2000 Honda Insight | Retro Review

[@b.jlovett]

Reminds me alot of the old CRX....

[@sterlinsilver]

The styling of these is so awesome. I saw one of these a few years back and breifly mistook it for an EV1

[@WitchyWhale]

I can't believe that the 00's are being considered retro now, I'm feeling old.

[@johnnybarrett9769]

I agree with you 100 %.

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

17 years ago buddy

[@lipadier]

My car is from 2000. Sheesh.

[@dave_riots]

Ianna Natasha Same.

[@Phenom98]

lipadier I daily a '93 Dodge Shadow lol. Good car for a broke Mexican student.

[@jolladevices]

This is literally the mother of the CR-Z!

[@HirschPower]

I spent the last year restoring my red 2000 Insight, and I’m about to sell it this week for a lithium swapped, 2000 Honda Insight painted in the rare Citrus color. I’m going to miss my first project car, but all good things must come to an end.

[@michaelclarke5860]

"S2000-type steering wheel." That IS the exact same steering wheel as the S2K. Both the Insight and the S2K were built in the exact same factory, hence the similarly-styled instrument cluster and the same steering wheel. Imagine if the Insight had the same transmission as the S2K? That would be something.

[@x1tekja]

Fun fact. The insight shares an all aluminum chassis like the NSX and some of the interior from the S2K. All three were made at the Suzuka plant at the same time.

[@4yules]

still makes way more sense than fulll on electric...cant they make better hybrids?

[@compgeke]

Did he just admit to actually liking a digital cluster? I never believed this day would come.

[@sirot5561]

mipmipmipmipmip 😂😂😂 back in the day MotorWeek was so obsessed with that damn oil pressure gauge. “Comprehensive gauges” 😂

[@sigmaprojects]

They are pretty important though, well for a race car they are.

[@hondamanvtec2894]

No Vault meter gauge- score 1/10

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

@@hondamanvtec2894 Why would you want that? It has a 144V IMA battery with a charge gauge shown, and the 12v battery is charged from a DC/DC converter, not an alternator.

[@HamsterWheelGaming]

@mipmipmipmipmip Lol I was looking for this comment

[@mediacritic]

This was a groundbreaking car. Honda glory days.

[@rodmunch69]

More like glory hole days.

[@slowsupra9257]

This car held the title as the most fuel efficient hybrid in the US all the way until 2016. The manual version has a lean burn mode that can be modified to stay on longer. My friend gets 80MPG on the highway with the AC running. Amazing car, only problem was that the batteries had to be replaced after a few years.

[@phiksit]

I keep thinking a gas only model with a better six-speed manual would have been more practical. I suppose then Honda couldn't get the premium price though.

[@connorPiper0]

@@phiksit They lost money on this car also because the car is completely aluminum and much of the car is completely bespoke. The hybrid system is only one piece of the puzzle.

[@Kacpa2]

Having no manual hybrid is quite awful...Honda proven that its possible while keeping great MPG results with both Insight and CR-Z. Toyota is content with making lame things like Prius with cvt only. Seeing how things are all cars will run cvts or dct with no manual in sight in next 5 years or so

[@rodmunch69]

Your 'friend'? You mean your partner, right? Let me guess, hooked up with him at an interstate rest stop, became 'friends' through that hole in the stall in the mens bathroom. Am I right?

[@LawrenceTimme]

It's now 2023 and the tree huggers have taken over. :(

[@bobhill3941]

I remember Jim Scoutten reviewing these on Car and Driver back in 98.

[@tonyoliver2330]

Dat early 2000s trance/techno tho

[@suad01]

Tony Oliver Sounds like a lo fi rip off Robert Miles’ ‘Children’

[@jcdenton4902]

suad01 what’s lofi

[@jay92889]

@@suad01 thought the exact same thing!

[@churchofmarcus]

Manual hybrid!? You have my attention.

[@AJ6spd]

Get a crz instead

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

@@AJ6spd Unless you want MPG and a cheap, more reliable car other that some IMA battery maintenance. Heck, just disable it and you still get 40 to 100 mpg.

