Insight Sales Down 25% Since 2010 Prius Release

[gdog]

Having test driven both, I wouldn't say the new Insight is a horrible car, just the lesser. I would prefer a '10 Insight over the previous gen Prius however. But the '10 Prius is the better overall car. It'd be nice to see both cars succeed with consumers though.

[micheal]

Yea, it is a bummer that it the Insight is seeing a sales slump, even if the 2010 Prius is the better car on paper (haven't compared them in person). The more hybrids that sell, the better.

[Midpack]

Originally Posted by equake

I believe its also Toyotas Gen III pricing that literally killed the Insights competitiveness. Prior to the price release all analysts predicted that the Gen III would be priced above the previous Gen but most agree that the current pricing is more than a bargain given the new techs.

Toyota's very competitive Prius Gen III pricing, proven incumbent status, more space and comfort and more amenities/dollar have put a hurt on the Insight. But the biggest factor for me personally was the relatively underwhelming MPG for the Insight. The Prius at 50mpg and the Insight at 41mpg ended my interest in the Insight despite my admiration for Honda (I've owned 4 Honda's and 2 Toyota's). As we saw in the recent poll, MPG is the #1 reason people buy Prius and presumably hybrids. Unless gas goes to $4/gal (and it won't in the next year at least), Honda is in for some real tough sledding with the Insight.

[1SMUGLEX]

1. The Prius is a full 2 or 3 levels better than the Insight.
2. Its not THAT much more expensive until you get to loaded IV/V models
3. The Insight looks like the old Prius
4. The Insight MPG is worse than the old Prius and no better than the Civic Hybrid

Honda rested on laurels and decided to have marketing sell the car to their usual sheep. Its not working as well as planned.

One thing to think. WIth gas prices dropping, the Prius STILL is a fantastic CAR, not just a hybrid. The insight is a cheap econobox worse than the Fit when u get past the bandaid hybrid system.

[bwilson4web]

IMHO, there is a need for a $14,999 hybrid with adequate MPG. It needs to be cheap enough to be a graduation present and small enough to really be near the bottom of comfort. IMHO, a goin' to college car that has four seats but the rear passengers have to fold their legs, the front passengers scoot forward, and just enough space for dorm room stuff. Acceleration should be modest, safety should be max, but otherwise, a pretty utilitarian car ... not a chick magnet.

I'm thinkin' GEO Metro hybrid ... below the Insight.

Bob Wilson

[drees]

Yes, a $15k 45mpg+ combined vehicle would be great little commuter car.

You'd have to start with one of these cars:

Hyundai Accent
Nissan Versa
Chevy Aveo
Smart four two
Toyota Yaris
Suzuki SX4
Kia Ria, Soul or Spectra

[hampdenwireless]

Before the details were announced we expected (ok, maybe it was just me) the Insight to have an improved version of the IMA and slightly better MPG. I was expecting near gen2 Prius mpg. The price was just a little higher then expected, the performance a little lower.

There were very high expectations for the gen3 Prius as well but Toyota did improve HSD and as a surprise to most they lowered the price. Unless you are a real Honda fan or you just cannot scrape together an extra $2000 the Insight is a yawn. I expect Honda to start using incentives if the price of gas does not go over $3.50 a gallon.

Honda, its time to upgrade IMA.

[hill]

I haven't driven the new Insight, just the old one. It's a kick. Do any of you that have driven the new one feel it was thrown together too quickly? ... after all, Honda does make some real good transportation. From comparison reports, it seems as if Honda simply wanted to have SOMETHING on par w/ the Prius, and thus put it together asap. You know what we say where I work? You want it bad, you'll get it bad ... the worse you want it, the worse you get it.

[djasonw]

My folks were shopping for a new car and my mom had her sights on the Accord Coupe (she is stubborn and won't consider a hybrid). Anyway, while I was in the showroom looking around I saw the Insight and decided to sit in it. First off, I can't believe anyone says it is a solid car. The doors feel paper thin!!!! I closed the door like I do on my Prius and it felt very cheap. The interior is full of cheap plastic and it is a tight fit for anyone who is tall (I'm 5'9" and felt cramped). Not to knock Honda because I think in some respects their cars are better than Toyota but they did not do their homework well will this one. And to copy the Prius styling almost exactly means that they have no creativity whatsoever.

[JOHN TONY]

The immediate success of the Prius over the Insight shouldn't come as any real shock. Even though the Prius is somewhat more expensive, the EPA rating difference of 50mpg for the Prius vs. 41mpg for the Insight - a 9mpg advantage equating to a 22% increase - is what excites those of us who like getting the best mileage. Plus you have to factor in the fact that the Prius is larger, more powerful, is getting better reviews, and has a more advanced hybrid system.