Consumer Reports lambasts Honda Insight, ranks it 21 out of 22 vehicles tested
by Chris Paukert on Jun 30th 2009 at 9:28AM 
2009 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery
Calling it "the most disappointing Honda Consumer Reports has tested in a long time," America's most influential product testing magazine has given extremely poor marks to the Japanese automaker's new Insight hybrid.
In a verdict that reminds us of a certain Jeremy Clarkson review (albeit more kindly worded), Consumer Reports blasted the gas-electric hatchback for its "ride quality, handling, interior noise, acceleration, rear-seat, access, and visibility," consigning the hapless Honda to a 21 out of 22 ranking among other small hatchbacks and wagons. Tallying a road test score of 54 points, it was trailed only by the widely panned Dodge Caliber, which managed just 49 points.
Despite the fact that it won't receive a much-coveted CR "Recommended" nod, the Insight still managed to post a "Good" overall road test score (largely on the strength of its 38 miles-per-gallon as-tested fuel economy). Regardless, it was comprehensively beaten by both the Volkswagen Jetta Wagon and the Hyundai Elantra Touring, which scored 80 and 79 points, respectively.
The Insight was the only vehicle in CR's test group to not to be Recommended, save Kia's Soul, which was excluded because the organization hasn't compiled any reliability data on the vehicle yet. Check out the press release after the jump and our new review of the car by clicking here.
Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight
[Source: Consumer Reports]
PRESS RELEASE:
CR's engineers say Insight's 38 mpg overall fuel economy is one of its few highs
YONKERS, N.Y., June 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The new Honda Insight posted a lackluster "Good" overall road-test score in Consumer Reports' testing for the August issue. The Insight achieved an excellent 38 mpg overall in CR's tests but fell short in ride quality, handling, interior noise, acceleration, rear-seat, access and visibility.
"The Insight is the most disappointing Honda Consumer Reports has tested in a long time," said David Champion, senior director of CR's Auto Test Center. "The Insight is a noisy, stiff-riding car with clumsy handling that is nothing like the Fit on which it is based. Also, Electronic Stability Control is only available on the highline EX version."
In a ratings chart of small hatchbacks and wagons, the Insight was rated 21st out of 22 vehicles, with a road test score of 54 points. It was followed by the Dodge Caliber, which scored 49.
Two new wagons, spin-offs of popular sedans -- the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen and Hyundai Elantra Touring scored within a point of each other and received Very Good ratings, 80 and 79 respectively.
The Sportwagen, a new addition to the Jetta line, combines sound driving dynamics and more cargo and versatility than the sedan. It also imparts the feeling of a much more expensive vehicle. The Elantra Touring, also an extension to its line, is an affordable and practical vehicle with good fuel economy (26 mpg in CR's own fuel economy tests.)
Consumer Reports tested a total of six wagons and hatchbacks in the August issue including the improved Chevrolet HHR and the Pontiac Vibe (the virtual twin of the Toyota Matrix.) The Vibe will be discontinued this August given GM's decision to discontinue the Pontiac brand. Both the Vibe and the HHR received Very Good ratings. The test group also included the sporty Mazda3 hatchback, freshened with a new four-cylinder engine and new styling was also rated Very Good.
Prices ranged from $19,085 for the Pontiac to $24,730 for the Chevy HHR. All vehicles in the test proved to have average of better reliability in CR.
Consumer Reports also tested the Kia Soul. The Soul shares several of the same attributes of the small, boxy Scion xB, and was also rated Very Good. This is a new model so CR does not have any reliability data and cannot Recommend the Soul.
All vehicles in the test group are Recommended by Consumer Reports except for the Insight, which scored too low in CR's tests to be Recommended and the Soul, which does not have any reliability data yet. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
Full tests and ratings of the test group appear in the August issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale June 30. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.
The Honda Insight seats five and gets excellent fuel economy, but it's a noisy car with a stiff ride and clumsy handling. At its cornering limits, the Insight plows straight ahead early on in tight turns and the tail can slide out too quickly for stability control to completely prevent it. The Insight EX, ($21,790 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested), is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with a 13-hp electric motor combine for 98 hp that delivers 38 mpg overall. The continuously variable transmission performs smoothly. Unlike a full hybrid, the Insight requires the gas engine to turn whenever the car is moving. Braking is Very Good. Cargo space behind the rear seats is adequate.
The wagon version of the Volkswagen Jetta combines good driving dynamics and versatility with excellent fit and finish. The Jetta SE, ($24,324, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 170-hp, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine that delivers average performance but got only 23 mpg overall in CR's fuel economy tests. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and has a manual-override feature. Braking is Very Good. The cargo area is very spacious and you can fold down one or both sections of the rear seatbacks.
