Used 2011 Honda Insight Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Insight, so we've included reviews for other years of the Insight since its last redesign.
Great little car, not up to brutal winters
Johannes Smith, 01/17/2016
updated 01/22/2018
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
98 of 99 people found this review helpful
Year 2 update - still solid, no major mechanical issues after 3 years, up to about 90k miles. Winter performance is still only OK for both drive quality and fuel economy, but overall performance is a solid 4/5 stars. No major mechnical issues make this a ludicrously cheap car to drive. Year 1 Update - still a solid little car. I need to preface everything I say next with this, the Insight is the cheapest hybrid out there. If you're going for MPGs and utility at bottom dollar, and don't mind a few quirks, it's an awesome car. Driving quality is... weird. Car rolls backwards on hills very readily. Hybrid drive is the slightest bit balky when it triggers. Pedals feel loose and floaty, in a minor way. I call this car "The Gadget" because a few elements of the drive train feel like they're still just prototypes. The flip side is, strangely, car has plenty of pickup. Gets on the highway very comfortably, can accelerate into small gaps in traffic no problem. All that combines with an average of about 40-41MPGs in good weather, 30-31MPGs in very cold weather. No major mechanicals after one year. I hear Honda's are famously reliable, and I believe it. I replaced the tires, the OEM tires were shot after 75K miles. Replacement tires have some issues, not sure if that is the wheels or the tires. My fault if it's the tires, Honda's if it's the wheels. --- So, I should start with the positive - bought a 2010 Insight EX in 2015. On the used market, they're going for sub 10K, and that means that entry level combustion engine cars are the same price as entry level hybrids. I had to give the hybrid a shot! In all the classic measurements of a car, the Insight excels. Acceleration is solid, it gets on the highway comfortably and can speed up to avoid hazards. Food for thought here, this car does 0-60 in 11.9 seconds. That compares to the gasoline Lancer of the same year at 11.4 seconds. The difference in fuel economy is a staggering 26MPG vs 43MPG. I'll leave you to do the cost/benefit analysis there. The interior is very comfortable, I love the seats. Safety features are cool (I'm upgrading from a cromagnon car with 1 airbag, so I'm excited to see 5 obvious airbags). The headlights on the EX are dazzlingly bright. For issues, there are 2 minor design flaws. Cabin view is not great - rearward visibility could be better with better pylon placement. The hatchback could also be roomier, it gets pretty tight back there. These are minor flaws - the view is most of the way there, and the hatchback is a great feature decently executed. The most perplexing issue with this overall great car is the winter performance. I am a Chicagoan. Sometimes, Chicago winter is colder than the dark side of the moon (and that is factual truth, google it). This winter has been average. The Insight's electric engine does not engage below a given temperature, usually below 20-30. The gasoline engine provides decent to good driving performance, but a much lower fuel efficiency. I'm averaging 31MPG in January. Also, the A/C unit is relatively weak, so it takes a significant amount of time to get the car hot. Maybe it's attempting to route heat to the hybrid drive's battery, I'm not sure - in either case, winter performance is out of line with general performance.
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I love my 2010 Honda Insight
msajm41, 05/17/2014
2010 Honda Insight LX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
29 of 29 people found this review helpful
I had my 2010 Honda Insight for 5 years. The gas mileage was around 40 mpg, and about 45 mpg on long trips. I used synthetic oil in it since I bought it. I never had any major repairs on it. It was a great car. It wasn't the most comfortable on long trips. I never sat in the back seat so I'm not sure if they were comfortable. My older friends had trouble getting in and out of the back seat. But it was a nice car for the price, reliable, nice looking, and had great gas mileage.
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133,081 miles, $3,000 warranty refunded, no probs
Doc, 10/20/2015
updated 04/24/2017
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
57 of 59 people found this review helpful
This was the most undervalued vehicle from 2010. Bought new. Get 41mpg still with Eco on. Driven all over US. Highway excellent. Safe. Still have original rotors. No problems except when 1st bought recall on a rubber trim. Just bought a Pioneer radio with Carplay. Amazing vehicle. I expect will see 200,000 miles plus. Got $3,000 back from extended warrantee because I never used it. Mine made in Japan before tsunami. Best investment. Replaced a crappy BMW convertible that nickled and dimed me. UPDATE 2017: 170,000 miles and counting. Repaired tire pressure sensor and brake lights. 1st major repairs. $500.
