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Honda Insight

Price as Tested: $23,810

PM-Tested Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 45.3/43.3



The Insight has returned as a true Toyota Prius competitor. The aerodynamic four-door hatchback mirrors the profile of the Prius, a shape that proudly says "dedicated hybrid." Yet the Insight's price undercuts the Toyota's. One reason is Honda's much simpler hybrid system: A 13-hp electric motor is sandwiched between the 1.3-liter engine and the CVT. Unlike the Toyota or Ford hybrid systems, however, the Honda does not allow prolonged electric-only operation, because the little electric motor just doesn't have enough juice. The Insight switches to electric-only power when cruising at low speeds. In that case, the VTEC system idles the valves, so the engine still spins, but it doesn't consume any fuel. Yet the gas engine must start at stoplights to power the air conditioning. So if you select Eco mode, you have to forgo a/c when stopped.



We ran in this mode during our testing, and though the cabin did get hot, we were able to generate a solid 45.3 mpg in the city. The Insight rides a bit rougher than the Prius, and doesn't feel quite as polished or upscale. As a featherweight, it does struggle to maintain a consistent heading on freeways with high crosswinds. Around town, the Insight feels sporty and light on its feet as it jousts through traffic. There's an honest simplicity to the Honda. Like a Civic from the 1980s, the Insight feels tight, as though it would run reliably for decades.