Honda Insight Hybrid – Insight Passenger Cars

In 1999, the 2000 Honda Insight became the first hybrid car available in the U.S. Prior to its release, attempts to mass-produce green cars had focused on creating electric cars, as it was thought that the hybrid technology of dual power systems was not practical. However, electric cars did not meet the high expectations of consumers and never entered the market.

Considered the most fuel-efficient vehicle ever sold in America, this little two-seater gets nearly 70 miles to the gallon.

Interest in Insight was high in the early years. As Honda and other manufacturers began producing hybrid vehicles that more closely resembled standard vehicles (the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius), the Insight’s popularity fell, and in 2006, production stopped altogether.

What made Insight different?

Being the first hybrid car on the US market made the Insight a novel product. It won many awards, from the Sierra Club Environmental Engineering Excellence Award to International Engine of the Year. The Insight combined hybrid technology with a design that was based on being as fuel efficient as possible.

Insight’s innovative teardrop body design kept wind resistance to a minimum and the running gear was designed to be as uniform in area as possible, further increasing the car’s aerodynamic properties.

The body was made from aluminum alloy, making it 47% lighter than a standard vehicle. Despite the light weight of aluminum, this car was still extremely safe. In the event of a crash, the front and rear ends of the car were designed to absorb impact and deformation, while the passenger area remained rigid. The 2006 Insight received a four-star safety rating for frontal, side and rollover collisions.

Exclusive tires were also created for the Insight to keep drag to a minimum. However, since the car is no longer in production, some Insight owners find it more difficult to get hold of these tires and other replacement parts.

Being one of the first hybrids in the US, educating drivers on how the technology worked was key. One of the ways Insight did this was with digital dashboard displays that showed the driver how their MPG fluctuated as driving conditions changed. This was meant to keep the driver engaged and committed to the performance of their car.

Buy a used Honda Insight.

You can find a used Insight for anywhere from $14,000 to $20,000. Honda also has an Insights certified selection of used hybrid vehicles on its website. Another great source to start looking for used Insights is automotive.com. If you own one of these little green two door vehicles and are looking for Honda Insight parts or accessories, I highly recommend you give eBay Motors a try. Since this model is now discontinued, if you’re thinking of buying a used Insight, especially one with high miles, be sure to do your homework to avoid any problems you may have finding parts and/or local service. I don’t expect you to have any problems with either of them.