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after 25k miles: the facts plus a few comments
rickinseagrove, 01/12/2011
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
32 of 33 people found this review helpful
The car is very econmical to operate and gets way better mileage than EPA estimate. Lifetime average fuel economy to date is 51 MPG (measured). Best tank average to date is 60 MPG (measured). The car computer over estimates mileage by 2 or 3 MPG. It gets significantly better mileage in the summer than in the winter. The 60 MPG tank average was during Aug. in Florida with slightly overinflated (40 PSI) tires on my daily 25 mile commute. I've change the oil 3 times in 25k miles. No other maintenance cost or issues to date. Honda replaced the IMA battery for free after a warning light came on when it was 2 months old. Really like the styling but they should use better interior materials. iLuvIt
Honda Insight Base
steve190, 04/29/2011
2011 Honda Insight 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
Fun car for the money, yeah you won't win any races with it but that is not what it was designed for. If you are looking for a car that is reasonably fun to drive and great on gas if you drive it right check out the Insight. You can do better on mileage with the Prius but you will also pay more for it and in my opinion the Honda drives and handles much better. Try them both and decide for yourself. Excellent value for a hybrid! Loving it so far!
Very happy with our Insight
slow_jim, 08/28/2012
2010 Honda Insight LX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
We are up to about 20k miles in our Insight now and still getting 45-50mpg with no issues. My wife uses it as her daily driver and loves it. We will never sell this car - so much space, practicality, and fuel economy for the price.
Money saver
barbarossa3, 02/25/2012
2011 Honda Insight LX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
We've had our insight for 10 months now and have been completely satisfied with the car. We normally achieve 43-46 mpg CITY ! At 75 on an interstate it drops to 40 MPG but I usually get 50-53 on a 55 mph highway. Some routes to work net me 53 mpg city. We replaced a 4.2 litre Ford Freestar which gave 17-19 mpg city and are saving the entire car payment in cost savings. Free Car!! Ride is a little rough and firm as new cars go(typical for Honda). Interior on LX is a little too plastic. Blind spots are awful in traffic.
I used to pray this car breaks.
Hua Kai Gai, 01/29/2019
updated 10/31/2024
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric mild hybrid CVT)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
I own this car first-hand since 2009. Current mileage is 308K. This car requires unbelievably low maintenance. So far, I have replaced breaks twice, water pump once, batteries twice, and wheel bearing and tie rod once. Everything else is regular oil, filter, and tires. I used to pray this car breaks so that I get a new car but that never happened. Now, I love my car more than ever since I realize now it’s a gem and I will keep it as long as possible. This car is 100% built in Japan.
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Don't sweat the official reviews -it's a great car
Nick, 02/25/2021
updated 02/26/2024
2011 Honda Insight LX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric mild hybrid CVT)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I bought my Insight after a bit of trepidation. Everyone's a critic now when it comes to cars. We generally read so much about cars and form opinions of them without ever having driven them. Car mag reviewers seemed to hate the quality of plastics, harsh ride and excessive noise. Things are never enough for them when held up to the massively expensive cars they usually ride in. Jeremy Clarkson moaned about the CVT transmission. But Honda was early to the game with it on this car. Many cars have a CVT now. Clarkson even called it "biblically terrible" and "really, to get an idea of how awful it is, you’d have to sit a dog on a ham slicer." They also compare it unfavorably to the Prius, the worst cut of all. Well, challenge accepted. Consider this the contrarian's choice. Honda built this thing as the cheapest hybrid you could buy. Bombproof, easy to work on (when it needs work, which is never), enjoyable to drive and cheap. It won't do 0-60 in 7 seconds or carry 5 adults comfortably. What it will do is get you around comfortably enough 97% of the time. If you read the manual just for a few minutes you can adjust the settings to your liking. Want all the doors to stay unlocked when you start moving? You can do that. Want the engine to not turn off when you stop at lights? Turn off the eco button. I was a bit worried about the hybrid battery (aka IMA battery) failing at some point and being massively expensive to fix. 10 years later and it's working fine. You can't even find people talking about it in forums because it doesn't seem to happen much at all. The Insight forum is about the most boring one anywhere because nothing ever happens to these cars. They just work. All people find themselves talking about is responding to newbies asking how concerned they should be about the battery failing, what mileage they're getting, and answering other people who wandered in from the first generation Insight forum by accident. If you enjoy working on cars, get something else. This one will bore you because there's never anything to fix. Routine maintenance like oil changes gets done twice a year and that's all it needs. It does need 8 spark plugs (2 per cylinder) at 105K miles but that can be done easily after removing a couple of panels. CVT needs to have the fluid changed every 30K miles. But really, is that a big deal? If you do your homework you'll want to know if the IMA system had the software updated. There were some early problems with it when climbing hills that were fixed. The 2012-13 models have a slightly updated engine that had a nasty habit of burning large amounts of oil because of a new kind of piston ring that was supposed to reduce friction. Make sure those had the engine fixed. The 2010, 2011, or 2014 are the ones to get. You'll also want to make sure the regular 12V battery in the engine bay doesn't get more than about 3 years old as a low 12V battery causes issues with the IMA system. Update: It's been over 3 years and 40K miles that I've had this car and nothing to report. It simply works. I also learned that it was rated by Consumer Reports as the top pick for reliability. It was also the top selling automobile in Japan when released. Still no concerns about the IMA battery. I did replace the 12V battery recently as the last one was good for 3 years, as expected. I have winter tires on it now and it's been fun to drive in the snow.
