Looks like Consumer Reports has finally caught up with reality. In its latest review of the 2010 Honda Insight, the magazine takes the car to task calling it a, "noisy, stiff-riding car with clumsy handling." First time in a hybrid CR?
As much as we appreciate the technology offered by vehicles like the Prius and the Insight, we've always considered them a huge compromise. You don't get that kind of mileage without giving up a few things, it's not a free ride. Unfortunately, many of the things hybrids ditch in the name of mileage are the very things that make driving enjoyable. Looks like CR isn't ready to make the trade just yet.
IL News: Consumer Reports Spanks 2010 Honda Insight for "Disappointing" Flaws
ctpax says:
10:46 AM, 06/30/09
That's what you get Honda you piece of crap.
dg0472 says:
11:04 AM, 06/30/09
What do you mean caught up with reality? CR has always faulted the Prius for sluggish handling and noted its biggest appeal was its 44MPG. Even the Touring, which loses 2MPG, is rated at 80, largely because of better braking and better grip, just at the beginning of Excellent, but still below the V6 versions of the Altima, Accord, Camry, Sonata, Malibu, and Mazda6, 4 cylinder man. Accord, 4 cylinder auto Passat and Altima, and Jetta TDI. The base gets just a 68, putting it between the Fusion/Milan 4 and Aura 4.
Sounds more like to me that Ed Hellwig is the one out of touch with reality.
lenoroc says:
11:04 AM, 06/30/09
Very thoughtful comment, ctpax. Keep in mind that this is a problem with Hybrids in general so every other hybrid-making automaker is equally guilty, if not moreso (Cadillac's).
This is why we need more diesels in the US. There's barely a performance trade-off and it's like any other car on the road.
dg0472 says:
11:08 AM, 06/30/09
Let me clarify that the above rankings don't include any 2010 version of the Fusion/Milan nor 2009 Optima (which got engine upgrades; fuel economy does factor heavily in CR's rankings).
clarkma5 says:
12:22 PM, 06/30/09
Consumer Reports is not a publication aimed toward people who care about cars and it's a huge reason why I don't listen to what they have to say. Outside of their reliability rankings, I have no reason to read them.
billt9 says:
12:26 PM, 06/30/09
In Europe BMW just put out the 316d.
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/models/316d/
2.0-liter, 116 hp,
gets 62.8 miles per Imperial Gallons on the Euro test cycle.
0-62 mph in 10.9 seconds.
That's a 42 mpg combined (divided by 1.4757) on the 2008+ EPA rating. Pretty good. Let's go with that.
a tad bit worse than a Insight in mpg, but not much tradeoff.
tryan says:
12:40 PM, 06/30/09
Hybrids have always been, and will continue to be a stopgap on the way to the automotive alt-energy 'holy grail' - Hydrogen.
estreka says:
12:53 PM, 06/30/09
I think the love affair with hybrids is beginning to wan.
Quick! Somebody build a new fad!
kingkhalas says:
03:03 PM, 06/30/09
Edmunds >>> CR
ocramida says:
04:27 PM, 06/30/09
Hybrids=FAD Yes! finally some truth
cwc1 says:
06:13 PM, 06/30/09
In order for hydrogen to be the next big thing, show me the hydrogen. It takes energy to extract it from whatever it's bonded to, so it's not the panacea that people think is is. There's no free lunch.
caroftheweek says:
08:34 PM, 06/30/09
If you have a CR login:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/august-2009/cars/honda-insight/overview/honda-insight-ov.htm
It really is one of the most negative and strongly worded reviews I've read from the typically mild-mannered CR. They knock it for very understandable reasons, but does it really add up to a car that's only one notch better than a Caliber, placing below the HHR, PT and xD? Well... yes. At least those other cars don't make extreme compromises (ingress/egress to back seat, backseat leg room and comfort, visibility, road noise, engine noise, acceleration) with 38 MPG as the only bright spot. In any case, for those that must get a Honda hatchback, the question of Insight or Fit has been clearly answered. Especially if you value driving dynamics over the Insight's paltry advantage in fuel expense.
stovt001 says:
10:48 AM, 07/ 1/09
Besides, the Fit's lower purchase, financing, maintenance, and other costs of ownership overshadow the Insight's fuel savings. And the Fit is still rather economical, so you don't have to feel guilty if you want to be "green". You just don't get to shove the hybrid badges in everyone's face, which is really the only point of hybrids. The Fit is simply a very good car for a fair price and you won't have to worry too much about maintaining it. If it matches your needs, you really can't go wrong, until the Fiesta comes out. Then we'll have to reevaluate.