Verdict
B
← Honda Insight · 2000-2006 · ZE1
Honda Insight (Gen 1)
Original aluminium hybrid coupe. Already a future-classic.
BHP
73 bhp
0–60
11.0 s
Top speed
105 mph
MPG
61 mpg
Used
$5,000-$15,000
Strengths
- Aluminium body engineering is unique
- Manual-only purist heaven
- First-gen Insight is appreciating
Weaknesses
- Two-seat only
- NiMH battery degradation by now
- Service network thin
Notable tech
- Aluminium body (Honda's first aluminium-bodied production car)
- 1.0 I3 + IMA hybrid system
- 5-speed manual or CVT
- Two-seat coupe (no rear seats)
- Cd 0.25 (lowest production Cd at launch)
Common issues
- NiMH battery degradation (replacement common at 100k+)
- IMA system electrical faults
- Aluminium body repair specialists few
Used-market budget
$8,000
Typical price point for a well-maintained example with full service history. Cars priced significantly below this often require remedial work.