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17K Miles later...
nickdapit, 11/13/2011
2011 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
So far I couldn't ask for much more from the car, I bought the car specificlly for my job as I drive large stretches of the country. My latest trip took me from Los Angeles to Denver; then Denver to Seattle; then Seattle back to Los Angeles. I have had no problems with the car and average the EPA estimate for driving. (42 mpg) The only thing that dissappoints me is the rear seat area, a six foot man cannot fit even with a 5 foot driver in the front seat. Headroom is almost ridiculous to the point where Honda should have just made an inch or two higher for the rear seats even if that cost the vehicle 2 mpg's overall! The leg room is very tight in the rear. Don't buy if family is large.
Love my Insight but not unconditionally!
tutusue, 09/19/2011
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
23 of 25 people found this review helpful
14 months/4000 miles! After a lifetime of German cars and much research I decided on the Insight, my first hybrid, and I don't regret that decision for a minute. My driving is probably 90% city and, of that, 95% is flat terrain. The only regular incline is the first 50' of my condo's parking garage entrance. My mpg pales in comparison to others and averages a little under 35. However, my previous car averaged about 15 so I feel I'm still way ahead of the game! Yes, the "get up 'n go" got up and went but that's part of the hybrid/higher mpg experience. I'm not picky about handling as long as the car feels safe and, for me, the Insight does. I'll re-up at the end of my lease!
Just passed 90k miles
supermiles, 01/06/2015
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
22 of 24 people found this review helpful
Bought new in 2010, after losing my Camry to a head on collision. Have about 91k miles on it now. I love the car for what it is. Never any mechanical problems, I put tons of stuff in the hatch. Would buy another...if they still made them when I finish with this one. Never less than 40 mpg, never better than 45...but I run it pretty hard
Great little car for the price
ledeof01, 03/12/2011
2010 Honda Insight LX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
This is a great little car for the price. Don't take any notice of cost comparisons as the often compare it to a Honda Fit. This car is much bigger than the Fit. It's closer to the Civic. I love the instrument display which can be customized. Fuel economy is great. I do mostly stop/start town driving and still get around 40 mpg average. On long trips, I have easily managed over 50 mpg highway averaging 65 mph. Visibility is poor but that's typical of most small cars these days as they increase pillar sizes for better crash safety.
Great car
jakata, 07/28/2011
2011 Honda Insight 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I've had my Insight for a week now and I'm very pleased. Very comfortable, I don't notice much road noise as mentioned in the Edmund review. Although it's a very small car it has a excellent ride and feel of a much larger car. I'm getting 45 mpg with air on all the time. I love it's looks and feel. After researching every car out there I feel I made an excellent decision.
Best Bang For Your Buck!
mikeyt1818, 02/22/2011
2011 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
I get better MPG's than EPA estimates (45.2 w/ mixed driving and AC always on). Great steering/handling! Awesome safety features, reliable. ITS NOT A PRIUS! Lol! Nothing against Toyota but way too many Prius drivers out there. I prefer to be distinct!
Fun To Drive
Bankie, 08/17/2010
2010 Honda Insight LX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
The A/C only turns off at stop when in ECON mode. When ECON mode is off, the A/C functions at a stop. A/C is cold. Love the dash/gauges, hate the cheap plastics used on the interior. Scratch easily, very cheap. Feels like an economy car but at 20+k for the base model that's kind of lame. Almost no sound proofing, $400 optional usb connector (seriously?) They should've thrown it in. Cross country drives are a drag as the engine is low torque so you spend the gas you'd save putting your foot through the floor to climb hills.
