Honda fast-tracking updates to improve Insight?
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From: Charleston, WV
Honda fast-tracking updates to improve Insight?
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/r...prove-insight/
It looks like Honda may be responding quickly to early criticism of its new Insight hybrid. Recent reviews of the Insight have been particularly harsh, especially when compared to the new Prius. Despite Honda's claims that the Insight is not a direct competitor to the Prius, AutoCar claims Honda engineers are working hard to get closer to the Toyota's mileage. It's not clear how close they can get without some significant changes to the powertrain -- something that could take considerable time and expenditure.
While Toyota clearly has bragging rights in terms of efficiency, one of the primary criticisms of the Honda has been its ride and handling. The Insight works well enough on smooth roads, but is less behaved over rougher pavement. Changes to the suspension could be accomplished pretty quickly and even rolled out as a running change.
While Toyota clearly has bragging rights in terms of efficiency, one of the primary criticisms of the Honda has been its ride and handling. The Insight works well enough on smooth roads, but is less behaved over rougher pavement. Changes to the suspension could be accomplished pretty quickly and even rolled out as a running change.
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From: Irving, TX
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From: Memphis
Yeah Honda has been getting dominated by the Prius in every single side by side review, and completely torn apart in every full review of the car. Basically it sounds like it drives very loud, rough, has a cheap interior, and offers MPG quite a bit worse than the Prius all at a price just slightly lower than the Prius. The difference in MPG and resale value would quickly adjust for your initial savings to the point where I literally can't think of a single reason why anyone would pick the Insight over the Prius.
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From: Fort Erie, Ont.
...At least it looks good....[/sarcasm]
This is off topic, but why do these cars have to be soooooooo ugly?
And even if it isn't supposed to be a direct competitor to the Prius, it sure looks like it.
IMO, Prius looks bad, this looks worse.
Jeff
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From: Memphis
The Volt looks similar, too... a lot of people think Honda and Chevy 'copied' the Prius' body but in reality it's just the best shape for a compromise between aerodynamics and interior room. The Prius actually has about as much room inside as the Camry, yet looks quite a bit smaller. It's also more aerodynamic. In the end the only thing that suffers is the way it looks. I can deal with that for the benefits. I don't think they look THAT ugly anyway... they just don't look good.
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From: Irving, TX
I agree, it is ugly. I am not a big fan of the shape, but the I think volt wears it a little bit better than the competitors. But, you can't fix exterior looks quickly. But as Threxx has said, people comparing it to the Prius are much more likely to buy the Prius. The Insight needs better sound dampening as Threxx pointed out. I forgot about that part of it.
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Jeremy Clarkson called the Insight "possibly the worst new car money can buy". I won't derail this thread by posting the entire article, but it's definitely worth the click.
http://www.wheels.ca/article/553335
Sample quote:
http://www.wheels.ca/article/553335
Sample quote:
It's terrible. Biblically terrible. Possibly the worst new car money can buy. It's the first car I've ever considered crashing into a tree, on purpose, so I didn't have to drive it any more.
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"on purpose" 
I agree that the Volt does wear it well.
Based on the input from above, the Insight has it's work cut out for it. I almost want to drive one now just to see if I too, want to crash it?
I agree that the Volt does wear it well.
Based on the input from above, the Insight has it's work cut out for it. I almost want to drive one now just to see if I too, want to crash it?
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From: FL/MI
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From: Irving, TX
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From: MI
I have read reports on the Insight about their tiny engine and their CV drive. The thing goes to maximum rpm with the rice wine that drives your head insane. It is a brand new design, and, they talk about a re-desiign. Can we say... POS.
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