Cheapest Hybrid on the Market - 2013 Honda Insight EX Test Drive & Hybrid Car Video Review

www.autobytel.c... When most people say Hybrid Car the Toyota Prius comes to mind. But it was actually the Honda Insight that was the first hybrid to go on sale here in the U.S. Back in 2000, the Honda Insight was a 2-seater that averaged more than 60 MPG on the highway. Today's Insight as you can see is a bit larger and can accommodate 4 passengers. The 2013 Honda Insight comes in 3 different trims: base, LX, and EX with prices ranging from $18,600 - $23,790.
When you look at the 2013 Honda Insight with its rakish roofline and two-piece glass hatch, you might think Honda has copied the wedge design seen in the Toyota Prius. Well Honda was actually first to use this design with the first generation Insight. This EX test car comes equipped with 15-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in low rolling resistance tires. All Insight's come with blue tinted LED tail lights and the same tint on the front headlamps.
The 2013 Honda Insight is a gas-electric hybrid which means it has a regular gas powered 4-cylinder engine, and electric assist motor, and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack that gets recharged via the regenerative braking system. What is a bit different about the Insight is that it is considered a mild-hybrid meaning the electric motor only assists the gasoline engine. The car does not have the ability to run on electricity alone which the Prius can do up to a certain point. The power output of the gas engine and electric motor combined is 98 horsepower and 123 ft-lb of torque. The Insight Hybrid is rated at 41 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway.
The hatchback design allows for a lot of storage and cargo space at 15.9 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 31.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The seats are comfortable as they sit tall and are firm. The gauge layout on the Insight is unique with the speedo integrated in a separate area above the tach.
So who would be a good candidate to purchase an Insight hybrid? Well if you are willing to give up some ride comfort and power in exchange for fuel efficiency at a low price then the 2013 Honda Insight may be the hybrid for you.
See More Car Videos
www.autobytel.c...
Join Our Facebook Page
/ autobytel

[@johnnybosox]

I own the 2010 EX model, which is pretty much the same exact car he reviewed. I absolutely love it and I think most others would too. What most people don't know about hybrids, is that you just don't hop in the drivers seat for the first time, and break MPG records. This car is driven way differently than a normal car. It took me 4-5 tanks of gas to finally break a 45 mpg average for a full tank of gas. Now I regularly break 60 mpg on my way to work in the morning. I find the interior stunning, and the seats more comfortable than any car I've owned. If you are looking for a race car, than this is not the vehicle for you. However, I find it fast enough for normal driving. Plus its way more attractive looking than a Prius. It is impossible for anyone, even if this guy had the vehicle for a week, to give any sort of accurate review on overall performance. If you are looking to save money, drive around in a cool looking, smooth/solid feeling ride, then the insight will do you right!

[@darkmagician135]

I'm scared to visit where the guy in the video lives. He said he had to stomp on the gas from a stop to get out of traffic's way, and 70mph isn't fast enough on the freeway? Speed limit where I live is 60mph inner city, and 65mph outter, and people typically go 65-70mph. sure, there's the occasional 75-90mph guy, who you see pulled over 5 miles up the road, but I don't get how 70mph can't feel safe.

[@tomluna1201]

Johnny Mac how expensive is to maintain it?

[@wbla16]

I own one and at my age this is an excellent car with good mpg and cheap road tax. The space in this car is brilliant. I am quite disappointed that it is not as popular as I think it should be. I have had a Civic, a Jazz and an Accord, and for a car that suits me in all areas the Insight is just the best for my needs.

[@Anniefawesome]

I am looking at buying the 2014 used, what do you think of it now four years later?

[@herbayum76]

i am a professional driver, around 50000 miles per year, and driven many different types of cars. the insight has comfortable seats and a splendid spacious view. i drive 23 km/l and why should you drive faster than 70 miles? A total carefree car, underrated by the public because of the word Hybrid. try one!!

