2010 Honda Insight
- Used Honda Insight
Based on analysis of 19 Insight reviews and test drives.
Honda Insight - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Honda Insight ranks 19 out of 24 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 19 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Insight, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Honda Insight is an all-new, hybrid-only sedan resembling the Toyota Prius, but starting from a lower price. The Insight's futuristic good looks, cool graphics and affordable price make it a worthy Prius-fighter. But after an initial round of praise, the automotive press has started to sour on the car's design and fuel economy.
The automotive press can't seem to discuss the Insight without discussing Toyota's iconic Prius hybrid. That's not surprising -- they're hard to tell apart from a distance of twenty paces. But the two cars are aimed at different buyers. The Prius is midsize, is the first maintstream car to be rated for 50 mpg in combined driving, and can be outfitted to a near-luxury level of equipment, for a near-lxury price. The Insight is compact, gets a less impress 42 mpg, is equipped like an economy car, and priced like one.
Still, the press is conflicted on whether the Insight is worth your attention. Some, like Edmunds, say the Insight "largely improves upon the tried-and-true formula of the rival Prius, and it costs thousands less." Others agree with BusinessWeek , saying the "Insight isn't exactly a misfire, but it's no match for Toyota's new 2010 Prius."
The Prius is an obvious alternative to the new Honda Insight, but several mention the Honda Fit as another smart choice. Although it's not a hybrid, the Fit's EPA ratings are high for its class, plus it has spacious seating for five passengers, plenty of cargo options and plucky performance. The Fit is also a 2009 U.S. News Best Car for the Money for its strong value over time.
Shoppers might also want to wait before laying money down on an Insight -- Toyota plans to close the price gap with the Insight by offering a bare-bones Prius with a similar price, beginning in the Fall of 2009.
Be sure to check for current Honda deals that may be available on a new Insight.
- "Given its impressive talents and attractive price, it's hard to fault the 2010 Honda Insight. Until the next Prius arrives, at least, the Insight is the new ruler of the hybrid-hatchback roost." -- Edmunds
- "Impeccably constructed, well planned and honeyed with high-tech surfaces and materials. Nothing feels cheap or compromised." -- Los Angeles Times
- "The Honda Insight is way more entertaining than the Toyota Prius, but it's not as practical nor as fuel-efficient." -- About.com
- "Honda's goal in designing the 2010 Insight was to find the value sweet spot, and it looks like they've hit it. The Insight marks the best intersection yet of the plots for price, efficiency and practicality." -- MSNBC
- "Honda's 2010 Insight gasoline-electric hybrid isn't the substantial, comfortable car that its Civic hybrid is, nor does it deliver the 50 miles per gallon promised by Toyota for its update of chief rival Prius. But if Honda prices it low enough, Insight finally could make full-fledged hybrid technology available to car buyers with tighter budgets." -- USA Today
Insight Performance - 7.7 (Good)
The new Honda Insight's hybrid technology dampens its power and speed, but test drivers are more than pleased with the car's agility. "It's awake at the wheel," the Los Angeles Times writes. "It's not quick or fast, but it's well planted, willing and buttoned to the road. The Prius drives like a microwave oven." But even though the Insight's expected fuel numbers are better than many others in its price segment, they don't compare well to the EPA ratings of current and upcoming hybrid cars. Read More
Insight Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)
The new Insight apes some of the Prius' key design elements, but there's a reason for that -- the shape's aerodynamic qualities boost fuel efficiency. The Insight isn't a direct Prius twin -- distinct Honda characteristics are also visible. The overall effect is generally well-liked. According to Popular Mechanics, the Insight's body "is a mix of old and new," while Road and Track says it is "an attractive and tidy 5-port hatchback. The Insight's styling is a blend of Honda FCX Clarity (the front end especially), Toyota's current Prius (its side profile shares these aero attributes) and Honda's signature dual-glass rear." Read More
Insight Interior - 7.3 (Good)
The press is split on the Insight's interior. Some reviewers say the Insight's pleasing ergonomics and easy-to use cabin controls are stereotypical Honda. Others complain that the rear seats are tiny, and the cargo area is smaller than what's found in some compact cars. HybridCars.com sums it up, " You need to sit in [the car] before deciding if the Insight is the right size for your passengers, not just your pocketbook." Read More
Insight Safety - 9.0 (Excellent)
The new Honda Insight has not been crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry, but it's equipped with plenty of standard safety features Read More
Insight Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2010 Honda Insight reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Insight is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, while hybrid powertrain components are protected separately for eight years or 100,000-miles. Read More
