2005 Honda Insight Consumer Reviews

Insight is a winner

Written by: l Howe on 12/28/2005

Vehicle

2005 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/elec hybrid CVT)

Review

This is one of the first cars in a long time to exceed our expectations. It is exceptionally well engineered and manufactured. The fuel economy is outstanding. Honda took their time and did this one right. They were obviously looking for every "tweak" they could find for economy. For a two person family with grown kids, this car is ideal. We have a Lexus RX 300 when we need to haul more than an average load of groceries or take another couple. The Insight is getting more than 2/3 of the use because of the economy and it is fun to drive and a joy to park. And this thing has zip. I have had to learn to keep my foot out of it and stay at 70 or a little below to go for the best mpg.

Favorite Features

Economy and styling. This is an eye turner.

Suggested Improvements

None that are worth the effort. This is a specialized vehicle that was designed around economy. Once you grasp that, other issues become very secondary. The special Bridgestone tires are designed to be hard to give a minimum footprint. That does make them ride a little stiff. At 50 mpg +, so what!

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Best Car for Today

Written by: AChoiredTaste on 10/30/2005

Vehicle

2005 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/elec hybrid 5M)

Review

Absolutely the best value for today: Fun to drive, outstanding mileage: averaging 60 -70 mpg mostly freeway driving. In town not as good. Power is great as long as you rev it; no low end torque. Great Climate Control. Lots of people stop you to ask you about it; great for conversation. Able to use carpool lane and also get $2000 back from IRS. The savings in gasoline between this and my other car makes the payment (for 60months) on this car; so it's essentially free! Now want to get more options to trick it out! You can afford this and your "week-end only" gas hog with the fuel savings!

Favorite Features

Mileage, quiet, range is so long: over 600 miles on a tank with plenty of reserve!!

Suggested Improvements

Options, options, options !! Optional wide farings to accommodate wider rear tires; bigger fuel tank (10.6gals now), say 13.5 gals from Acura Integra. Insulation package (which I'm having done independently for about $650, complete). Bigger IMA unit, say 20-30 HP. Darker rear glass, solar panels.

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Great mileage cruising in carpool lanes

Written by: Tim Sakach on 09/20/2005

Vehicle

2005 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/elec hybrid CVT)

Review

I recently obtained a "clean vehicle" sticker in California that allows the use of carpool lanes with only one person in the car. It just doesn't seem fair to get great mileage while cruising past stopped traffic on the freeway. It is normal to get at least 500 miles per tank, so you don't need to fill it up very often, and it doesn't cost very much at that. Compared to what I was driving before, the savings in fuel costs alone is enough to cover payments. It is amazing that it performs the way it does with only a 1000cc engine, which is smaller than many motorcycles.

Favorite Features

This car is extremely well built, solid and reliable. The all-aluminum frame and outer skin is strong but very lightweight, providing a unique driving experience. High responsiveness and very agile. Outperforms in winding mountain roads. The car has almost all the features of a luxury vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Cruise control is needed. It would be nice to have a super-economy mode in addition to the two performance controls, drive and second (wider cvt rpm range). The auto-stop feature is great, except that it would be good to have a manual auto stop button for start and go traffic.

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My best car

Written by: frank manley on 08/09/2005

Vehicle

2005 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/elec hybrid 5M)

Review

Had many cars in 84 years, including Ferrari, etc. This is the BEST one ever. I will never sell/tradeit! (Unless the new desigh Insight comes on the market).

Favorite Features

Engineering excellence. Fit/finish. Dedign features.

Suggested Improvements

Add clip in gas filler to retain the gas cap. Make rear fender cutout round so it looks like a car with skirrt removed. Stop the automatic hatch locking. Add passengers visor mirror and glove box light.

