought it would be. It is comfortable and very quiet.

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Brian Tennis - December 28 - 9:48 am

  My wife and I traded in a full size Nissan king cab truck and have saved thousands of dollars in fuel alone. This car is very fun to drive, as long as your not trying to blow away people at stop lights. You have to be very smart when driving this car, as it is battery assisted and you will need to rely on the battery for true fuel savings. Remember, the battery acts like an overdrive, it helps you get up to speed and helps you out with the fuel that you would normally use to get up to cruising speed. This is one of the best cars we have ever owned, if not the best. Just keep in mind, the way you drive this car will directly impact your fuel savings, and winter driving can be quite hairy.