[@VincentMichael207]

I have a 2012 Insight and I am 100% in love with it! I get about 52 overall, and on long highway trips it's even higher. I got 66mpg's from Portland to San Francisco. Made it there on one tank of gas with some left over. I am 6'1" and I feel the seats go further back than most cars, I have more leg room than my 2010 honda civic. If you've depleted the battery and you are going up a steep hill it, It is a bit underpowered, you can feel like you're going to roll backwards, that's my only complaint

[@robslipsky9066]

Handles well. Acceleration is horrendously bad. Kids will pass you on tricycles. Ride is quiet. Back seat small. Front seats comfortable on long trips. All buttons very ergonomic. 100k miles and zero problems. Great car for Ohio. Not so much for West Virginia. Big hills and I get into slow lane. 50-50 mix driving:44 mpg. 10 minutes to get warm on real cold days. Shut off Econ button in summer to stay cool. I like the radio. Voice commands on steering wheel lots of fun. Two defrost buttons are awesome. Can't fit dryer or washer in rear!

[@MichaelWilliams-mo1vv]

I have a 2008 Honda civic hybrid which mechanically is almost the same as the insight being reviewed. The electric motor in the civic is 20hp compared to 13hp in the insight. Another interesting thing the ac compressor in the civic can be driven by either the engine or the electricity from the hybrid battery. This means when you come to a stop and the engine auto stops your ac keeps right on going. Strange Honda didn't keep that feature over for the Insight.

[@ollyasss]

My 2002 prius was very hard to drive when the battery died, now have a 2010 insight, very reliable, will perform well if the battery goes out, major advantage!

[@albertobenelli]

i live in italy, i drive 60.000 km a year in a pearl white 2010 model honda insight . My average is 55 mpg. 80% is highway at 120 kmph, not slow. Every summer i drive from Firenze (Florence) where i live, to Spain , Valencia , my wife hometown, it's 1400 km in one day, absolutely PERFECT . used to drive a MErcedes C-class estate , it was not as confortable as this. I am 174 cm and i fit perfect inside the car . in some conditions this car has better mileage than PRIUS . Best car I ever had .

[@rizvieqt]

any issue with the hybrid battery?

[@albertobenelli]

@@rizvieqt I sold the car when it had about 160.000km on the clock and no issues at all , ever .

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Respect to this reviewer. Very fair coverage of the car without saying a lot of stupid things, which is all too common with some of the other test editors. Don't expect too much, and this car is just fine.

[@unathandavis]

i have one right now as a loaner and it is VERY smooth and comfortable at 85mph. it is slow and despite me being a speed demon I still average 37.5mpg and it cost me $14.82 to fill the tank from Empty. not the car for me but if you like em I would recommend it. the one I have is a 2014.

[@kevinbarrsie]

I bought a 2010 insight off the lot in August of 2010 and it's been killer. We just bought a 2014 fully loaded odyssey because we're popping out too many kids but the insight still looks and feels and drives like new. Highly underrated

[@tanichiro]

i'm writing this in 2023.. own several hondas including a Type R.. and i want one of these lol

[@kaitlyn2342]

I just got this car a few days ago. It's my first car ever!! It seems good so far. Does anyone have any tips for it or useful things to know?

[@Michaelcohen4483]

Probably past the 5 year warranty on power train. I drove the shit out of mine at 40,000 miles till the engine blew up lol guess what. Honda gave me a new engine and installed it at the dealer for free :) freaken freeeeeeeeeee! Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Holy shit it was freeeeeeeee! Lol and now I’m at 120,000 and still drive it like I stole it

[@sarahcuff9098]

I have a 2010 and I really love this little car.

[@jeffmorse645]

I have a car that's more than capable of cruising comfortably at 90 MPH and I still drive 70 on the freeway. Sounds like a non-issue at least to me.

[@GDBestie]

I have insight 2012 and even on 80 to 90 mph its smooth its slow when your econ mode is on but once that turned off you are fine I am a left lane driver 90%

[@patland1762]

I have this year with 280,000 miles that I bought new. It has been a no problem car after I made the dealer replace the rings before they had a recall for them. How did I get the dealer to replace the rings on their dime? I told him my attorney was all set to file a civil suit against them, gave them his phone number, and said I was happy to spend 10 grand to sue them just on principal and watch them spend the same on court. Again, the rings later had a recall and probably any 2013 insight you see has had the fix.

[@youtu827]

Despre ce inele este vorba,garnituri sau ce alceva? Sau despre ce garnituri mai exact?

[@dimitrow91]

I just got this car in 2021 and i love it :)

[@brianlehmann8766]

I have put 25k on my 2010 ex. Summer always has at least 50 mpg on display, around 46 come winter. Part due to cold and partly due to snow Tires. I test drove the prius, but I can't stand that high tunnel between seats, don't like my legs trapped like that. I am 6 feet 2 and have no issues on long trips. Have had it over 90 mph and it is rock solid'stable so this guy is clueless. I would also think that if the time comes it's smaller battery pack will be cheaper on the rebuilt market than the larger prius pack. Although similar in looks i do feel the insight looks better. Prius is a good car, but the small leg space and higher price were not for me.

