The 2010 Honda Insight is fitted with a 1.3-liter four cylinder engine and a DC brushless electric motor, mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Insight’s inline four, produces 98 horsepower (HP) and 123 foot pounds of torque, while the electric motor adds 13 HP and 58 foot pounds of torque.

The crisply designed exterior harkens back to the original Honda Insight (sans side skirts) and the CRX which inspired the first generation hybrids.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Honda Insight are 40 city / 43 highway miles per gallon (MPG)

We rolled up more than five hundred miles on the odometer of our Clear Sky Blue Insight EX review unit and had no problem trumping the official mileage estimates with an average of 50.8 MPG on the Interstate highway and 46.5 MPG combined.

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the seventies to the high-eighties, with Interstate highway testing temperatures running into the the high eighty degree range. All tests were run in ECON mode.

The Insight scored significantly higher with cruise control off on the highway. There was insignificant difference when running the air conditioner at highway speeds over our test period.

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 48.9 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 54.8 MPG
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C on, windows closed: 48.7 MPG

The Insight’s hybrid power train gets the 2734 pound (curb weight with Navigation system) up to highway speeds in a reasonable amount of time. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (courtesy of the Honda Fit), provide access to seven simulated speeds, for those times when you feel the need to indulge your sporting self.

The Insight delivers crisp handling and a 36.1 foot curb-to-curb turning diameter. Some folks may consider the ride to be taught. Our only beef was with the feel of the regenerative brakes.

When driving the Insight, you’re constantly aware of gasoline consumption. The Ambient Meter surrounds the digital speedometer with glowing color that changes from green – when driving in a fuel-efficient manner, to a blue-green – for the times when the engine is under moderate load, to dark blue – when you’re really on the pedal. The speedometer’s placement keeps your eyes centered and on the road.

When you come to a full stop, the Insight’s gasoline engine may shut down, depending on conditions. This can save a considerable amount of fuel in city traffic.

Pressing the ECON button optimizes the drive train for economical driving. This function delivers more MPGs with a bit less performance. The Assist/Charge meter lets you know when the electric motor is providing power or in recharge mode.

The Multi-Information Display (MID) provides instant and average fuel economy data, along with an Eco Guide and the fuel economy results for previous trips. There’s even an “Eco Scoring” feature that turns saving gas into a game.

MPGomatic Note: While the Insight’s glowing Ambient Meter is wicked cool (and quite effective), we always recommend driving with the instant fuel economy or Eco Guide display active, in order to develop a light-footed driving technique to ensure the greatest amount of mileage from every gallon of fuel.

The Insight’s 10.6 gallon gas tank allows for very generous range, with the fill ups few and far between.

The Insight EX features a six-speaker 160-watt audio system that provides a handy USB interface, along with a standard audio input jack. (The base LX model has four speakers.) Our test unit was equipped with the satellite-linked Navigation package with voice recognition and hands-free Bluetooth. Steering wheel controls are excellent. The Insight’s iPod and USB flash drive integration is comprehensive. The USB interface allows for access to playlists, artists, albums, and songs from the Navigation system’s touchscreen display and steering wheel controls.

Note: The 2010 Prius may deliver higher gas mileage, but it does not provide an USB interface.

The rear 60/40 fold down bench seat allows for flexible cargo arrangement, with 15.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the rear seats are up and 31.5 cubic feet of capacity when the rear seats down.
Headroom in the back seat is tight for taller folks.

The Insight EX includes a number of welcome safety features, including Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.

All-in-all, the 2010 Honda Insight is an extremely thrifty ride for the budget conscious. While its pure fuel economy numbers may fall a bit short of the Toyota Prius, the Insight’s lower sticker price make it a more economical choice. With crisp handling and tight lines, the Insight seeks to widen the niche.

