This is where the long-term 2010 Honda Insight will live today while we're all at the convention center covering the 2009 LA Auto Show. I've been driving our hybrid hatchback around the city for the last 24 hours, and like virtually every other editor on staff, the ride quality is beginning to wear on me a bit.
Earlier this year, I drove another 2010 Insight from Napa to Los Angeles, and I didn't really mind the firmness of the ride. That's not to say I thought the car had a great ride. But considering the car's economy roots (Fit platform architecture) and dynamic challenges (heavy batteries on-board), I was prepared to accept it.
But it's clear Honda didn't tune the suspension to cope with LA freeways, which is rather odd, given that greater LA will end up with one the highest percentages of 2nd-gen Insights per capita.
Nevertheless, I still kind of enjoy using it as a commuter car, because the seating position suits me perfectly, all the controls are easy to use, and the basic-grade Honda navigation system works well.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 9,545 miles
gbear2 says:
08:40 AM, 12/ 2/09
Is it possible that there is some difference between the two Insights you drove?
I ask because Ive had the Insight for a little more than 2 months, drive the LA freeways (405, 101, 10) almost every day and have no complaints with the suspension.
rayainsw says:
09:13 AM, 12/ 2/09
"But it's clear Honda didn't tune the suspension to cope with LA freeways"
Elaborate, please?
Are we talking about 'freeway hop' on concrete slab highways?
Or...?
Thanks.
mheikka says:
08:43 PM, 12/ 3/09
As an owner, I know Honda didn't provide sufficient sound management in the new Insight. Seattle freeways are deeply grooved concrete (from studded snow tires) and the car is a loud ride on those surfaces. The ride is smooth and the car doesn't hop - it just has an abundance of road noise, amplified on rough concrete freeways. The small, low rolling resistance tires and a lack of sound deadening materials/systems (for both the chassis and the engine/CVT) are to blame.
Road noise has been my biggest complaint. Hopefully Honda will address it in the 2011 model. I think road and engine/CVT noise is the primary reason there are so many Insight haters posting here, and why sales are soft. If the car were quieter and didn't have the CVT acceleration drone, many more would accept it for what it is - a more affordable, small commuter hybrid.