Used 2003 Honda Insight Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 Insight, so we've included reviews for other years of the Insight since its last redesign.
SO MUCH FUN I WANT TWO
FRED, 06/22/2006
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is the most fun car to drive and for a 6'4" guy, comfortable and zippy.I want to buy another in a different color it is so much fun. I have a Mercedes convertible, a Lexus Wagon and my daughter a new Cabriolet. You can have all of them. I like driving alone and have as much space in the back of my Insight as my Lexus. I am going to dump my others and get a blue one. I may not drive that much, but I get there faster than the huge SUVs who try and kill me out of jealousy. Never seem to put gas..what high prices? It is so quiet I never know if it is running. This is the least written or reviewed hybrid because it isn't a family car. I am glad I got rid of them.
Favorite Car to Drive
Edmond, 11/07/2007
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased the CVT and have not regretted the purchase at all. I get an average of 52 mpg in LA with stop/go/AC. The car had 80,000 existing miles but Honda's extended warranty (150K) for the battery as well as the Honda Care extended warranty (7yr/100K) has taken care of any concerns. I enjoy the car so much that I will be selling my other car because I no longer drive it. Looking forward to the release of the 2009 Insight.
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wildbill53, 04/15/2014
updated 10/17/2016
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I Bought it with 76,000 miles. IMA battery was replaced and all recalls/updates completed. I drive 240 miles a day from Tucson to Phoenix and back. I have 109,000 on it now. Fun to drive but does require a certain personality to drive. Meaning that you can't get on the gas all the time and expect the battery to stay charged. Also staying light on the gas will defiantly improve mileage. If I keep it around 65 I can get over 80 mpg going to Phoenix and around 65 on the trip back(Phoenix is 1526 ft lower than Tucson). So my tank average is around 67 to 72. My worst is around 57mpg but that is a windy day, no drafting, A/C on and going 75+ mph. It can top 90+mpg with drafting and 62mph UPDATE 10/15/2016. it has been 159000 miles since my last review. Car is at 268000 miles on odometer. I've replaced the clutch,12v battery,spark plugs, front brake pads and rotors. I had to repair rear shocks since Honda wants to put me in debt for the price they want and noone sells aftermarket. Over all I wish Honda would start production of the first generation again.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Driving a 5000 mile trip to Iowa
onlyjazz, 12/27/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The handling up and through mountain passes was amazing. I passed many other cars going up the passes. The batteries charged well going down the other side. I had the opportunity in Montana to test for top speed on a long level road. I was amazed at the result: 105 mph. The car was overload with travel necessities, but performed and handled well.
It doesn't get any better than this!
Tim Guiles, 03/04/2004
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
In the summer I get 85 miles to the gallon while driving normally through the mountains and valleys of Vermont. This car is great in the snow - - - I live 2 miles off the paved road at the end of a small dirt road and I continue to be impressed by the capabilities of this car.
A sweet little ride!
rubian77, 08/03/2005
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
If you're looking for a car that is great on gas mileage but you don't need a ton of cargo room, this is the vehicle for you! Even with only 3 cylinders, this little buggy has a good amount of get-up-and-go. Driving in the snow is trickier; you just have to take it easy and give yourself more time. Some say it's uncomfortable, but I don't think it's that bad - and I spend about 75-80 minutes driving one way. Repairs don't cost any more than other cars, despite the hybrid technology.
First impressions very positive
spinoza, 03/18/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We've had ours for a month now and it's been a lot of fun to do drive. It drives and handles much like a little sports car (the Miata comes to mind), and we've had little problem adjusting to it being a hybrid. Features like the auto-stop and motor-assist are intuitive and easy to adjust to. It's amazing to see it already averaging over 50 miles a gallon in heavy city driving. The car has impressive acceleration and speed, and has no problems keeping up with traffic and passing. It's also very smooth and quiet.
My Insight Driving Expirence
Andrew J, 07/25/2006
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I drive mainly on interstate highway. My commute to work is about 96 miles round trip, all but 10miles are super highway. The vehicle has nearly 115,000 miles with an overall average mpg of 64.3. I haven't had any problems with the car and have replaced 4 tires once, and the front brakes just once. Because of the conditions of our Mass highways, I have had to replace the windshield twice and will need to replace it a third time before the next inspection. My Insight is a 5 speed manual with air conditioning.
