2000 Honda Insight

Hatchback

1.0L 3 Cylinder Gas/Electric Hybrid

Manual

JHMZE1358YT000651

Clear

Front Wheel Drive

Gasoline

Power Windows

2000 Honda Insight Vehicle Overview Insight is the first car available in the United States with a hybrid propulsion system, a small gasoline engine supplemented by an electric motor. This combination yields the highest EPA fuel economy ratings ever — 61 mpg city and 70 mpg highway. It qualifies as an ultra-low emission vehicle under California's air-quality standards. Insight goes on sale in December at a price yet to be announced, though Honda says it will be fully equipped for under $20,000. While the two-seat Insight is the first hybrid, it won't be the last. Toyota plans to introduce the Prius, a four-passenger sedan with gas and electric power, next spring. Other major auto manufacturers are planning similar models in the next few years. Interior The two bucket seats give adults ample room, but they have to travel light. A shallow, open cargo area behind the seats (over the battery pack) provides 5 cubic feet of space. A small covered bin at the rear adds 1.5 cubic feet. There also is a roomy glovebox but not much else for storage. A small, cluttered gauge cluster is dominated by a large digital speedometer. Smaller gauges and warning lights show instant fuel economy and when the electric motor is operating. The Insight's unusual styling creates a long, tunnel-like view out the rear, with a large window in the hatch lid and a smaller one below. Insight comes with power locks and windows, a cassette player and rear defogger. Air conditioning is the only major option. Exterior The Insight is a two-door hatchback that looks like a Civic at the front but then morphs into a smooth, rounded shape with flared rear fenders that cover the top half of the wheels. The sleek profile gives it a coefficient of drag of 0.25, the lowest of any mass-produced car. The body and most suspension components are made of lightweight aluminum, and the Insight weighs a trim 1,856 pounds. Under the Hood Insight's unique drivetrain consists of a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with 67 horsepower and a small electric motor that adds seven horsepower. The gas engine is the primary power source in the front-drive Insight. The electric motor kicks in for faster acceleration from low speeds and highway passing. A 48-pound battery pack behind the seats (the equivalent of 120 D cells) supplies power for the electric motor. When the car is cruising, the gas engine recharges the batteries, so there is no need to plug the car into a charger. Initially, the Insight will come only with a five-speed manual transmission. Honda plans to offer an automatic in the future. When the car is stopped and the transmission is in neutral, the gas engine shuts off to save fuel. It restarts automatically when the transmission is shifted back to a drive gear. Performance Insight shows surprising vigor accelerating from a stop, but by the time you shift into fourth gear, the engine feels like it's out of breath. A downshift to third or second gear is necessary to generate enough power for passing. This can make driving in fast-paced urban traffic a chore. However, even if you drive with your foot to the floor, most of the time you can still expect close to 50 mpg. Gentler driving should boost mileage closer to the EPA city rating of 61. Highway driving tests have yielded over 70 mpg. Because it is a two-seater with limited cargo space, Insight works best as an urban commuter or a second or third vehicle for an environmentally conscious family. Insight is an improvement over electric cars because it requires no battery charging or special fuels, just regular pump gas — and not much of it. Engines Transmissions Power and Performance 1.0L I-3 67 HP engine 5-spd man transmission w/OD Hybrid electric motor alternator Axle Ratio: 3.21 axle ratio Fuel Tank: 10.6 gal. fuel tank Stainless steel exhaust Handling and Control Front-wheel drive Front strut suspension Front anti-roll bar Coil front springs Torsion beam beam rear suspension Coil rear springs Rack & pinion steering Front disc/rear drum brakes Front vented disc brakes 14.0 " silver alloy wheels P165/65SR14.0BSW AS tires Compact alloy spare wheel/tire Active and Passive Safety Side impact bars Illuminated entry Oil pressure warning Battery warning Lights on warning Key warning Low fuel warning Door ajar warning Trunk/liftgate ajar warning Service interval warning 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) Center high mounted stop light Driver and passenger airbags Ignition disable Panic alarm Comfort and Convenience 2 doors Dual power remote mirrors Driver visor vanity mirror Day-night rearview mirror Seating capacity of 2 Front bucket seats Fixed front head restraints Cloth front seat trim Cloth door trim insert Full cloth headliner Carpet floor trim Metal-look instrument panel insert Locking glove box Dome light Front reading lights Full floor console Front cupholder Covered bin instrument panel storage 1 seatback storage pocket Cargo concealed storage Carpeted cargo floor trim Plastic trunk lid/rear cargo door trim Cargo tie downs Cargo light AM/FM stereo, clock, seek-scan Auto-reverse cassette 2 speakers Integrated roof antenna Power door locks Keyfob (all doors) remote keyless entry Mechanical remote fuel flap release 1 12V DC power outlet Driver foot rest Digital display Tachometer Engine temperature gauge Voltmeter gauge Trip computer Trip odometer Power front windows Fixed rear windows Driver 1-touch down Light tinted windows Fixed interval front windshield wipers Rear windshield wiper Rear defroster Items of attention: Passenger side of the car on the rocker was rubbed up a curb(very low, hard to see) Driver mirror is a little loose from someone hitting it in parking lot,(hardly noticeable) Front tires have 70% tread left, rear are close to 65% tread left. Front spoiler has a few rubbed areas for dips in the inter-city. Normal wear and tear for the exterior. Non-smoking vehicle since new. Original seats(no burns, tears or damage). AZ Emission Cert. passed good for two years. 2007 IMA Battery was replaced at the Honda Dealer(have receipts) Other general maintenance receipts as well.