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2000 Honda Insight Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2000 Honda Insight Review:
2000 Honda Insight Review
The first gas/electric hybrid car on the U.S. market, this new 2-seat hatchback coupe is tops in EPA-rated mileage at 61/70 mpg city/highway. Insight also qualifies as a Low Emissions Vehicle by EPA standards and is classed as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle in California and several other states. And it's the first car of any kind to receive the Sierra Club's "Excellence in Environmental Engineering" award.
Insight is built in Japan alongside the low-production Acura NSX and uses a similar type of aluminum-intensive construction that helps make it the lightest car sold in America. Aerodynamic styling tweaks contribute to the high mileage ratings. So does the Integrated Motor Assist powertrain, where a small electric motor boosts the normal 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine in hard acceleration. Maximum combined outputs are 73 horsepower and 91 pound-feet of torque. When coasting or braking, the electric motor becomes a generator that recharges a 44-pound nickel-metal-hydride battery pack comprising 120 D-cells. External recharging is not required.
Insight comes only with 5-speed manual transmission. Air conditioning is the sole option. The sub-$19,000 base price is subsidized, Honda using the Insight to gauge public acceptance of hybrid-power vehicles. Though Insight was planned for 4000 U.S. sales, Honda recently upped availability to 6500 in response to strong public interest.
Insight is built in Japan alongside the low-production Acura NSX and uses a similar type of aluminum-intensive construction that helps make it the lightest car sold in America. Aerodynamic styling tweaks contribute to the high mileage ratings. So does the Integrated Motor Assist powertrain, where a small electric motor boosts the normal 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine in hard acceleration. Maximum combined outputs are 73 horsepower and 91 pound-feet of torque. When coasting or braking, the electric motor becomes a generator that recharges a 44-pound nickel-metal-hydride battery pack comprising 120 D-cells. External recharging is not required.
Insight comes only with 5-speed manual transmission. Air conditioning is the sole option. The sub-$19,000 base price is subsidized, Honda using the Insight to gauge public acceptance of hybrid-power vehicles. Though Insight was planned for 4000 U.S. sales, Honda recently upped availability to 6500 in response to strong public interest.
Competition
This crowded segment is best represented by two exceptional cars--one a Best Buy and the other a Recommended. Our Best Buy is the Honda Civic, which offers a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment levels. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and is very civilized.
Topping the Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon, the slightly-upscale Chevy Prizm and clone Toyota Corolla, and the roomy Mazda Protege.
If you are looking for a Budget Buy we recommend you stay away from the Hyundai or Daewoo models and take a look at the Ford Escort.
Topping the Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon, the slightly-upscale Chevy Prizm and clone Toyota Corolla, and the roomy Mazda Protege.
If you are looking for a Budget Buy we recommend you stay away from the Hyundai or Daewoo models and take a look at the Ford Escort.
News
No news yet, but check back soon!
2000 Honda Insight Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Acceleration |
| Steering/handling | Rear visibility |
| Road noise | |
| Ride | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Even small hills make Insight feel sluggish, as does highway passing. But power is otherwise adequate. Honda says 0-60 mph takes about 12 seconds.
| Base | Class Average |
| 2 | 3.7 |
Even small hills make Insight feel sluggish, as does highway passing. But power is otherwise adequate. Honda says 0-60 mph takes about 12 seconds.
Fuel Economy
On preview drives, a trip computer indicated about 56 mpg in city/suburban driving, and 66 mpg on hilly highways with air conditioning on. Honda says over 100 mpg is possible when going 55 mph on flat roads.
| Base | Class Average |
| 10 | 6.6 |
On preview drives, a trip computer indicated about 56 mpg in city/suburban driving, and 66 mpg on hilly highways with air conditioning on. Honda says over 100 mpg is possible when going 55 mph on flat roads.
Ride Quality
Insight rides smoothly, becoming harsh only over larger bumps.
| Base | Class Average |
| 2 | 3.5 |
Insight rides smoothly, becoming harsh only over larger bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
There's little body lean in turns, and the steering feels quick and natural. Tires are narrow, but grip well even in rain.
| Base | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.3 |
There's little body lean in turns, and the steering feels quick and natural. Tires are narrow, but grip well even in rain.
Quietness
Minimal wind noise, but there's lots of road noise, and external noise isn't filtered out well.
| Base | Class Average |
| 3 | 3.6 |
Minimal wind noise, but there's lots of road noise, and external noise isn't filtered out well.
Controls
The climate control readout is small and hard to see, but the layout is otherwise effective.
| Base | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.5 |
The climate control readout is small and hard to see, but the layout is otherwise effective.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plenty of head and leg room for tall adults. Lightly padded seats are fairly comfortable.
| Base | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.2 |
Plenty of head and leg room for tall adults. Lightly padded seats are fairly comfortable.
Cargo Room
Beneath the hatch is a meager 5.0-cubic foot floor and a 1.5-cubic foot covered well.
| Base | Class Average |
| 5 | 3.3 |
Beneath the hatch is a meager 5.0-cubic foot floor and a 1.5-cubic foot covered well.
Value within Class
Insight is not Honda's final answer to the "green car" question, and it's not quite ready for prime time. The price of entry is steep for such a small, slow car, and the payback in fuel cost would take years to recoup. Still, this intriguing high-tech gas-sipper sacrifices little as real-world transportation, and it's far more practical than any pure electric vehicle.
| Base | Class Average |
| 2 | 4.2 |
Insight is not Honda's final answer to the "green car" question, and it's not quite ready for prime time. The price of entry is steep for such a small, slow car, and the payback in fuel cost would take years to recoup. Still, this intriguing high-tech gas-sipper sacrifices little as real-world transportation, and it's far more practical than any pure electric vehicle.
Total Score
| Base | Class Average |
| 38 | 38.9 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 27 | |
| Average Score | 38 | |
| High Score | 54 |
2000 Honda Insight Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/07/2000
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door hatchback | $18,880 | $17,439 | $440 |
|
|
|||
| Base w/air conditioning 2-door hatchback | $20,080 | $18,546 | $440 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine/electric motor, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Interior air filter, variable-assist power steering, front bucket seats, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, trip computer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, map lights, driver-side visor mirror, remote fuel door release.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
165/65R14 tires, alloy wheels.
Base w/air conditioning adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Options are available as dealer-installed accessories.
|
||
|
Base, Base w/air conditioning
|
$
|
$
|
|
|
||
2000 Honda Insight Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda Insight 2-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 94.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 155.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 1856 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 6.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 10.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc I3/electric | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.0 /61 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 73 @ 5700 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 91 @ 2000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 61/70 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Honda Insight 2-door hatchback |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 Honda Insight Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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