EDMUNDS.COM 2004 HONDA INSIGHT
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The pious Insight is still the fuel economy champ, but Toyota''s Prius offers more practicality and nearly equivalent mileage ratings.
Pros
Amazing fuel economy, quick steering, lots of standard equipment.
Cons
Batteries drain fast under continual electric motor assist, highly susceptible to crosswinds, not much point-and-shoot power on tap, small payload capacity.
What''s New for 2004
The CD-equipped audio system with four speakers is now standard equipment, and the fuel consumption gauge''s illumination color changes from green to red. All Honda cars gain a new seatbelt reminder system this year.
Overview
Introduction:
Due to increased pressure from the government, automakers have been looking for ways to meet increasingly stringent demands for cleaner tailpipe emissions and higher fuel mileage. In the ''90s, electric cars (such as GM''s EV1) were thought to be the answer, but their shortcomings of poor range and the requirement to be "plugged in" in order to be recharged have been too difficult to overcome.For today and the near future, many automakers feel that the best hope for improved fuel mileage is hybrid-electric technology. Hybrid cars typically combine a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Since they are still fueled by gasoline, these cars don''t have to be plugged in or recharged, yet the additional helping power of the electric motor allows the gasoline engine to be smaller -- and thereby more efficient -- than it would otherwise have to be on its own given the size of the vehicle. Introduced in 2000, the Insight was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle to be offered to U.S. consumers. It features many advanced construction techniques. The unitized body is made of aluminum (except for the front fenders, which are made from plastic) and boasts a drag coefficient of only 0.25. Thanks to its aerodynamic bodywork, flat underbody, low rolling-resistance tires and extensive use of lightweight materials, Honda says the Insight requires 30-percent less power to operate at highway speeds than the previous-generation Honda Civic. The Insight also happens to be America''s most fuel-efficient car. Given the car''s 68-mpg EPA fuel highway mileage estimate and 10.6-gallon fuel tank, one could, in theory, drive from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City and still have a bit of fuel left in reserve. In practice, however, the car''s range is about 500 miles. Four years on, the Insight still attracts plenty of attention. But its singularly focused mission of fuel economy limits its usefulness. In years past, one had to accept its shortcomings -- only two seats, not much point-and-shoot power, a paltry 365-pound payload capacity -- because there wasn''t much of an alternative. Now there''s the Honda Civic Hybrid, offering similar technology in a more user-friendly package, and the fully redesigned 2004 Toyota Prius, a vehicle that looks to be the best all-around hybrid of the lot. For the eccentric few, the Insight is a good choice, but the majority of buyers should consider all of their options.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The two-door, two-passenger Insight comes fully equipped (the only option is an automatic air conditioning system). It has most of the common conveniences, such as power windows, mirrors and locks; a CD player; and a rear window defroster and wiper. Antilock brakes are also standard. Air conditioning is optional. Cruise control, unfortunately, is not offered.
Powertrains and Performance:
The most interesting and revolutionary thing about the Insight is its gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain or in Honda''s terms, the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. IMA combines the efforts of a 1.0-liter, 12-valve, inline three-cylinder VTEC-E gasoline engine and a lightweight permanent-magnet electric motor capable of recharging its own power supply -- a bank of 120 D-size nickel-metal hydride batteries (with a total output of 144 volts) housed under the cargo floor. The gas engine does the bulk of the work, supplying 67 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 66 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. Mounted between the gas engine and the transmission, the electric motor provides only supplemental power. Yet, the motor''s contributions at low rpm are what made the Insight feel livable, as it improves the total torque output to 91 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm, while adding 6 extra horsepower. There are two transmissions available: a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). With the five-speed, the 2004 Insight is rated at 61 mpg in the city and 68 on the highway and is ULEV-certified. The CVT offers 57 city/56 highway, and has the even more squeaky clean SULEV rating.
Safety:
In the NHTSA''s testing, the Insight earned four stars (out of a possible five) for frontal and side-impact safety. Still, the Insight is a small, lightweight car; remember that these test results are good only when comparing vehicles of a similar weight.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Insight''s cabin combines quasi-futuristic aesthetics with forthright functionality. The green and orange electroluminescent digital instrument cluster, which includes a meter to show you when the electric motor is assisting and when it''s charging the battery pack; a meter to show instantaneous fuel economy and another display to show you the average mpg. If you''re the driver of said car, you can''t keep your eyes off this stuff. Whether you feel excited by the challenge or merely guilty, you''re motivated to improve the numbers before you.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Provided you plan ahead for lane changes and impending elevation increases, the car''s power supply is adequate for daily travels in the city and on the highway. But with the Insight''s maximum payload (of humans and cargo) of just 365 pounds, performance is definitely affected by the addition of a passenger. It is also highly susceptible to crosswinds, and the narrow tires easily track any groove in the pavement. Ride quality is comfortable on smooth pavement, but bumps and ruts upset the suspension easily. On the plus side, the car''s small dimensions and light, accurate steering make it a breeze to maneuver in crowded areas.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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