2005 Honda Insight

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The most fuel-efficient car on the market doesn't have the word "hybrid" in its name, but that's exactly what enables it to produce outstanding EPA ratings. But this title is not something new to the Insight. As the first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid, the Insight has been dominating the tiny segment for years.

Unfortunately, the word "tiny" must be used to describe the hybrid class. American manufacturers haven't taken much of a look at entering the fray, though there are signs of that changing.

Insight is a two-seat hatchback coupe. It is light and easy to handle, but it is also very safe.

Available Models
The 2005 Honda Insight is offered in one trim, with air conditioning available as an add-on.

Interior Features
If you do decide to pick up the air conditioning option, you will be pleased to discover that it is a system that includes automatic climate control.

As mentioned, the Insight will sit two passengers with ease. It has a standard features list that includes electric power steering, power windows and mirrors, power door locks with keyless entry and an anti-theft Immobilizer system.

Also on the list is an AM/FM/CD player, a digital clock, a tachometer, a trip computer, intermittent wipers, a rear defogger and a rear wiper/washer.

Exterior Features
Part of the Insight's conserving nature is due to its lightweight, aerodynamic, aluminum-intensive body and chassis combination. It delivers a low 0.25 coefficient of drag.

Performance
The Insight employs Honda's unique Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system that couples a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine with a thin, lightweight electric motor. It is able to muster 73 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 79 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm.

The IMA system recaptures energy from the car's momentum during braking and deceleration, with the electric motor acting as a generator that automatically recharges the batteries so that it never needs to be plugged in. The IMA system also uses an "idle stop" feature that automatically turns off the engine when the car is not moving to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions.

Two transmissions are offered-5-speed manual and continuously variable automatic (CVT). On models equipped with the CVT, the engine automatically restarts when the driver's foot is removed from the brake, and on 5-speed models it restarts when first gear is engaged.

This is the big selling point: manual models have a fuel rating of 60/66 mpg, while CVT models get 57/56 mpg.

Safety and Security
Antilock brakes and dual front airbags are standard.