It was Honda's first model with Integrated Motor Assist system and the most fuel efficient gasoline-powered car available in the U.S. without plug-in capability for the length of its production run.

The gasoline engine is a 67 hp (50 kW; 68 PS), 1.0-liter, ECA series 3-cylinder unit providing lean burn operation with an air-to-fuel ratio that can reach 25.8 to 1.

[19] Located behind the seats are a series of 120 commercial grade "D" sized 1.2 V NiMH batteries wired to provide a nominal 144 V DC and a capacity of 6.5 AH.

A computer control module regulates how much power comes from the internal combustion engine, and how much from the electric motor; in the CVT variant, it also finds the optimal gear ratio.

With an aerodynamic fuel-saving shape similar to its predecessor, the Honda CR-X, and some unconventional body colors it was a bit more than mainstream car buyers could handle, preferring more conservative styles.

The first generation Insight was the most fuel efficient gasoline-powered car available in the U.S. without plug-in capability for the length of its production run and up until December 2015, when it was surpassed by the 2016 Toyota Prius Eco.

[36] Upon the Insight's release, Honda challenged several automotive magazines to a competition[29] to see who could obtain the best fuel efficiency on the 195-mile (314 km) drive from Columbus, Ohio to Detroit.

However, in December 2010 this changed such that hybrids no longer gained automatic exception, instead cars emitting less than 100g/km CO2 and meeting the January 2005 Euro 4 emissions standard.

Rated by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) in 2001[47] Insight Exclusive (Japan Only): Gasoline: 1.5 L LEA I4 1,497 cc (91.4 cu in) SOHC 16-valve i-VTEC · (CVT) – 111 hp (83 kW) @ 6000rpm 107 lb⋅ft (145 N⋅m) @ 4800rpm Electric: DC brushless motor – MF6 Model 14 hp (10 kW) @ 1500 rpm In 2009, Honda introduced its second-generation Insight based on an all-new, 5-passenger, 5-door, dedicated hybrid platform, which was also later used for the Honda CR-Z.

Honda states that this configuration is less complex, lower cost, and compact enough to accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes when compared to competing hybrid powertrains.

As an additional safety feature, Honda's hybrid configuration allows the car to operate like a conventional, gasoline-engine vehicle even if the IMA hybrid-electric motor system is completely disabled.

On Insight EX models, paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel allow the driver to engage a manual shift mode and select from seven simulated gear ratios for full control over acceleration and engine braking.

Overall, Car and Driver selected the Insight as their preferred vehicle due to its "fun-to-drive" qualities including superior handling, steering, braking, and paddle-shifted transmission.

By observing the color shift of the speedometer background, the driver receives assistance in developing driving habits that typically enhance fuel economy.

"[65] The multi-information display, located in the center of the tachometer, can be toggled through nine different screens of vehicle information including instantaneous fuel economy, hybrid system schematic, trip computer, and ECO Guide.

The ECO Guide display includes a real-time graphic that provides a target zone for acceleration and deceleration in order to achieve maximum fuel economy.

When the ignition switch is turned off, a summary screen displays a scoring function that encourages drivers to take an interest in developing fuel-efficient driving habits over the long term.

This allows the Insight's hybrid battery pack to be located in the cargo floor below the spare tire, to accommodate folding rear seats, lower roofline, and a more aerodynamic body shape.

The Civic Hybrid's electric-assist allows the air conditioning compressor to continue running (using battery pack power) to maintain cabin temperature when the engine is shut off in Idle Stop mode.

However, when the Insight's ECON function is engaged, a longer Idle Stop time is invoked for improved fuel efficiency at the expense of rapid cabin cooling.

Even though it now comes with wider 185/60R15 tires, a reduction in engine and CVT friction, improvements to the front and rear bumpers and underbody lead to a 1-mpg increase in EPA's city, highway, and combined mileage numbers.

[66][67][68] In the interior, the rear-seat and headliner are redesigned to add more rear legroom and headroom, improving comfort, additional sound insulation is added and the cupholders are larger.

[85] The sales in the U.S. were below expectation, mainly due to the economic recession in 2008–09, stiff competition and a drop in gasoline prices of over one-third over the past year, eroding demand for fuel-efficient cars.

For the 2011 LX model, center armrest, cruise control, USB connectivity for the audio system and floor mats are newly added.

[102] Early reviews praised the Insight's futuristic styling, handling, and price but noted that it was less powerful, less fuel efficient, and less comfortable than other more expensive hybrids.

[107][108][109] Autoblog praised it for its fuel economy, tight handling, and good steering feedback, and stated "the Insight is a shockingly fun car to drive in a spirited manner in spite of the comparatively modest thrust available.

[111][112] Edmunds.com praised the Insight for improving upon the formula of rival Prius and costing thousands less, but criticized it for excessive road noise, a tight back seat, and buzzy engine under hard acceleration.

In addition, they state it "is by far the most enjoyable hybrid hatchback to drive" and praised the ride for being firm, the steering for being relatively responsive, and the seamless integration between the electric and internal combustion engine.

"[122] With a combined fuel economy rating that was now little more than that of some non-hybrid models available in the U.S. marketplace, in early 2014 there was 237 days worth of supply of Insights in contrast to the typical 60-day inventory held by automakers.

It is based on the tenth-generation Honda Civic sedan, and shares similar exterior and interior dimensions (although the Insight is about one inch longer than its non-hybrid counterpart).