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Dynamite comes in small packages

Written by: Brian Tennis on 08/03/2005

Vehicle

2005 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/elec hybrid 5M)

Review

I really don't understand why the Editor's rating is a full 40% points different than the individuals who actually own the car? Not enough horsepower for you guys? C'mon, this is a GREAT car. While not for everyone, those who do own them, bye and large, love them to death!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Perfect Commuter Car

Written by: HP Laborde on 08/01/2005

Vehicle

2005 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/elec hybrid 5M)

Review

Needed a daily driver: I drive approximately 40,000 year in Calif and need reliable, comfortable, peppy, economical transportation. The climate control is wonderful. If you don't try to get 65-70mpg the car hauls you know what! I've already got almost 2,000 miles on it in 1 week of ownership with avg of 62 mpg even driving over 95 mph on some spurts!

Favorite Features

Performance, mileage, good looks, quiet, handling, climate control. Good visibility. Very reliable.

Suggested Improvements

Needs center console. Maybe a bigger fuel tank for even more range. An "R" version with mainly performance in mind but which would still get excellent mileage using the Acura Type R drivetrain (which I also own).

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The Fhantm Strikes

Written by: Aleeza St. Clair on 06/28/2005

Vehicle

2005 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/elec hybrid 5M)

Review

I've never had a car that I enjoy driving so much and I've owned many different models including those with turbos. It does lose speed on steep inclines, but other than that it has quick pick up and is truly fun to drive. It also handles well in the ice and snow which is a must here in Alaska and I also love the sound system. My friend and I had room for two sets of golf clubs, two pieces of luggage, and a cooler with room to spare on a recent golf trip. I had to wait 8 months from the time that I ordered it until I received it, but it was well worth the wait!

Favorite Features

Great mileage and just simply fun to drive!

Suggested Improvements

I'm not crazy about the windshield wiper controls. When I go to turn them off it frequently sets off the washer.

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The Escape Craft

Written by: Bunswha on 04/06/2005

Vehicle

2005 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/elec hybrid 5M)

Review

Overall the only things that have been done to the car since I own it is regular oil changes. I live in the foothills of NY about 60 miles NNW of NYC. During the winter months I did find out the all season tires are not very good on snow covered roads. The car is very light and I would suggest studded snow tires in front for more traction and bite.

Favorite Features

The digital dash with the 3 separate trip meters that can be resent at anytime and the meters that inform you of your MPG. If SUVs had this little extra feature not many SUVs would be sold.

Suggested Improvements

A HUD ( Heads Up Display ) on windshield and maybe a rear camera ( There are many blind spots) with a video display where the cup holders are now mounted. You better look over your shoulder when changing lanes.

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I go eco

Written by: Tfoster on 04/01/2005

Vehicle

2005 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/elec hybrid 5M)

Review

I love my Insight! It's actually my 2nd Insight. It's perfect for someone whose lifestyle allows for only two seats and plenty of room in the back for all sort of stuff. While I'm not going to win any wind sprints, I take comfort in knowing that I can make it 600 miles+ on my 10 gallon tank, especially with gas prices what they are today. It's a fun car to drive while protecting the planet.

Favorite Features

I love the displays. It's almost like playing a game as I try to better my fuel efficiency while driving. I also like that the car switches to electric-only while stopped since idling is where the most gas is wasted in "regular" cars. It just sits there quietly while radio, air, etc. still work.

Suggested Improvements

Initally I was a little disappointed with the pick-up but have gotten used to driving more efficiently. Also, this car is not made for cross country trips, as the seats do lay back. 6-8 hours is my preferred max in the car while traveling.

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Head Turner

Written by: Fallacy124 on 03/31/2005

Vehicle

2005 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/elec hybrid 5M)

Review

I purchased my Insight 2 1/2 years ago. I noticed that reviews say you don't get the mileage on the sticker, they're right. I get better!!! You just have to know how to drive one of these cars, you can't drive it like a 'normal' car and it takes time to learn it. 70 mpg is not unreasonable to attain with this vehicle. No problems whatsoever in 35,000 miles.

Favorite Features

Unusual styling. The 'what is that??' effect when parked or driving.

Suggested Improvements

Some type of rain gutter, you can't open the window if its raining or after.

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