Build quality: Is this really a Honda?
pokechimp88, 12/19/2011
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
This a 3rd update on our 2010 Honda Insight that we have had now for about a year in a half. It now is December 2011 and the car has 41K on it. At the 40K service, the guys found a worn out axle (left) and the drive shaft assembly was beginning to come apart (!!!!). Luckily, extended warranty covered it and in the process, they reprogrammed the IMA system and auto-stop feature and now the auto-stop engages even in sub 20 degree weather and in stop and go 5 mph traffic, something it didn't do before. The interior has held up fairly well and the stock tires are a joke; they wore out at 26K miles. But its fun to drive.... I just wish we it was better built
After 9 months and 12,000 miles
egadbois, 08/08/2011
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
The first 6 months I drove with the Econ engaged and never got more than about 52 mpg and no less than 48 mpg. I decided to turn off the Econ mode and drive normally. I have always been a very heavy user of cruise control. That and the fact that this is a small town with few lights, I am now getting 54 mpg without trying very hard. The Dunlap tires ride a bit harsh and the road noise is more than normal for a Honda. After two long trips I have found the seats to be very comfortable. I have no complaints with the sound system and use the USB port to plug in a flash memory stick with all my favorite music.
A Little Insight on the Insight
Brenden Hales, 03/07/2017
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
The car handles very well, the hybrid technology in the car itself is quite impressive. The only issue I have with the Insight is the amount of room in the backseat for passengers is cramped, and the blind spots in the car are something to note. Other than those two discrepancies, I find the car's fuel efficiency and its ergonomic design very strong selling points, and Honda never ceases to provide excellent services to their customers as well as make great vehicles.
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Very disappointed in Honda
Mike, 12/04/2010
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
I originally liked the idea of a cooler looking sportier Prius not made by Toyota, but buying the Insight was a very bad decision. Sure, it was fairly easy to exceed the fuel economy ratings, but in return you get a very insubstantial car and in many ways a poorly designed car. Many things on this car had me wondering if anybody at Honda even tested it for more than an afternoon. It got to the point to where the battery would recalibrate and die unpredictably, leaving you wondering if you had enough power to pull out into traffic. I found the drivetrain very jerky and unrefined, especially when starting and stopping, and it often felt as though the wheels were driven by a rubber band.
A fun hybrid? Go figure
msbella, 09/08/2012
2011 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I am thrilled with this car! I bought it for a year-long 220-mile round-trip commute that would have been miserable and expensive in most other cars but was actually pleasant in this one thanks to the comfort, handling, and iPod connection. The front-wheel drive also got me home safely during an epic blizzard last winter. After 32,000 miles in 18 months, and now commuting 60 miles round-trip on a winding rural road, I can still say I love this car, as do my growing kids and two big dogs. I'm averaging 45 mpg across all conditions and terrains, and the 12,000-mile oil changes are nice, too. One change I did make for my rural area was wider tires, which are more durable and widely available.
Better car than it looks on paper
mike579, 02/19/2012
2011 Honda Insight 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I do a 40 mile highway commute on weekdays and some city driving on weekends. By my own calculations, I get an honest 50 miles per gallon. The dashboard readouts give you the information you need to modify your driving style to maximize MPG. I see people complain about a noisy car, but that's not my experience. It's quiet on the freeway. It will get noisy on a rough roads or if you stomp on the gas pedal. The interior is a little plasticy, but it still looks clean and functional. Because of the car styling, the car has larger blind spots than I would like.
Best I have Owned
Rick Philibert, 10/21/2018
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have 168,000 miles and have only done regular maintenance on this vehicle. The brakes haven't been changed in 130,000 miles and still have half the pads left. Only issue I have had is the window rubbers have dried out and need replacement. $220 cost for replacement. Not an issue with the value I have received with this vehicle.