[@yuyangt]

I have city/highway 50/50 mixed driving everyday 40 miles roundtrip between home and work. My 2010 Insight returns respectful 50.4 mpg overall. Yes the ride is not the most comfortable, and it's under power, especially when merging onto the highway. However I got prius-like mpg with a much lower price tag. Plus, I think it looks cooler than prius, inside out. I have been in friend's prius and found it actually feels cheaper than the Insight, especially the materials they have in the back seats.

[@jakeflo4215]

It is Feb. 11, 2015 Honda Insight $18,725 on their website and Prius $24,200 both base model. $24,200-$18,725=$5,475. Imagine how many years you will be able to buy a gallons of Gasoline in your area to spend the $5,475 before you break even in buying a Prius.

[@TimJoseph08031990]

When the 2015 Honda Fit Hybrid comes out with better gas mileage and interior room, the 4 door Insight should be discontinued, due to sluggish sales. The CR-Z name can be renamed as the Insight, since CR-Z is a wacky name for a slow 2-door hybrid car.

[@andrewc3310]

I've never heard anyone call those "nested headrests." This dude's smart

[@mariosiaven2965]

I am a happy owner of 2013 for over a year now and I can tell you just trade off couple of shortcomings namely power and A/C performance for in my view a myriad of advantages, being the outstanding gas mileage the main one, although for me it does not stop there since I like the styling and just everything else about the car which buck per buck comes out ahead compared to the awkward prius.

[@04dram04]

Sounds like you haven't driven a prius. Incredible machine for the money. There is a reason its sold so many

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

If you park a Prius and run ac the engine will turn on and off as the battery cycles. Great for long trips you can get a nap and not have to rent a hotel room for only 4 hours. Does the honda turn the engine on and off automatically ?

[@TheDman216]

its a motor assisted gas engine so they could use I think a even smaller lighter engine.I have driven 1 insight thru 2 states and I found it to be a nice car..I did mostly highway miles and as soon as I hit the interstate I simply set the cruise control for 65 and hit the econ button and was in the low to mid 40 mpg no problem..I would buy one

[@remoforrenemorales]

I have a 2013 Insight and I have no problem with it. Honda is discontinuing it so the Insight is rare now.

[@impaler_ferhan]

My cousin has this Vehicle .. and i was godamn shocked when i saw this ride running from the battery only after changing the first Gear...

[@im1greatman]

I always cringe when people use the word "affordable" speaking about tens of thousands of dollars.

[@SSC3034]

It's cheaper than a Prius, and the cheapest Hybrid on the market today

[@dishboy100]

No you can turn off Econ mode so the auto stop doesn't, stop and you still get your air conditioning. How do I know this, I live in Texas.

[@ale03000]

As for the war of Hybrid technology, Honda released the new Accord plug in hybrid (not in my country yet... in SEA) with a completely redesigned new super efficient drivetrain, which is capable of running up to 25km on electric only mode. The charging time is only around 3 hours. Finally a Honda hybrid can beat the Prius in terms of efficiency !!!

[@darkmagician135]

As far as idle/autostop and the a/c is concerned, according to the official Honda video for the Insight, the engine won't shut off if the cabin gets significantly higher (does that mean 5 or 10*?) than the set climate control.

[@ale03000]

I have a 2013 Insight Facelift, the color is Super Platinum Aqua Metallic (or light blue) for me it's the best and I absolutely love the futuristic design compared to the boring Toyotas.......... I get around 22km/L (around 50+ US MPG, mixed driving) average fuel efficiency and 700km per tank, is that okay? Long distance outstation driving will be even better!! I'm still trying to improve my eco driving/hyper-miling skills :).......!!!

[@Speedysnail9999]

The only thing I'm worried about is the AC turning off on a hot day or the heat turning off on a cold day, especially up here in the Northeast

[@unathandavis]

The car senses the temp change and will either keep the engine running or re-start prematurely to keep you cool. been driving one for the last 5 days. amazingly im only at a half a tank and I filled up on Monday and I do alot of miles for work.