2002 Honda Insight review
Doug Myers, 08/03/2006
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
From Mile zero to 42345 the average mpg is 62.2 overall. Highest was a trip of 320 miles and averaged 89.2 mpg. Yes, I had a tailwind - ;-)
A modern CRX
Gazings, 03/10/2002
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I had low expectations of this car - much to my surprise it is quite fast, handles great, and it very comfy. Auto climate control is fantastic. Styling STILL turns heads. Very roomy inside. I strongly suggest you opt for the CVT version - it is way too easy to drain the batteries by lugging the car in too high a gear with the manual, plus you have to downshift to very low gears for good power (2nd gear at 65 mph!). The CVT does it all for you.
My spacepod flies
mjrogers, 04/29/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My spacepod flies. I had no idea these hybrid's electric motor give it strong torque for accelleration. So far my lifetime mpg is 74 mpg (lots of highway driving at constant velocity.)
LOVE IT!!!!!
Ariel Post, 05/05/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is off the hook! I love it and the best part is is that it is sooo incredibly healthy for the environment. I feel so good when I drive it because I finally feel like I'm not hurting the environment at all.
The perfect car for me.
liamblake, 05/29/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a car that you can live in (assuming that you are living in your car by yourself) this is the car for you. Design is flawless and the gas mileage speeks for itself. When driving for long distances on the interstate it's more like sailing than driving. The car cruises along with so little wind noise it's such a pleasure to drive.
DO NOT buy an older model Insight
trianglemann, 08/25/2013
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
10 of 18 people found this review helpful
I owned one for 5 years, servicing every 3 months. In that time: 1. Need to replace cat converter ($1,200). 2. Need to replace IMA ($2,700). 3. Need to replace transmission ($2,200). 4. Need to replace flywheel. 5. Wheels randomly seize up almost causing an accident. Dealer doesn't know why ($100 diagnostic). 6. Need to replace engine ($3,800). 7. Need to replace transmission ($2,200). 8. Need to replace IMA again ($2,800). 9. Need to replace wiring ($550). Used/aftermarket parts are hard or impossible to find. 2 of 3 dealers had extremely poor workmanship (I was a mechanic). Car never lasted more than 3 months w/o something breaking, and every part on it is EXPENSIVE.
Totally cool/fun
fritz, 10/11/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car after 3 test drives. It took a little getting used to the way it runs, but it handles well, is pretty quick, and the coolness factor is not to be believed! My partner and I fight to drive it, and have taken many road trips around California. It is a Honda, so the usual fine fit and materials are evident throughout. The car is quiet, the seats very comfortable, and the climate control system is flawless. In all, I will drive this rig into the ground!!
Fun, zippy, and gets a ton of attention!
jpyrz, 06/20/2002
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I didn't buy this car because I'm an environmentalist. I actually am not a big fan of recycling because it's a pain most of the time. However, when saving the environment can save me money, and let me drive a fun, zippy car, I'm all for it. I was amazed at the get-up that this car has, I was expecting a weak little ride, but it has more power (feels anyway) than the '96 Toyota Corolla I traded in for it.
mileage wrong--84 mpg
Rob Fenwick, 07/08/2002
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Drive from Southern Maryland to Northern VA everyday to work. Great commuter car. Advertised at 61-70 mpg but my lifetime mpg is 84. Mileage always better in warmer weather, but I'm not sure why. 75 miles 1 way, and over 35k per year. Already over 60k miles. My guess is this baby will go well over 200k during its lifetime.
A Fun Car
edl41, 02/08/2003
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a fun car that is practical as well as well designed.And economical too.My wife and I prefer the Insight to our new Accord 4dr.Getting better than 50 m.p.g.running errands in the city.The CVT transmission is outstanding.Feels like a turbine.Ride is extra firm--which adds to handling.Disappointed in audio-but I like the car so much I may upgrade.
Great commuter car
Steven Webster, 03/03/2017
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Gets over 50 mpg, better than my motorcycle!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
great car for a guy to commute.
crazyjake1982, 03/14/2010
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in march of 2003 and I have put 130,000 miles on it. It has been very reliable and rugged. I drive 52 miles one way to work and I get an honest 60 miles per gallon on every tank full. It is not good on snow being so low, and it's performance on ice was terrible with the original tires, I soon bought snow tires and that was well worth the money. I love this car.
