2005 Honda Insight | Review | Buying Guide
Honda is definitely the leader in the sluggish race to produce more fuel-efficient car models. They at least have shown some responsibility, and should be commended for their higher ideals. With the Insight, the Civic Hybrid and a new Accord Hybrid, they’ve demonstrated that energy saving is in no way counter to productivity or comfort.
It all starts with the Insight, however. America's first hybrid full-production car, the Honda Insight remains the most fuel-efficient EPA rated vehicle in America. It is lightweight without being unsafe—it is a Honda, after all—and it will save you thousands.
For example, you can drive up to 500 miles just on one tank of gas. And you don’t need any recharging equipment—it does it all on its own. Just another way the critical argument of unfeasibility crumbles under the weight of the facts.
Under the Hood
The Insight employs Honda's unique Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system that couples a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine with a thin, lightweight electric motor. The power ratings aren’t meant for meatheads, coming in at 73 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 79 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm.
The IMA system recaptures energy from the car's momentum during braking and deceleration, with the electric motor acting as a generator that automatically recharges the batteries so that it never needs to be plugged in. The IMA system also uses an "idle stop" feature that automatically turns off the engine when the car is not moving to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions.
Two transmissions are offered—5-speed manual and continuously variable automatic (CVT). On models equipped with the CVT, the engine automatically restarts when the driver's foot is removed from the brake, and on 5-speed models it restarts when first gear is engaged.
The result? Manual models have a fuel rating of 60/66 mpg, while CVT models get 57/56 mpg.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The Insight provides a comfortable, safe ride. Standard feature include antilock brakes, electric power steering, dual airbags, power windows and mirrors, power door locks with keyless entry, anti-theft Immobilizer system and available automatic climate control.
However, those aren’t the only standards. Also included are an AM/FM/CD player, a digital clock, a trip computer, a rear defogger and rear wiper/washer, map lights, a driver-side visor mirror and a remote fuel-door release.
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Honda Insight Buying Resources...
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