Summary:
Voted #4 among consumers, and best hybrid car for pure fuel economy, The Honda Insight does not win as many awards as newer hybrid cars, but it continues to turn in the highest fuel-economy numbers. Honda’s first and smallest gas/electric hybrid vehicle is the nation’s fuel-economy leader. It remains unchanged for 2006. A 73-hp engine teams with an electric motor/generator to deliver barely acceptable acceleration. The hatch-back seats only two passengers and can’t hold much cargo. Though sleek-looking, the Insight can ride a little rough. It’s the least-expensive hybrid on the road. Like other hybrids, the Insight’s gasoline engine automatically shuts down during temporary stops and starts back up as soon as the driver lifts his or her foot off the brake pedal.
The only two-seat gasoline/electric hybrid on U.S. roads is unchanged for 2006. This hatchback coupe teams a 3-cyl gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 73 hp. It can run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy; no plug-in charging is required. Insight offers a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that provides near-infinite drive ratios. The CVT has steering-wheel buttons marked “D” and “S” to select normal and higher-performance ranges. ABS is standard. Side airbags are unavailable.
Although this model is considered unique, and has nimble handling; and futuristic styling; the downside is that is has limited cargo space; small engine offering a meager performance, and roll resistance tires which contribute to a loud and rough ride.
*Insight won’t be back after model-year 2006. Introduced in 1999 as the first hybrid-power car in the U.S. market, the small two-seater was never meant to be a high-volume seller, but demand has been miniscule the past several seasons, hence Honda’s decision to drop it.
Engine:
The Honda Insight has the following engine specs: 1.0L I-3 12 valve SOHC SMPI, with a 67 hp at 5,700 RPM and torque of 66 lb.-ft. at 4,800 rpm. Transmission is 5-speed manual.
MPG:
60 miles per gallon city; 66 miles per gallon highway; recommends gasoline hybrid fuel.
Interior:
Interior accommodations are acceptable for the driver and passenger, though rearward visibility is compromised by the Insight’s low-sloping roof and a high rear deck, under which lay the car’s rechargeable batteries. These factors likewise limit cargo-carrying capabilities.
Exterior:
The futuristic-looking Insight remains unchanged for the 2006 model year and has changed little since its debut.
Safety Features:
The Insight receives four out of five stars on all National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests.
Warranty:
The Honda Insight comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, just like every other Honda. Its battery pack comes with an 8-year/80,000-mile warranty, and all emissions-related equipment comes with a more extensive warranty.
