2006 Honda Insight: Road Test
Archived Review
2006 Honda Insight Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Air Conditioning
2006 Honda Insight ▼
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- MSRP: $19,330 -$21,530
- Invoice: $18,062 -$20,114
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Our road test for the 2006 Honda Insight includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Honda Insight from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Honda Insight, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Honda Insight help you decide if a 2006 Honda Insight is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4.4 |
Peppy enough around town; test Insights did 11.3 sec 0-60 mph with manual transmission, 11.5 with CVT. But highway-speed merging, passing demand care, and speed tapers off fast on long upgrades. CVT always smooth, responsive; provides best performance in "S" range.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 6.7 |
A manual-transmission Insight tested in and around Chicago averaged 57.3 mpg. Performance runs and high-speed freeways kept a California test car to 48.9 mpg. Test CVT version averaged 48.1. Under certain conditions, engine shuts down at standstill to save gas, minimize emissions; restarts are near instantaneous and hardly noticed. Insight uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4.9 |
Choppy and often thumpy except on smooth roads due to short wheelbase, high-pressure tires, low weight.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
Slim economy-oriented tires wriggle along grooved pavement, have limited cornering grip. Insight also easily buffeted by strong crosswinds, but has conventional front-wheel-drive manners otherwise. Stopping distances, stability only average in simulated emergency stops.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4.2 |
Minimal soundproofing saves weight, but makes for high noise levels. Engine seems a bit quieter with CVT.
CONTROLS
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
Mostly logical and convenient, but climate-control display and bar-graph gauges too small for easy reading. Solid driving feel, fine assembly, functional but not fancy interior decor. CVT's "S" button would be easier to activate if it were on shift knob instead of center console.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Roomy enough for tall adults, mostly because seats are quite low. Seats are well-shaped but lightly padded, so long trips might produce aches. "Bathtub" seat position also hampers entry/exit, though visibility is good except with bulky cargo aboard.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 3.9 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
There's 16 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 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 6.2 |
Despite modest acceleration and a stiff ride, Insight is a useful city/suburban commuter. And it has a hi-tech, environment-friendly appeal. But even with federal tax incentives for hybrid-vehicle buyers, Insight is costly for an economy car. We'd opt for Honda's larger Civic Hybrid sedan or a Toyota Prius.
Total Score
| Base w/air conditioning | CVT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | 38 | 52 |
Total Score: 38
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