2003 Honda Insight Review
Price Estimate: $1,480 - $2,467





+14
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Amazing fuel economy, astounding technology, lots of standard equipment.
Cons
- Batteries drain fast under continual electric motor assist, highly susceptible to crosswinds, not much point-and-shoot power on tap.
What’s new
No changes are in store for Honda's clever gas/electric hybrid vehicle.
Edmunds says
Some cars make you feel like a champion. This one makes you feel like a hero.
For sale near Columbus, OH
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$72/mo for Insight Base
Insight Base
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Honda Insight Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
SO MUCH FUN I WANT TWO
4.88 out of 5 starsFRED, 06/22/2006
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
This is the most fun car to drive and for a 6'4" guy, comfortable and zippy.I want to buy another in a different color it is so much fun. I have a Mercedes convertible, a Lexus Wagon and my daughter a new Cabriolet. You can have all of them. I like driving alone and have as much space in the back of my Insight as my Lexus. I am going to dump my others and get a blue one. I may not drive … that much, but I get there faster than the huge SUVs who try and kill me out of jealousy. Never seem to put gas..what high prices? It is so quiet I never know if it is running. This is the least written or reviewed hybrid because it isn't a family car. I am glad I got rid of them.
2003 used purshase
5 out of 5 starswildbill53, 04/15/2014
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback w/Air Conditioning (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
I Bought it with 76,000 miles. IMA battery was replaced and all recalls/updates completed. I drive 240 miles a day from Tucson to Phoenix and back.
I have 109,000 on it now. Fun to drive but does require a certain personality to drive.
Meaning that you can't get on the gas all the time and expect the battery to stay charged. Also staying light on the gas will defiantly improve mileage. … If I keep it around 65 I can get over 80 mpg going to Phoenix and around 65 on the trip back(Phoenix is 1526 ft lower than Tucson). So my tank average is around 67 to 72. My worst is around 57mpg but that is a windy day, no drafting, A/C on and going 75+ mph. It can top 90+mpg with drafting and 62mph
UPDATE 10/15/2016. it has been 159000 miles since my last review. Car is at 268000 miles on odometer. I've replaced the clutch,12v battery,spark plugs, front brake pads and rotors. I had to repair rear shocks since Honda wants to put me in debt for the price they want and noone sells aftermarket. Over all I wish Honda would start production of the first generation again.
Favorite Car to Drive
5 out of 5 starsEdmond, 11/07/2007
2002 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
I purchased the CVT and have not regretted the purchase at all. I get an average of 52 mpg in LA with stop/go/AC. The car had 80,000 existing miles but Honda's extended warranty (150K) for the battery as well as the Honda Care extended warranty (7yr/100K) has taken care of any concerns. I enjoy the car so much that I will be selling my other car because I no longer drive it. Looking … forward to the release of the 2009 Insight.
It doesn't get any better than this!
5 out of 5 starsTim Guiles, 03/04/2004
2003 Honda Insight 2dr Hatchback (1.0L 3cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
In the summer I get 85 miles to the gallon
while driving normally through the mountains
and valleys of Vermont. This car is great in
the snow - - - I live 2 miles off the paved road
at the end of a small dirt road and I continue
to be impressed by the capabilities of this car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 Honda Insight, so we've included reviews for other years of the Insight since its last redesign.
2003 Insight Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,080 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Mild hybrid |
Combined MPG | 53 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $72/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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