Honda Insight

nothingremains · 10-07-2009, 11:51 AM

Anyone have one? My fiance is looking to get one and was wondering what you guys thought?

DB350 · 10-07-2009, 12:14 PM

Coming to us for some insight are we?

har har

4BangR-X · 10-07-2009, 01:41 PM

I've seen some terrible reviews for it. Tell her to buy a Corolla.

03Tour6Spd · 10-07-2009, 04:02 PM

I am a tech at a Honda dealer and they don't have many problems (Besides lack of power

) if that is what your asking. For the money I wouldn't get one. Lots of good gas mileage options out there hybrids aren't really worth it.

IMO of course.

cwerdna · 10-07-2009, 11:13 PM

http://pressroom.consumerreports.org...rear-seat.html

If you REALLY want to skimp and buy a hybrid, then maybe get the Insight LX because it's cheap. But, it's really stripped down.

If you go w/the Insight EX, then you may as well get a 2010 Prius since the price difference isn't big but you get way more power, a larger car and more room (Prius is classified as a midsize, the Insight isn't), better fuel economy, quieter, a larger HV battery, a way more sophisticated hybrid implementation, more features such as smart key system, touch tracer controls, electric AC compressor [gas engine doesn't need to run for AC to run], no belts [AC, water pump and power steering are electric], exhaust gas heat recovery system, 4 modes (normal, eco, power and EV), etc. If she really wants nav, then admittedly, the EX w/nav is a lot cheaper than trying to get nav on a 2010 Prius.

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/h...-analysis.aspx - FYI, Toyota isn't going to release the stripped down Prius I to consumers. It's for fleets only.

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/t...010-89249.aspx gives you an overview of pricing. If I were in the market, I'd get either model II or III w/o any packages.

Toyota has been decimated Honda in hybrid sales and has been falling way short of target on the Insight.
http://www.hybridcars.com/hybrid-sal...dashboard.html
http://www.hybridcars.com/hybrid-sal...dashboard.html
http://www.hybridcars.com/hybrid-sal...dashboard.html
http://www.hybridcars.com/hybrid-sal...dashboard.html
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/h...s-for-insight/
http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/29...on-from-prius/

Also, look what happens at someone who is 6'3" in the back seat of an Insight vs. a 2010 Prius.

http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...assengers.html

The prospective buyer at http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-...w-insight.html sure didn't like it. I suggest your SO try test driving both, esp. on the highway. If she's willing to spend more, look into the Camry Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid too

Also, although the current gen Insight isn't there yet, look at the PDFs at http://avt.inl.gov/hev.shtml on all the Toyota and Honda hybrids. Notice how multiple Honda hybrids seemed to need new cats and/or transmissions at around 90K miles vs. the Toyotas.

myG35zx · 10-08-2009, 06:53 AM

I'm 5'8" and hit my head getting into the back seat. We have a 2009 Fit that feels more comfortable and is blast to drive (great steering feel). Mix driving it gets about 36 MPG. Not bad for a 19K car in auto. Strictly highway it gets about 40 MPG. We originally got the car for my son, but my wife drove it for a couple weeks while we waited for him to get his license and she won't give it up. The only thing bad about Hondas in general is the navigation systems. They are horrible. Cheap though.

nothingremains · 10-09-2009, 06:21 AM

Wow I didnt know there was so much dislike for the Insights. I just was kinda excited about them because I thought they looked better then the Prius, I liked the interior better then the Prius and the Toyota dealerships around here think a $3,500 Market Demand charge on every vehicle is acceptable.

LeMans 05 · 10-09-2009, 06:30 AM

Car and Driver basically said get the Fit over the Insight, gas mileage isn't that far off and it's a much better driving car, and cheaper.

nothingremains · 10-09-2009, 06:42 AM

When I looked at the spec comparison, it said the Fit was smaller than the 2 door coupe Civic! How is that possible? That is what she would be getting out of due to it being to small, an 07 Civic Coupe

Saint_Spinner · 10-09-2009, 12:02 PM

We have an insight. We like it. It is what it is. We thought about a Fit, but I just didn't really like the interior/exterior design. They drive very similar.

nothingremains · 10-09-2009, 05:55 PM

Took the Insight out for a spin and I dont think its going to work out. Felt to cramped driving it and the arm rest is terrible.

cwerdna · 10-09-2009, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nothingremains

Wow I didnt know there was so much dislike for the Insights. I just was kinda excited about them because I thought they looked better then the Prius, I liked the interior better then the Prius and the Toyota dealerships around here think a $3,500 Market Demand charge on every vehicle is acceptable.

Try test driving a 2010 Prius now that the Insight is ruled out. Listen and feel carefully for the gas engine turning on/off and driving at low speeds vs. the Insight. Check out the smart key system and touch tracer controls. Look under the hood to confirm no belts.

I think you can do better than ripoff places wanting second sticker. Have you tried http://www.carsdirect.com, Costco or a broker?

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-...us-main-forum/ http://priuschat.com/forums/fl-central-florida/ and http://priuschat.com/forums/fl-central-florida/ might help regarding pricing.