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Updated 3 year review.
mattwc1, 04/30/2013
updated 07/01/2021
2011 Honda Insight 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
16 of 19 people found this review helpful
I bought my base 2011 Insight to replace a very nice 2009 Rav4. It has in over 1000 miles already saved fuel costs by 1/2. June 2016: So far the only maintenance items I have had to do is oil changes (approx 8-10K miles. I follow the maintenance minder on the car. I still do CVT fluid changes approx every 2nd oil change (about every 20k), (1) interior air filter and (1) air filter. That is it. I did change my stock steel wheels to a used set of alloy wheels (with better Michelin tires) about 30k ago. I felt the Michelins handle a lot better with little or neglible impact on mpg . My car has nearly 70K trouble free miles and I average between 45-50mpg on my commute. Pros: Regularly exceeds EPA mpg Quiet and reliable Excellent used car value Cons: lack of center armrest on base model real window visibility Paint chips easily Front seats are awful and fabric stains easily Dec 2018: A quick update on my car. I have surpassed over 120k mileage. At about 110k , I changed the spark plugs (all 8 of them!), exterior trans filter, front brake pads and replaced the tires with the OEM Bridgestones. ( Still on the soon to do list is a brake bleed, radiator fluid change and maybe relashing the valves.) The car has been to the dealership once for the Takita Airbag recall. It still is reliable, fuel efficient and a good overall commuter. . The Pros and Cons from above stay the same. I will add that I despise the front seats. I am not a big guy but anything over an hour ride and my back is killing me. The lack of lumbar support is the main culprit. However, the car happily chugs along and has served as a reliable commuter, teaching aid for my kids when they were getting their drivers license, and perfect errand car. Unlike other Honda models, the resale values are not good so this car will probably soldier on in our family as an extra car. It now is showing some more wear on the exterior, the interior is a little frayed but mechanically the car is on point. I would highly recommend one for a new driver or someone looking to test the waters of hybrid ownership. I would buy another hybrid as there are less compromises now. I'm eyeballing the new Insight (ala Civic Hybrid) as a potential replacement. May 2019 Car was traded in for my daughter’s first car. This was a good entry into the hybrid experience but must confess that hybrids are world’s better now with little compromises. Still a sold used car option.
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Good commuter, not comfortable
krazyrabbit1, 08/28/2014
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought a used 2010 Honda Insight EX last year when I changed jobs that led to a longer drive. Most of my 70 miles per day is highway and the Insight averages 46 mpg. City stop and go driving actually brings up the mpg. I'm an average sized woman, 5'5" tall, not fond of the ergonomics of the Insight. Sit too low even with the seat height up all the way and it's uncomfortable, the armrest is too far away. My friend is 5'10" and the passenger seat doesn't go back far enough for her legs. The car handles well if there is no wind or snow, horrible if it's windy. Blows all over the road. Has decent pick up though. I don't take it on long trips. Would recommend for commuter car only.
Pleasant Surprise, Insight on the Rise
luna9, 01/05/2011
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I came about the 2010 Insight EX-Navi while searching for a new Honda Accord. Being in the market for a quality sedan with decent mpg and storage, I was surprised to learn that the Insight was priced so reasonably ... and had excellent storage capacity. To be honest I completely forgot about the re-release of this Honda hybrid (Prius has earned the preeminent hybrid spotlight). However, the Honda Insight deserves more than a second glance with it's svelte interior, responsive driving experience, and higher-than-stated EPA actual gas mileage. Price all of these features a minimum of $2,200 kess AND put in a Honda package you can trust and you've got a steal for a hybrid hatchback under $20k.
Better than Prius and cost less
Stevesplanes, 12/08/2017
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
It was down to this car or the prius for a work car, I would pick this car. If you have to go through long traffic jams the Prius might do better but for overall value, but it drives great until need to pass on the highway.
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We got a lemon and Honda won't help
Hammond, 11/23/2010
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
Well, it's been about 8 months since we purchased the car and sadly, this Honda let us down majorly. At 12K, the check engine light blared and the screen gave us a warning sign that something was wrong with the hybrid system. Took it in and it turned out that the cooling system was shot. After 4 weeks in the shop, we took it and found they didn't fix it right since the car was vibrating when the battery kicked in. Not only that but our average mileage has dropped from 45 MPG to about 37 MPG. So I think we got a lemon but Honda isn't treating us right. We paid a premium for the Hybrid and we expect it. Should have coughed the extra $1500 for the Prius.
Exceeded my expectations
chaffstealth, 08/18/2011
2011 Honda Insight LX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
15 of 19 people found this review helpful
I wanted to have a small fuel-efficient car that also fits my budget and the 2011 Honda Insight LX is just the perfect car. I narrowed down my choices to either a Fit, Ford Fiesta, and Insight. My decision to buy the Insight was because of outstanding advertised MPG. So far in the last couple of weeks I actually get to average 45 mpg mostly city driving. It is also a fun car to drive. A hybrid for $20K under is a steal! CONS: For taller people the headroom will be a challenge.
