2013 Honda Insight Review

Name: 2013 Honda Insight
Brand: Honda
Rating: 3.9 (47 reviews)

Price: $7,777

2013 Honda Insight 4dr Hatchback Exterior

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Thrifty fuel economy
low price for a hybrid.

Cons

Unsophisticated ride
cramped backseat
air-conditioning shuts off with auto-off engine at traffic lights.

What’s new

After numerous updates last year, the 2013 Honda Insight returns unchanged.

Edmunds says

While fuel-efficient and reliable, the 2013 Honda Insight doesn't quite measure up to its archrival, the Toyota Prius.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2013 Honda Insight
EX 4dr Hatchback
$7,777
- 69,482 miles
- 40 City / 42 Hwy MPG
- 8 mi away
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Chantilly, VA
Features and Specs:
41 Combined MPG (40 City/42 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
JHMZE2H71DS006534
Stock:
006534
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
06-30-2026
2013 Honda Insight
EX 4dr Hatchback
$9,700
- 70,690 miles
- 40 City / 42 Hwy MPG
- 134 mi away
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Vineland, NJ
EASY FINANCING AVAILABLEGOOD CREDIT BAD CREDIT NO PROBLEM!ACEPTAMOS ITIN Y PASAPORTEVEHICLE WARRANTIES OFFEREDFIRST TIME BUYER PROGRAMwindow.__CF$cv$p...
Features and Specs:
41 Combined MPG (40 City/42 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
JHMZE2H71DS002208
Stock:
02208
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
08-03-2025

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Vehicle overview

Though coming off a minor makeover last year, the 2013 Honda Insight continues to be a lackluster choice for a hybrid, despite its low, sub-$20,000 MSRP. A growing number of new gasoline- and diesel-powered compacts that are nearly as fuel-efficient add to the challenge it faces.

The Insight does have a couple things going for it. For one, its petite size and somewhat firm suspension tuning make it relatively fun to drive for a fuel-economy-oriented hybrid. It also remains one of the most fuel-efficient cars you'll find in America, with an EPA-estimated 42 mpg combined, since this is one of the few hybrids that gets great highway mpg as well as great city mpg. If a low entry price and high mpg are your main priorities, you'll probably be satisfied with the Insight.

Unfortunately for Honda, there are better choices out there with those same qualities. The most obvious is the Toyota Prius C. It is very similar to the Insight in terms of concept and price, yet has more available features and gets notably better fuel economy (50 mpg combined). You'll also get better fuel economy from the Honda Civic Hybrid, a more expensive but much nicer car overall. Non-hybrids like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf TDI, which are EPA-rated at 40 mpg or better on the highway, are also worth considering. Overall, we think most people will be happier with one of the aforementioned choices.

Performance & mpg

The 2013 Honda Insight is propelled by a hybrid system comprising a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gas engine is good for 88 horsepower and 88 pound-feet of torque, while the electric motor contributes 13 hp and 58 lb-ft. Due to varying power peaks, the maximum combined output is 98 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. Power flows to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

In Edmunds testing, the Insight accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 10.8 seconds, identical to the Prius C. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 41 mpg city/44 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined.

Safety

The 2013 Honda Insight comes standard with antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, the Insight received the best possible rating of "Good" in frontal offset, side crash and roof strength tests.

Driving

On the road, the 2013 Honda Insight drives less like a hybrid and more like a familiar gasoline-only-powered model. This is due in large part to the fact that the four-cylinder engine is always used to propel the vehicle, with the electric motor kicking in when more power is needed. This is in contrast to hybrid powertrains like that in the Toyota Prius that can propel the car at low speeds via the electric power plant. This is why the Insight gives you both good city and highway mpg, while other hybrids deliver only good highway mpg.

The Insight's well-calibrated steering and firmer suspension make it more enjoyable to drive than the Prius C, though not as much as non-hybrid competitors like the Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2. The downsides here include a ride that may be a little too firm for some people's tastes and a cabin that is somewhat noisy.

Interior

The Honda Insight's passenger cabin is a little on the spartan side, especially in base models that lack the center console and have just a single pair of speakers for the stereo. On a positive note, gauges and controls are well-placed and intuitive. Especially noteworthy are the graphic displays that coach you on driving in the most fuel-efficient manner possible, with changing background color of the speedometer.

While the Insight's front buckets are comfortable enough, the rear seat is a little short of both head- and legroom. Interior cargo space -- 15.9 cubic feet behind the 60/40-split rear seats and 31.5 cubic feet with those seatbacks folded down -- is about as expected, though you'll find more from other hatchbacks.

2013 Honda Insight models

The 2013 Honda Insight is a four-door hatchback that's offered in three trim levels: base, LX and EX.

