Reviewers Hurl Criticism at 2010 Honda Insight
The 2010 Honda Insight has as many critics as it does admirers. Photo via dsix.
What’s the biggest obstacle to mainstream adoption of greener cars? Cost. The new generation of super fuel-efficient high-tech vehicles—including hybrids, clean diesels and electric cars—carry a higher price tag compared to their conventional counterparts. That’s why Honda designed its latest hybrid, the 2010 Honda Insight, with affordability as the main goal. With a base MSRP of ,800, Honda achieved its objective. The Honda Insight’s marketing tag line is, “The Hybrid for Everyone.”
When the Insight was introduced in early 2009, the automotive press gushed with praise. Reviewers claimed that the Honda Insight is more compelling and fun to drive than the quintessential gas-electric car, the Toyota Prius, which is bigger, faster, and uses a more sophisticated third-generation of hybrid technology. The Los Angeles Times’s Dan Neil described the Insight as “impeccably constructed, well planned and honeyed with high-tech surfaces and materials. Nothing feels cheap or compromised.” Road Track’s Dennis Simanaitis wrote, “The Insight will make a significant contribution to sustainable mobility.” Edmunds.com reviewers said, “Given its impressive talents and attractive price, it’s hard to fault the 2010 Honda Insight.”
But in the past few weeks, a number of critics have found it quite easy to find faults with the Insight—harshly criticizing the car for the very traits that have allowed Honda to keep down the price.
1The Honda Insight doesn’t feel solid.
David Champion, senior director of the Consumer Reports auto test center, said, “The Insight is a noisy, stiff-riding car with clumsy handling that is nothing like the Fit on which it is based.”
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