2021 Honda Insight

Hondas are generally affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient, with intuitive controls and good driving characteristics. Its SUVs and sedans are usually near the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings for road tests and predicted reliability. Many Hondas have earned Consumer Reports recommendations. Used Hondas also score near the top of our reliability rankings for 5- and 10-year-old vehicles, making it a brand worth considering for options under $20,000. Honda’s SUVs include sub-compact models like the HR-V and compact CR-V, one of the best-selling SUVs in North America. The two-row Passport and three-row Pilot are larger options. Honda’s sedans include the compact Civic and the midsized Accord. Honda also makes the Odyssey minivan and the Ridgeline, a midsized pickup truck. For buyers seeking fuel efficiency, several of the most popular models are available with hybrid powertrains that get competitive mpg figures and are pleasant to drive.

The Insight returned as our fuel economy champ among cars that don't have to be plugged in, thanks to its 54 mpg overall in our tests, which is two mpg better than the Toyota Prius. Based on the Civic sedan, the Insight has the same strengths and weaknesses. The ride is comfortable, its handling is secure but mundane, and the rear seat is relatively roomy. But the Insight suffers from a very low stance, which hurts getting in and out. The driver's seat is short on lower back support, and the controls are somewhat tricky, including the fussy, push-button gear selector. The car can loaf around on electric power alone at very low speeds but when the gas engine awakes when more power is needed, it's loud. Standard advanced safety systems include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. For 2022, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning come standard.