And with a 120-mile round-trip work commute, I honestly need it. He also removed his outside mirrors, replacing them with a video camera mounted in the left rear turn signal. Although some drivers worked to keep the numbers up and the booster motor battery in a high state of charge, for most of us the Insight's tall gearing provoked a lot of downshifting, especially during the cut and thrust of urban driving. We found one cheap enough and we bought it. For example, the plastic rear-wheel skirts were prone to popping loose when the Dzus-type fasteners securing them came loose. There's no tether for the gas cap. Took it to Honda for a diagnostic and look over, and at 211,000 it is in great shape.
The rest of the kilometers were in the city 20 percent , in the suburbs 0 percent , and in heavy traffic 0 percent. We're all victims of our expectations at one time or another, so perhaps you'll forgive us when we tell you we are just a bit disappointed with the bottom line here: 48 miles to the gallon. The bumper did get cracked, but it is repairable. But that aside--and they're hardly issues I'm unable to live with--I love it. Touched 100 mph twice, easy! It has been in family since it had 170 miles on it. Love the fact that it comes with a manual gearbox.
Even in Europe, where ultra-frugal diesels and downsized gasoline engines have become the norm, cars have only just begun to overtake its official 69 mpg combined economy rating. This car produces exceptionally good fuel economy. Doesnt rust in Minnesota because of the aluminum body but it is pretty hard to find parts for it because of its rarity. I am posting here for the first time. That's the fuel economy posted by our Honda Insight over the 40,000-mile term of the test. What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the 2001 Honda Insight None of our members have yet commented on the real gas mileage of the 2001 Honda Insight. Plus, I have saved thousands of dollars on gas driving this—not to mention helping the environment.
The dealer would likely do the reset and ask you to try it again for a few days. A history check with companies like Carfax is still worth doing if it isn't already being offered by the seller though--it's nice to know whether the car has had any accidents in its life and how regularly it's been serviced. Video interview with 2005 Honda Insight owner Bill Kinney on the secrets of achieving remarkably high fuel efficiency. I hate to sell this car. I'll admit, its proximity played a big part in me deciding to view the car. The gas mileage was as low as 42.
Steady 85 mph — no problem! Because it sat around for much of the 11 years the lady owned it. The battery replacement or refurbishment window can be anywhere between 75,000 and 175,000 miles. It is overall a pretty good car that is roomy, but the lack of armrest makes itself very noticeable. The battery in my '01 Insight finally gave out, in a manner of speaking. The theory, set forth by Squire Csere, was that with mpg as a be-all, end-all priority, Honda probably selected toe specs to augment same. The regs said nothing to prohibit close-quarters drafting behind a Ford Excursion rigged with a homemade rear air dam, thus punching a Hindenburg-size hole in the air. We found one cheap enough and we bought it.
Drive it as it is and enjoy the 55mpg. The stereo system needs to be upgraded. It is also very reliable but all hondas are! There were a few—very few—negative comments about the seats, with their minimalist padding, and some random observations about detail shortcomings. Thanks Robert Rahn Kalispell, Mt. Can't figure why they stopped making them. Worse, it was usually a leading-edge fastener that would give up, leaving the skirt flapping in the breeze and bending the mounting brackets. Other than the hybrid battery going out every 60-80k, this car is extremely reliable.
Unfortunately, a dealership trip may be needed to figure out which is bad and what is not. There were logbook episodes in which fuel economy soared north of 60 mpg, but for the most part the econometer hovered around 50 mpg. I needed to replace the main battery shortly after I bought the car. We attribute this to the effect of moderate tire wear: Within limits, reduced tread equals better braking. There are four 4 on the 2001 Insight. You could order the kit online and take it to a local dealership for installation. In the meantime I'll just be appreciating its rarity, its avant-garde engineering and the fact I'm now practicing what I preach.
He also avoids using the brakes as much as possible, letting the car roll to a stop through a combination of engine regeneration and natural drag. I take the Insight on long trips, because I prefer better gas mileage with my Insight as compared to my Lincoln Town Car although the Town Car is much more comfortable! Finding one Arguably, one of the trickiest aspects of buying a first-generation Honda Insight is finding one in the first place. Icredible combination of gas mileage and responsive performance. It was 30 miles per gallon better than the 58 mpg on my 2000 Honda Insight. Since you are well past any warranty, you might consider installing them yourself, if your can get the Insight up off the ground that far, but also consider any warranty on the new parts that might be had by the dealership doing it?.