2010 Honda Insight EX
Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Company Part number: CNETHONDAINSIGHT09
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While the 2010 Honda Insight EX with navigation may not be as mileage-friendly as the Prius, it represents a much better value and is more fun to drive.
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CNET editors' review
2010 Honda Insight EX price range: $21,300.00
- Reviewed by: Antuan Goodwin
- Edited by: Wayne Cunningham
- Reviewed on: 02/11/2009
The good: The 2010 Honda Insight EX with navigation features excellent fuel economy and a hybrid power train that offers good torque and throttle response. Honda's satellite navigation system features one of the best voice-command systems in the price range and comes equipped with Bluetooth hands-free and USB/iPod connectivity.
The bad: The Insight's "me-too" styling too closely apes the Toyota Prius. Additionally, the Insight features less power and slightly lower fuel economy than the competition from Toyota. While better than most in this segment, Honda's DVD navigation system is beginning to show its age.
The bottom line: While the 2010 Honda Insight EX with navigation may not be as mileage-friendly as the Prius, it represents a much better value and is more fun to drive.
It's difficult to describe the 2010 Honda Insight without mentioning another vehicle. The most obvious is the current heavyweight champion of the green car world, the Toyota Prius, from which the Insight has clearly lifted its silhouette. Both vehicles being dedicated hybrid models, it's easy to see why many assume the Insight is Honda's "Prius-killer."
Unfortunately for Honda, the Prius' more sophisticated drivetrain beats the Insight, offering more power and a higher EPA-estimated fuel economy. However, all is not lost, as the Insight brings a secret weapon to the green car wars: value.
With a much lower estimated price tag, the Insight may not kill the Prius, but it'll definitely appeal to hybrid buyers who want to keep a little more money for gas in their pockets.
On the Road
We wanted to test our Honda Insight in conditions in which your average commuter would find himself, so we drove it straight into one of San Francisco's afternoon traffic jams.
We chose the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge route for the sheer volume of commuters who cram through it every weeknight as they leave the city and head home for the suburbs of the East Bay.
Creeping along in the stop-and-go traffic, we were able to appreciate the transparency of the Insight's hybrid power train. Technically classified as a mild hybrid, the Insight's hybrid system never goes into a completely electric-power mode. Rather, the gasoline engine is always the primary motivator and is assisted to varying degrees by the electric motor.
Firmly wedged into the traffic jam, the Insight feels remarkably like a conventional Honda Civic. The only difference is that the fuel economy meter was reading 40-plus mpg, instead of mid-30s, and there was no shifting of gears, due to the Insight's continuously variable transmission's (CVT) lack of fixed gears. Other than that, a blindfolded passenger would have a hard time knowing that the Insight was anything more than a standard vehicle.
Once we'd gotten a good distance outside of the city limits, we hopped off of the highway, leaving the traffic jam behind for a twisty road, and found one more difference between the Insight and the Prius: the Insight is actually fun to drive.
The Insight's 123 pound-feet of torque may not seem like a lot of power (and it's not), but the low-end grunt of the electric assist means that all of the twist is available as early as 1,000rpm. This relatively low power means that the Insight's engine never gets ahead of its suspension.
While Honda's dedicated-hybrid model isn't as tossable and eager to please as, say, the Honda Fit, it certainly is a livelier ride than the Prius. The electric power steering is slightly overboosted and uncommunicative, but the handling is predictable.
As we flogged the Insight around a back road, the gasoline and electric engines sang a tiny, two-tone engine growl combined with an electric motor whine. It's not a pretty sound and, thankfully, the Insight is whisper quiet at more sane operating speeds.
As we tucked the Insight into its spot in the CNET garage, we couldn't help but note that the fuel gauge had barely moved, in spite of the exploitation of the Sport mode. Days later, upon filling the tank, we were glad to see that our overall fuel economy wasn't hurt too badly, landing squarely at the top of the EPA's estimated range.
In the cabin
The Insight's cabin is, at first glance, identical to that of the Honda Civic, only more cluttered.
While the general layout is the same, the Insight's more bulbous dashboard feels less aesthetically cohesive than that of the Civic.
