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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Takes getting used to... - 2010 Honda Insight
By Cami - November 11 - 10:00 pmIve never owned a Honda or a hybrid, so this car was hard for me to get used to. My biggest complaint is the jerking it does while breaking (the electronic brake distribution). When taking your foot off the brake while slowing down, the car continues to break on its own. I miss the power of my sports car & feel the need to accelerate very slowly to keep my rating green. This car is priced to be a less expensive hybrid & is cut back on the inside (no lock on the glove compartment, small center console, lock button only on drivers side, 1 power outlet, no leather). There are a lot of neat features to make up for it though: Eco guide, maintenance reminder, auto climate, Aux/USB ports, sport mode.
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Great gas saver - 2010 Honda Insight
By Dominik - August 16 - 1:43 pmI used to drive a 300hp Subaru loved that car but I was spending $200 a month on fuel, so I decided to buy me a hybrid to save some $, well now fuel costs me $80, cant beat that. I have no regrets, I love the car design, build quality, its all great. Performance-wise I mean come on its a hybrid I did not expect a race car perf. The car is great at saving money, I know some people say that they are getting 56mpg but in reality you will most likely see more like 44mpg, my best was 45mpg at average speed of 70mph, although computer said I did 49mpg. The one thing about my Insight that I love is that its not a Prius. I saw one Insight so far and I live in Chicago area. Love my Insight.
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Love my car - 2004 Honda Insight
By Happy Peanut - June 25 - 2:00 amI love my car. It is fuel efficient, comfy, looks nice, heat and AC work well. My ex bought on the same day and his is the sedan. I wouldnt drive anything else.
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Insight Out-of-Sight! - 2004 Honda Insight
By tennisashoe - May 11 - 2:00 amI have owned my Insight for 3 years and it has saved me over $4000 in fuel costs so far. Its a stylish little car with plenty of room for 2 sets of golf clubs in its roomy trunk. I need a trunk more than a back seat anyway. If you are the only passenger in your car more than 50% of the time, you should be driving an Insight. The fuel and space you are wasting is costing you $$! You dont have to plug in the battery or do any type of special maintenance on this car. It has plenty of power, unless youre running the A/C and traveling uphill. Its easier than you think. Go for it.
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2004 Honda Insight - 2004 Honda Insight
By rabbit 162 - May 5 - 2:00 amThe fuel economy is incredible! Even though the car is rated at only 87hp, it has plenty of power. Unfortunately, it is not equipped with cruise control, to which I have become accustomed. Also, rear visibility has been sacrificed in the interest of styling.
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Buyer Beware - 2004 Honda Insight
By GregL - April 12 - 2:00 amThis is a great car, IF you live in a flat place with no snow like Arizona or Florida. This car is miserable in snow and very slow on hills (or anytime power is needed). You will note that the people who love this car the most and get the best mileage live in very flat, warm areas. In New Jersey or New York traffic this car is simply dangerous. It is too small to be seen and does not have the suspension or power to handle ruts, potholes, hills, crosswinds, etc. Remember: this car gets most of its efficiency out of extreme light weight and incredibly narrow and hard tires. This combo does not make for a very safe car.
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Honda Review - 2004 Honda Insight
By Amaya_Whitman - April 4 - 3:00 amso far experience has been good
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I love it - 2010 Honda Insight
By Hutch42 - December 5 - 8:06 pmWhile Consumer Reports has just reported on this car and they do not recommend it, I totally disagree. While it has many of the "faults" indicated by Consumer Reports, it meets my needs perfectly. It is nice looking, drives nicely, rides nicely, and gets great gas mileage. After over 1,000 miles in this car, Ive averaged around 50 mpg. At 6 ft. in height, I have never hit my head entering the car. The driving position is comfortable and I have plenty of head and leg room. The only down side, in my opinion, is that it seems to work hard climbing long hills, but Ive had it up to 80 mph. going up hills.
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Big Guy with small car - 2004 Honda Insight
By Bob Alford - November 15 - 2:00 amI really love this car. It has done everything I ask of it and more.
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purchased in 2001 - 2004 Honda Insight
By ponykywest - November 15 - 2:00 amI bought my insight in 2001 and i still love it ,I can park anywhere,with the manual transmission i can get the power i need and i fill up once a month.the only downside is i kind of miss seeing the lady at the gas station cuz she use to crack me up and in my old vehicle i saw her at least once a week