[@joepatroni8777]

Whats with car reviewers and the use of the word "now"

[@christianxzowner2958]

Look to me that the Crz was a insight with a fat rear end

[@Grimlock1973]

Please have this guy do more reviews!!

[@serenascholl6236]

Seriously useful informative great review. Goes far beyond the usual information.

[@sungod1976]

Keep this guy on payroll. More reviews from him pls

[@coffeekhan]

Great review! Yes, definitely keep this guy around! Makes one wonder why Honda has the Insight at all. I guess there are some Honda faithful who hate Toyota and want a hybrid.

[@suntsu152]

This is a Big Guy I'm glad he did the review can we get him in the new 2014 corvette and Chevy Camaro he can be the comfort specialist for us Big guys. I own a Suburban but it's always good to know what other options are out there

[@ravenxlv]

Keep on making this guy do reviews

[@kaitlyn2342]

I never see any Honda insights on the road I guess I have a pretty unique car 😂 idk if that’s a good or bad thing haha

[@mterwill9]

they keep it around for the exact reason that i bought mine and that is that at sale price (not sticker price) the difference was almost 6 grand

[@RoyRidgewater]

I'm 6'4. Would I be able to fit, sit comfortably behind the wheel?

[@JasonP25]

"When traffic is good in LA" Lol thank you for pointed out sir.

[@mb013962]

Our 2004 civic hybrid has that same uncertain feeling above 70 too

[@Prizm2356]

Oh man I want one of these, I came very close to buying a 2001 Insight years ago but like a fool passed it up and bought a 2004 Chevrolet Tracker..

[@bigrich0926]

numbnuts.....smh

[@onenikkione]

how you went from a Insight to a Tracker????that must have been one heII of a salesman

[@Prizm2356]

Well I got a really good deal on the Tracker and the insight just wasn't practical for me at that time, I have to say the Tracker was very reliable and not to terrible on gas

[@mertz313]

+onenikkione I thought the same thing lmfao

[@isabelalmanza7153]

I have a question is it normal for it to like turn off when being at a stop light it doesn't completely turn off it just says auto something

[@zachb3728]

Yes.

[@Michaelcohen4483]

This one he has is Probably past the 5 year warranty on power train. I drove the shit out of mine at 40,000 miles till the engine blew up lol guess what. Honda gave me a new engine and installed it at the dealer for free :) freaken freeeeeeeeeee! Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Holy shit it was freeeeeeeee! Lol and now I’m at 120,000 and still drive it like I stole it and at 70 mph it runs great even if it is pushed to 100 mph in the desert it runs like a track car lol need to break it in literally.

[@EswarValluri]

Thank you. Covered everything that I needed to know

[@pedrof830]

The Civic hybrid's battery is not as durable or reliable as the Toyota's Prius, I would be wary of buying this instead of the Prius.

[@markmark8322]

if your hybrid battery is malfunctions the whole car shuts off where as prius keeps going doesn't shut of

[@rizvieqt]

@@markmark8322 did you encounter any problem with the battery of this car?

[@markmark8322]

@@rizvieqt honda’s hybrid system is not all that great! My uncle had it and as soon as its battery goes down you are stuck on the side of the road! Where as lexus/toyota with switch over to engine only! Hope it answers your question!

[@rizvieqt]

@@markmark8322 I was going to buy a 2010 insight with 4500 tomorrow. The private seller says its fine but I dont trust because i heard this hybrid cars may stop in the middle of the road. They they need to be towed.

[@onenikkione]

if your considering this car and live where it snows......beware. google it and you will find a huge problem, I know someone that owns one and can not use it most of the winter

[@travissmithoh]

+onenikkione I just googled it and nothing bad came up. What's your source for this opinion?

[@Darksyne]

Once this car is redesigned they better use the engine that's in the new fit to bump the power to at least over 130hp i mean this car doesnt even have 100hp...

[@shaiksajjad2986]

this car is better than honda fit

[@Hardryv0]

Loved the review -- it had all the information I was seeking. Also the delivery had a well-considered personal touch. My only reservation was when hybrids were mentioned the Volt was not, particularly when there are not many true hybrids even on the market to give a mention to -- that seemed obvious, but perhaps he is not familiar with it.

[@isaacc1582]

Very nice review...

[@andrewjohnson4789]

This is a great review, coveraging BOTH pros and cons. #unbaised

[@rossymandela1501]

God bless me with this car. Amen

[@gene978]

Still guy is HUGE and should only do Truck reviews.