[@rubondomoralez1769]

One of the trans I can get behind

[@Darksyne]

@@AJ6spd CR-Z gets half the MPG and is just as slow.

[@RapideWombaticus]

Always thought these were brilliant. Still want one

[@H982_FKL]

The Insight is what cars need to be if they wanna be very economical. -low power -not roomy -Aerodynamic -Light

[@LaoKast21]

This car just makes me smile

[@soonerbred22]

i remember seeing this in a text book when i was a kid and i thought we were entering the future and used to draw it all the time

[@princeplotena]

LOL same here, I loved those early 2000s science or health textbooks, they always used the best stock images

[@IstasPumaNevada]

I have an '00 Insight with manual trans and AC, and I would pay for a new one if Honda just re-made the first-gen with updated tech. It's still the most highway fuel efficient car ever sold in the U.S. (excluding plug-in cars, which is apples to oranges anyway).

[@gadget01]

I bought a '00 off the showroom floor. I 've had a '03 for the last 5 years- still averages over 60mpg on the highway. It has issues, but nothing a DIY'er can't handle. Reviewer was on-point about the audio system- great for traffic reports.

[@spinal_capped]

The relaunched Insight was total garbage compared to the original! At least you could have fun in the original!!

[@CaptainPetrolburner]

TheManInDboX No, but it did get really good mileage for a pure gasoline powered car.

[@Porsche996driver]

I get 60mpg at 60mph in my 2014 Passat tdi, and not much less when loaded with 4 people and full trunk lol. Hybrids were always going to be just a stopgap.

[@CaptainPetrolburner]

All the top supercars are hybrids now. Using a highly boosted turbocharged engine in combination with the low end torque of an electric motor is a big step forward. I can't wait for an everyday hot hatchback with the technology, especially if it has Honda's SH AWD.

[@stevemitchell4450]

Have a red 2005 sitting in the garage. Once got 99.8 mpg over 225 miles. Running first gen Insights can be found for one or two thousand dollars these days.

[@cafe88racer53]

k20 swap that wont rust like a crx lol

[@erichannes6392]

Steve Mitchell just bought mine for a song....

[@thefuzzypickle8277]

@osp80 welcome to the world of owning hard to maintain vehicles like the prelude sh 😥😥

[@suburbanator91]

The Honda Insight is actually a mild hybrid, because its electric motor can't work separately from the gas motor.

[@TheUnsureFox]

"...might not look bad sitting in our garage, right next to the diesel Excursion." Oh yeah.

[@scowley86]

Didn't know you could fit an Excursion into a garage..

[@trainguy1792]

@@scowley86 got em

[@dk709SGT]

Best line of the season

[@brianlee9233]

@@dk709SGT Agreed. If I ever hear anyone of you pronounce diesel as die-zull instead of die-suhl (I don't care where you live), I am blocking you all.

[@ericgraf1127]

Serious sleeper potential. Check the weight. Add a well tuned engine and trans. This could take some pink slips. But, drive right past anyone looking for a street racer. The potential is there.

[@ninjamoto21]

Wth I didn't know these were 3cyl lol

[@wl6020]

Why don't they use today's technology for a 2 seater hybrid like the insight? It's 22 years later, I'm sure it can hit 100 mpg on the epa.

[@loft4me]

These little rascals can be seen occasionally buzzing the SoCal freeways. Red ones. In the number one lane. Just buzzing.

[@oscarfavela6699]

That's me except for the one lane part

[@I41535D]

a Winter's Tale they are embarrassing to see on the road

[@coastaku1954]

@@I41535D Why?

[@nvrndingsmmr]

@@I41535D Lmao why? They're light, efficient, well built, and stylish. The fact that we still see them around basically means they were a complete success.

[@Salvisol]

I bought one of these with the manual transmission this past spring. It was a fixer upper, but I was lucky in that the hybrid battery pack is still working well. My best average mpg has been 83.33 over 208 miles. Next highest has been 71.5mpg over 204 miles. In the summer I could get mid 60s mpg without too much effort driving in the low 70mph range. The key of course is trying to get the car into lean burn as much as possible.