Great two person car
catmwarrior, 05/29/2010
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am the original owner of the 2003 Insight I have. Easy to maintain. I have the four speaker, six disk change, and tape player for a radio. Sounds really good. The car does have a lot of road noise, but dependable, great on gas, and easy to use. I am 6'-2" and I have plenty of room in it for me. I drove mine from Mojave California to Pennsylvania on only four tanks of gas. I only drove it at 55 MPH the whole why though. I usually spend less than $600 dollars on gas for the whole year!
nice
huh?, 07/29/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this is the best car ive ever owned
WOW !
Jimbeemer, 01/17/2005
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just bought this Insight yesterday and I can sum it up so far by saying WOW! This car is spacious for 2 adults, comfortable (almost like my Civic and much better than my Miata), fun to drive, gets great mileage (55 mpg with CVT so far after 900 miles and during the winter), has award-winning engineering and design, has the typical Honda fabulous build quality and attention to detail, and has slick cutting-edge technology everwhere you look (hybrid IMA system, silky smooth CVT transmission, electric power steering, automatic HVAC system, ABS brakes, and the list goes on-and-on).
Great Car!
SL, 01/19/2007
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is great...I wish there were more cubbyholes in the car to put change, DL, etc. The car is tiny but it performs extremely well. Drives like a normal car but half the price at the station.
What a little wonder!
Vince , 04/24/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car! people said it was a bit slow...I don't think so! It easily keeps up with and passes traffic, and yes, on the freeway as well. Nice pull for what it is! slower than an S2000? sure, but definetly no slouch. Nice job Honda!
Honda Insight
Rick Reece, 04/22/2002
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for over a year and have found it to be both fun to own and drive. It is without a doubt the most interesting and satisfying of any new car that I have ever purchased.
Buy this car!
Greg232304565, 06/28/2002
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Incredible deals could be found on Ebay if you are looking for this car. I love it. The attention you get is amazing. I have guys in Jaguars asking about it. Be not afraid of technology. If you have a long drive to work, it is perfect. Why drive an SUV if you do not really have to?
Insight 2002
henry8744, 08/28/2002
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With over 50000 miles I am averaging 62 mpg. I really enjoy this car. It is fun to drive and comfortable.
its so cool
mr. ark, 09/17/2002
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the insight is the only vehicle i've driven that is a compact car with a QUIET ride and groove design. i like the fact its got some kick to it as well. overall it rules.
the less obvious
jgray, 08/13/2003
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While others have whooped the obvious, other of the real assets of this car get less air. Do you remember your old VW? The classic oversteer? the single reason to have one of those piles of scrap? This Insight handles just like it - seems just like oversteer, great handling fun. The single most important reason to buy? Emisssions - low, and lower! Just a grand little car to be thankful for as you watch the "truck" drivers try to negotiate the world.
What A Little Gem!
Tim, 02/26/2006
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I originally bought this car, new, partially for it's technology and partially because I have always preferred smaller cars. My test ride was more than I expected and I was especially surprised at it's sportiness and very good excelleration. Other than normal oil changes, filters, I have had zero problems and just a great experience with this little gem for the past four years. I have taken several long trips (more than 1000 miles) and was not only very comfortable but averaged over 80 MPG, and my speed was over 70 MPH-usually 80 MPH. I enjoy passing by a huge gas guzzling SUV and just smile with a grin that says who's the dumb irresponsible consumer now?
Proud Insight Owner!
Mia, 03/12/2006
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome!!!!!! Go American Honda!!!! Ahead of its time and so am I. SULEV and thus far a lifetime MPG of 56 MPG. I'm showing America (with the help of Honda) a better way. Thank you!
Smart and Fun
Craig, 05/18/2006
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you are confident enough to only need your vehicle define you are "smart" and "innovative" then this is the car for you. It's for people who like a sporty look as they tool around town and want to save on fuel as they do so. For those of you with fragile egos, there will always be SUVs. See you at the pumps!
A great car
dan ginsburg, 06/06/2006
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Honda Insight is fun to look at, fun to drive, and the gas mileage is outstanding (I have gotten 50 mpg since I bought the car). It is best with the 5 speed manual transmission.
the jetson mobile
montecarlobluepearl, 07/03/2006
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i get between 45-55 mpg in the winter and up to 70mpg in the summer. Awesome vehicle even handles well in up to a foot of snow. Can get up to 90mph on the highway. Haven't had any problems with it since I bought it.
