Used 2012 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan Review & Ratings

The Honda Insight is one of the pioneers in the hybrid segment, but the fact is that sales have tarnished with the introduction of the Toyota Prius. For 2012, the Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan receives a new grille, redesigned head and rear lights, and wider tires. Then, the interior gets spruced up a bid with a redesigned rear seat, reshaped cup holders and a new gauge cluster that is both attractive and practical.

Upon first glance, the 2012 Honda Insight Hybrid plays close resemblance to the Honda FCX Clarity. However, the Honda Insight is a hybrid car, which means that it can run with fuel infused and the power output of the electric motor while the FCX Clarity completely runs using fuel cells. The four-door sedan is an addition to the growing list of eco-friendly cars offered by Honda. Though the 2012 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan offers good cargo space and fuel efficiency, it comes with a choppy ride when driving on uneven road, and all passengers feel it! Not to mention, any tall riders in the backseat will already be uncomfortable due to the small space.

The 2012 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired up with an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Power is sent to the front wheels by a continuously variable transmission. This engine delivers 88 horsepower and 88 pound-feet of torque, accelerating zero to 60 mph in 10.9 seconds. This certainly is nothing to get excited over, but fuel-economy is, as it returns 41 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway!

As far as safety is concerned, the Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan scored "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests. Just a few of the many standard safety features to appreciate include tire pressure monitoring, whiplash protection system, emergency interior trunk release, emergency brake assist, stability and traction control, engine immobilizer, child seat anchors and a whiplash protection system in the front head restraints.

The biggest problem potential consumers have with the 2012 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan is the style. Even though the front grill did get a face lift and it offers that iconic Honda appeal, it is hard to overlook that the rear end looks like an afterthought. It is almost as if someone started to create something spectacular and changed their mind. The back end is boxy, and oversized on the outside, but manages to cramp passengers on the inside. That being said, this will remain a reliable pick. It is a car people know they can depend on, and that goes a long way.