The Elantra Touring wagon is fairly roomy and versatile, with a nicely finished interior and lots of amenities for the money. The Touring's ride is noticeably stiffer than the sedan's ride, with some sharp impacts. The Elantra Touring wagon, ($19,475, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 138-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers average performance and a respectable 26-mpg overall. The four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and responsively. Braking is Excellent. Folding down the 60/40 seatback makes for a fairly commodious load volume.
The Mazda3 has been one of CR's top-scoring small cars for several years, distinguished by agile handling and a good-quality interior that is laid out well. The Mazda3 had a firm, compliant ride that provided good isolation from everyday road bumps. The Mazda3 s Sport, ($20,700, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 167-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that feels smooth and refined and delivers 25 mpg overall in mixed driving. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. Braking is Very Good. Cargo space is good behind the rear seats, and when the seatbacks are lowered the hatch encloses a good-sized cargo area.
The Pontiac Vibe is versatile, fuel-efficient, and reasonably priced. The Vibe's ride is compliant but not very steady and bumps create side-to-side rocking and even the highway ride can feel choppy. The Pontiac Vibe 1.8L, ($19,085, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 132-hp, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that provides good performance and 24 mpg overall. The four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is Very Good. The rear is quite spacious. The cargo area is lined with hard plastic and small items slide around on it.
The Chevrolet HHR plays to 1950s design nostalgia but one drawback to its retro styling is the small and short windows, which inhibit the view out. Bumps are absorbed quite well, but the deep ruts and ridges come through as rubbery kicks. The Chevrolet HHR LT, ($24,730 MSRP), as tested is powered by a 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that provides good performance and 24 mpg overall. The four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is Very Good. The seatbacks fold down for generous cargo space.
With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
AUGUST 2009
The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports(R) is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our independence and impartiality, Consumers Union accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. Consumers Union supports itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Joe 9:35AM (6/30/2009)
Wow. I guess those Japanese manufacturers AREN'T all they're cracked up to be!
This is particularly good for Ford, with the Fusion Hybrid. It's a bigger, heavier vehicle, has more interior room, and gets better mileage than the Insight.
Reply
Luis 9:40AM (6/30/2009)
And the Prius - which is bigger than the Insight, has more technology than the Fusion yes costs slightly more than the Insight and significantly less than the Fusion, yet still creams them all in MPG.
Redeemed 9:46AM (6/30/2009)
"This is particularly good for Ford, with the Fusion Hybrid. It's a bigger, heavier vehicle, has more interior room, and gets better mileage than the Insight."
I've seen some real world tests where the Insight, Fusion, and Prius are all within 3-4mpg of each other so it's a toss up and actual economy will depend on driving style.
Also, Fusion is nearly $8K higher than Insight so I would expect a noticed improvement in room, features, ect.
216 9:46AM (6/30/2009)
Dont forget! The Prius still gives you that "We Come in Peace" ride experience like no other!
John P. 9:54AM (6/30/2009)
I agree with you, but while the Ford is extremely practical and makes sense for a lot of people, it doesn't scream HYBRID! like the Honda and Prius do. People who buy Prius and Insights don't care how they drive or how practical they are in the real world, only that they scream "Green" to all their friends and coworkers in the parking lot at starbucks and work.
Hater 9:55AM (6/30/2009)
Well Luis, you get the d bag award. The Fusion has the highest number of patents for a hybrid vehicle. This would generally mean that it incorporates unique technologies, and if it has the most compared with other hybrids, then it has more technology than the prius. If you're just focusing on MPG, the original insight achieved higher MPG than the current prius.
cFoo 10:35AM (6/30/2009)
They don't make a Honduh like they used to any more. Our family have been buying Honduh for the last 20years until the last generation of TL and now a really crappy Acura RDX. Both rattles like a VW off the lot. The steering wheels aren't even straight, dealer service said there's nothing wrong with it. DUH. Rear rear axles clunk over bumps as if it's going to fall off. etc..
Honda lost its way. They stopped everything they did well to try and be something they're not.
Luis 11:01AM (6/30/2009)
Well Hater, your name speaks for itself.
FSM 11:29AM (6/30/2009)
@ John P
Yes because you know every single Prius and Insight driver on the face of the Earth personally, and can see right through their guise. You are even easier to stereotype than hybrid car drivers but I will refrain from doing so because it doesn't need to be spelled out, you've already done it for us.
Joe 12:15PM (6/30/2009)
FSM...(nice avatar, BTW)...
I don't think John was hating, I think he was simply commenting that the Prius and Insight carry more "Green" cache amongst the more liberal of society, hence, many of them are more likely to buy those than a Fusion Hybrid, regardless of how green the cars actually are.