The Insight's instrument cluster has the same futuristic, two-tiered design and bright, blue, backlit gauges. The speedometer has a neat hidden trick: normally blue, the speedometer's backlighting changes to a bright green as you drive more and more economically. By using color as an indicator instead of a separate gauge, we were able to keep our eyes on the road and monitor the "greenness" of our driving using our peripheral vision. Combining green driving and safe driving was a smart move on Honda's part.
Other green gauges include a multi-information display (MID) positioned in the center of the tachometer, which displays current and cumulative fuel economy, along with myriad other parameters. To the left of the tachometer is the charge and assist gauge, which supplies information about whether the batteries are being charged or are discharging to assist the gasoline engine. Finally, to the right of the tach is the ever-important gas gauge.
Many of the Insight's cabin features that differ from those of the Civic seem like they were changed for the sake of being a quirky hybrid. For example, Honda has moved the climate controls into a rounded pod now set closer to the driver. At first this seems like an ergonomic plus; until you realize that in doing so, Honda has moved the touch screen an inch or so further from the driver.
Our Insight EX with Navigation uses the same DVD-based Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System that is available on all Honda vehicles from the Fit on up. The system features a fantastic voice-command system that is among the easiest we've used. Also included with the navigation package is Bluetooth hands-free calling and a center console mounted USB connection with iPod support.
Audio quality from the six-speaker audio system is lacking. While this "premium" system--found only at the EX trim level--adds a pair of tweeters over the four-speaker system found in the base model Insight, the lack of a subwoofer and high quality components is immediately audible. Fortunately, the system doesn't need to work too hard in the Insight's quiet cabin.
Whether equipped with navigation or not, all Honda Insights feature an auxiliary input at the bottom of the center stack.
Under the hood
The Insight's 1.3-liter inline-four is augmented with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid drivetrain, which couples an electric motor with the gasoline drivetrain for better economy. The system is virtually identical to that of the Honda Civic Hybrid, but in this incarnation outputs 98 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque (combined gasoline and electric output). Because of the electric assist, all 123 pound-feet of twist is available early in the power band (1,000rpm) and made short work of steep-hill starts.
Coupling the IMA drivetrain with the wheels is Honda's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), a transmission that eschews fixed gears in favor of infinitely variable planetary gears that keep the engine speed in the sweet spot for maximum efficiency. Odd for a vehicle with a green image, our Insight EX's transmission was equipped with a sport mode with paddle shifters. Pulling the shift lever down to the "S" position caused the CVT to choose a slightly more aggressive chuck of the power band which, when combined with more aggressive activation of electric assist, created a more lively driving experience. Acceleration was by no means neck snapping, but the immediacy of electric torque can be appreciated.
To the right of the instrument cluster is a large green Econ button which puts the Insight into Eco Assist mode. Honda says this mode modifies various vehicle systems to minimize the vehicle's overall energy use for increased fuel economy. In practice, we didn't notice any discernible difference between the vehicle's operations with Eco Assist on versus off.
Unsure of why anyone would want to drive a hybrid uneconomically, we left the Eco Assist system on for the bulk of our testing.
The Insight's drivetrain also features a Start-Stop system that shuts down the gasoline engine when the vehicle is stopped, for example while waiting at a traffic light. The system only works when the vehicle's engine has warmed to operating temperature and the shifter is in "D." The transition from stop to start is noticeable and, if you don't get the brake-to-gas-pedal timing just right, can be a bit jarring. We'd like to attribute this behavior to the fact that our Insight was a preproduction model, but considering that we had a similar experience in the Honda Civic hybrid, we're sure that it's just designed that way.
Over the course of our testing, which included an equal mix of city and highway driving, we attempted to keep the Insight's speedometer glowing green with thrifty driving techniques, but we must admit to taking a few hasty trips in Sport mode. In spite of our lead-footed indiscretions, the Insight managed a respectable 43.2 combined mpg, landing at the top of EPA estimates of 40 city and 43 highway mpg.
When we tested the Prius, we ended up with a combined 45 mpg. When you consider that the Insight, unlike the Prius, never goes into an all-electric mode and can be fun to drive, the 43 mpg mark is that much more impressive. We believe that, with more restrained driving, the Insight would match the Prius for miles per gallon.
