178 messages,
Last post on Nov 10, 2009 at 11:10 PM
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Honda Insight Forum.
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Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars
#148 of 178 Re: May-2009 Sales [yerth10]
by dhsieh9
Jun 02, 2009 (9:29 pm)
I had the chance to test drive & compare both cars in my local dealers last weekend. I must say that with extra 2k+, Prius has much more appealing cabin design. They are roomier with higher quality interior material and have plenty extra std. options than the Insight. This is not to mention that even the base Prius has alloy wheels & rear disk brakes while Insight only comes with rear drum brakes and steel wheels. As for ride quality, Insight seems to be a little more sporty. However when factoring in everything, I think most families would prefer Prius over Insight if they can afford the extra 2k since those who buy hybrid cars would probably care less about the performance but rather more on the mileage per gallon, a definite advantage for Prius. This also explains why our local Toyota dealer sold out their 3 allocated 2010 Prius on the 1st weekend they arrived. According to the Toyota sales person, there are many dozens buyers who have already placed their orders. For the 2nd time, Honda is still playing catch up in this ever more important hybrid market and in my opinion, it still doesn't have what it takes to overtake Toyota.
#149 of 178 Honda Insight after 1 week of ownership
by rookie60
Jun 26, 2009 (8:24 pm)
I have owned my Insight for 1 week now. Some observations: C pillar has a blind spot, inside mirror quivers, electronic steering is vague. Fairly quiet ride except on acceleration. 2 sets of golf clubs require the back seat to be down. However, first tankful gave 45.5mpg. Second tank has 200 miles and is about the same. Car is nice looking. Not a sports car. Acceleration not great. It is what it is: 45.5mpg.
Jul 30, 2009 (7:02 am)
I have several questions concerning the 2010 Honda Insight, but this forum does not clearly distinguish between the new(2010) Insight and the original(two seater)Insight. Why not divide it intotwo categories.
#151 of 178 2010 Honda Global Small Hybrid
by rv65
May 01, 2009 (8:29 pm)
#152 of 178 2010 Honda Insight
by rv65
Jun 22, 2008 (5:31 pm)
The new Global hybrid will probably retain the insight name. Less mileage but will have room for 4 doors and a back seat. Uses a hatchback configuration. Power is by a version of the current Civic Hybrid's engine. Not much more info but should come out by 2009 as an 2010 model. They may change the name though.
#153 of 178 Re: 2010 Honda Insight [rv65]
by rv65
Aug 06, 2008 (12:27 pm)
This hybrid should be smaller than the prius and should have Outstanding mileage. Larger than the current insight but has a back seat and should have better performance. Honda has found a way to make their hybrid system cheaper, lighter, and smaller which helps drive this hybrid's costs down. It will start at under 20K. Not too many options. Maybe a leather model, a tech package that includes navigation, bluetooth etc, and maybe thats about it. Info is still scarce but it's coming out anyways.
#154 of 178 Change the name to 2010 Honda Global Hybrid
by rv65
Aug 09, 2008 (1:55 pm)
Until they finalize the name it won't be called Insight. I hope a host realizes this and changes the name to 2010 Honda Global Small Hybrid. Any response would be great.
#155 of 178 Anyone have the New Insight?
by sobeg6
Apr 28, 2009 (9:05 pm)
Thinking of purchasing and wanted some feed back from any of you whom purchased. pros cons etc....
#156 of 178 My experience for sobeg6 above
by sr146260211
Apr 29, 2009 (4:20 am)
Responding first to rv65 that the Honda will not be called Insight = Whoops
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Responding to sobeq6...
EX Model-Fog lights-No Nav
Likes:
1. Body style was the overriding reason for the Insight over the Prius. Both cars are nice, but for me, the front end of the Insight is more to my liking.
2. Center dash area. Another main reason for this over the Prius's far right of drivers side dash control which has never been my taste but to others its OK. Did like however, the center Nav system for the Prius.
3. Slightly less money for the EX Insight over the 2010 Prius version III.
Dislikes:
1. Center Nav system that seems to look as if it was an afterthought with that plastic black border around it.
2. Center Radio system seems to be a little cheap looking as well, but used to it now, but not as bad looking as the Nav system installed. My opinion only
3. Center dash and controls seem too busy for me. Should be cleaned up a bit. This is similar to the Honda Fit dash.
4. Back seat area is a little tight for taller passengers but you can adjust the front seating a bit to make it do-able for short rides with grown ups
5. Rear split window is somewhat bothersome, but the Prius is the same way. Blind spots for both cars and one must be very careful when changing lanes.
6. Wish the rear window wiper blade would cover more of the glass, and not just on the driver side.
7. Needs a tad more sound proofing, but I have a 09 Civic Automatic and both seem harsh as you throttle up fast. Other then that, it is not loud at all and just so slightly better then the Civic
Overall mileage:
Gas top off on first full day with vehicle, the Econ Mode was turned on, very early morning hours, being very careful, no traffic for three mile drive flat road, and obtained a computer reading of 54 mpg. That will change when I do my first calculations by hand and not the often times somewhat off computer reading.
Normal daily driving only 1/2 mile to and 1/2 mile back from store or bank, no Econ Mode used, very early morning drive, not nearly enough time to warm up the car, and computer reading showed between 34 and 36 miles per gallon over a few days.
Some 5 to 6 mile drives, city only, no hills, warm weather and no air conditioner on, and obtained about 43 mpg read. Few stop lights.
My 2009 Civic EX automatic (None Hybrid), leather, Nav system and drove both a 12 mile round trip and some of those 1/2 mile one way then back as I have done with the Insight and got 24/25 mpg with the 12 mile trip, then 17 mpg with the 1/2 mile drive, so as you can clearly see, without the vehicle warmed up and only a very short drive and some long traffic lights, you will suffer with the gas mileage over a longer drive with the car warmed up.
Overall, I am pleased with both the looks and operation of the vehicle but one must get used to the Idle engine turn off at stop lights and a new way to drive a hybrid over a standard gas vehicle.
#157 of 178 Insight Sales
by yerth10
May 01, 2009 (8:29 pm)
In Apr-2009, 2096 Insights were sold in USA, decent amount in its 1st month of sales.
Expect more in the next few months.
But still, its $5K more than Civic and that will keep many people behind.
I hope Insight will catchup with Prius (both Gen-II & Gen-III).