2001 Honda Insight review from North America

Dealer replaced ECM, insturment cluster, primary and auxillary batteries and god knows what else they won't admit to in an attempt to correct non working shift indicator lights in dash. In this they had to have the car dismanteled and in shop for over 20 days of the first month I owned it. They finally had to call in one of two field engineers in the US to discover that the bulbs were burned out. Anyway, the car was never right. It would not start if left sitting for more than two days. Four seperate trips to the dealership and two more battery replacements. They finally decided that the radio was to blame!?!?!? For what it's worth, the starting problem was fixed after that.

I have also owned a Civic and an S2000. I like Honda's american built cars (and also the S2000). Unfortunately, due to the incompetency of the dealership mechanics, and uncooperative American Honda, I will never own another car new or used from this company. Also, this car depreciated faster than a new Cadillac. The MSRP was a bit over $19,000 new. I paid $15,200 for one that was less than 1 year old. Less than six months later, I was able to get only $9,000 for it. One of Honda's hallmarks is their reputation for good resale value. I guess with the Insight, everyone else knew what a dumpster chicken that car is. The biggest kick in the head is that I never drive anywhere. I took it to New York City a few times which is less than 60 miles from me. I bought it purely out of novelty. I have learned my lesson now.