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:
Showing 91 through 100 of 447.00-
Lacking in many ways - 2010 Honda Insight
By MrGooch - August 4 - 1:24 pmHave had the car for over a month. Mileage has been running about 42-44 commuting to work. The navigation system is not worth it, bugs and out of date database. Entered B of A, selected one a 1000 miles a way. The hybrid battery needs to be about twice the capacity, runs out of steam too soon, any grade of more then 1/4 mile, then the engine revs up, which is noisy. Road noise is not as bad as some have commented on. No XM, should be standard with Nav, can be bought as an accessory but expensive. Worst sounding stereo I have had on new car in many years. Interior materials are flimsy and cheap, push my hand against the door and the material caved in and then popped back out.
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So far so good - 2010 Honda Insight
By WJS - August 2 - 8:16 amConsistent 40 mpg in the city. Leaving the econ button on helps dramatically with mileage. A/C is cold cold cold. When you put the back seats down there is a lot of room. Only real issue is that its not very torquey, imagine that, and its somewhat sensitive to road contour. Handles well otherwise though. Brakes are great.
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Great on gas... - 2010 Honda Insight
By Labrynth - July 30 - 2:54 pmI came from an SUV and needed something with better mileage. This fit the bill. Auto stop has to be the most annoying feature, tho cup holder placement is a close second. Enough power for most merging situations, but acceleration is not fast and braking is jerky thanks to auto stop. Full of safety features. Features avail on most ex cars not available here and it annoying. Flash drive for music but boo to Honda for making it an Apple only mp3 player. Im not an Apple lemming, thanks anyway. Feedback from car is adjustable which is nice. I could do without the paddle shifters. Its now ~ 2 months old with ~ 2500 miles on it.
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Worth money and sacrifice - 2010 Honda Insight
By commentator - July 26 - 3:18 pmI bought Insight for short-distance commute to be green and gas economical. Satisfied with gas mileage, style, and general performance. I mistakenly used Ecomode in hot summer, and it turned off the air conditioner. I changed the mode back to normal, and it worked well. Extremely economical and driver- friendly. I used to drive a Ford Explore and really enjoyed it. But Insight is worth sacrificing the road- ego. Insight has higher ground clearance than Toyota Prius. Prius always hits the front bumper when getting on and off the driveway. For the same amenities, I paid $5,000 less than a Prius. Also, Toyota dealers were hard to deal with when Toyota was hot. They played tricks and price games.
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I love my Honda Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
By Dave - July 24 - 10:54 amI love to drive this car because it gets excellent gas mileage, the interior dashboard is exciting, the regenerative braking is easy on my foot, and Im helping the earth by not consuming scarce resources. We are going to buy a second one and get rid of our gas hogging SUV.The Insight is my mojo.
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MPG - 2010 Honda Insight
By Ron Ott - July 20 - 1:57 pmContrary to EPA I get 50-54 MPG on the highway and around 47 overall since purchase.
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Great car - 2010 Honda Insight
By mikem1262 - July 20 - 9:31 amGreat car. Plenty of power for a hybrid. Getting great mileage 51 mpg first 150 miles
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Satisfied beyond expectation - 2010 Honda Insight
By Hybrid Convert - July 11 - 9:22 amThis review is an update to my earlier review. Driving the car for over 2 months now, I can say it is the best Hybrid money can buy today. Fuel economy is impressive, second to none. Averaging over 45 miles to a gallon so far. Read a lot of negative reviews on other web sites. I dont know what are these people talking about. I wouldnt be surprised if they are coming from Toyota camp. Car is an absolute pleasure to drive, you wont break your bank account buying it and monthly savings on gas purchases are enormous. Even the smallest economy box presently on the market will not deliver the MPG of Honda Insight. For under 20K you get fully loaded, roomy, good looking, very reliable car.
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Pass the gass stations - 2010 Honda Insight
By tdandkids - July 10 - 5:56 pmLove my Insight, running in eco mode I have been averaging 52 Mpg in combination city and highway driving and lose maybe a mile per gallon with the air conditioning on. Car is fun to drive and despite Edmunds comments I do not find the vehicle noisy on the highway. Controls are simple, stereo very nice and the usb connection great for my shuffle. Wont be disappointed with this car - believe me.
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Awesome car, just get the EX trim - 2010 Honda Insight
By Hammond - June 26 - 10:31 pmI tried this car and the Toyota Prius and this car was the natural choice. It gets almost as good MPG (about 45 MPG city) and highway too. Along with the car being more fun to drive, the interior layout is actually the closest to a non-hybrid that youll get I love the ECON system that allows you to drive more efficient and the "trophy system" with rewards. Kudos to Honda for that and the paddle shifters put some REAL fun into driving the car. One suggestion if your going to buy this car: Get the EX trim. The $1500 is worth what you get: cruise control, 15" alloys, vanity mirrors on the sun visors (Dont why those arent standard), stability and traction control with USB con. and 6 speakers
