Did the Honda Insight come in manual?
Yes, the Honda Insight was available with a manual transmission option. The Insight, Honda's pioneering hybrid vehicle, was first introduced in 1999 and offered both manual and automatic transmission choices throughout its production run.
The Honda Insight's Manual Transmission
The Honda Insight was designed to be a fuel-efficient, compact hybrid vehicle. When it was first launched, the Insight was available with a 5-speed manual transmission in addition to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) option. The manual transmission allowed drivers to have more control over the vehicle's performance and fuel economy.
The manual transmission Insight was powered by a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. This powertrain combination provided good acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency, with the manual version achieving an EPA-estimated 61 mpg in the city and 68 mpg on the highway.
Insight Transmission Options Over the Years
- 1st Generation (1999-2006): Available with 5-speed manual or CVT automatic
- 2nd Generation (2009-2014): Available with 6-speed manual or CVT automatic
- 3rd Generation (2019-present): Available with CVT automatic only, no manual option
As the Insight evolved over the years, Honda eventually discontinued the manual transmission option, focusing solely on the more efficient and user-friendly CVT automatic for later model years. However, the availability of a manual gearbox in the earlier Insight models appealed to driving enthusiasts who wanted more control over the hybrid's performance.p>
Is the Honda Insight manual?
The first-generation Insight was manufactured as a two-seater, launching in a single trim level with a manual transmission and optional air conditioning.
Why are Honda insights so rare?
Why Was the Honda Insight Discontinued? Despite its efficiency and strong hybrid technology, the Honda Insight was discontinued after the 2022 model year. Honda made this decision as part of a strategic shift to streamline its hybrid lineup and focus on hybrid versions of its best-selling models.
What kind of transmission is in the Honda Insight?
Mechanical
| Engine Type | Gas/Electric I-4 |
| Displacement | 1.5 L/91 |
| Horsepower (Net @ RPM) | 151 @ 6000 |
| Torque (Net @ RPM) | 99 @ 5000 |
| Transmission | CVT w/OD |
Are there any manual hybrids?
Yes, manual hybrid cars exist, but they are uncommon. Historically, models like the Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Honda CR-Z were offered with a manual transmission. These are typically "parallel" hybrids, where the electric motor is integrated with the gasoline engine and manual transmission, and driving a manual version is similar to driving any other stick-shift vehicle.
This video is a review of the Honda CR-Z, a manual hybrid sports car: 1mDoug DeMuroYouTube · May 29, 2025
Historical examples of manual hybrids
This video shows a review of the Honda Insight, one of the first manual hybrids: 1mElliott AlvisYouTube · Jun 4, 2020
- Honda CR-Z: This sporty two-door coupe was available with a six-speed manual transmission.
- Honda Insight: The first generation of this hybrid was also available with a manual transmission.
- Honda Civic Hybrid: Honda also offered a manual option for certain generations of the Civic Hybrid.
How they work
- These are typically parallel hybrids, where both the engine and electric motor can power the wheels.
- The manual transmission is connected to this parallel setup, making it mechanically straightforward to implement.
- Driving one feels much like a traditional manual car, but the electric motor provides assistance for efficiency and performance.
You can watch this video to learn about a potential future manual hybrid from Toyota: 45sKirk KreifelsYouTube · Feb 12, 2024
Why they are rare
- The market for a hybrid with a manual transmission is very small, as most buyers prefer the convenience of an automatic.
- Most modern hybrid systems are designed for maximum efficiency, which is often achieved with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or an automatic transmission.
This video explains why some consider the Honda Civic Hybrid to be a fun, manual-like driving experience despite it being automatic: 36sRoads UntraveledYouTube · Jan 4, 2025
