2014 Honda Insight Review
Price Estimate: $3,361 - $8,004
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Thrifty fuel economy
- low price for a hybrid
- relatively good handling dynamics.
Cons
- Unsophisticated ride
- cramped backseat
- air-conditioning shuts off along with the auto-off engine.
What’s new
For 2014, the Honda Insight sees no changes.
Edmunds says
Although very fuel-efficient and affordable, the 2014 Honda Insight still doesn't measure up to its Toyota Prius C archrival in key areas like mpg, passenger room and available features.
For sale near Columbus, OH
7 listings
- 155,818 miles
- 40 City / 42 Hwy MPG
- 286 mi away
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Chicago, IL
Experience the perfect balance of efficiency and style with the 2014 Honda Insight LX. This sleek and spacious hybrid sedan offers exceptional fuel ec...
- Features and Specs:
- 41 Combined MPG (40 City/42 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- JHMZE2H51ES002662
- Stock:
- 002662
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- Listed since:
- 09-11-2026
- 90,016 miles
- 40 City / 42 Hwy MPG
- 369 mi away
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
Close
Located in Rock Hill, SC
- Features and Specs:
- 41 Combined MPG (40 City/42 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- JHMZE2H71ES000850
- Stock:
- 000850
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
Vehicle overview
Upon initial inspection, the 2014 Honda Insight looks like a solid choice for an economical car. With a starting MSRP under $20,000 when new, a hybrid powertrain and a Honda nameplate, the Insight has plenty of advertisement appeal. But do some deeper research and you'll likely find that this four-door hybrid hatchback isn't quite so compelling.
It's true that the Insight is one of the most fuel-efficient cars you can buy, with an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in combined driving. But the Insight is actually a mild hybrid, meaning it's one that cannot propel itself solely with electric power. The upshot is that it's not as stingy with fuel as a full hybrid, which can move without using the gasoline engine in slow stop-and-go traffic. Also problematic is the Insight's rather confining rear seat, which simply isn't adult-friendly. Further, we don't care for the car's stiff-legged ride quality over broken pavement.
The 2014 Honda Insight's most direct competitor, the 2014 Toyota Prius C, is similar in size, concept and price, yet it offers a wider range of equipment and even better fuel economy (50 mpg combined) thanks to its full hybrid design. You might also consider a non-hybrid that rides better and is better equipped, like the 2014 Ford Fiesta or the 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI -- both of which have EPA combined mpg ratings in the 30s and are capable of 40 mpg or better on the highway. If a low entry price and high mpg are your main priorities, and you happened to only visit a Honda showroom, then you'd probably be pretty happy with the 2014 Insight. However, savvy consumers will find that other small cars offer all of the Honda's best qualities, but with fewer drawbacks.
Performance & mpg
The 2014 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 maximum combined output is 98 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. Power flows to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that basically functions like a regular automatic. An automatic stop-start system shuts down the gasoline engine when you're stopped in traffic to save fuel.
In Edmunds testing, the Insight accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 10.8 seconds, identical to the Prius C but slower than a Golf TDI. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 42 mpg combined (41 city/44 highway).
Safety
The 2014 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. A rearview camera is available on the EX via the optional navigation system.
In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the Insight received the best possible rating of "Good" in moderate-overlap frontal offset, side-impact and roof strength tests. Its seat/head restraint design was rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
On the road, the 2014 Honda Insight drives less like a hybrid and more like a familiar gasoline-only-powered model. This is due to the reality that the car's four-cylinder engine is always propelling the vehicle -- the electric motor kicks in only when more power is needed. Contrast this to full hybrid powertrains (as in the Toyota Prius C), which can propel the car at low speeds via the battery-powered electric motor.
One minor annoyance is that the Insight's air-conditioning compressor shuts off along with the gasoline engine when you come to a red light or stop sign. Although the A/C resumes operation (along with the engine) when you start moving again, you might not appreciate this efficiency measure on hot days.
Thanks to the Insight's well-calibrated steering and firm suspension, it's a bit more enjoyable to drive than the Prius C, though you'd still have more fun in a Fiesta or Golf. In addition, the Honda's ride may be a little too firm for your taste, while the cabin is noisier than we'd like at highway speeds.
Interior
Inside, the Honda Insight offers fairly basic accommodations, especially in base models, which lack a 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 -- the background color of the digital speedometer changes depending on how frugally you drive.
While the Insight's front seats are comfortable enough, the rear seat is short on both head- and legroom. Interior cargo space (15.9 cubic feet behind the 60/40-split rear seats or 31.5 cubic feet with those seatbacks folded down) is adequate, though you'll find more in other hatchbacks.
2014 Honda Insight models
The 2014 Honda Insight is a four-door hatchback that seats five. It'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.

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Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
Owners consistently praise the 2014 Insight for making daily commuting cheap, predictable and easy to live with. The car’s real-world mpg numbers often land at or above its EPA estimate, and that matters most in stop-and-go traffic, long highway runs and mixed-duty errands where the hybrid assist can still pay off. Several owners note that the Insight feels more responsive than expected when pulling away from a light, so it does not come across like a penalty box when you need to merge into fast-moving traffic. The steering and chassis tuning also earn repeat approval because they make the car feel secure on winding roads and more engaging than the Prius C. In city driving, the Insight’s small footprint and hatchback shape make parking, threading through traffic and loading groceries or a stroller much easier than many compact hybrids. Owners also like the straightforward cabin layout, since the gauges, controls and efficiency displays give clear feedback without forcing a steep learning curve. The EX trim draws favorable comments for adding useful everyday gear such as Bluetooth, upgraded audio and, on navigation-equipped cars, a rearview camera. A number of owners appreciate that the ride stays composed enough for long commutes and interstate speeds, especially when the car is used exactly as intended as a commuter rather than a road-trip cruiser. Some taller drivers still fit the front seat well, and they value that the car can handle a full workweek of driving without constant fuss. The Insight also wins points for being simple to maintain compared with more complicated hybrids, which reassures owners who want an affordable fuel saver without a lot of drama.
