2013 Honda Insight Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Honda successfully pulled off the Insight's 2012 refresh and thus moves this hybrid founding brother of the Prius into 2013 without a single change. Drivers aren't complaining, but magazines sure find a lot to criticize, including poor acceleration, tight rear-seat entry and exit and cramped rear space in general, high floors for the front seats, an unsophisticated ride and the lack of Bluetooth availability anywhere but the top-shelf EX. Last but probably most genuine of all the criticism if it's true: The air conditioning shuts off when the Insight's engine automatically shuts off, like at traffic lights. But not a single driver mentions any of those things.
Instead, drivers are talking about how fun the Insight is to drive, how safe they feel driving it and how wonderful it is to get in the ballpark of 45 mpg in combined driving. One major publication claims the Insight can't travel on battery power alone, but again drivers correct that notion—so perhaps that same glossy that also said the air conditioning shuts off at traffic lights might be mistaken on that account, too, since the Insight can travel on battery power alone up to 25 mph, and if the magazine's test version was somehow defective in this regard, then it could have also had an air-conditioning glitch. Either way, it seems like that glossy is the only one saying anything about it. Not a single driver is complaining about a thing, let alone such a glitch that would be blatantly apparent even in a 10-minute test drive.
That said, drivers are also well aware that the Insight is a budget commuter hatchback, with a lot of interior emphasis on the budget. It doesn't look or feel cheap to the extent of being uncomfortable—not since the 2012 road-noise reduction and cupholder redesign—but the Insight's downmarket approach is obvious when compared with its more pricey Prius brother and all the gadgets it gets. The Insight's trunk, as another example, offers 15.9 cubic feet for cargo until you fold down the rear seats for all 31.5 cubes—about as much space as you can find in almost any mid- to full-size sedan. The hatch access is neatly practical, but don't expect this hatchback to fit neatly into any standard category for better or for worse.
Take for instance keyless entry, automatic climate control and a 160-watt stereo system, which are not what you typically expect to find in a base hybrid trim for less than $20,000. The Base's 15-inch steel wheels and 2 speakers are no surprise, though, so if cruise control, 4 speakers for your stereo and an armrest are on your list of expectations, then expect to move up to the LX. At the top of the line, the EX offers 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, shift paddles, Bluetooth and a 6-speaker sound system, as well as an optional navigation system, which includes a rear-view camera and a touchscreen interface with voice controls.
Every Insight is powered by a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder gas engine paired with an electric motor and nickel-metal hydride battery pack to deliver 98 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The result is quicker than the Civic Hybrid, but a bit slower than the Prius for a livable 10.9 seconds to 60 mph while getting 41 mpg city/44 highway. Unlike those hybrids, the Insight also recharges while coasting, something that further adds to the Insight's distinctly "normal" non-hybrid feel in its brakes and driving dynamics. It's not the mainstream sort of feel anyone can enjoy though—professional magazine writers should probably look elsewhere.
Published May 31, 2022 by Patricia Mayo
User reviews for 2013 Honda Insight
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by Anonymous
Nov 21, 2023
Made in Japan FTW! Best lite car ever made. BULLETPROOF!Nov 21, 2023
by Anonymous
Apr 23, 2020
Drove very well, but the drivers seat was way too wide and hard to fit my posterior.Apr 23, 2020
by katy c
Mar 14, 2015
I really love driving the Honda Insight. It is small enough to have all of the perks of a compact, but drives like a race car. The CVT took a little getting used to, but it is awesome to not waste gas at red lights or when traffic is stopped. Gas mileage is amazing--only $20 to fill the tank with gas prices like they are now!Mar 14, 2015
What users have asked
Honda Ins
Planning to buy a second hand Toyota Prius or Honda Insight in Ireland. I'm really not sure if it's safe to buy a Hybrid that is already 6 years old (as I'm looking at the 2013 versions with less than 90.000 Km mileage . I was told the Insight runs with an electric engine instead of battery (so called IMA), does it mean it's safer to buy an old version as the battery wont need to be replaced soon? Any advise is very welcomed as I'm very lost at the moment.
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2013 Honda Insight Pricing
Original MSRP
$18,600 to $23,790Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 2 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 7.9 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cupholders: 8 · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: in dash
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.20
Engine
EV battery capacity: 0.6 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 13 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 10 · Electric Motor Torque: 58 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 88 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 88 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 7.9 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: 6 · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.20
Engine
EV battery capacity: 0.6 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 13 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 10 · Electric Motor Torque: 58 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 88 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 88 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: Auto off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 7.9 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: 6 · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.20
Engine
EV battery capacity: 0.6 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 13 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 10 · Electric Motor Torque: 58 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 88 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 88 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 7.9 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: 6 · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.20
Engine
EV battery capacity: 0.6 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 13 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 10 · Electric Motor Torque: 58 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 88 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 88 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4500
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer