2001 Honda Insight: Road Test
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2001 Honda Insight Manual
2001 Honda Insight ▼
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- MSRP: $18,980 -$21,180
- Invoice: $17,541 -$19,571
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Our road test for the 2001 Honda Insight includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Honda Insight from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Honda Insight, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Honda Insight help you decide if a 2001 Honda Insight is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT w/air conditioning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.7 |
Insight is peppy enough around town, but our test 5-speed car took 11.3 sec 0-60 mph--marginal for most passing situations, freeway merging, and hills. We've had only a brief test run in the CVT model, but it feels little if any slower than the manual and has good throttle response both around town and on the highway. Honda expects it to account for 60-70 percent of Insight sales.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT w/air conditioning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 6.8 |
Our test 5-speed returned a startling 57.3 mpg overall despite hard driving and up to 71 in the city. CVT averaged a commendable 48.2 mpg. Both models require regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT w/air conditioning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.7 |
Choppy and often thumpy except on smooth roads due to a short wheelbase and economy-oriented lightweight construction.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT w/air conditioning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Nimble at low speeds, but the skinny, low-rolling-resistance tires that help boost fuel economy have poor lateral grip, so cornering power is mediocre. Our 5-speed test car managed simulated panic stops with mild wander and only average distances.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT w/air conditioning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Minimal soundproofing saves weight for enhanced mpg, but means high noise from all sources. Even wind rush is prominent at highway speeds despite the low-drag styling.
CONTROLS
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT w/air conditioning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Mostly logical, convenient, but small climate-control panel hard to read at a glance. CVT shifter operates like a regular automatic's. Top-notch assembly, but cabin decor functional, not fancy.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT w/air conditioning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Roomy enough for tall adults, mostly because seats mount quite low. They're well-shaped but lightly padded, so long trips could be wearing. "Bathtub" seating position also hampers entry/exit, though visibility is good except with bulky cargo aboard.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT w/air conditioning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 3.1 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT w/air conditioning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.3 |
There's 5.0 cu ft beneath the hatch and 1.5 in a covered floor well--not much even for a 2-seater. High load deck and sloped roofline preclude carrying bulky items.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT w/air conditioning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4.6 |
Toyota's Prius offers better hybrid-power value and utility, but Insight is thriftier overall and sportier. Both trade performance for high mileage, and hybrid high tech makes them pricey for economy cars. Honda's larger Civic HX coupe isn't as thrifty as Insight but costs about the same, is more practical, and promises far lower accident repair costs.
Total Score
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT w/air conditioning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | 37 | 42.8 |
Total Score: 37
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