Better than expected
Steve, 07/11/2006
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car accelerates better than I expected. I thought it'd be a dog, but it's much quicker than I thought it would be. The only problem I've had is with the odometer. It's stuck on the current trip mileage and won't return to overall mileage, so I'll need to get this repaired so I'll know when to change the oil. I've been cross country with this car half a dozen times or so, I wish it had cruise control, but that's not an option. The ride is a little more harsh than most cars, but I'm used to it, and going long distance is no problem. I can get the advertised 65 mpg highway IF I drive 55mph, but I just drive it the normal hwy speed and get about 50 mpg hwy. Overall I get 47 mpg.
Honda Insight is great
dshirley, 08/23/2006
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Insight. 50 to over 60 mpg, great looks (it's red) and can park in tiny spaces. Plenty of cargo capacity, too.
2000 insight
greenman, 05/30/2003
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car and fun to drive.
Your Car Uses 100 Year-Old Technology
Tim Drager, 03/20/2002
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After driving the Insight over 22,000 miles, I feel that Honda is the best car company on the planet. They are about the only car company to put their money where their mouth is. They've "walked their talk", in that they've created a major evolution in the automotive industry, taking 100 year-old combustion technology and brought it into the 21st century. That 3 cylinder engine sounds like a V12 purring under the hood. I'll be darned if I can figure out how Honda did it. Only the best engineering can make a 3 cylinder engine purr like that. I tell you that the Insight IS fun to drive, with it's strong torque at the low end and electric steering. Hope you decide to walk your talk.
Insight
cars, 10/09/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's great. The perfect car for anyone.
FUN TOY
FRED SARABIA, 11/18/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have four cars including Mercedes Convertible,VW Cabriolet,Mazda truck and the Insight....I practically NEVER drive the others and sometimes have to jump start them I have so much fun in the Insight....zippy and have only filled in 4 times since I bought it in March......
Great Car!! Ignore Consumer Reports
J Baxter, 01/11/2006
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car in 2003 so I could retire my 1987 BMW convertible to preserve it. Interior layout and "look,touch,feel" very similar to BMW, so I was at home right away. Acceleration is zippy, but not faster than the rest of the pack. Handling is really good and suspension is very taut (like performance-oriented European cars). Lifetime average fuel economy has been about 56 mpg and 60+ on the highway is the norm. Tires are the biggest problem with stock setup-the OEM Bridgestone Potenzas stink. Am now using 1+ size Kuhmo Solus so handling is vastly improved esp. under wet/snowy road conditions. Totally reliable car, and outstanding dealer support (way better than Audi/BMW dealers).
Mower POWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Xsight, 04/10/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I received my 2000 Honda Insight as an early Christmas present and I simply love it! The Insight is a great little performer with potential to be the next type of car to tune-up. I've had my Insight up to 90MPH and it felt nice and solid at that speed! The Insight is a great-looking futuristic machine with loads of possibilities.
I love my Insight - most fun yet
P.A.Ewing, 08/26/2002
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am thoroughly enjoying my new Insight. I have had many people talk to me at stop lights, etc. The technology seems to fascinate them. I have only three criticisms: Upholstery snags easily - it's good looking, but I expect to drive a car 10 years. I think I may have to replace the upholstery or seats before my 10 years is up. Gas mileage is about 41-42 mpg - it may be due to the extreme heat in Texas & the constant need for air conditioning. I'll see how we do this winter. As I remember, last winter I was getting 48-49 mpg. Speakers could be a better quality.
Most Wonderful Car ever made
nth, 08/22/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The insight is the best car ever. Ultra high gas milage and handles like a beaut. I'll drive these hybrids forever!!
THE MOST FUN CAR EVER
MANY CARS, 09/02/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have five cars including classics, MB's,Wagon, Truck,and if I had to throw them all away in order to keep driving my Insight, I would do it...This car is so much fun and a fill up every few months.....It is low, spiffy, LOTS of zip, and I NEVER have to drive other couples home.The rear is easier to load than my Lexus.I love it that my Insight turns more heads than $100,000 guzzlers.
Positive Review
Charliebm04, 12/22/2003
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought the car 12/18/2004. this is a new 2004 with a few Improvements. The Dealership. I would rate at a 3 they did the paper work and that was it. The salesman, Spencer: never even met him, he had another salesman do the work. The car However. Fantastic, 67mpg right off the showroom floor. The acceleration really suprised me. It has the git up and go when you need it. For and general runaround or work car. There is no better car on the Market, YET. C-mon Honda you can do better. C-mon People, Keep your website up to date.