[@rodmunch69]

Of course the downside of owning these is the AIDS.

[@gsxellence]

That S2K interior though :)

[@theataripunk]

Where can I find the sick background music?

[@realazduffman]

I was at a car show when these came out, the guy said they lost about $15,000 per car at the time.

[@Hoi4ofgender]

makes sense, the unibody is aluminum, that was supercar stuff at the time. hell lots of stuff about the gen 1 insight were just absolutely bleeding edge.

[@williamsinger4124]

@@Hoi4ofgender especially since the unibody won't rust away in 10 years.

[@LEGOCAMARO]

Never thought a day would come that I own this and a hummer H2 lol

[@tomjanowski8584]

I wish Honda had made a 2 door Fit and turned that into a new Insight.

[@gliderarts3573]

Worth overhailing sooooo fun

[@albear972]

It doesn’t have an oil pressure gauge! 😔

[@sethporter3145]

Honda did bring back a hybrid with a manual. Its called the CR-Z

[@beernpizzalover9035]

I almost bought a Honda CRZ a few years back - except their nickel & dime pricing scheme really turned me off. They actually wanted me to charge me extra for a center armrest! smh...

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

No, it's really not the same car. Even the newer Insights (2nd and 3rd gen) are nothing like the same car. They might look simliar to you, but they're vastly different. There is no other car like this in North America at least. Maybe some other kei cars, but nothing like this unique combination of factors to get 40 to 100 mpg.

[@yamkaw346]

@@beernpizzalover9035 you should get one they are a lot of fun!

[@donutreligion2979]

In 2000, A/C was still only an option?

[@wykedkewyl]

Yes and the version without Ac was fast and lost no power to ac function. In my opinion a much faster car. I have the ac version and only use it on days over 90°F.

[@detonater1348]

Wow this insight was reviewed very well, now i want one

[@logans3365]

Well that settles it, I’m going to buy one lol I really wish they would make a modern coup hybrid with a manual transmission, it’s the perfect commuter car.

[@Darksyne]

The Honda CR-Z manual is as close as it gets.

[@Reikro]

I've been waiting for this one. Despite the eco connotations, the Insight is surprisingly entertaining to drive. Thanks for the upload!

[@jibcano1777]

smoking tire has a vid of one with mods that is neat.

[@YouArentSlick]

I imagine the tires have something to do with it being fun to drive lol

[@S0u11ess]

If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit.

[@ilvron7515]

Интересно, почему производители перестали делать эффектино-аэродинамичные гибридные авто? Исчез обтекаемый дизайн,закрытые колесные арки, легкие колеса.

[@chrisdooley6468]

Funny my favorite car I owned from my youth, my 89 CRX HF, only had 69 horsepower lol. But man was it fun and the gas mileage was incredible. I drove from Philadelphia to Boston on only 3/4 of a tank once. I surely miss those days of cars

[@danmobile]

These were excellent cars. They basically drove like a CRX and got 60 MPG. Very fun little fuel sippers and MANUAL trans which made them way cooler than Priuses etc. I bought one with 135k miles and drove it to over 200k with no issues. I had times with over 100 MPG, but usually averaged around 65 MPG.

[@32BitLink]

Dang 100 mpg

[@hnkfsh81]

@NSDAP Enthusiast 88 We got 152 K out of our first battery and replaced it with a more modern design with 50% more capacity.

[@rodmunch69]

LOL! Like saying the Geo Metro was an excellent car. Sure, if you hate cars and have no self respect these are acceptable, I guess. Oh, and if you're part of the LGBTQ community.

[@MartinSage]

You laugh at that little 60hp engine Back in the 80’s Burt Rutan sold fiberglass plane kits with tiny 23hp motors. The cruise speed was 120mph and top speed 150mph. Put a 100hp in her and you hit 200mph! No lie On the Insight, stiffer air shocks and some sticky Italian Pirelli tires on her and handling is impressive.

