2006 Honda Insight: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The only two-seat gasoline/electric hybrid on U.S. roads is unchanged for 2006. This hatchback coupe teams a 3-cyl gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 73 hp. It can run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy; no plug-in charging is required. Insight offers a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that provides near-infinite drive ratios. The CVT has steering-wheel buttons marked "D" and "S" to select normal and higher-performance ranges. ABS is standard. Side airbags are unavailable.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger, popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.