[@ale03000]

Hi, wow my height is same as yours and I love my Insight Facelift too :)!! Enjoy the eco drive!!! Do you remember around what mileage in km did you get your stage 3 eco score trophy?

[@TwinFun0327]

we need the 201u version

[@electrictroy2010]

Noooooooo...... Insight has had this shape since 1999. Prius did not get the shape until 2004 .

[@Darksyne]

the CRX had that shape since the 80s too

[@pedrof830]

Agree! he's really good.

[@aztek431]

Great, detailed review. Thanks!

[@naomilynn4239]

this is my first car! :)

[@frankrault3190]

A very prejudiced test, the data given are not correct

[@WithinEternity6]

will this be a good car for me if im 5'4?

[@MrRomeoMrvica]

I'm 5'10 and I drove for 7 years, no problem at all.

[@rizvieqt]

@@MrRomeoMrvica did u have any problem with hybrid battery??

[@MrRomeoMrvica]

​@@rizvieqt Am driving it now for 9 years 4 months, the Hybrid Battery didn't bother me so far. Only regular maintenance like normal Honda City, the only difference for me it's Insight have 8 sparkPlug comparing to City. As for horsepower, I can feel that it accelerate slower than usual, maybe it's the IMA doesn't kick in, or if it's just my perception because I'm driving my new Mercedes E300(A238) since this April. 😅

[@giovanni233]

Y U NO V-TEC or at least i-VTEC

[@coffeekhan]

Wow! Good to know.

[@muhammadsshaikh8698]

Love Honda Insight

[@bugsy101073]

love this car!

[@unknwnhacker6349]

When the wheels runs it creates electricity

[@brtmn7902]

This review is just missleading... This car can easily reach 80, 85 and 100mph if you like to push it. It feels perfectly OK. In fact, this car feels safer in countryside roads full of curves than many other cars that easily cost twice as much.

[@sherifelsharkawyful]

Didn't they stop making this?

[@harrisanwar141]

Sherif El Sharkawy No one would buy it. Do you see an insight on the road everyday?

[@sherifelsharkawyful]

Harris Anwar I see a Prius everyday, yet I don't get it. How is the Prius more successful than the Insight? What's so bad about it, it's a decent car.

[@EBosAnimation]

+Harris Anwar I hadn't even known the insight existed until my mom got one

[@muhammadsshaikh8698]

Prius is good to and Honda Insight

[@BTC909]

Sit in this and the doors are right on you.

[@178msut]

the front looks like a civic

[@ShermanMR2]

I live right across the street from where this was filmed. If you need any help on your next shoot hit me up.

[@ThePharm4Life]

honda just failed to capitalized with their hybrid technology until toyota did with their prius. 'nuf said.

[@tomg8993]

Geez bro shutup about acceleration and speed,hybrids aren’t always about speed,it’s about economy and fuel efficiency

[@albertwiersch9852]

3rd gen is so much better.

[@ezba148]

Yeah I own one a 3rdGen

[@serenascholl6236]

Dude. Great video. Really. I so appreciate it... Please know using "metoo" as language to me that Honda did a knock off or copycat of anther car is eeeeeeeeek. Please if you can remove that word, please do. #metoo is a movement to create belief and respect and awareness around the sexual attacks and assaults and harassment of women by men.

[@ItsJosh]

It shouldn't be called a hybrid, The motor always has to run, Its just an assist motor with a Ni-MH battery. What is this the 90's Should be a Lithium.

[@siopowar]

the hondas a parallel hybrid. the prius is a parallel/series hybrid. if it uses electric and gas propulsion, its a hybrid. regardless of its ability to drive the car on electric alone.

[@Perich29]

sorry too much bottom line with hybrid, ill never buy another hybrid.

[@Jflux69]

nickel hidied. mm

[@emilcooper2364]

Sounds like he hates Hondas lol

[@gwmkwan]

In the end, just don't this car

[@digitaltouch35]

Honda is slipping

[@ravenxlv]

Prius is better

[@dugfriendly]

I just can't sell my 2007 Prius. It does everything I want. Plus, I drive less than 5k miles/year. So why spend money on another car? And obese guys complaining about space in the backseat is off-putting.

[@Omfcody1]

That's SO much uglier than a Prius.

[@darlenepaul2918]

Nope! It's really nice looking.People compliment it all the time.

[@hawkermustang]

I hate this car

[@rizvieqt]

why