In sum
The Insight outputs less power than the slightly heavier Civic Hybrid. Oddly, the Insight is also slightly thirstier than the Civic Hybrid, which manages 40 city and 45 highway mpg. Looking at the performance and economy numbers, one would assume that the Civic Hybrid is the better direct Prius competitor in Honda's lineup.
So where does the Insight fit in?
The answer may lay in the expected MSRP. The base-model Insight Hybrid is expected to retail for around $20,000. The EX model adds alloy wheels, paddle shifters, traction control, cruise control, and upgrades the audio system to six speakers, and is expected to add about $1,500 for the upgrade. Checking the box for Honda's satellite-linked navigation system with voice command, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity should add about $1,200 more for a grand total of about $22,700.
A similarly equipped Toyota Prius would retail for $26,574 and the Civic Hybrid with navigation comes to $25,650, making the 2010 Honda Insight EX with navigation a potential best value for a hybrid vehicle.
User reviews
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Honda handling; great packaging; fabulous gas mileage
by insightman on February 12, 2009
Pros: Low price, great handling and gas mileage, more cargo space than Prius, and great looks, carrying forward the great Honda designs of the 1984 CRX, 2000 Insight, and 2008 FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle.
Cons: No satellite radio option and the US is denied the European Insight's heated seats, foglights, rear disc brakes, and 16-inch wheels.
Summary: Tthe CNET review is incorrect: the Insight CAN run on electric-only power--but only after you're under way, not from rest. The low pricing of the new Honda Insight should ...
Summary: Tthe CNET review is incorrect: the Insight CAN run on electric-only power--but only after you're under way, not from rest. The low pricing of the new Honda Insight should make it a viable option for anyone who believes that the low-price gas bubble will pop as soon as the economy recovers.
I've owned two Insights and loved them. Fortunately, the true fuel economy of the new Insight is much greater than the EPA tests reveal. None of the testers of this car have been able to drive it hard enough to get their gas mileage DOWN to the EPA-test ratings of 40 city and 43 highway mpg. Some have achieved greater than 70 mpg. Unfortunately, due to the packaging requirements of the hybrid electronics and batteries, there was room for a gas tank holding only 10.6 gallons, so the new Insight will not be able to match the astounding 700+ mile range of the original Insight.
It's a slick car with great handling and Honda quality. The Prius may get better gas mileage in stop-and-go city driving, but on the open highway, no car you can buy will exceed the Insight's fuel economy.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The 2010 Honda Insight > you think
by wentzr on April 1, 2009
Pros: Actual MPG - HIGHER than EPA estimates
Affordable
INSANELY fun to drive.
Obvious intent to design instrument panels which help train you to be a more efficient driver.
Highly maneuverable, lightweight, tight handling and incredibly responsive carCons: No two door version (yet)
Not a plug-inSummary: Lets get it out of the way. It looks like a Prius. But really where did the Prius get it's styling from? Is it a crime for Honda to ...
Summary: Lets get it out of the way. It looks like a Prius. But really where did the Prius get it's styling from? Is it a crime for Honda to steal back the design which originally showed up as the 1st gen Honda Insight? Lets not forget it was Toyota who borrowed the look of the current Prius from the original Insight... Lets separate fact from fiction: Honda did this first. Toyota gets the credit because the prius was mass-produced, the insight wasn't... but that doesn't put Toyota on the map first.
Another thing to get out of the way: there is no EV only mode. Big deal. It's a "mild-hybrid".. call it what you like. Mild spicy or hot, the 1st Gen Insight is also a mild hybrid but leaves every other car in the dust with EPA ratings of 60+ MPG.
I took this car out for a test drive at my local Honda dealership last week, It happened to actually be the first time the car was ever driven, outside of the four miles spent getting it from the factory to the truck and the truck to the showroom floor, so this was quite an exciting drive!!
I'm a 5 year owner of a 2003 Insight and am not looking to buy, and was hoping I would be disappointed with the new insight so I wasn't tempted to buy! Well I was actually floored. I'm used to my CVT, but the addition of paddle shifters for manual shifting added to the driving experience, and with a little practice I'm sure you could increase your fuel efficiency by using them to override the econ mode in driving situations where you can see what the car can't: grades in the road, turns, traffic conditions etc.