[@ISETTA700]

I GOT A 2005 MANUAL INSIGHT IN FEBRUARY FOR MY 60 MILE ROUND TRIP COMMUTE . I CAN MAKE THAT TRIP ON LESS THAN A GALLON OF GAS ! I HAVE DONE OVER 10,000 MILES SINCE AND HAVE MANAGED TO TICK UP THE LIFETIME FUEL AVERAGE . IT NOW HAS 167, 750 MILES NO SERIOUS PROBLEMS SO FAR . IF I KEEP IT GOING FOR ANOTHER YEAR IT WILL PAY FOR ITSELF IN FUEL SAVINGS .

[@jcdenton4902]

It looks like a Honda Civic with the badge off in the front

[@mindspinn311]

It’s so interesting to watch this from 21 years later and think they had no idea what was on its way in terms of mass production of hybrids and EV’s.

[@AustinQuirk]

Great, simple dash! Function over form, as it should be.

[@hemingsgarage]

If Honda produced a 4 door version during that time, they would have the whole hybrid market to themselves cuz the Prius came later.

[@PistonAvatarGuy]

They did, in the form of the Civic hybrid. The problem, though, was that Toyota's hybrid system was just worlds better than Honda's, it not only simplified the transmission and made it more reliable, but it increased the inherent efficiency of the drivetrain as well.

[@travisp11]

Heming Feng We wanted a Prius back in 2014 but the price was too high so we settled on a 2013 Honda Insight that had been on the lot for a year. Bought it brand new for $16,5000. 55k miles later she still runs like new.

[@jesusf.2600]

idontcare80 Funny how Hondas new 3rd Generation Insight is EPA rated at having better gas milage then Toyotas Prius. 2019 Insight at 55/52 MPGS VS. PRIUS 54/48 PMGS.

[@ISETTA700]

THE GEN1 INSIGHT CAN BE HAD WITH A 5 SPEED . COULDN'T BE SIMPLER & THIS WAS NEVER AVAILABLE IN A PRIUS . THIS ALONE IS WORTH NEARLY 10 mpg !

[@dylanmacaya9166]

The Prius did not come later, the first generation Prius had already been available in the U.S. For at least three years by this time and they were just a few years away from bringing in the second generation Prius. This Honda though remains the most fuel efficient non plug in car ever sold in America.

[@THX-kw2jh]

That Famous Year 2000 Seems So Far Back Now. Soon you will hear songs from 1999 and 2000 as Oldies.

[@Zzznorch]

I still drive a Y2K. Just replaced the IMA battery pack last Thursday.

[@sk8terboi510]

That background music reminds me of something out of the first 2 Gran Turismo games

[@rubondomoralez1769]

Hahah , same

[@suwinky]

Looks like an Aztek and a Civic at 5:42

[@deanspanos8210]

Man, I was drinking soda when he talked about the diesel Excursion.

[@williambrennan5701]

i plan on buying one of these soon to drive the wheels off of

[@Where_is_Waldo]

I knew these had a synergistic drive system but I didn't know they were 5spd. Now I want one.

[@dogsbark5750]

Back in 03 a buddy convinced me to ride with him in this vs z28 on 5 hour a road trip. My other friends had a 300z TT and a mustang Gt. Needless to say it was the slowest, but the first one that got to the destination.

[@Yophillips3272]

I never see these anymore

[@NyaSupreme]

A very Y2K aesthetic car

[@chadt2045]

"It's really quite simple: 1 liter single-overhead-cam 12-value v-tech-E 3 cylinder gasoline engine"

[@coastaku1954]

That's pretty simple if you know cars

[@hnkfsh81]

We now have 235 K miles on our 2000 Insight and will seek to break the 300 K barrier in the next few years. Very reliable.

[@yadidimeanmaine]

It would be the weirdest thing ever, but how about a D series turbo swap with a custom flywheel and adapter plate to still use IMA with updated battery packs?

[@coastaku1954]

It's a Hybrid with a fucking Manual! It's the best of both worlds! Also that styling hasn't aged as badly as other early 2000's Bland boxes.

[@catjudo1]

I love these reviews, and while John Davis is a very knowledgeable and capable reporter, he got one thing wrong. The Insight was never a mainstream car, but more of a demonstrator for things to come. Honda didn't build a conventional Honda, they built a better Citroën. Squint and it looks like a little SM.

