Honda Insight FAQ
Q: What is a hybrid vehicle?
A: A hybrid vehicle combines a gasoline-powered engine with
an electric motor to provide increased gas mileage and lower
emissions.
Q: Does it require a special kind of fuel?
A: No, the Insight uses regular unleaded gasoline.
Q: Is this an electric vehicle?
A: No. The Insight primarily relies on a gasoline engine.
Its electric motor "assists" by supplying extra
power when needed.
Q: If I run out of gas, will the electric motor allow me
to continue driving?
A: No. You cannot drive solely on the electric motor; the
Insight relies primarily on its gasoline engine. However,
if the electric motor becomes inoperative, the gasoline engine
will function on its own.
Q: How are the batteries recharged?
A: The Insight's nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries are
recharged through a process called regenerative braking. Specifically,
energy from forward momentum is captured during braking. This
energy is then used to recharge the batteries. (In conventional
automobiles, this energy is wasted.) Under certain circumstances,
the gasoline engine also recharges the batteries.
Q: How far can the Insight travel on one tank of gas?
A: EPA ratings for highway fuel economy are 68 miles per gallon
for Insights equipped with a manual transmission. The fuel
tank holds 10.6 gallons. Therefore, the vehicle may be able
to exceed 700 miles between fill-ups. (Fuel efficiency varies
significantly based on driving conditions, road conditions,
weather, accessory use and terrain.)
Q: How is it possible for a vehicle to get nearly 70 miles
per gallon?
A: The following factors contribute to the Insight's extraordinary
fuel efficiency: its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA™)
system, lightweight materials, aerodynamic design, friction-reduction
improvements to the gasoline engine, low-rolling-resistance
tires, and an electric motor and batteries.
Q: Is an aluminum car safe?
A: Absolutely. The Insight exceeds all federal safety standards.
It is equipped with dual front airbags and seat belt pretensioners.
In addition, we've incorporated front and rear crumple zones
and dual side-impact door beams to protect occupants in the
event of a collision.
Q: What is the IMA system's idle-stop feature?
A: When the vehicle stops, the IMA system's idle-stop feature
temporarily shuts off the gasoline engine to save fuel and
minimize emissions. The system is automatically engages the
transmission and restarts the gasoline engine. On Insights
equipped with the available continuously variable transmission
(CVT), the idle-stop feature is engaged when the brake pedal
is depressed and the car has come to a complete stop. Once
the brake pedal is released, the engine will restart.
Note: For Insights equipped with available climate control,
the idle-stop feature will not operate while the A/C is on.
Q: Does the Insight require special maintenance?
A: No. In fact, you won't need to schedule an engine tune-up
until after 105,000 miles.
*Does not apply to fluid and filter changes.
Q: How does the Insight's performance compare to a conventional
gasoline-only-powered vehicle?
A: The Insight's acceleration is comparable to an ordinary
1.5- liter, 4-cylinder engine.
Q: Why did Honda develop the Insight?
A: Honda is committed to developing fuel-efficient, environmentally
friendlier vehicles with ultra-low emissions.
Q: Where can I purchase the Insight?
A: The Insight is sold at Honda dealerships across the country,
just like every other Honda. Currently, vehicles may be in
short supply in certain areas. Check with your local dealer
for vehicle availability.
