The Good
The 2006 Honda Insight's key advantage is its exceptional fuel efficiency, appealing to practical buyers seeking to save money on gas. Its unique, aerodynamic design and status as an early hybrid can emotionally appeal to eco-conscious drivers. Honda's reputation for reliability also adds to its value proposition, promising lower maintenance costs.
The Bad
The 2006 Honda Insight's weaknesses include its limited power, making acceleration sluggish. The Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery is a potential point of failure, requiring expensive replacement. Ride comfort can be harsh due to its lightweight design and small size. Parts can be difficult to source due to the car's age and relatively low production numbers.
2006 Honda Insight: Quick Overview
- Engine: 1.0L SOHC 3-cylinder with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system
- Horsepower: 67 hp (engine) + 13 hp (electric motor) = 80 hp combined
- Fuel Economy:
- EPA estimated 60 mpg city / 66 mpg highway (manual transmission)
- EPA estimated 57 mpg city / 56 mpg highway (automatic transmission)
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 12-14 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing
- Trim Levels: Only one trim level was available. Key features included:
- Air conditioning
- AM/FM radio with CD player
- Power windows and door locks
- Lightweight aluminum body panels
- Low rolling resistance tires
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or 5-speed manual transmission options
- Hybrid electric motor assist
- Digital instrument panel displaying fuel economy and hybrid system information
- Automatic climate control (optional)
- Alloy wheels (optional)
- Battery: Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
2006 Honda Insight Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2006 |
| Make | Honda |
| Model | Insight |
| Trim | - |
| Style | Hatchback |
| Type | Hatchback |
| Category | Sports Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | SUZUKA |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | 1850 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 2250 pounds |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 1.0-L I3 |
| Engine Size | 1L |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $19,330 |
| Invoice Price | $18,062 |
| Delivery Charges | $595 |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2006 Honda Insight Have?
How long will the 2006 Honda Insight last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Crash test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) are mixed. While it performed reasonably well in frontal impact tests, side-impact protection was lacking due to the car's small size and lightweight construction. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) did not rate the 2006 Insight. The absence of modern safety features like electronic stability control (ESC) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) reflects the technology available at the time of its production. Overall, the 2006 Insight prioritizes fuel efficiency and simplicity over advanced technology and safety features.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2006 Honda Insight Prices and Market Value
2006 Honda Insight Cost of Ownership
2006 Honda Insight Fuel Efficiency
2006 Honda Insight Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2006 Honda Insight Recalls & Defects
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual
2006 Honda Insight Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2006 Honda Insight Compare to Other Hatchback?
Alternatives to the 2006 Honda Insight include: the Toyota Prius (more practical), Honda Civic Hybrid (better performance and more mainstream appeal), or a non-hybrid compact car like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla (more affordable and easier to maintain, but less fuel-efficient). Ultimately, the choice depends on whether fuel economy is the absolute top priority. If so, and if the Insight's battery is in good condition, it can be a good choice. Otherwise, a more modern or conventional alternative might be preferable.
Ranks #65 Hatchback
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback | (0.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Civic Type R | (1.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 BMW i4 | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2016 Ford Focus Electric | (0.0★) |
| 6 | 2023 Audi A7 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Nissan LEAF | (0.0★) |
| 8 | 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV | (4.0★) |
| 9 | 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Jaguar I-PACE | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Tesla Model S | (5.0★) |
| 12 | 2022 Porsche Panamera | (0.0★) |
| 65 | 2006 Honda Insight | (4.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2006 Honda Insight a Good Hatchback?
Imamatthews on July 21, 2018
Low lifetime mpg?s; unknown problem!This car was someone else?s headache. After several visits to the Honda dealer, the cause of the low MPGs could not be found by the previous owner. It only has 84K miles. Regrettably at this time, it is a ?clusterf__k?! Paint is scratched excessively. Paid $6700+, too much. I have $8000 into this vehicle and still searching for the problem(s)!! Not very impressed so far. This vehicle ? is the best path to getting radically upside-down. So sad ?!! It has potential, but right now it is a nightmare.
