Honda Insight Hybrid

The Honda Insight fulfilled its pioneering role well. But as a daily driver, it wasn't very practical. The funky-looking hybrid hatchback came with only two seats, a small cargo area and a paltry 365-pound payload capacity. Its batteries drained easily and it wasn't very quick. Over the years, more functional and higher-performing hybrids overshadowed the Insight, and Honda discontinued it at the end of 2006.

Most Recent Honda Insight hybrid

The Honda Insight came only as a small two-door hatchback. It was powered by a 1.0-liter inline three-cylinder engine, which put out 67 horsepower. A lightweight electric motor (the IMA) supported the gas engine with low-end torque and provided extra power under acceleration. Combined, the gas-electric hybrid system was rated at 73 hp and 91 pound-feet of torque when coupled to the five-speed manual transmission. When equipped with the optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), these figures dropped a bit, though CVT models had a better tailpipe emissions rating, earning the Honda Insight hybrid Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) status rather than ULEV. Insight CVTs registered in California may carry High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane stickers, enabling them to be driven in carpool lanes with only one occupant aboard -- a potential consideration for commuters.

Unlike the electric cars that preceded it, the Honda Insight hybrid never needed to be plugged in for recharging. Through what was at the time a ground-breaking process, the electric motor was able to recharge the battery pack while the car was braking and coasting, recapturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat. This is known as regenerative braking, and all production hybrids make use of it today.