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Honda Insight
Sedan · Gas · 5 versions · owner report
Ranked #4 of 15 used compact cars on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2022
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment varies significantly by generation.
4 problems reported (1 recurrent, 3 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentHybrid battery degradation/concerns
Primary concern for older, high-mileage examples, particularly first-generation models. Owners express fear of costly battery replacement.
- IsolatedUnderpowered engine (1st Gen)
Struggles to reach and maintain highway speeds (e.g., getting up to 65 mph/105 km/h), lacks power for safe merging and passing.
- IsolatedCVT transmission reliability concerns (2nd/3rd Gen)
Mentioned as a potential weakness in the second-generation model's "belted CVT," contrasted with the perceived robustness of other hybrid systems.
+ 1 more issueShow fewer
- IsolatedLack of driving engagement (2nd/3rd Gen)
Described as "BORING" compared to manual or sportier vehicles, with a focus purely on efficiency.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim or model year. Discussions indicate a strong preference for the manual transmission in the first-generation model for driving enjoyment. For later generations, an owner reports high satisfaction with a 2022 model, and another mentions positive long-term ownership of a 2010 model, but no specific trim level emerges as dominant.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic (especially Civic Hybrid), Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota Corolla.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment varies significantly by generation. For the first-generation (circa 2000-2006), owner feedback is highly positive regarding its unique character, describing it as a "fucking blast to drive" with a manual transmission, lightweight (approximately 1,800 pounds), and VTEC engine, despite acknowledging its lack of power for highway merging. This generation is viewed as a fun, ultra-efficient commuter. For the second and third generations (circa 2010-2022), sentiment is practical and positive, focusing on high real-world fuel economy (40-50 MPG), reliability, and value as a comfortable, efficient daily driver. Criticisms for later models are isolated and focus on driving engagement, with some owners finding them "BORING" compared to more engaging vehicles. Overall, the Insight is consistently praised for fulfilling its core mission of fuel efficiency and reliability across generations.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a reliable, fuel-efficient hybrid sedan, often compared directly to the Toyota Prius. Owner discussions suggest the Insight offers a compelling value proposition, with lower purchase prices for similar age/mileage compared to the Prius in the used market. It is also compared to the Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid, with the Insight often seen as a more fuel-efficient alternative, though some note the Civic Hybrid hatchback offers more cargo utility. Compared to non-hybrid competitors, its primary advantage is its significantly superior fuel economy.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is recommended for the first-generation model for driving enjoyment. For all generations, an extended warranty is mentioned by one owner as a worthwhile purchase that paid for itself on a 2010 model, suggesting it can be cost-effective for covering diagnostic and labor costs. One owner recommends using the climate control in "Auto" mode to optimize hybrid system efficiency and fuel economy.
General recommendations
Suitable for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, reliability, and low operating costs. Ideal for commuters and as a practical daily driver. The first-generation model is recommended for hobbyists or enthusiasts seeking a unique, lightweight, and engaging high-MPG vehicle, with an understanding that its performance is limited. For later generations, recommended for budget-conscious buyers seeking a used hybrid, often at a lower price point than a comparable Prius. Not recommended for driving enthusiasts seeking high performance or engaging dynamics from the later model, automatic-equipped cars. Prospective buyers of older hybrids should be aware of potential battery health and consider a pre-purchase inspection from a hybrid specialist.
Remarks
The analysis covers three distinct vehicle generations with different powertrains and characteristics, which must be considered separately. The first-generation Insight is a two-seat, lightweight hybrid with a manual or CVT option, while later generations are four-door sedans based on the Civic platform. Owner discussions for the latest generation (2019-2022) are limited, with more data available for older models. The high-mileage reliability of the hybrid battery is a central topic, with some owners reporting original batteries lasting over 250,000 miles, while others express concern about replacement costs. The model was discontinued after 2022, with its role largely absorbed by the Civic Hybrid. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions directly referencing the Insight.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2019. Years to avoid: 2019, 2010Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Honda Insight years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 33 | 3 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2021 | 25 | 3 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2020 | 31 | 6 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2019 | 98 | 8 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2014 | 5 | 3 | air bags |
| 2013 | 45 | 6 | engine |
| 2012 | 59 | 8 | engine |
| 2011 | 41 | 10 | air bags |
| 2010 | 119 | 10 | air bags |
| 2006 | 2 | 1 | engine |
| 2005 | 2 | 0 | tires |
| 2004 | 2 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2003 | 29 | 0 | air bags |
| 2002 | 24 | 1 | exterior lighting |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices62 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2022 · seat belts:rear/other:retractorcampaign 21V900000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2022 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2022 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
2021 · electrical system:propulsion system:dc/dc convertercampaign 20V798000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles. The DC-DC converter may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.
2021 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V064000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
2021 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
2020 · electrical system:propulsion system:dc/dc convertercampaign 20V798000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles. The DC-DC converter may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.
2020 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V314000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2020 · electrical system:body control module:softwarecampaign 20V771000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles. A software error may cause intermittent or continuous disruptions in communication between the Body Control Module (BCM) and other components. This may result in malfunctions of various systems such as the windshield wipers and defroster, rearview camera, exterior lights, audible warning of a stopped vehicle, and power window operation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems" and number 111, "Rear Visibility" as well as FMVSS numbers 104, 108, 114, 118, and 305.
2020 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V215000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2020 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2020 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V314000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2019 · electrical system:body control module:softwarecampaign 20V771000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles. A software error may cause intermittent or continuous disruptions in communication between the Body Control Module (BCM) and other components. This may result in malfunctions of various systems such as the windshield wipers and defroster, rearview camera, exterior lights, audible warning of a stopped vehicle, and power window operation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems" and number 111, "Rear Visibility" as well as FMVSS numbers 104, 108, 114, 118, and 305.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V215000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
47 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
1.5 Hybrid
Hybrid · 151 hp · FWD · automatic (CVT)
Built 2019–2022