Final review after 6 years and 130K
Mattwc1, 06/28/2019
2011 Honda Insight 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
The is the final review of my 2011 Insight Base. I purchased this used in 2013 for a little over 12k ( w/ 12k mileage) and just traded it in last month. Pros: *MPG exceeded EPA ( averaged 45mpg throughout ownership w/ high of 63 and low in high 30s) *extremely reliable (no unforeseen maintenance items during ownership) *Easy car for first time drivers/ city dwellers Cons: *(IMO) Front seats uncomfortable for longer drives *Fabric easy to stain *Slow even by economy car standards Items of note: Maintenance items easy to change (oil/ trans fluid) Brakes changed at 115K, front pads still had about 10K life left Engine is a twin sparkplug design CVT fluid changes every other oil change (approx every 18K). Easy to do and good insurance Hybrid Battery pack had no appreciable degradation over life of car
Lots of problems
2010 insight driver, 11/18/2010
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
12 of 15 people found this review helpful
Battery/IMA does not work as it should. Been to 5 dealerships more then 10 times just getting the run around. Honda knows they have a major issue but will or can not offer any fix. MPG is: in city about 35 and on the highway 42. You don't need to spend 8K more to get this kind of mpg it is similar to regular Civic with a msrp of 15k. The paint job is poor. Car always feels like is having a hard time to change gear and to accelerate when going up the roads. The miles I put on this car the more issues are pumping up!
It’s 2024 and 143k
rob, 05/04/2021
updated 04/29/2024
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric mild hybrid CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Nothing has changed bads: paint chipping on hood. a spot of rust on rear wheel wells. drivers window sometimes does not respond to button. things i love: quiet comfortable ride even for long trips. the voice commands for so many things. the ergonomics are super. i drive my gf's camry and find it is not as well laid out. Everything in this car is within finger reach. The mpg is usually around 43 with a mix of driving. It does go down in the cold weather. the hatch is very convenient especially with the folding rear seats. I did find it will not fit a dishwasher. Things that could be better: It is so underpowered that when driving on WVA turnpike i have to get into the truck lane as the car cant keep up. The radio will only work with an iphone if you want to stream music or whatever. The navigation system is clumsy and can be a pain to use. Also they want you to drop $100+ for updates. The econ button is a joke. do not turn it on. It is not going to save you much and just make you uncomfortable. It limits the fan speed for both hot and cold. It limits the rpm's if you are using cruise control. The back seat is for tiny people or very short distances as it is so cramped. The Fit has more leg room. So far I have had zero none nada repair bills. The car is worth about $5-$6k. It you want a cheap reliable car , dont have a family to haul around, and do not live in the mountains, its a safe bet. I love using voice commands, telling it to change the radio station or set the temperature. Pretty much nothing has changed except from experiencing rust along the frame of the driver side. I suspect that’s from spending winters in Ohio. I have a glitch that on rear occasion, drivers window won’t go down. Given that I now live in a warm climate, North Carolina, my miles per gallon is always 41+ I checked the transmission fluid which was changed 70,000 miles ago and it is still clear. The car appears to use little to no oil.
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Reliable as an anvil
JD, 06/19/2021
updated 06/22/2023
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have owned many cars. This is my daily driver to avoid putting lots of miles on sports cars. My 2010 Insight was bought secondhand with about 60-65k miles, and currently has 288,000 miles. During that time, the only failure it has ever suffered was an AC compressor clutch. I had the compressor replaced for a few hundred dollars. I’ve of course replaced consumables, fluids, and items like shocks/struts/serpentine belt (once…still haven’t changed any hoses that I can recall.) I might have done tie rod ends while it was in the shop for shocks/struts (only because they had lots of miles and I found a set of shocks/struts at a close out price.) This is the most bulletproof vehicle I’ve ever owned. It never, ever breaks. It’s super simple amd cheap to do routine maintenance (my daughter changed the transmission fluid when she was 7.) It still neither leaks nor consumes any fluids. I have hauled more building supplies, lumber, and sod in it than I expect most pickup trucks do over their lifetimes. Oh, and it still gets 40-45 mpg (more in city driving, if carefully driven). It’s slow and boring, but as an inexpensive appliance for transportation, it is the best I’ve ever seen. ____ Update: 344k miles now. Has an intermittent fault on the ABS/TC/stability control. Not that you need it much with only 98 hp. Otherwise, still no issues. Consumes about a half quart of oil every 10k.