The Odometer is backdropped with a color changing gauge which gives the driver immediate feedback on how their driving style is impacting fuel efficiency. When you are driving efficiently with the gas pedal, the backdrop turns green. If you're heavy on the pedal the color shifts blue. Point is you want to keep this in the green, and you can see this gauge at all times out of your peripheral vision.
I took the car for a 12 mile loop on the freeway and through downtown Oakland, Ca. I got an average of 62.5 mpg. This is better than I get in my 2003 Insight which has an EPA rating of 56/57 (according to the old EPA standards).. at this I am totally stunned. At several points of the test drive I accelerated heavily and was experimenting with the paddle shifters, which deepens my wondering... "What MPG could I get if I *really* tried??" So I will likely testdrive this car again, and will likely be even more tempted than I am every day since my first spin last week to buy this car. . we'll see how long I can hold out.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Insightman is right on!
by jonniedee on February 12, 2009
Pros: The 2010 Insight can and does run on electric power alone sometimes.
Cons: Too many folks think Honda ripped off the prius shape when it's just the opposite
Summary: The Honda insight IMA system allows the vehicle to move WITHOUT the engine actually firing, but it is still rotating the engine with its valves closed. Guess the reviewer just ...
Summary: The Honda insight IMA system allows the vehicle to move WITHOUT the engine actually firing, but it is still rotating the engine with its valves closed. Guess the reviewer just made assumptions by the way he thought the vehicle was driving.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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No Zoom, but Great Mileage.
by ducatisa on October 1, 2009
Pros: We cashed in our clunker for the 2010 Insight. It's a fabulous commuter car. I drive 40+ miles a day and get 43 mpg without even trying. The visibility out the back window is much better than the Prius's and it's much easier to maneuver.
Cons: I love heated seats! I wish they were an option on the Insight. My Mazda 3 has all of the fun goodies like Bose audio, leather seats (that are heated), etc. There is no zoom zoom with the Insight, but you cannot beat the mileage.
Summary: If you are looking for a great, reliable car that gets remarkable mileage and won't break the bank, you should definitely check out the Insight. My last Honda went ...
Summary: If you are looking for a great, reliable car that gets remarkable mileage and won't break the bank, you should definitely check out the Insight. My last Honda went for 150k+ miles and wasn't well-maintained before I got it. It's fun, it's cool. The whole Econ mode / changing green and blue light thing is neat, especially if you have kids. My 12-year old is constantly pushing buttons to see how "green" my driving is!
This is not a fancy, showy car. It has a surprising amount of room, especially with the back seats folded. We can get an adult-sized bicycle in the back with no problem.
I test drove the Prius a few times and could never convince myself that it was a car I would enjoy driving. The visibility out the back window is horrible, and I knew that would be a constant source of annoyance. Drive the Prius, then drive the Insight. You'll end up with an Insight and more money in your bank account. -
Complete Satisfaction
by taylorchriso on May 11, 2009
Pros: Amazing gas mileage, smooth driving, USB interface, love the econ mode with the green glow to help you drive economically. The exterior and interior design is fun and unique. Great turning radius and handling. The engine shuts off during Auto Stop
Cons: The 1/2 second it takes to engage after leaving auto-stop
Summary: It was exactly what we were looking for. An affordable hybrid with premium options.
Summary: It was exactly what we were looking for. An affordable hybrid with premium options.
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Cool car - Will keep you posted
by PdxSuz on April 2, 2009
Pros: I just bought this car today - so I'll have to let everyone know - but so far so good. I'm anxious to see if it really can get 60 MPG - the handling is good and can't beat the price
Cons: Back visibility could be better - stereo system isn't as great as I'd like but I didn't buy this car for the stereo
Summary: I fell in love with this car and got it when shopping for the Fit - how do you resist having a Honda and saving the planet?
Summary: I fell in love with this car and got it when shopping for the Fit - how do you resist having a Honda and saving the planet?
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I like the video.
by spitfiregirl52 on February 14, 2009
Pros: Good summary of what the car offers.
Cons: I've heard it over and over and its getting somewhat annoying, the new Insight is NOT based on the Toyota Prius. Do some research.
