My initial impression of the car was that externally it was a lovely shape with plenty of style, but internally very much built down to a budget price. Comfort & class came far behind the obvious "technology designed hybrid system", with hard plastics almost everywhere which contributed to the many squeaks and rattles experienced ( I subsequently padded out / insulated these areas to minimise the effects).
I was, however, happy to accept these foibles in return for a car with very low running costs that looked good and drove well, if a little hard riding particularly for rear seat passengers.
This was until it failed me (full story elsewhere on the Forum) - the CVT transmission went into "limp mode", caused by swarf blocking an engine speed sensor - the result ? - a bill for £10,000 to replace the gearbox ! This, after meticulous servicing (by Honda) & only 29000 miles travelled, but 3 months out of warranty.
After a long & protracted debate with Honda UK, their initial goodwill offer was increased to pay all the costs less VAT, but quite naturally, my faith in the car has been badly affected.
Would I recommend the car ? The later Insights do seem better built inside & I gather the suspension has been improved, so the answer is "Yes, providing a warranty is maintained".

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1.3 ES

reviewed by henry11 on 4 December 2011