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A Commendable "Try" on Honda's Part
Nigel Johnsfolly, 02/22/2018
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This has been, without a doubt, the least problematic car I have ever owned-- and that includes five Hondas. It has had ZERO defects, has never needed to go back to the dealer and has been dead reliable for 140,000 miles so far. The paddle shifter option is stupid for a car focused on gas scroogers, as is the tach with the CVT transmission. They could have eliminated that stuff and put in a back-up camera, which the car desperately needed. You can't see out the back worth a darn. The seats are not very comfortable, but other that the sport seats in a couple of sportier Civic hatchbacks I've had, no Honda seats have ever been very comfortable to me. Interior trim has been robust but is hard plastic and cheap looking. Economy has been better than expected. A light foot and highway cruising can get you up into the mid-40's MPG. Now depreciated, the second generation Insight would make a great used car value.
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Major concern
Mr Ski, 08/18/2010
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Great car except for the poor illumination of the low beam projector- beam halogen headlights especially on dark secondary roads! Recommend checking before buying; if I had, doubt if I would have bought it!
You have to do the speed limit.
Gregory, 09/11/2009
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love driving this car. It feels great in the driver's seat. If I drive the speed limit, I get a average of 48mpg. I love the mp3 player. My family sings every time we take a trip. It lacks on the pick-up, but I did not buy a sports car (It just looks like one). I sold my old car that was great on gas (A Toyota Echo), and I have no regrets after 5 months! My only complaint is the view from the rear window is blocked by the hatchback design. It's hard to see cars behind you, and it takes a while to get used to.
Great car, great mileage, but...
manihondas, 10/26/2014
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
15 of 20 people found this review helpful
I bought this fully equipped 2010 model as a Honda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle with 42K. I needed to add to my honda family, the Element getting higher in the mileage dept, 188K and I needed a fuel efficient car for commuting to my place of work.
Great Car to Drive for City only
Brian, 03/30/2009
2010 Honda Insight LX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
15 of 20 people found this review helpful
This is a great car to drive, for city driving only. I am not so sure, I would not use this car to drive on the highway for great distances. This car would work in big cities around the USA, where traffic is really bad - the auto stop option, is far the best feature in this car. I am just don't understand why, the big 3 never put that in there cars to begin with. I think, if the big 3 had put the auto stop in all of there cars, they would not be in financial ruin right now, and there world not be global warming crisis. There is NO REASON WHY, cars need to burn gas at any stop light or traffic congestion points while polluting the air we breath.
Inferior quality
Jim Grace, 07/22/2016
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
15 of 20 people found this review helpful
The interior of the car (upholstery, rubber seals, steering wheel, carpets, arm rest, seats) has basically dissolved before my eyes. I only have 50K miles on the car and have treated it with care, but it has essentially fallen apart. It feels like I am riding in a piece of junk, but I am held hostage by the paltry $6,000 something of resale value (I doubt I could get that once someone looked inside). I am a value driver. I like to get my 100K miles out of a car then pay cash for the next one. Here I have 1/2 used the car, but the value is only 25% of the original cost. I feel completely ripped off.
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Basic down to earth hybrid
readykilowatt, 05/08/2014
2011 Honda Insight 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
We have owned our 2010 insight for three years and have 37,000 miles on it. The professional reviews are right in that it is a lot like the early Japanese cars that were on the market in the 70's which were very reliable but very basic in design. If you want a reliable small cars for commuting back and forth, it is a great purchase. We use it to go back and forth to town and it gets us about 50 mpg as it seems to love going about 50 mph. Yes it rides a little hard and is short on sound insulation but for what we use it for, it's ideal. I wouldn't use it for a long drive though. We'll be passing it on to the children and probably getting another the last year of production.
Honda Insight Delivers Fun & Savings
rfbronk1, 06/27/2011
2011 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I really like my Honda Insight EX in polished metal. I am getting better than 40 MPG and what I really like it how well it drives. I like the hatch feature and the styling. The Insight is just sharp and it works nicely. I like the ECO feature - when you stop in traffic it just stops! I tried the Prius but found the Insight to just be more fun. Also - the Insight EX is a much better value. I am very pleased with my choice.
One of the best cars I have ever owned.
