Where are Honda Insights manufactured?

Honda Insights are manufactured at multiple facilities around the world rather than at a single plant. In the United States, the Insight has been produced at Honda Manufacturing of Indiana in Greensburg, Indiana, while other regions rely on local Honda plants or imports from Japan to meet demand.

Global production footprint

Over its history, Honda has distributed Insight production across a network of factories to serve regional markets. The company uses a mix of domestic plants and internationally sourced production to align with demand, regulatory requirements, and supply-chain considerations. This approach means that where an Insight is built can vary by generation and by country.

North America focus

In the United States, the Insight has been produced at the Greensburg, Indiana facility, which is part of Honda’s North American Civic production network. This location has supported the hybrid lineup that shares components and platforms with the Civic family, enabling efficient supply for North American customers.

Other markets

For Japan and other regions, Insights have been produced at domestic Honda plants or assembled for local markets as part of Honda’s broader global production strategy. In some cases, regional production or exports from Japan have supported specific markets, depending on demand and regulatory factors.

Market evolution and current status

Production footprints shift with model cycles, capacity, and strategic realignments. The Insight’s global footprint reflects Honda’s broader approach to modular platform sharing and regional manufacturing to balance efficiency with customer demand. For buyers and collectors, the exact plant of manufacture can vary by model year and market, so checking the VIN or regional dealer documentation can confirm the specific origin.

Summary: Honda Insight production is distributed across a network of plants rather than centralized in one location. The Greensburg, Indiana plant has been a key site for North American Insights in recent years, while other markets rely on local production or imports from Japan. The precise manufacturing site depends on the model year, market, and supply considerations.

Why did Honda stop making insights?

The Honda Insight was discontinued due to a strategic shift to focus on hybrid versions of its core models, like the Civic and CR-V, and changing customer preferences. By discontinuing the standalone Insight, Honda could streamline its hybrid lineup and increase production volume for its more popular and mainstream hybrid offerings. 
Here are the key reasons for the discontinuation:

• Focus on core models: Honda decided to concentrate on hybrid versions of its most popular models, such as the Civic and CR-V, rather than a dedicated hybrid model. The Insight was replaced by a new Civic Hybrid. 
• Streamlined hybrid lineup: The move was part of a larger strategy to make hybrid technology more accessible and to simplify the brand's product offerings. 
• Changing customer preferences: Customer preferences were shifting towards more fuel-efficient SUVs and away from a dedicated hybrid sedan like the Insight. 
• Low sales relative to other models: The Insight sold in much smaller numbers compared to models like the Civic, making it less economically viable to continue producing as a standalone model. 
• Opportunity to increase hybrid volume: By making the Civic and Accord hybrid, Honda expects these models to represent a much larger portion of their sales mix, helping them meet their electrification goals. 

How do I know if my Honda is made in the US or Japan?

It requires minimal deciphering, but the vehicle identification number, or VIN, indicates the car's production location. The first character in the VIN is part of a standardized 3-digit world manufacturer identifier or WMI. Generally, the first number or letter of the VIN signifies the vehicle's country of manufacture.

Where is the Honda Insight made?

Built alongside the NSX and S2000 sports cars at the company's Takanezawa Plant in Japan, the award-winning first-generation Honda Insight remains the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered mass production automobile ever sold in America with an EPA mileage ratings of 61 mpg city and 70 mpg highway.

What is the common problem in Honda Insight?

Common problems for the Honda Insight include hybrid battery degradation, CVT transmission shudder, and issues with the automatic emergency brake system and headlights. Other frequent complaints involve the climate control system (specifically the AC compressor and blower motor), engine performance issues, and various electrical problems like blank display screens and charging faults. 
Hybrid and electrical system problems 

• Hybrid battery failure: This is a very common issue, leading to warning lights, reduced acceleration, and decreased fuel economy. 
• Electrical system faults: Owners report various issues, including error messages, battery charging problems, and faults with the 12V battery that can prevent the engine from restarting. 
• Automatic emergency brake: The system has been linked to problems and complaints, including false alerts and issues with forward collision avoidance. 
• Headlight problems: Dipped beam headlights can fail, sometimes due to heat damage to the switch or wiring. 
• Display screen issues: Blank screens, freezing, and reboots on the infotainment or navigation screen have been reported. 

Powertrain and engine issues 

• CVT transmission shudder: A common complaint is a shaking or shuddering sensation during acceleration, often due to a worn start clutch in the CVT.
• Engine hesitation or surge: This can be caused by issues like clogged EGR passages.
• Rough idle: A faulty EVAP emission control solenoid can cause the engine to idle roughly.
• Fuel system: Problems with the fuel cap and filler neck can trigger a "check engine" light. 

Other common problems

• Climate control: Issues with the AC compressor, blower motor, and refrigerant leaks have been reported. 
• Body and paint: Some models have experienced paint issues like chipping or peeling, and there have been reports of the hood vibrating or shaking at highway speeds. 
• Brake system: The regenerative braking system can sometimes feel spongy or less responsive. 
• Structural issues: Some owners have reported the hood flipping up while driving, or even a moonroof exploding. 

This video discusses common issues with the Honda Insight, including problems with the automatic emergency brake, CVT transmission, and the hybrid battery: 50sVerdier 400YouTube · Feb 4, 2022