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It's Ok but enough already review the 2010 Prius !!!!
by DHWeaver85 on June 19, 2009
Pros: I liked how the color around the speedometer changes when your driving eco friendly (green) or not (blue). It's price rules too, $21,000ish. You can't beat that.
Cons: Small I test drove it and sitting up front I had plenty of head room and I'm 6'2" but I sat in the back after I got done and for me to drive comforablely the people in the back were haveing to eat their knees.
Back window was 2 differnet tents tooSummary: Another Con: The big green Econ button, it's just ugly and makes you want to press it a lot. Good Car if you have tiny friends or kids. Wish ...
Summary: Another Con: The big green Econ button, it's just ugly and makes you want to press it a lot. Good Car if you have tiny friends or kids. Wish you could get a sunroof also.
Cnet Please just review the tech on the new Prius already!!!! I mean solar sunroof and trackwheels on the stearing wheel come on, lets see what you think!0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Way too slow, no cruise, no backseat legroom.....
by FreeNEasy on June 5, 2009
Pros: True, it IS cheaper than the Prius. Very good mileage. Nice appointments. Good ergonomics. Seats are much better than 2nd gen Prius. At least there is SOME adjustment. Good-sized trunk. High airbag count. AC blows KOLD!
Cons: Slow and noisy. NO cruise on base model. Are you kidding? NO backseat legroom, unless you're a kid.
Summary: For a cheap hybrid, it is cheap. Spartan equipment level on base. Upscale model is much better equipped. Doesn't need self-parking feature like available on 3rd gen Prius. HA!. ...
Summary: For a cheap hybrid, it is cheap. Spartan equipment level on base. Upscale model is much better equipped. Doesn't need self-parking feature like available on 3rd gen Prius. HA!. Young/old family car at best. Small kids/no one in rear seat due to cramped legroom. Even slower than 2nd gen Prius. Won't survive here in Texas. Will get run over within a week by crew cab. Buy pre-funeral plan now.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent Value. Great handling.
by citybornJJ on April 4, 2009
Pros: Great Handling
Excellent brakes
Fun to drive
System improves your driving habits and decreases your fuel consumption
Hatchback Provides great storage and cargo space
Provides a very natural driving feel
Econ button can also improve fuel economyCons: The back seat is not as roomy as it could be. Rear roof is a few inches lower which could be an issue for taller passengers. The split rear view can take some getting used to.
Summary: The car is a lot of fun to drive. The interior is nice. The hatch fold down seats give a variety of options for loading cargo and a good amount ...
Summary: The car is a lot of fun to drive. The interior is nice. The hatch fold down seats give a variety of options for loading cargo and a good amount of space. The gauges provide a ton of info and make driving a bit of a game with an opportunity to continuely learn to improve your consumption levels and driving habits. The stereo on the EX while not amazing is certainly very good and provides decent sound. The connectivity option for Ipod with Ipod holder is nice.
Overall I really love this car. It does have some minor deficiencies that I am sure will be addressed on future models but it is a very solid product. It is a great way to reintroduce the insight to the world and it has kept its classic styling to some extent with a much sharper front. The car is very handsome from the front. This is a car that you can get years out of and enjoy for a long time. It will suit your city driving very well and is even fun to drive on the high way and it has fair highway acceleration as well.0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Company
- Part number: CNETHONDAINSIGHT09
- Bottom Line: While the 2010 Honda Insight EX with navigation may not be as mileage-friendly as the Prius, it represents a much better value and is more fun to drive.
Safety Features
- Smart airbags Standard
- Antilock brakes Standard
- Traction control Standard
- Stability control Standard
- Adaptive cruise control Standard
Entertainment
- Connection for portable MP3 sound system Standard
- MP3 CD-enabled sound system Standard
- USB connection Standard
Climate/convenience
- Multizone climate control Standard
- Keyless entry Standard
- Two-way security system Standard
- 12V power outlet Standard
Drivetrain Technology
- Drivetrain available front-drive
- Drive by wire Standard
Navigation
- Voice activated navigation Standard
Communication
- Bluetooth phone interface Standard
Manufacturer info
- American Honda Motor Company
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse American Honda Motor Company products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://corporate.honda.com