Common Issues
The 2014 Insight’s most common complaints center on cabin comfort, power delivery and long-term engine durability. Taller drivers repeatedly describe the front seat as awkward on longer commutes because the seating position pushes the knees high and the upper body forward, which can turn a normal drive into a back or hip problem. The rear seat draws even sharper criticism because headroom and legroom run out quickly, making the back row a poor fit for adults or growing families. On the road, the car can feel slow when the route turns hilly or the driver needs to pass, and that lack of reserve shows up most clearly on freeway ramps and grades. Several owners also mention that the CVT’s response can feel delayed when they ask for more power, which adds to the sense that the car needs planning rather than quick reflexes. Noise is another recurring issue, especially at highway speed or when the engine has to work hard, where the cabin can become loud enough to make conversation harder. The Insight’s ride can feel firm on broken pavement, so rough city streets do not let the suspension off easily. Visibility is a practical problem too, since the car’s shape creates blind spots that show up in traffic and tight lane changes. A number of owners report the air-conditioning dropping out when the engine shuts off at lights, which is a real nuisance in hot weather and stop-and-go commuting. The biggest red flag is the pattern of oil consumption and engine trouble, with multiple owners describing warning lights, falling oil levels and even engine failure once mileage climbs. Those complaints make maintenance vigilance essential, because the car can go from inexpensive commuter to expensive repair case faster than many buyers expect.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2014 Insight delivers real commuting value, but its appeal depends heavily on whether you can live with its compromises every day. Owners who use it for regular city and highway driving often come away happy with the fuel savings, especially when the car is kept in the lane of steady, unhurried commuting it was built for. Several long-term drivers say the Insight can cover high mileage with little more than routine maintenance, which is exactly the kind of low-drama ownership many hybrid shoppers want. At the same time, the seats, rear-seat packaging and highway noise can wear on drivers who spend a lot of time in the car, so the difference between a short errand car and a two-hour commute matters here. The car also asks for discipline from the driver, because passing, merging and climbing grades all require more planning than they do in stronger small cars. When the route gets rough or the pace picks up, the ride and powertrain remind you that this is a value-focused hybrid, not a polished compact hatch. The bigger concern is the number of owners who ran into oil-consumption problems and engine damage after the mileage started piling up, which is hard to ignore if you are shopping used. That history makes a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a close look at service records more than a formality. If you find one that has been maintained carefully and fits your commute, the Insight can still make a lot of sense, but it is the kind of car that rewards caution and patience…
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$119/mo for Insight Base
Insight Base
vs
$235/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2014 Honda Insight has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 3 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
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle
Frequency
0.76x/yr
vs. 0.52x/yr
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle
Severity
9.1%
vs. 8.3%
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
3 recalls foundChecking 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:
- 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:
- 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
5(54%)
4(17%)
3(8%)
2(8%)
1(13%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
2012 Insight EX with Navi
4.5 out of 5 starsjohn57110, 12/21/2011
2012 Honda Insight EX 4dr Hatchback w/Navigation (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I recently purchased a Black Insight EX with Navi after careful comparison with the Prius. I concluded that the Insight is a much better value, ($10,000 less than top of the line Prius, although it doesn't offer quite as many options) and is much more enjoyable to drive. I purchased this as a commuter car (60 mile round trip to work) and for running errands. I consistently avg 45mpg … (calculated by fuel up to miles driven). Overall I am very pleased with this vehicle and believe it would have see better sales if it was marketed better. Also, contrary to Edmunds review this car is capable of electric only operation although in very limited circumstances (flat level ground under 25 mph).
Honda's Gift to the World
4.63 out of 5 starsswarfer, 03/25/2012
2012 Honda Insight EX PZEV 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
The Insight is a essentially a super efficient fwd conventional automobile. The hybrid system is a small DC motor/generator is wound around the output shaft of the engine and provides power for acceleration and recharges the battery when coasting. Streamlined and somewhat narrow, big and unusually tall folks will not be comfortable. Soccer moms will find the hatchback storage too small. … The interior is crisp and functional but upscale buyers will likely opt for something more sophisticated. The Insight is capable of 50+mpg but hyper milers will want more. For me, it is a brilliantly simple design that is affordable, economical, beautiful and a pleasure to drive.
Honda Insight, the unknown deal
4.88 out of 5 starsinsightdriver, 06/09/2013
2013 Honda Insight LX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I compared several vehicles that met my requirements in a new vehicle and the Insight showed up. I had never heard of one before. Perhaps it is so unknown because Honda does not promote it. Few people are familiar with it but it meets my needs perfectly. I do not think most of the criticisms of it are fair. It is not noisy. It is comfortable. It runs smoothly and the gas mileage is … terrific. The AC does turn off when the engine stops at lights, etc. but that is overcome by moving the car into Park which I do in our recent 100 degree weather. It is fun to drive. I am not a car nut. I expect my vehicles to get me where I am going as cheaply as possible. The Honda Insight LX does that.
Honda Insight Base
5 out of 5 starssteve190, 04/29/2011
2011 Honda Insight 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
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!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 Honda Insight, so we've included reviews for other years of the Insight since its last redesign.
2014 Insight Features & Specs
Base
| Est. Market Value | $6,704 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Mild hybrid |
| Combined MPG | 41 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $119/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.9 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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 RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover11.3%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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