[@mindspinn311]

7:50 didn’t someone do a hypermiling test with the Insight driving behind a Ford Excursion with the cargo doors open?

[@karoltakisobie6638]

Imho that was one of the best looking cars Honda made. Very slick and smooth lined car.

[@trainguy1792]

*Hides the Diesel Excursion in shame*

[@Snake-ms7sj]

Just saw one of these on the road yesterday. Their gas mileage trumps a Prius. It was like an Electric CR-X with it's small size and 2 seat only configuration.

[@mattwolf7698]

'Love the background music.

[@DS_IndustrieZ]

Lmao I didn't even read the descrpt or title. I literally thought this was the gm ev1 from the thumbnail and Immediately clicked

[@PistonAvatarGuy]

I always liked the look of this car (somewhat), but the VW XL1 is one of the few cars that makes high aerodynamic efficiency look really, really good, I wish that look would go mainstream. Also, I think seeing the first-gen Insight may just reignite my longing for a more modern version of the CRX. If Mazda can build the Miata, Honda should be able to build a modern version of the CRX.

[@JackBandicootsBunker]

After the CR-Z's failure, I'm afraid we won't see another Insight-esque Honda hybrid runabout ever again...

[@PistonAvatarGuy]

I agree and it's unfortunate that Honda lost sight of what made the CRX so loved. They just tried to make the CR-Z do too much so it ended up doing everything badly (on top of being extremely ugly), they should have made a sporty version and a hybrid version.

[@graham_lewis]

you are making me want an insight now

[@peterdaniel66]

the true beauty of this car is how purposefully built it is.. everything is designed for a purpose. Very expensive to build, Honda lost a lot of $$$ on each one

[@sfbadboy]

Mine just reached 270,000 miles! Don't know if I will keep the hybrid setup once the IMA takes a dump or just go all petrol with a type R engine and make it a sleeper

[@mrrmsfucker146]

Did you ever have issues with the starter and the catylitic converter?

[@DavidAndre657]

Honda, bring back a hybrid with a manual. Desperately, MW.

[@peter455sd]

Why ? You wanna buy it ? Apparently you don't even got money for gas.

[@dylanmacaya9166]

Up until just a few years ago Honda did still make a manual hybrid in the form of the CR-Z, a car that looks very similar (especially in layout) to this original Insight, only sportier. You should easily be a to find a low mileage used one out there as they were produced for quite a few years in the mid 2010's.

[@nvrndingsmmr]

@@peter455sd That's a stupid answer.

[@peter455sd]

@@nvrndingsmmr Yeah,but i bet is spot on

[@guccigoldberg5303]

I think they should have made a petrol only 1.5 litre version. 1. It would be a bit cheaper 2. It would still get great a mileage with that design 3. MOST IMPORTANTLY without the huge battery in the back the trunk would be very practical

[@SgtKaito]

Why do I want one of these?

[@oldmcdonald1759]

I use retro reviews to shop for my next car.

[@pepinocabron]

This car came with auto stop and now every brand is doing it. Way to go honda. I personally don't like that feature especially on a 4 cylinder cvt engine, makes no sense.

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

You can still find CR-Z's with ultra-low mileage since they were only discontinued a year or two ago.

[@SomethingFunny454]

You can buy a hotrodded battery for these things now

[@FordNucleonM13]

Honest question, where did you guys get all the background music for these early 2000s reviews? They're so upbeat, I want them to play in the car! 😂

[@deanspanos8210]

That music would go well when cruising on the highway in a 2002 Eclipse.

[@FordNucleonM13]

Terroriser Spot or the music in their Pontiac Aztek review!

[@angelumanzor3083]

Wait, that's music?

[@travisp11]

Darrude Sandstorm Ambient Remix 2K!

[@preciadoalex123]

Yeah those were the 2000's !

[@landyachtfan79]

All right, everybody knows that the legend-in-its own-time Prius is the car most associated with the hybrid genre, but here is a shoutout to the car that started it all, baby!!!

