The new Honda Insight is Dumb.

In 1999, Honda introduced the first-generation Honda Insight. It was a two-seat subcompact hatchback that featured aerodynamic rear fender skirts and was also the first hybrid passenger vehicle sold in North America. Honda engineers, in their pursuit for maximum fuel economy, built paneling of the Insight out of aluminium and plastic, and even installed low-rolling resistance tires (sacrificing comfort and handling) on low-drag rims.

Although the Insight didn't look very cool, it was cool because it was an ambitious technological achievement by Honda. It was fuel efficient (53mpg combined - EPA '09 estimate), quirky, and introduced the hybrid to America.

Two years later, Toyota introduced its first Prius in North America. As you can see on the right, it didn't look at unusual. The first North America Prius was a four-door sedan. I had the opportunity to ride in one while I was at the University of Illinois... and it was nothing to write home about. The Prius was sluggish, cramped, and worst of all... it was neither particularly fuel efficient nor economical (because of the premium price).

But Toyota wasn't complacent, and three years later in 2004, it introduced the 2nd generation Prius that everyone recognizes (in case you don't... it is the red car to the right).

Not to be outdone... Honda went back to the drawing board... and uh... five years later... introduced the... uh... the 2010 Toyota Prius Honda Insight. Ignore the physical similarities, because the Insight only looks the Prius, but doesn't perform like one.

Starting at $19,800, the new Insight is $2,200 less than the new 2010 Toyota Prius (which was also received a major update this year).

Unfortunately... the new Honda Insight is Dumb. To spare you the details... basically the 2010 Prius is more fuel efficient, more spacious, has better handling, quieter ride, better power to weight ratio, more torque, better brakes, and less carbon-dioxide emissions.

So basically... the 2010 Prius not only has better fuel economy (which I suppose is the variable by which all hybrids are measured), but is really... a better car. In addition, the Insight's rear headroom is pathetic. Anyone who is probably over 6 feet will not be able to comfortable sit in the backseats of an Insight, because their head will be touching the ceiling.

The $2,200 dollar price difference shouldn't really be a deciding factor between these two vehicles. If you can't afford the $2,200, you probably can't afford the premium of buying a hybrid vehicle... financially, you'll be better off driving a high-efficiency sub-compact like a Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent/Electra, Kia Forte, Toyota Yaris, Scion xB/xD, Nissan Versa, etc...

Now... I read quite a bit of automotive journalism. Some automotive journalists (particularly the dumb ones), praise the Insight as an "alternative" to the Prius. These idiot automotive journalists use code words, which I will translate for the non-idiotic audience.


Statement #1: "The Honda Insight is more fun to drive"
Translation: It is not as well insulated from road noise, has a more unforgiving suspension, so it feels more "sporty" even though it really isn't. So if you're an idiot who likes to play pretend, the Insight is for you!

Statement #2: "The Honda Insight is not boring, unlike Toyotas."
Translation: I have a low self-esteem and I continuously strive to be "different" and "unique."

In re: Statement #1. Some people are idiots. They'll take the uncomfortable "sporty" ride even if the car's performance doesn't match the comfortable "un-sporty" vehicle. I suspect it is what motivates teenagers to buy a Honda Civic, install a fart-cannon exhaust, rice it up with a massive wing (because you know... a Civic needs the downforce huh?)... because you know... if it looks fast or feels fast... it is huh? I suspect these folks never quite developed past the stage of "pretend play"... and are basically overgrown toddlers.

As for Statement #2... these folks will do anything to be "unique." These people, failing to recognize the paradox of trying to be "unique" as a reactionto what other people are doing, will not act rationally because... you know... everyone else is doing it yo?

So if a friend has rave reviews and great experience with a particular car, they'll refuse to purchase it (even if they were previous amiable to it), because... you know... gota be "unique" right? It makes one wonder... what will these folks not do in their pursuit to be "unique"? If someone starts a viral campaign that says... "you should not eat poo," will these "unique" individuals begin to eat fecal matter?

Honda's marketing campaign for the Insight emphasizes its availability to the common person, "designed and priced for us all." If that statement is true... I'm going to be depressed about the future of humanity, because we're going to be all under 6 feet tall, and incredibly stupid in our pursuit of being "unique."

But in any case... let's enjoy Honda's tribute to the idiotic masses, which I think is a pretty cute commercial? But that may be my inner idiot.