2010 Honda Insight EX Navi Specs at a Glance:
Engine: 1.3-liter inline SOHC i-VTEC four cylinder with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system.
Transmission: CVT
Fuel: Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Tank Capacity: 10.6 gallons
Drive: Front-wheel
Brakes: Front-Disc / Rear-Drum (Anti-Lock)
Curb Weight: 2734 pounds with navigation (2727 without)
CARB Emissions Rating: ULEV/AT-PZEV

The natural gas powered Civic GX NGV is refilled via a Phill home fueling unit, which is tied to your home’s gas line. While initially targeted at controlled fleets and campus settings, the Civic NGV is available to individuals in select areas. Alas, it’s not for everyone. Finding an authorized Honda NGV dealer in your area may pose a significant hurdle.

It’s important to note that the Civic NGV is not a conversion, nor is it imported from overseas. In this video report shot at the 2008 Alternative Fuels and Vehicles conference, Honda representative Annabel Cook explains that the Civic NGV it is built from the ground up as a natural-gas powered vehicle at Honda’s production facility in Ohio.

The 2009 Honda Fit is available in two levels of trim, the base Fit and the Fit Sport.

All 2009 Fits are equipped with a 1.5 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Fit’s inline four produces 117 horsepower (HP) and 106 foot pounds of torque.

The official gas mileage estimates for the 2009 Honda Fit are 27 city / 33 highway miles per gallon (MPG) for both the manual transmission and Fit Sport automatic. (The base Fit automatic is estimated slightly higher at 28/35.)

We absolutely demolished the official estimates for our five-speed automatic 2009 Honda Fit Sport review unit, scoring an average of 44 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 34.3 MPG combined. Test period temperatures ranged from the thirties through the forties, with freeway speeds between 60 and 72 miles per hour (MPH).

While the Fit is fun to push through the twisty bits, both in town and out in the country, there’s no mistaking it for a rocket ship. With just 117 HP to work with, off-the-line acceleration is a bit leisurely.

Regardless of the power deficit, the Fit Sport automatic’s paddle shifters make the car a blast to drive. The paddle shifters allow you to upshift and downshift without taking your hands off the steering wheel. This makes it easy to keep the Fit’s revvy engine in its power band. (Redline comes at 6800 RPM.)

When turning, you can lose track of which paddle is which … until you feel the back of the paddles. The upshift (right) paddle has two vertical ridges that put you on track in an instant.

The Fit provides both average fuel economy and real-time MPG gauges in a LCD display just under the speedometer. This little critter responds exceptionally well to light-footed driving, but it takes some finesse. We saw distinct differences in fuel economy between driving with the cruise control on and off at highway speeds.

Cruise control on / 68 MPH average speed – 42.9 MPG
Cruise control off / 60-72 MPH speed – 45.1 MPG

The trick to getting the best fuel economy from the Fit? Use Sport mode, upshift early, watch the real-time MPG gauge, and drive conscientiously with a light foot.

Our philosophy and methodology at MPGomatic is simple. Getting the best mileage is all about knowing when to let off the gas. The greater the distance you drive with your foot completely off the accelerator pedal, the higher your MPGs.

The Fit is a driver’s car of a different sort. From the steering wheel controls through the flexible interior, versatility and thoughtful design are the emphasis.

The Fit Sport features an USB audio interface in the upper glovebox. The optional satellite-linked navigation system conveniently displays all the files on your USB digital music device, sorted by playlist, album, artist, and track. You can navigate via the navigation system’s touch screen or through the steering wheel controls. While the navigation system includes voice control, there is no voice control over USB audio.

The rear seat and cargo area are best in class. The Fit’s “Magic” back seat doesn’t just fold down, it folds completely flat … and it folds up, to boot. This allows the cargo area to accommodate the widest range of objects, with a remarkable 57.3 cubic feet of space.

The Fit is a wonderful little car but it’s not free of shortcomings. While there’s an overabundance of (10!) cupholders in the Fit, there’s only one 12-volt outlet and hands-free Bluetooth is not available. The 2010 Fit needs to offer Bluetooth and additional power outlets.

All-in-all, we found the Honda Fit Sport to be quite roomy and fun-to-drive, which can be a rare characteristic in a small car with such remarkable fuel economy. While the Fit’s not nearly as sporting as a MINI Cooper, it’s considerably less expensive, with a far more roomy and versatile interior.