Chris P, 08/04/2015
2011 Honda Insight LX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
The Insight is hands down one of the best cars I have ever owned. I own and operate a small courier business and drive over 40,000 miles a year and this car never stops impressing me. Even at 148,000 miles this car has never asked for anything except basic maintenence and one set of front brakes. The ride and handeling are very good for the cost of the vehicle and the driver's seat is exceedingly comfortable even for long trips. It is a basic car in terms of luxury but it has a lot of nice features that overall make it comfortable, and the handeling and overall driving experience is impressive for a vehicle I'm this price range. I always get better mpg than the car is rated for without really trying. You get a lot for your money with this vehicle.
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Quigz Review
quigz, 03/24/2011
2011 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
26 of 36 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 2004 Pontiac GTO! I had a 5.7 liter V8 gas monster, and traded this in for a gas saver. I don't care to much about being green, I care about saving money, and the Insight allows me to do just that in gas. I love this car! I save so much money in gas it is unreal. I have a 10 gallon gas tank and get over 60 MPG! I get triple the gas mileage now. I get $30 in gas every seven days as opposed to $45 every three days. I am using a solar panel now to increase my MPG's [violative content deleted]
The Car That ONLY Last 6 Months!
Liz, 09/04/2010
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have had my Insight for almost a year. I love the lights in the inside and the cool gadgets within the car. There is just one major problem! The car completely falls apart. I can take apart ever piece of my car without any muscle used. Between the water protective rubber around the windows and car.. to the visors and handle bars within the cars. The paint job is poor and the car always feels like is having a hard time slowing down. Not the smoothest ride. The back ceiling is very low. Too low in fact.
Juan's New Hybrid
Juan Valdez, 05/14/2009
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
When I did the math this car will not pay for itself in 10 years. In the mean time my head hits the door edge getting in and out and I'm only 5'8". The back seat is for decoration as my teens can't fit in there with the sloping roof and no leg room. The interior is very plastic with only one cheap removable drink holder for 2 small child size cups. The fabric seems cheap too and stains easily with it's dirty looking brownish gray color. It even has the cheap Dunlop tires. Be careful when you lean on it. I should have bought that Honda Fit. Though it's a lot cheaper, it essentially gets the same real world gas mileage. The Fit is just as tiny and plastic, but will save a bundle of cash!!
Like it better than Prius 95% of the time
hybridrocks54, 06/17/2012
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We've had it since it was new and now just over 30K miles. Fun car to drive. Use it as urban around town commuter car with occasional highway trips and get consistently 39-40 mpg. We are all very tall and fit fine in front seat; adults are somewhat tight in back. No mechanical issues whatsoever, so really appreciate Honda reliability.
Insight is out of sight
peta, 12/30/2010
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I just got my insight and it seems to be a very good car to have. I love the econ assist light display. The car gives me all the power I need get there in. Tonight when I say my prayers I will thank God for letting me have this car.
This car is the best at its price!
jpaule, 10/17/2014
updated 04/17/2017
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Yes, the Prius is roomier and even more fuel efficient, but, after five and one half years and 71,000 miles, our Insight is a great value for the price, which was about $ 4000 less than a comparable 2010 Prius. We have replaced only tires at 30K and are still running safely with the original brakes at all four wheels. We have had no warranty, recall or parts replacement issues and fully expect to get another 70000 miles with only normal maintenance. Honda builds quality and it shows! In 2015, we traded for a new Prius, only to obtain a little more room inside. The Insight had 74,000 trouble free miles at that time and we received top dollar on trade due to its good condition. The car sold the next day!
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The Car that refunds money at the pomp
walt , 09/28/2010
2010 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have 40,000 miles on the car now and drive 2000 to 7000 miles on trips. I would like a seat that is not so uncomfortable. But the 42 lo in town and 54 (as Hi as 57 hi) on the road is better than expected. On road trips it is always over 52 mpg. So, is it worth it? YES but comfort could improve. Also, a turbo or some additional power is needed.
Follow up to previous review.
Hutch42, 06/06/2010
2010 Honda Insight LX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I initially wrote a review on this car after only 1,000 miles, but now, about a year later, I have driven it almost 14,000 miles and still love it. I get anywhere between 45 to 62 mpg depending on conditions, weather, and speed. I've discovered that I get the best mileage when driving between 40 to 50 mph. If I get up on the highway and get my speeds up to 70 to 75 mph, the economy is not as good, but still exceeds 40 mpg. This is a great car: looks good, drives nicely, handles well, great fuel economy and fun to drive. I highly recommend a test drive of an Insight before wasting your money on a Prius or some other so called economy car.