2000-2006 Honda Insight: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2000 Honda Insight
2006 Honda Insight
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2000-2006 Honda Insight ▼

  • Price Range:  $4,300 - $14,600
CG Rating

34

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2006 Honda Insight and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Fuel economy
  • Steering/handling
  • Maneuverability
  • Automatic-transmission performance

Cons

  • Acceleration
  • Rear visibility
  • Road noise
  • Ride
  • Interior storage space

Vehicle Highlights

Advanced technology ruled when Honda introduced a new and completely different model for 2000. A hybrid gasoline/electric powertrain went into the Japanese automaker's sleek new two-passenger hatchback coupe. Not only did the front-drive subcompact function differently from any car on the road, it looked wholly different as well. Aerodynamic styling teamed with lightweight aluminum-intensive construction. The Insight soon earned the Environmental Protection Agency's top fuel-economy ratings. In terms of the powertrain, the only competition came from Toyota's five-passenger hybrid Prius. Rivals in other respects might include the Ford Focus ZX3 and Toyota Celica. The hybrid powertrain uses a small electric motor to assist the three-cylinder gasoline engine during hard acceleration. At other times, the gas engine is dominant and the electric motor is often idle. When coasting or braking, the engine recharges the nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. Therefore, unlike an electric vehicle, no external recharging ever is needed. A fuel-saving "idle-stop" feature shuts off the engine when the car is stopped (provided that the engine is fully warmed up). Toyota's somewhat larger Prius uses a different type of hybrid system, in which the electric motor is dominant and any combination of gasoline and electric power might be employed, depending on driving conditions. For the Insight's first year, the sole transmission was a five-speed manual. Air conditioning was the only option. Standard equipment includes variable-assist power steering, power mirrors, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a cassette stereo, intermittent wipers, and 165/65R14 tires on alloy wheels.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Honda Insight Rating
Performance 2
Fuel Economy 10
Ride Quality 2
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 0
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 2
Total Score: 34
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2006 Honda Insight. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2006 Honda Insight.

Year to Year Changes


2001 Honda Insight: Although the Insight was unchanged as the 2001 model year began, a new transmission became available the following spring. Functioning in a manner similar to an automatic, the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) furnishes variable drive ratios rather than conventional gear changes. Steering-wheel "D" and "S" buttons can select normal or higher-performance range.
2002 Honda Insight: Still leading the league in EPA mileage estimates, the Insight had no significant change for 2002. Air conditioning remained optional, and antilock braking was standard. In spring 2002, Honda launched a brand-new Civic Hybrid with five-passenger seating, to compete more directly against Toyota's Prius.
2003 Honda Insight: No changes for 2003.
2004 Honda Insight: Minor changes for the 2004 Insight include a standard CD player and a beige interior, instead of last year's gray.
2005 Honda Insight: The Insight is unchanged for 2005.
2006 Honda Insight: There are no significant changes for 2006 Insight.

Our road test for the 2000-2006 Honda Insight includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2006 Honda Insight and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2006 Honda Insight is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Like the low-power gasoline-engined Civic, the Insight is fun to drive but can get tiresome after a while. Although the hybrid powertrain functions as promised, performance is on the sluggish side. A manual-shift Insight took a yawning 11.3 seconds to reach 60 mph--a marginal pace for passing and safe highway merging. Even on slight upgrades, the Insight tends to slow considerably. On the other hand, that same car averaged a remarkable 57.3 mpg overall, peaking at 71 mpg in mostly city driving. Trouble is, such impressive thriftiness comes partly through low weight and minimal soundproofing, resulting in mediocre crosswind stability and relatively high noise levels. Ride quality suffers, too. Except on glass-smooth pavements, it's choppy and thumpy, overly vulnerable to potholes, aggravated by a short wheelbase that also makes the cockpit cozy--though far from cramped. Handling is on the sporty side, with quick steering. Merit points are earned for decently comfortable seats, clear and convenient minor controls, acceptable all-around visibility, and attractive (but hardly lavish) interior trim. Cockpit storage space is meager. Luggage must be lifted onto a high deck that limits cargo to grocery-bag height. Occasionally, manual-shift Insights have failed to restart immediately at a stoplight in "idle-stop" mode, when the selector was placed into gear.
Value for the Money
Far more practical than any pure electric vehicle, the Insight is compromised in too many ways by its maximum-mpg design. Relatively costly for an "economy" car, seating only two, it cannot rank as a great value. Despite modest acceleration and a stiff ride, the Insight can serve as a useful commuter car, especially in CVT form, with a high-tech, environmentally friendly appeal. Still, we'd choose the more practical Prius or a conventional, reasonably frugal gas-engined subcompact.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Honda Insight Rating
Performance 2
Fuel Economy 10
Ride Quality 2
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 0
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 2
Total Score: 34

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Honda Insight includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda Insight .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: The air-conditioning suction hose can collapse internally causing poor A/C performance. (2000)

Audio system: Noise in the radio caused by the rear wiper is repaired with a new subharness wiring assembly. (2000)

Check-engine light: "Check Engine" light may glow on vehicles used where salt is used on the roads because the EVAP solenoid fails. (2000-02)

Cold-starting problems: The engine may not start in temperatures below 0 degrees (F) so the carmaker was replacing the engine control modules, but some customers living in warm climates may not have had the work done. (2000)

Hood/trunk: If the hood release is pulled up instead of straight out, it gets bent making hood release very difficult and replacement of the release necessary. (2000)

Paint/body: Using a bra can cause the paint to cloud, especially if it is installed wet or moisture gets between the bra and body. (2001-02)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $890
Alternator $910
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $6,345
Brakes $615
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $0
Constant Velocity Joints $710
Exhaust System $720
Radiator $410
Shocks and/or Struts $610
Timing Chain or Belt $310
Our price chart for this generation Honda Insight details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2006
Insight $15,000-16,000 $13,700-14,600 $9,500-10,100
2005
Insight $12,500-13,500 $11,300-12,200 $7,100-7,700
2004
Insight $10,200-11,200 $9,200-10,100 $5,300-5,800
2003
Insight $8,500-9,500 $7,700-8,600 $4,400-4,900
2002
Insight $7,000-8,900 $6,200-7,900 $3,300-4,200
2001
Insight $5,800-6,700 $5,000-5,800 $2,400-2,800
2000
Insight $5,000-5,800 $4,300-4,900 $2,000-2,300
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Honda Insight include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 2-door coupe
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. --
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.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Honda's hybrid powertrain consists of a three-cylinder gasoline engine, along with an electric motor that provides extra propulsion power when needed. Only a manual transmission was available initially, but a clutchless CVT unit was added during the 2001 model year. With manual shift, the gasoline engine produced 73 horsepower and 91 pound-feet of torque, but the ratings dipped to 71 hp and 90 pound-feet with CVT.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
electric (AC) I3/electric 1.0 / 61 71-73 90-91 5-speed manual: 61/70
CVT automatic: 57/56		 5-speed manual: 57.3
CVT automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Honda Insight include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

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%. Sideimpact 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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2006 Honda Insight directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2000-02: The headlight wire harness may overheat and cause the low beams to fail. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2001: Some passenger airbag modules were not properly welded and may not deploy in a crash.

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