Personally, I do tend to stereotype Prius drivers, and typically call the car a "Pious" because of the attitudes of many people that drive them. Do all Prius drivers believe that their bowl movements don't smell, as is oft quoted? No. Do the obnoxious minority? Yes.
It's the same thing as people calling all gun rights advocates baby killers, murderers, or a-hole NRA members. Are some people that own guns d-bags? Yes. Are all of them? No. Are most of them? No.
See what I did there? Sucks when the shoe is on the other foot.
Rich 1:03PM (6/30/2009)
@ FSM & John P
You both miss the important point that the Fusion Hybrid is the result of a poll hosted by Ford at the Web launch of the Fusion.
The poll asked what Fusion variant do you most want to see? IIRC, the choices included 4x4, wagon, and hybrid. The were soliciting comments too.
Aside from noting the absence of a "diesel" response to the poll, I also noted that the very name "Fusion" hints strongly of "Hybrid".
Noidor 1:12PM (6/30/2009)
I wonder what the heck was Honda thinking. It's not like it didn't have any experience in hybrids. They had original Insight, Civic Hybrid, Accord Hybrid. Why in the world would they come out with a ridiculously compromised product like the new Insight? Did they really think that people would overlook ALL its faults for an MPG figure which is on par with a diesel Golf?
I'm not a big fan of Prius, but man, if you read the reviews of 3rd gen, it seems to be a solid product, apart maybe from windnoise. Then huge props to GM and Ford for their iterations of "green" with Fusion and Volt.
Honda has absolutely lost its way, they wanted to chase volume, wanted to take on Toyota, and it has all but blown up in their face. Always remember what Ghosn said, "volume is nothing without profitability". Such a statement is applicable in this scenario because it's a clear cut example of chasing volume with a less than mediocre product? Sound familiar? Talk about digging a deeper hole!
AndrewNoNumbers 2:24PM (6/30/2009)
@John P.
Yes the Prius and Insight will win the people who want to look "green". But there are other people who just want a car that looks like a car that also happens to be a hybrid.
Matt 4:22AM (7/01/2009)
And the Prius comes with added smugness
Chris 12:32AM (7/01/2009)
Guys, calm down now! Luis is talking about the solar roof on the Prius that cools the interior while it sits in the parking lot! Totally super magnificent high-tech!
Not THAT Matt 2:02AM (7/05/2009)
CR would have liked the car more had it been a Toyota.
Charger06RT 9:37AM (6/30/2009)
Doh!
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Luis 9:38AM (6/30/2009)
Wow! CR usually rates Honda's extremely well, so this is a shocker. Of course, as soon as I sat in an Insight at the NY International Auto Show and found the drivers seat to be extremely flat and uncomfortable I knew it was crap.
Honda seems to have lost it's way, they even managed to fug up the Fit, which in the previous gen was tossable and now is getting boring. Add the super-buttoned huge Accord and of course the nasty new faces of Acuras and Honda is in trouble.
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Red 11:00AM (6/30/2009)
This really shouldn't surprise anyone. If you head to a Honda lot and look around the Insight, it's pretty easy to see this was a rushed vehicle. It was about as ill-conceived as the first Insight. Neither seem to have been fully thought out given the time frame of their releases. Although the original had the highest EPA rating of any Hybrid thus far (real world mileage on a friend's was consistently 68-70mpg), it was always cramped with a fairly busy ride; this one doesn't seem to address any of that.
In the quest to become the cheapest hybrid you can purchase, Honda really seems to have cut major corners. One thing I've noticed becoming increasingly frustrating about car companies (particularly ones we've grown up with and have come to love, be-it Chevy, Honda, Dodge, etc...) is a particular brand has to have vehicles that cannot be denied. Not everyone is going to like your car, but if you offer something nobody else does, especially if it's cheap, people will buy it because they feel they're getting value. There's no real merit to the value of the Insight because it's (a) EPA rating (important only really for marketing given the real world efficiency) is lower than the Prius, (b) not as practical as a Honda Fit, and (c) rides like an old Cavalier with no significant trade-off in handling (compared to the Prius, yes...again, compared to the Fit...not so much).
The Insight II is merely adequate when the game has moved well beyond it even before it was announced. I anticipate the Fit Hybrid will likely get a better score and truth be told, is exactly what the Insight II should've been. This new Insight seems redundant given the rumors about Honda's future hybrid product plans.
This, coming from a fan of Hondas.
zamafir 11:00AM (6/30/2009)
It's not that big of a shocker if you've driven the car. I thought clarkson was being his normal grumpy self, but it's really that bad.