Standard equipment on the base Insight includes 15-inch steel wheels, automatic climate control, full power accessories, driver-seat height adjustment, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer and a two-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio input jack.

The midrange LX adds cruise control, a front center armrest and storage bin and an upgraded sound system with four speakers and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The EX comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system. The EX can also be equipped with a touchscreen navigation system that includes voice controls, a digital audio card reader and a rearview camera.

Compare 2013 Honda Insight trim levels

Owners' Opinions

What Owners Like

Owners appreciate the Honda Insight's impressive fuel efficiency above all else. Many have reported routinely exceeding the EPA's estimates, with some achieving over 50 mpg in real-world conditions, a crucial benefit for those facing daily commutes or frequent long-distance drives. The Insight's compact size and nimble handling also receive positive marks, particularly for urban driving or navigating congested traffic. Enthusiasts of the EX trim mention that the added features like navigation and improved audio contribute to a more enjoyable driving experience. Several drivers have noted the car's relatively comfortable ride quality for a compact hybrid, particularly praising its stability and predictable handling on curves. Additionally, the Insight’s low price point compared to competitors such as the Toyota Prius offers a compelling case of value, making hybrid technology accessible to a broader audience. Despite its understated profile, the Insight provides a substantial return in efficiency, making it a preferred choice for budget-conscious drivers who aren't looking for frills but seek reliable utility.

Common Issues

The 2013 Honda Insight has its fair share of common issues that drivers frequently highlight. A major concern noted by many is the engine's high oil consumption, often leading to engine problems if not vigilantly monitored, which some owners discovered only after costly repairs. Seat discomfort, especially for taller drivers, is another common criticism, as the seating position can be awkward and lacks sufficient support for long journeys. The car’s acceleration is described as underwhelming, making it challenging when merging onto highways or tackling inclines, which can impact the driving experience significantly. Interior noise levels while driving, particularly on highways, are frequently mentioned as intrusive, diminishing ride enjoyment. Additionally, blind spots and limited rear visibility pose challenges, requiring drivers to be extra cautious in heavy traffic or while parking. Owners also express frustration with the Insight's depreciation, feeling that the re-sale value drops significantly more than expected, adding to the dissatisfaction over long-term ownership.

Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers

The 2013 Honda Insight garners a mix of satisfaction and challenges from everyday drivers. Many appreciate its consistency in delivering above-average fuel efficiency, offering relief on the wallet for those clocking high mileage annually. Yet, drivers often find themselves keeping a close eye on oil levels, an essential task to prevent potential engine issues associated with its known oil consumption problem. The car's compact design and agility make it a practical choice for city environments, though its seats have prompted criticism for comfort, especially over long distances or for taller individuals. Routine maintenance appears straightforward and generally not overly burdensome, keeping service visits relatively predictable. However, some find its lack of acceleration to be a noticeable downside when they require more immediate response in busy traffic. The Insight’s ability to consistently meet, if not exceed, its expected fuel economy in a variety of driving conditions remains a notable draw.

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Reliability

The 2013 Honda Insight has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, ranks it #5 out of 6 among Alternative Fuel Vehicles. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent

#5 out of 6 among Alternative Fuel Vehicles

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$319/yr

vs. $377/yr
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle

Frequency

0.76x/yr

vs. 0.52x/yr
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle

Severity

9.1%

vs. 8.3%
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle

Recalls

6 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 19V502000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: F5F, Q5E
Manufactured from:: 2012-11-19 to 2013-05-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 9555
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.

Recall Number:: 19V500000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: S5B, W59
Manufactured from:: 2006-09-13 to 2007-05-21
Number of vehicles affected:: 1558
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.

Recall Number:: 19V378000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: M4O, P4R,
Manufactured from:: 2009-02-28 to 2009-12-17
Number of vehicles affected:: 19086
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Defect Consequence:: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 28, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.

Recall Number:: 18V661000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: M2J, S2K
Manufactured from:: 2009-08-24 to 2010-12-30
Number of vehicles affected:: 1357311
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 13, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.

Recall Number:: 18V042000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: B0K, L0J
Manufactured from:: 2008-02-25 to 2008-12-19
Number of vehicles affected:: 691726
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.

Recall Number:: 16V061000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: JX2, JX3,
Manufactured from:: 2010-01-01 to 2014-12-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 2230000
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. Remedy parts are expected to be available in Summer 2016. Interim notices will be mailed to owners during March 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 8 years / 80,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles

Honda Insight Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.9

47 reviews

5(53%)

4(17%)

3(8%)

2(9%)

1(13%)

See all 47 reviews of the Honda Insight

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2013 Insight Features & Specs

Trim:

PZEV

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$18,600
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	41 MPG
Cost to Drive	$116/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Insight include:

Back-up camera
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover11.3%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good