2003 Honda Insight reviews and buying
guide.
2003
Honda Insight resources:
2003 Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is one of two hybrid gas-electric
vehicles from Honda, who also have the Civic Hybrid.
Produced in Torrance, CA, the Honda Insight leads the
automotive pack as the most fuel-efficient vehicle sold
in America. The competitive and growing Hybrid segment,
where top fuel efficiency is a design target, includes
the Toyota Prius, however, unlike this 4-door sedan,
the Insight is a 2-seater hatchback coupe.
Fuel economy ratings of 61/68 mpg (city/hwy) are the
impressive specs that the Insight manages when equipped
with a 5-speed manual transmission. With an advanced
automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT),
it earned an EPA rating of 57 mpg city and 56 mpg highway.
Under the Hood
Honda's exclusive Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid
system used in both the Insight and Civic combines a
lightweight 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder, gasoline engine with
a thin, lightweight electric motor for enhanced efficiency
and additional power when needed. The IMA system automatically
recharges its battery pack and never needs to be "plugged
in" for recharging. The gasoline engine puts out
73hp at 5700 rpm and 91lb-ft of torque at 2000.
The Hybrid vehicles use a braking system that converts
kinetic energy to electrical energy, which is used to
recharge the battery. The "idle stop" feature
automatically turns off the engine when the car is not
moving, and on models equipped with CVT, the engine
automatically restarts when the driver's foot is removed
from the brake. On 5-speed models it restarts when first
gear is engaged. All these factors improve fuel efficiency
However, the Insight was designed from the square one
to deliver world-class fuel economy and ultra low emissions.
From the chassis structure to the aerodynamic body shape
this was the primary design priority. This lightweight,
aluminum-intensive body and chassis combination delivers
a low 0.25 coefficient of drag, and contributes to a
range of more than 500 miles on a single tank of gas.
Anti-lock brakes are standard features on the Insight.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
It is important to note that the Insight does not sacrifice
comfort and convenience for fuel economy. An extensive
assortment of internal amenities includes electric power
steering, windows, door locks and mirrors, dual front
air bags, an AM/FM stereo cassette, remote keyless entry
and automatic climate control with air conditioning
is available as an options.
The Insight has room for two adults to sit comfortably
in front buckets seats and has 16 cubic feet of cargo
space. For people commuting to and from work, picking
up groceries, or taking a spouse out for dinner, this
car will get the job and keep you on the leading edge
of technology and innovation.
2004 Honda Reviews:
2004
Honda Insight
2009 Honda Pricing:
2009 Honda Insight car prices - dealer cost
2010 Pricing:
2010 Honda Insight car prices - dealer cost
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