Insight is Great Until its Compared to a Prius

2010 Honda Insight EX Navi

model as tested $23,100

Test Drove 7/14/09 – 7/28/09
reviewed by Lori Hindman

Honda says the 2010 Insight is the “hybrid for everyone,” but trying to appeal to everyone is a bit too high a mark for this car. For 2010, Honda reintroduced the Insight, a designated hybrid hatchback, which has only the name in common with that of its predecessor, the first hybrid in the U.S.

To keep the Insight within a certain price range, Honda uses a small battery pack and an electric motor to supplement the Insight’s gas engine. The result is less fuel economy than one might expect from a Prius-shaped hybrid, with 40/43 mpg city/highway. Of course, that’s nothing to sneeze at and is the second most fuel-efficient car on sale today. However, if you don’t expect tons of luxury features and 50 mpg that you get with the Toyota Prius, the Insight isn’t half-bad.

The Insight starts at $19,800, which is $1,200 less than the Prius’ starting price. Honestly though, $1,200 doesn’t seem like enough of a price cut to give up the extra 10 mpg plus all of the added features you won’t find in the Insight.

The Insight is small but fits four comfortably. The ride is fairly smooth, if a bit on the sporty side. Accelerating in the Insight isn’t that different from accelerating with a traditional gas-powered car. However, it was a bit jerky, and I had a hard time finding the “right” foot pressure. Still, the Insight is kind of fun to drive, especially with the paddle shifters that come with the EX trim level. I could pretend I was a racecar driver.                                 

shopping around: At cars.com

• Side-by-Side Comparison
• Auto Loan Calculator

• Build your own
• Check for Rebates

Take the Next Steps at Cars.com

Find This Car Near You Research This Car

you might: Also Like