About Honda Insight
Honda Insight, as a hybrid electric vehicle, was produced by the renowned Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda Motor Co., Ltd. from 1999 to 2006, two-year hiatus later, from 2008-2014. When the first Honda Insight was introduced in 1999, it was a 3-door hatchback that could accommodate two passengers. As Honda's first vehicle equipped with Integrated Motor Assist system, most fuel efficient gasoline vehicle available in the U.S. and top-selling vehicle in Japan in April 2009, Honda Insight had received countless awards and recognition such as North American Car of the Year, Kelley Blue Book Top 10 Green Cars and so on. It had been through two generations in all.
When the first generation Honda Insight (1999-2006) was introduced in North America in December 1999, it became the first hybrid vehicle available in this region. Honda Insight was only available in one trim level. It was powered by a 1.0 L ECA1 inline 3-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. And powertrain was mated to 5-speed manual and CVT automatic transmissions and CVT. Then at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, the second generation Honda Insight (2009-2014) was unveiled as a 5-door hatchback that could hold 5 passengers. It went on sale on March 24, 2009 in the United States as a 2010 model. EX, LX trims were added. And powertrain for Honda Insight became 1.3 L SOHC i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine and electric motor mated to a CVT.
Honda Insight Common Problems & Maintenance Tips
No matter how much recognition Honda Insight has received, it is still just a piece of work made of steel and all kinds of auto parts. As time goes by and as accumulation of mileage, auto parts are inevitable to wear and tear. And once wearing starts, problems follow along:
First, excessive oil consumption. According to the data from car repair statistics site CarComplaints.com, this problem on Honda Insight ranks first and second among all other problems. Honda Insight drivers put forward that they wasted lots of money in adding oil more often. This can be attributed to poor fuel efficiency or oil leaking. If you can hear metallic sounds when driving and feel loss of power while accelerating; at the same time, the Check Engine Light comes on, then you should check if the Insight air filter, intake manifold gasket, and oil filter are working properly.
Second, transmission and suspension failures. Transmission failure in Honda models is quite common. Honda Insight owners told that transmission slippage and whirring, winning sound as well as delaying in reverse happened from time to time. This normally can be solved by replacing the defective Insight automatic transmission filter. As for suspension failure, it would manifest as vehicle tilting to one side, probably because of the uneven tire wear; bouncing while driving and excessive vibration and road noise on Honda Insight. Generally speaking, Insight tie rod end, coil springs and coil spring insulator could be the main culprits.
However, for a top-notch Honda Insight, taking reaction measures is not enough. Taking preventative measures in advance is the right maintaining way. Some auto parts will not last as long as your Insight will. Cabin air filter, for instance, will get clogged due to long-term capturing pollens, dirt and other contaminations, so for a more comfortable environment free from allergic particles, please clean it off periodically. Window regulator, headlight, emblem, wiper blade are all auto parts exposed to repeated usage or harsh working conditions, so maintaining regularly is also essential for your Honda Insight's overall quality.
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