2010 Honda Insight Delivers Hybrid Quality

By: Rob Adams
Staff Writer
Published: Jun 8, 2009

2010 Honda Insight Redeems Quality With Hybrid Affordability

One of the best hybrid cars on the market is the 2010 Honda Insight which offers the best price of $19,800. The vehicle lives up to the quality standards set by Honda, and I was impressed with the Eco-Assist graphics on the dashboard. The ride is comfortable and has the best seamless braking, I've ever experienced.

The Honda Insight does have slower power and pick-up speed. For example, the automobile has slow acceleration, although this probably does not have a negative impact when it comes to fuel-efficiency. The hybrid car is powered by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC four-Cylinder engine and electric motor that nets 98 horsepower.

While the acceleration was a bit slow, I was still pleased with its performance. The 2010 Insight features 123 pound-feet of torque and a continuously variable transmission. The vehicle has its Eco Assist technology, which can be activated by pressing the "ECON" button on the dashboard, and allows drivers to modify the powertrain to further enhance the fuel efficiency.

Insight has a nice aerodynamic shape to maximize its fuel efficiency. I really like the style as some elements remind me of Honda's older signature automobiles complimented with a new shape. The front end resembles the Honda FCX Clarity.

The Insight Hybrid offers intuitive cabin controls. I can't say enough about the graphics on the dashboard. The Eco Assist technology will change the dashboard's background lighting to reflect how fuel efficient you are driving.

The Honda hybrid has plenty of room for storage throughout its cabin space. There is noticeable cost cutting efforts in the cabin but the overall effect is clean and modern. The only thing I didn't like was the lack of headroom for passengers in the back seats.

The 2010 Insight cargo space is well designed, which makes room for the battery, while providing 15.9 cubic feet of available cargo. Several hybrid cars cut the amount of cargo space for the battery, but Honda still maintained more than enough storage space.

Insight provides numerous safety features including dual-stage and dual threshold front air bags. It also has front side air bags with a passenger side occupant detection sensor and side curtain air bags. The vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes and Electronic Brake force Distribution.

Honda Insight is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The hybrid powertrain components are protected separately for eight years or 100,000 miles.