Why was the Honda Insight discontinued?

Honda discontinued the Insight after the 2024 model year due to a combination of waning demand for compact sedans and a strategic shift toward SUVs and broader hybrid offerings like the Civic Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid. The move reflects a broader industry trend toward crossover-style vehicles and a focus on high-volume models.

The Insight, once a distinctive hybrid with a compact footprint, struggled to keep pace with changing consumer preferences and a crowded market for electrified small cars. Honda’s decision to end the model is part of a broader lineup rationalization aimed at concentrating resources on core vehicles that deliver higher sales volumes and profitability. Below is a closer look at the rationale, the market context, and what comes next for Honda’s electrified lineup.

Official confirmation and timing

Honda publicly confirmed that the Insight would be discontinued after the 2024 model year in the United States as part of a broader effort to streamline its lineup and focus on more popular vehicles and electrified variants of best-sellers.

Market trends shaping demand

Analysts and industry observers have noted several ongoing trends that influence the decision to drop the Insight. Demand for compact sedans has remained fragile in the U.S. market, while consumers increasingly favor crossovers and SUVs that offer more interior space and versatility. This shift has compressed the market for smaller, traditional sedans and constrained the sales potential for the Insight.

In addition, Honda’s hybrid strategy has leaned on its best-sellers, notably the Civic Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid, which tend to attract higher volumes and provide greater profitability. The Insight overlapped with these models in terms of hybrid technology and efficiency targets, making a standalone continued production less compelling from a portfolio perspective.

Finally, the company cited the broader goal of simplifying production and engineering efforts. By concentrating on fewer, more widely used platforms and powertrains, Honda can allocate resources toward vehicles with the strongest demand and the most strategic fit for a electrified future.

What remains in Honda’s lineup and where the focus goes

With the Insight retired, Honda’s hybrid options in the United States are expected to hinge on the Civic Hybrid and the CR-V Hybrid, both of which implement similar technology with different packaging and utility. The move signals a continued emphasis on electrified versions of Honda’s most popular models rather than maintaining a separate, stand-alone hybrid in the compact sedan segment.

Impact on buyers and alternatives

Potential Insight customers now have a few practical paths forward. If a compact, efficient hybrid remains the goal, the Civic Hybrid offers a familiar platform with strong highway efficiency and practical daily use. For those wanting SUV practicality with hybrid efficiency, the CR-V Hybrid provides more cargo space and seating capacity. Additionally, used Insight models—depending on availability—may still appeal to buyers seeking a vintage hybrid badge with a unique design lineage.

As Honda pivots toward a more streamlined hybrid portfolio, shoppers should monitor upcoming electrified models and any updates to the Civic family, which could include newer powertrain options and technology that align with the company’s long-term electrification strategy.

Summary

The Honda Insight was discontinued primarily because compact sedans have waned in demand in the U.S., while Honda preferred to focus on higher-volume, more profitable models and its strongest hybrid offerings. The Civic Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid remain the backbone of Honda’s electrified lineup, aligning with consumer preferences for practicality and efficiency in a market tilted toward SUVs and crossovers. For buyers, this means considering Civic Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, or looking at the used Insight market if a specific styling or historical appeal is important.

In the broader context, Honda’s move reflects the auto industry’s shift toward electrified versions of flagship models and a strategic emphasis on vehicles that command larger market share, better profitability, and longer-term growth potential in a rapidly evolving landscape.

What is replacing the Honda Insight?

In April 2022, Honda announced that the Insight would be discontinued after the 2022 model year, with production ending in June. It was replaced by a new Civic Hybrid.

Who lasts longer, Toyota or Honda?

Both brands have a history of producing vehicles with fewer major issues, longer lifespans, and lower repair costs compared to some other brands. According to a study published in April of 2023 by iSeeCars.com, eight of the top 23 longest-lasting vehicles are made by Toyota, while four of the top 23 are made by Honda.

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

What years of Honda Insight to avoid?

The Honda Insight years to avoid are generally the 2012-2014 models, which can have engine issues like oil consumption, and the 2010 model, which has been subject to numerous recalls for problems like headlights and suspension. The earlier 2000-2006 models are considered reliable but are older and may require a more significant upkeep commitment. The most reliable years to consider are 2009-2011 (especially for the first generation) and 2019-2022 (for the second generation).
 
This video explains why you should avoid buying a 2010-2014 Honda Insight: 56stravisp11YouTube · Nov 13, 2018
Years to avoid

• 2012–2014: These models are known for engine oil consumption issues due to a defective piston ring design, according to Facebook users. 
• 2010: This model year had numerous recalls (10 by the NHTSA) for problems including faulty headlights and suspension components, notes Consumer Reports. 
• 2010-2014: The second-generation Insight was a budget-friendly but less refined car with issues like slow performance, cramped rear seats, and poor interior fit and finish, states Consumer Reports. 

Years to consider

• 2009–2011: These are generally considered more reliable years, especially the first-generation models, as noted by Facebook users. 
• 2019–2022: These later models are considered reliable and perfected versions of the Insight, according to Brickell Honda and Mile High Honda. 

This video discusses the pros and cons of the 2000 Honda Insight, another model with a unique design: 53sGenXJeffYouTube · Dec 31, 2024
Other considerations

• Hybrid battery: All hybrid models can have battery issues as they age. A failing hybrid battery can lead to decreased performance and fuel efficiency and is costly to replace, says Cowden Automotive.
• Manual transmissions: Some models with manual transmissions may have fragile transmissions that fail around 180,000 miles, according to a YouTube video.