But when you consider the changes in today’s cars, compared to those of the late seventies and early eighties, it all begins to make sense. The modern Civic is much more complex, much larger, and much heavier than its counterpart three decades ago.

Today’s Honda Fit is more akin to yesteryear’s Civic, yet it’s so much more.

I’m in the midst of testing a Fit this week and I can’t help but think how much it reminds me of my trusty old 1983 Honda Civic S. (I didn’t leave the “i” off … the S model predated the Si.) But the Civic’s interior was much tighter inside than the Fit. That’s not to say that it couldn’t haul stuff. I used the little hatchback as a moving van more than once, back in the day. But when I flipped the Fit’s Magic Seat around the first time, I was flabbergasted. There’s a remarkable amount of cargo space inside the little critter.

And the highway mileage?

It’s good. Really good. This is one of the cars that responds so well to light-footed driving that you have to question the official numbers …

Our MPGomatic Honda CR-V review was one of our earliest efforts. Over a week-long early spring test drive, our AWD 2008 CR-V EX-L lived up to its billing, delivering a comfortable car-like ride unlike any CR-V we’d driven before, with plenty of creature comforts. While some CR-V owners might gripe about the mileage, we found that careful use of the center-dash real-time MPG monitor will enable you to squeak past the official estimates.

Here at MPGomatic, we recommend that you puruse a wide variety of reviews when considering the purchase of a new vehicle. Although this early effort might overlook a feature or two, we’ve always aimed to deliver a real world review from the driver’s seat, while relying upon the automotive community as a whole to cover all the bases. We like to think of this as an open-source model. Rather than getting mired down with a checklist of features in our three-minute review, we’ve undertaken the efford to create a mashup of CR-V reviews that paints a complete picture of Honda’s not-so-little (anymore) SUV…

Kelly Blue Book’s Honda CR-V review exhaustively details the CR-V’s standard features and the options, as it delves into the details with lingering looks and attractive scenery. As always, KBB does a fine job of covering pricing and financial issues …

Weighing in at just under two minutes, The Toronto Star and Wheels.ca’s Honda CR-V review takes it to the street and pulls no punches, when it refers to the CR-V as “a bit of a wallflower” when compared to more sporting competition …

cnet’s 2009 Honda CR-V review gushes over the new and generally very pleasant CR-V after referring to the previous generation as a “barbaric little ruffian.” cnet’s review earns high notes by tackling the tech details of the top-of-the-line EX-L’s standard navigation and audio system.

In May 2008, we had the opportunity to taste the forbidden fruit. Our Honda CR-V diesel test drive through the streets of Las Vegas, Nevada provides a rare glimpse of what it’s like to drive a diesel-powered CR-V through American traffic …

While rumor had it that Honda was nearly ready to begin importing the torquey and fuel-efficient CR-V diesel here to the States, those dreams have been dashed, at least for the time being …

The Honda Insight’s remarkable gas mileage ratings are largely due to its tiny three cylinder engine. In the 2005 Insight (shown above), the highly efficient 1.0 liter engine produces 67 horsepower (HP) and 73 foot pounds of torque when mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The electric motor adds an additional 14 HP. When fitted with an automatic transmission, the 2005 Insight’s 1.0 liter engine produces 65 HP and 73 foot-pounds of torque, with the electric motor producing an additional 13 HP.

The 2005 Insight’s NiMH battery storage system delivers 144V, using 120 1.2V cells, with a rated capacity of 6.5 AH.

Honda Insight Gas Mileage 2000-2006

Viewing the statistics, it’s easy to understand how the Insight hybrid achieved those remarkable gas mileage results. Weighing in at under a ton, Honda’s little spaceship had a big head start, with a diminutive 1.0 liter three cylinder engine providing just enough oomph and efficiency to land the micro hybrid’s gas mileage in the stratosphere.

