2010 Honda Insight EX: Track Tested!

Better than what i expected

I fell asleep before it hit 60.

Why buy an Insight over a Fit? Is there any reason?

So you have to put up with that racket for almost 11 seconds.

That engine combined with the CVT would get old REAL fast. I've had Gen II Prius rentals before, and I don't recall them being anywhere near as loud under heavy acceleration.

hahaahaha that video is glacial hahahahaha.
But not bad.

Hey I think you guys should post that very video for all the cars you track test. That was cool to get to listen to what it sounds like while accelerating. The honda does sound a little loud but at least it's a decent note even if it holds it forever!!!

Given its mission and modest power I think its performance is acceptable.

I highly doubt the consumers who purchase the Insight will nail the throttle for any given amount of time.

The Insight EX is good at its intended purpose yet I would could get a Civic EX-L for less or a Fit Sport for much less. If I had to get a hybrid for around the same price the Civic Hybrid would easily be my choice.

This is an enthusiast based site so anything that performs below a certain threshold is bound to gather more than a few negative comments regardless of what type or brand of car is tested. We as enthusiasts must sometimes look at certain products from a totally different perspective to understand their purpose.

When you red line a V8 (Maybe even some V6's) its called roaring but red lining a Hybrid it ripping out its own soul in order do much of anything. Personally I'd worry about breaking something if I had rev the engine like on any consistent basis.

That typical CVT behavior would bother me, probably in any car.

Hondacura4: I'd have to agree with you regarding this vehicle's performance. On one end you have the Civic hybrid which is a great deal slower, and on the other the Prius which isn't much faster. That said the engine noise really would kill the experience for me. I'd be willing to bet my blender is quieter.

What an awesome video! I love the moo!

That made my day. Is that sad?

I'm still laughing.... thanks Inside Line for making my evening!

I thought this car was supposed to run circles around the Prius? It doesn't really outperform the Prius.

@stephen987, I think IL should compare the Insight to the Fit and see who wins.

As an owner, the acceleration noise is noticeable, and not welcome. Honda has dropped the ball here, and I predict that a 1.5 or 1.6L engine will be added pronto.

That said, I've never needed to use maximum acceleration to 80 mph on any typical, daily commute, and I doubt that most hybrid drivers do. If you want to rocket down the onramp or up the mountain, you aren't in the demographic for currently available hybrid cars, and don't have a driving style conducive to good economy, regardless of powertrain.

Non-acceleration, "ambient" road noise is the bigger issue for this car (and for many other cars Edmunds tests.) Honda has work to do here, but the Insight driving experience isn't like living inside a blender as the video attempts to portray.

I'm pleased that Edmunds is using sound testing as a part of its routine, but am disappointed that the results aren't being used objectively and consistently across all vehicle segments. I'll bet that many of the "performance cars" Edmunds tests are equally loud (or louder) in most driving scenarios, yet they don't receive the same endless criticism. Noise is noise, especially during a long drive.

cwc1

Its not that bad in person. I know with an Altima we rented, its CVT was actually really nice. It makes that noise when you floor it, but once you back off, the RPMs and the Engine Sounds Drop.

My guess is the same for the Insight. He (or she) most likely floored it the entire time and removed their foot from the throttle entirely.