Kevinfl on July 21, 2018
A great value car if you want your money back youI have owned my car since it had 11,000 miles and i think its one of the best cars for the money.You will have a hard time finding a better car for 3,000 dollars.
Carguy1234 on March 20, 2018
Amazing valueThis car is awesome. Excellent for saving money and super cool! It?s very unique. The first generation insight is very fun to drive. The only down side is it?s not a great family car. Car seat doesn?t work in the passenger seat.
ArmelMartin on April 30, 2017
Most energy efficient economy choice, BY FARReally fun to ride. Simple, no bells and whistles. Im over 270 miles and the 10.6 gallon tank is still over half full. THE most economical energy efficient hybrid on the market today more than a decade later. Looking to baby this vehicle until I can't drive it anymore.
66 mpg on July 6, 2012
Love my carBought a 2006 slightly used as they had stopped making them. I think someone must have bought it to get the tax credit. Right now, at 114,000 miles, it has averaged 66 mpg over the life of the car. It has a manual transmission and the engine stops when you stop in the economy mode if outside temp is above 41 F. I have snow tires but only get about 50 mpg with them. It handles great in the snow. I got 800 miles recently on a tank of gas, a little over 10 gal. I pretty much use it only for long trips, 20 miles or more.
matchbox on January 28, 2007
love my toylove the look,fun to drive ,park,and can stop on a dime .parkway entrances canbe hard once you get the hang of it but the power is there.I always get 50 mpg and only drive highway at fast speeds
Two who love to travel on December 16, 2006
Incredible fuel economyIndianapolis to Blyhe, CA averaged 78 MPG at 60 MPH! Presently have 55,000 on odometer. Check engine light came on when traveling through Colorado Springs this summer. Stopped at a Honda dealer for check and they determined that the vehicle needed new parts in the converter. The repair was made without cost to us as it was still under warrenty. This is a 2001 car and this occured in the summer of 2006! Imagine! At 82 MPH the engine is only turning 2900 RPM. Average MPG over the 55,000 + miles is 55.2.
Jzafar on September 13, 2006
You can afford to have a 2 seater with this milageI bought a 04 Honda insight with 70k miles and i love it. I drive this car every where and it is very reliable, what else would you expect from a honda. This car is a automatic but they are avaliable in manual transmition. The idle stop feature itself can be turned on or off on the automatic but i have read that on the manual models this stays on all the time. Which basically means that every single time you make a full stop the car shuts completely off except for A/C, radio, and lights. Having an automatic i am able to turn this idle stop feature off and when i need to conserve alot i just turn it on. Over all i LOVE this car b/c i can put 5 dollars in it and it lasts me about a week and a half. You cannot get this from other vehicles even other hybrid vehicles dont offer as much fuel economy. I often see the Toyota Prius and sure it would be very nice to have a 5 passanger car but having this 2 seater is definately worth it. If you are in the market for a hybrid and can get away with owning a 2 seater i definately recomend this to you.
Imamatthews on July 21, 2018
Low lifetime mpg?s; unknown problem!This car was someone else?s headache. After several visits to the Honda dealer, the cause of the low MPGs could not be found by the previous owner. It only has 84K miles. Regrettably at this time, it is a ?clusterf__k?! Paint is scratched excessively. Paid $6700+, too much. I have $8000 into this vehicle and still searching for the problem(s)!! Not very impressed so far. This vehicle ? is the best path to getting radically upside-down. So sad ?!! It has potential, but right now it is a nightmare.
Kevinfl on July 21, 2018
A great value car if you want your money back youI have owned my car since it had 11,000 miles and i think its one of the best cars for the money.You will have a hard time finding a better car for 3,000 dollars.
Cathleen V
Cathleen is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead's perspective. Her articles delve into various aspects of automotive technology and history, offering readers detailed insights into engine performance, reliability, and maintenance. Through her engaging and informative writing, Cathleen provides valuable information to automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike, helping them make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and purchases.