Hybrid's virtues bring back fond memories

[atlaw4u]

Doug Thomas was one of the first people in the Charleston area to buy a Honda Insight in 2000.

Jim Parker - The Post & Courier – Aug. 16, 2008

Looking back at America's first Hybrid -- Ed.

America's first-ever hybrid for sale, the Honda Insight, made its debut in late 1999 when regular gas cost closer to $1 a gallon than $4.

Just 13,500 of the plodding two-seaters were sold in the United States, and its manufacturer pulled the plug two years ago even as the Toyota Prius and other gas-electric cars became hot items.

Yet for those hardy Insight owners over the years, including a handful in the Charleston area, the compact has proven eminently road worthy. They cite its 60-miles-per-gallon city and 66-mpg highway fuel numbers that remain tops to this day, and a dependable, even enjoyable, driving experience.

The Post and Courier in late July solicited Insight owners or former owners to send photos and comments pro or con about the pioneering hybrid. A half-dozen or so motorists responded, generally with favorable remarks… [Read More]

[lamebums]

If I had the financial capacity you could be damned sure I'd be trying to get an Insight right now. Given my commute the only things that could outdo my current car are the Insight and perhaps small diesels and what I would give to have the opportunity to take an Insight freewheeling down the hills on I-275

[ChenZhen]

I think its kinda ironic that a little car that most people used to laugh and point at is now one of the most sought-after vehicles out there.

[lightfoot]

Originally Posted by ChenZhen

I think its kinda ironic that a little car that most people used to laugh and point at is now one of the most sought-after vehicles out there.

And that's from people that have not driven it. I got it purely for the FE and found it was so much fun to drive that I quit riding my motorcycle - something I NEVER thought I would do. Hard to explain exactly why, but it's just a blast to drive the thing.

[Elixer]

definitely a car before its time. If it was released today its sales would be going crazy, just like the prius.

[hhooks]

Originally Posted by Elixer

If it was released today its sales would be going crazy, just like the prius.

When gas prices are spiking, I agree, but I think even today it might have difficulty long-term (especially once the new Insight is released) because the group of consumers who are both interested in ultra-high fuel economy and willing to give up the rear seat is a small (and shrinking) one. Two-door coupes in general seem to be fading fast in today's market - two seaters even more so. Foor doors are no longer rejected by young people like they were when I was a teenager. I'm amazed that my 13 y/o daughter likes sporty 4-door sedans and small SUV's as well as my Z.

I hope the CRZ's looks will make it succeed even if it doesn't have blazing acceleration. While I hope that its fuel economy will at least match that of the original Insight, my suspicion is that Honda will sacrifice some fuel economy to power in order to support its sporty image.

[Tochatihu]

Very expensive to build (Al framework), so it is difficult to fault Honda's decision.

BTW there is a fellow on PriusOnline who is looking for a gas engine for his MT Insight. If any y'all want to talk to him there. Previous owner ran it w/o coolant or samething. Darn shame...

DAS

[hobbit]

*Plodding*?! C'mon.
.
_H*

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Heath, my guess is that because Honda has labeled the CRZ a sports car, that's exactly what it will be. Just like the Accord hybrid, it will be a "performance hybrid" and will have extremely nice performance on the scale of conventional cars -- with mileage in the 40s.

I figure the original Insight was the logical evolution of the CRX HF -- and the CRZ is the logical evolution of the CRX Si.