[@nessuno5403]

landyachtfan79 how stupid are you? These came 2 years after the first Prius in 1997.

[@nessuno5403]

Pretty Sure it's called RESEARCH! Prius launched in 1997, Insight in 1999!

[@jonathanvandagriff7515]

@@nessuno5403 the insight was revealed in 97'

[@nessuno5403]

@@jonathanvandagriff7515 wrong again - Honda revealed the J-VX concept car, which was the basis of, but NOT, the Insight at the Tokyo Motorshow in October 1997. Toyota showed their concept car in 1995, and then launched FOR SALE the Prius NHW10 in December 1997. Insight sales started in November 1999.

[@erichannes6392]

Mine gets 67mpg, beating the Prius easily. However, the Prius is larger and can hold a lot more people than the Honda. This car is also aluminum, so is the frame.

[@nvrndingsmmr]

Jeez, what an excellent car!

[@Drewtownvids98]

The Honda insight, the Cadillac of hybrids. I wonder it's John Travolta's personal car in real life.

[@christopherhernandez78]

A 2020 Nissan Versa SR Gives you more for 20k.. latest Nav android auto and apple car play.. plus 2 more doors with lots practical room.

[@christopherhernandez78]

@@LearnAboutFlow the new one is different... it's much more attractive. Last generation was the worst..

[@christopherhernandez78]

@@LearnAboutFlow well jokes on you..this I'd my second one same year same version

[@christopherhernandez78]

@@LearnAboutFlow this guy wants to hate. Sir that isn't a fact.. the Versa was designed to be cheap car.. unlike you that seems to care is crap or not based on stupid things.. I see the new 2020 2021 Versa more than materlistic value.. it's a car that get you to work n back more comfortable and more enjoyable with modern tech that it desperately needed to attract younger first time buyers. I don't see it as materlistic bs like EVERYONE ELSE! I APPRECIATE IT FOR WHAT IT OFFERS AT 21K. TRANSPORTATION COMFORTABLE VALUE. THE INSIGHT IS ALOT MORE WORSE! 🤣 😂 CRANK WINDOWS ONLY OPTION IS AC.. YOU CAN ACTUALLY GLITCH OUT THE COMPUTER TO GIVE HIGHER ECONOMY THAN IT SHOULD.. BRO ITS A PENNYS A DOZEN HONDA!! CHEAPER THAN A VERSA.

[@christopherhernandez78]

@@LearnAboutFlow and the fact you Wana measure up against a newer car IS disgusting. Even the Sentra wasn't this trash. Sentra is one of longest running names in Nissan next to the now defunct Maxima.. but I can tell you what Gen Versa you can compare to... 2011 to 2019. Crank windows everything cheap materials basic everything unattractive as heck.

[@LanceHyena]

I really like the "this is the future" aesthetic for some reason. Might get one for cheap in the future, especially since it has a manual transmission and I want to try how a hybrid will drive with manual.

[@PulledPurk]

Zero dive under breaking, very nice

[@colemichael6409]

I love the Insight! It's tiny and cute but has good room (though only two seats), but makes up for it with its impressive mileage. Also, what is the intro song that they use when we first see the Insight driving?

[@alexander1485]

what was that thing at the bottom right of the frame at the intro?

[@IIBNG76]

The beginning of the Motorweek word graphic. It was waiting to begin its journey across the screen.

[@okjeffy6581]

I saw these once

[@ag92oo4]

I love my insight best MPG

[@freedomstar3814]

Just give it a 100 shot of NOS for entering freeway on ramps and you're good to go !

[@BMan100]

OMG A 3RD GEN CIVIC HATCH!.........I hope you guys have a review on that generation of Civic lol

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

47MPG pretty good for a casket on wheels.

[@slimshadyjr9889]

There was only one way to get people to buy a car like that when it first came out was to give it a manual transmission

[@justinbeal3517]

Next retro review should be for the Dodge Daytona IROC R/T. Season 11, Episode 28. 👌👌

[@mushum_uhh]

the environmentally extreme

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

Turns out Toyota had better insight.

[@misterbuklau4053]

Looks just like the gm ev1