FWIW, I just saw that this guy dumped his Insight: http://priuschat.com/forums/newbie-f...ths-prius.html in favor of a 2nd Prius.

BTW, the Insight LX doesn't even have a center console w/armrest.

jl215 · 10-10-2009, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nothingremains

Took the Insight out for a spin and I dont think its going to work out. Felt to cramped driving it and the arm rest is terrible.

I felt the same when I took a buddies out for a spin. Plus it's just not that fun to drive.

10-07-2009, 11:51 AM	#1
nothingremains Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Florida's Treasure Coast Posts: 3,261 iTrader: (5)	Honda Insight Anyone have one? My fiance is looking to get one and was wondering what you guys thought?

10-07-2009, 12:14 PM	#2
DB350 306 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The cold Posts: 729 iTrader: (0)	Coming to us for some insight are we? har har __________________ 2003 Daytona Blue Touring

10-07-2009, 01:41 PM	#3
4BangR-X Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: DeKalb, IL Posts: 1,671 iTrader: (0)	I've seen some terrible reviews for it. Tell her to buy a Corolla. __________________ User CP...but I don't have any CP.

10-07-2009, 11:13 PM	#5
cwerdna Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Seattle area, WA Posts: 1,785 iTrader: (0)	http://pressroom.consumerreports.org...rear-seat.html If you REALLY want to skimp and buy a hybrid, then maybe get the Insight LX because it's cheap. But, it's really stripped down. If you go w/the Insight EX, then you may as well get a 2010 Prius since the price difference isn't big but you get way more power, a larger car and more room (Prius is classified as a midsize, the Insight isn't), better fuel economy, quieter, a larger HV battery, a way more sophisticated hybrid implementation, more features such as smart key system, touch tracer controls, electric AC compressor [gas engine doesn't need to run for AC to run], no belts [AC, water pump and power steering are electric], exhaust gas heat recovery system, 4 modes (normal, eco, power and EV), etc. If she really wants nav, then admittedly, the EX w/nav is a lot cheaper than trying to get nav on a 2010 Prius. http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/h...-analysis.aspx - FYI, Toyota isn't going to release the stripped down Prius I to consumers. It's for fleets only. http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/t...010-89249.aspx gives you an overview of pricing. If I were in the market, I'd get either model II or III w/o any packages. Toyota has been decimated Honda in hybrid sales and has been falling way short of target on the Insight. http://www.hybridcars.com/hybrid-sal...dashboard.html http://www.hybridcars.com/hybrid-sal...dashboard.html http://www.hybridcars.com/hybrid-sal...dashboard.html http://www.hybridcars.com/hybrid-sal...dashboard.html http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/h...s-for-insight/ http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/29...on-from-prius/ Also, look what happens at someone who is 6'3" in the back seat of an Insight vs. a 2010 Prius. http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...assengers.html The prospective buyer at http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-...w-insight.html sure didn't like it. I suggest your SO try test driving both, esp. on the highway. If she's willing to spend more, look into the Camry Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid too Also, although the current gen Insight isn't there yet, look at the PDFs at http://avt.inl.gov/hev.shtml on all the Toyota and Honda hybrids. Notice how multiple Honda hybrids seemed to need new cats and/or transmissions at around 90K miles vs. the Toyotas. __________________ 04 DB 350Z Enthusiast 5AT; 06 white Toyota Prius package #7 (NL) Last edited by cwerdna; 10-07-2009 at 11:40 PM.

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10-07-2009, 04:02 PM	#4
03Tour6Spd Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Millbury,MA Posts: 1,392 iTrader: (2)	I am a tech at a Honda dealer and they don't have many problems (Besides lack of power ) if that is what your asking. For the money I wouldn't get one. Lots of good gas mileage options out there hybrids aren't really worth it. IMO of course.

10-09-2009, 06:21 AM	#7
nothingremains Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Florida's Treasure Coast Posts: 3,261 iTrader: (5)	Wow I didnt know there was so much dislike for the Insights. I just was kinda excited about them because I thought they looked better then the Prius, I liked the interior better then the Prius and the Toyota dealerships around here think a $3,500 Market Demand charge on every vehicle is acceptable.

10-09-2009, 06:30 AM	#8
LeMans 05 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 1,347 iTrader: (1)	Car and Driver basically said get the Fit over the Insight, gas mileage isn't that far off and it's a much better driving car, and cheaper.

10-09-2009, 06:42 AM	#9
nothingremains Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Florida's Treasure Coast Posts: 3,261 iTrader: (5)	When I looked at the spec comparison, it said the Fit was smaller than the 2 door coupe Civic! How is that possible? That is what she would be getting out of due to it being to small, an 07 Civic Coupe

10-09-2009, 12:02 PM	#10
Saint_Spinner Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,550 iTrader: (0)	We have an insight. We like it. It is what it is. We thought about a Fit, but I just didn't really like the interior/exterior design. They drive very similar.

10-09-2009, 05:55 PM	#11
nothingremains Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Florida's Treasure Coast Posts: 3,261 iTrader: (5)	Took the Insight out for a spin and I dont think its going to work out. Felt to cramped driving it and the arm rest is terrible.