Do you know what Honda Insight owners are talking about recently?

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by Indyking

FACT: you would have to drive your Prius a lot to make up for the difference (I think over 300K miles!) in price tag between the 2 cars (I read an article comparing both and doing the math but can't find it), in other words, even though the Insight gets lower MPG, the final cost of the Prius considering its price tag and gas expenses compared to the Insight is considerably higher.

HOWEVER: I did research and test drive both there is no question to me, the Prius worth the extra money.

The base model of a 2010 Honda Insight is $19,800...the base model of a 2010 Prius is $21,000. $1200 is not a big difference in sticker price.

And to be honest...the older model Honda Insights with the extended body wheel covers are far superior to the new model Honda Insights in terms of economy...and better FE than the Prius too. If I was going to buy a Honda Insight...it would be a Gen I model.

2006 Honda Insight near Lansing

The EPA on the Gen I Honda Insights was 59/62 and for my money the most efficient car to be produced in a long, long time.

[hschen]

Originally Posted by Matt Herring

The base model of a 2010 Honda Insight is $19,800...the base model of a 2010 Prius is $21,000. $1200 is not a big difference in sticker price.

And to be honest...the older model Honda Insights with the extended body wheel covers are far superior to the new model Honda Insights in terms of economy...and better FE than the Prius too. If I was going to buy a Honda Insight...it would be a Gen I model.

2006 Honda Insight near Lansing

The EPA on the Gen I Honda Insights was 59/62 and for my money the most efficient car to be produced in a long, long time.

Point well taken. May I add, re-sell value. I am sure Prius Gen III shall have higher resell value than Insight Gen II. Plus, ~$2000 difference in price should account for more horse power, bigger size (Prius is a midsize while Insight is a compact), longer reliability record and the least, higher mpg.

[SanAntonio Joe]

Keep in mind that the A/C in the Prius runs off of the electric motor, NOT the gas engine. So, some of us more 'seasoned' types may need to break an old concept that using A/C hurts mileage.

Joe

[hschen]

Originally Posted by SanAntonio Joe

Keep in mind that the A/C in the Prius runs off of the electric motor, NOT the gas engine. So, some of us more 'seasoned' types may need to break an old concept that using A/C hurts mileage.

Joe

Well, Joe,
It will not directly but will indirectly. A/C drains more battery juice and will cause the gas engine to kick on more often to charge the battery. I think.

[MikeDS]

I test drove the Insight before buying my Prius and the Prius is a WAY nicer car...the Insight felt small and cheap and was a lot noisier. No contest for me...if I couldn't afford the $22k I paid for my II I could see the Insight as an option, but the Prius is definitely worth more than the Insight...I'm all for it though, competition is good, options are good, etc...living in LA I just want everyone to drive a small, clean car...

[GSW]

Originally Posted by SanAntonio Joe

Keep in mind that the A/C in the Prius runs off of the electric motor, NOT the gas engine. So, some of us more 'seasoned' types may need to break an old concept that using A/C hurts mileage.

Joe

Yep, I haven't noticed any real difference in city or highway mpg while the a/c is on.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by hschen

Well, Joe,
It will not directly but will indirectly. A/C drains more battery juice and will cause the gas engine to kick on more often to charge the battery. I think.

Correct but the A/C compressor has been made more efficient for 2010 and judicious use should mean minimal impact.

[blippo]

Originally Posted by Matt Herring

The base model of a 2010 Honda Insight is $19,800...the base model of a 2010 Prius is $21,000. $1200 is not a big difference in sticker price.

And to be honest...the older model Honda Insights with the extended body wheel covers are far superior to the new model Honda Insights in terms of economy...and better FE than the Prius too. If I was going to buy a Honda Insight...it would be a Gen I model.

2006 Honda Insight near Lansing

The EPA on the Gen I Honda Insights was 59/62 and for my money the most efficient car to be produced in a long, long time.

I remember when they came out I couldn't find any of the Insight I on the lots around here to test drive. They were pretty scarce. They were bought up as soon as one hit the lot. They do get terrific gas mileage

[a64pilot]

Even on a non-hybrid gas guzzler, the AC uses less energy at highway speed than the drag from leaving the windows down does.

I like the Insight I as well, apparently so do others. Try finding one at a good price, I have tried.
I too drove the new Insight, I badly wanted it to be a Prius "killer", sadly it wasn't, but you have to remember, it's really a first attempt, the I was a completely different car.
This the Gen III Prius and Toyota has been refining it for years. Give Honda a few more years and maybe the Insight will be the Prius killer that I hoped for.

[CPSDarren]

Originally Posted by Matt Herring

The base model of a 2010 Honda Insight is $19,800...the base model of a 2010 Prius is $21,000. $1200 is not a big difference in sticker price.

Also, you have to go one step up to the Insight EX to be similar to the Prius II. There's still a few feature differences between those, mostly in favor of the Prius IMO. The EX is still a little cheaper, though, but the difference is less. Presumably, the Prius I will be more of a direct comparison to the Insight LX in terms of features and pricing.