2004 Honda Insight Review
Fuel Economy
47 - 52 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The pious Insight is still the fuel economy champ, but Toyota's Prius offers more practicality and nearly equivalent mileage ratings.
Pros
Amazing fuel economy, quick steering, lots of standard equipment.
Cons
Batteries drain fast under continual electric motor assist, highly susceptible to crosswinds, not much point-and-shoot power on tap, small payload capacity.
What's New for 2004
The CD-equipped audio system with four speakers is now standard equipment, and the fuel consumption gauge's illumination color changes from green to red. All Honda cars gain a new seatbelt reminder system this year.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Just Hummin along
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl Gas/Elec Hybrid 5M)
Review
Buying this car was the smartest thing I have ever done. I bought it just before the gas prices exploded. Thanks HONDA! I love to drive it! I parked in A very small parking place. the three men sitting on the bench watching me gave me a standing ovation when i got out of the car.
Favorite Features
Sound, climate control, manuverability
Suggested Improvements
adjustable steering wheel
2004 Insight review.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl Gas/Elec Hybrid 5M)
Review
For economy, the only car I feel could beat the Insight would be an electric car recharged with solar panels. Its aerodynamics makes it almost uneffected by wind for safety as well as energy efficiency. Only drawback is that it carries onlt 2 people, but the space is very ample and comfortable for those 2 people. I know I can race any car on the road to the end of our tanks, and win. The place where it wins the nicest is at the pump at every fillup.
Favorite Features
I have no complaints with its performance from the coast to the mountains. Except in mtns, I can get 62 MPG consistently. 620 miles on a 10.6 gal tank is almost unbelievable, but it's true. The accurate MPG display times 10 tells how far you can go with the first 10 gal before using the .6 gal left.
Suggested Improvements
Cruise control should be at least available. I added it to a 2002 Insight I had and it was fantastic. I'm not having the same success with my 2004. Also a sunroof added to my 2002 with the CC assured its sale and made another satisfied Insight owner. Neither feature was available from Honda.
Good car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/AC (1.0L 3cyl Gas/Elec Hybrid 5M)
Review
I really wouldn't want any other car at this point. I am VERY tall and cruise control would be nice so that I could stretch my right leg sometimes. Other than that it is great!
Favorite Features
Interior
Suggested Improvements
Power problem that made lights short out.
I've got one
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/AC (1.0L 3cyl Gas/Elec Hybrid CVT)
Review
This car is the coolest thing around. There's no other car in the world where you drive in style and get 75mpg at the same time. I've owned my Insight for 4yrs now I get close to 800 miles per tank. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants to save their money and not give it away to the Billionares on the oil companys, at the same time your saving the enviroment. You will get so many looks and questions everywhere you go. Four years later an I still get questions everytime I fill up well that's every month and a half.... If you want to save you money and use it for something else buy a Honda Insight you'll the car and attention that comes with it....
Favorite Features
the all aluminum body is great it's lite and stronger than steel bodied cars. The 75 mpg and the almost 800 miles per tank is a major PLUS!!
Suggested Improvements
The seats could use a little more support, other than that this car is perfect!!
my most excellent Insight
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/AC (1.0L 3cyl Gas/Elec Hybrid 5M)
Review
This is by far the best car I ever drove. It handles great, goes as fast as I want, and gets over 80 mpg on the highway. It has plenty of cargo space. Just driving it and seeing the effect of my formerly heavy left foot on the mileage has transformed my driving from the usual "get there first" attitude to "get there in my own sweet time", and I enjoy driving much more now without the usual rush. If you're man enough to let go of beating everyone else you'll love it.
Favorite Features
The trip and instant mileage features, plus the bragging rights to the highest mileage on the planet.
Suggested Improvements
A seat cushion for long trips, and upgrades to the stereo.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Honda Insight
- 2006 Honda Insight
- 2005 Honda Insight
- 2004 Honda Insight
- 2003 Honda Insight
- 2002 Honda Insight
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