With the Insight put out to pasture after the 2006 model year, the Toyota Prius snatched the hybrid gas mileage crown, edging out the Honda Civic Hybrid.

The mid-decade loss of the Civic Hybrid’s manual transmission option is worth noting. With the ever-increasing focus on fuel-efficiency and a Honda sports hybrid on the way, it might not be the last we see of the stick-shift Honda hybrids.

The promise of the 100 mile per gallon (MPG) hybrid isn’t a dream … it’s achievable today, with an aftermarket plug-in hybrid conversion kit.

2000-2008 Hybrid Gas Mileage

After opening remarks from diesel hot rodding legend Gale Banks, attention turned to the race course laid out though the parking lots of the Rio Hotel and a generous selection of Euro-diesel gems from Bosch’s fleet.

Attendees were treated to some of the finest examples of diesel engineering currently prowling the streets of Europe, including a Honda Accord i-CDTi and i-CDTi CR-V, Chrysler 300, BMW 535d M Sport, Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, and a Mercedes-Benz E320.

Two of the newest and smallest additions to Bosch’s fleet proved to be the hits of the evening, with the MINI Cooper D and BMW 123d M Sport hot hatchbacks especially well suited to the tight curves of the Rio track.

For those that had never driven a modern clean diesel vehicle, the event was an eye opener, with each vehicle delivering exceptional performance and economy in their respective classes.

For attendees that missed the event … there’s always next year …

The 2008 Accord is available with a 2.4 liter inline four or a 3.5 liter V6 engine. Our test unit performed admirably with the 2.4 liter i-VTEC four. After experiencing the four cylinder’s thrifty performance, we’d be hard pressed to upgrade to the V6, given the current price of gas. For most folks, the 2.4 liter four cylinder will get the job done.

We took our four-door test Accord to the highway, loading it up for five hour trek to Vermont for some spring skiing.

Over a week-long test, we found the four cylinder Accord to be conservatively rated at 21 city and 31 highway miles per gallon (MPG), as we achieved 34 MPG on the highway and 28.1 combined in over 600 miles of driving.

The Accord is well-suited to highway cruising … as it soaks up those Interstate miles. The big fuel efficiency display is a boon for economy-minded drivers.

Over the years, the Accord has grown to be quite a substantial sedan. When loaded up with the goodies, like our test car, the Accord delivers a luxurious ride.

The Accord’s interior is a welcome cocoon with leather surfaces, dual front heated seats, and power lumbar support for the driver. The voice activated navigation and audio system helps keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

While we would have preferred an AWD SUV for the trip, our front-wheel drive Accord had no problem making its way through half a foot of spring snow in the Green Mountains. And let it be said, our Accord’s anti-lock brakes were put to the test, as we encountered a harrowing long slope of black ice at the bottom of Killington Road.

If we had one nit to pick, it might be the back seat’s small center passthrough. If you’re a skiier, there’s no problem … but if you (or your kids) snowboard, you’ll need to put down the back seat to stow your gear inside the car.

All-in-all, it’s clear to see why the Accord continues to be a runaway sales success for Honda after all these years. While the Accord’s gas mileage, excellent value, legendary reliability, and comfortable ride are a tough combination to beat, Honda is poised to set the bar even higher when the high MPG diesel Accord debuts here in America in the very near future.

The Accord i-TCDi is a game changer. The 2.2 liter four cylinder common rail turbo diesel produces 140 horsepower, 250 foot pounds of torque, and fabulous fuel economy. It’s tough to argue with a highway mileage rating of over 50 miles per gallon (adjusted for US gallons) in a four door sedan of this caliber.

After a long wait, we finally had our chance to meet the elusive Accord i-TCDi …

Alas, our first encounter with the diesel Accord (at the Green California conference in Sacramento, CA) was just enough to wet the pallet.

Needless to say, this is one smooth little diesel.

While we didn’t have the chance to go for a test drive, we were able to capture the car at idle with the hood open.

We look forward to putting the diesel Accord’s 0-62 time of 9.3 seconds to the test in the near future …