Most folks think of the Toyota Prius as the first mass-produced hybrid sold in the U.S., but the Honda Insight was introduced seven months earlier. The first iteration ran from 1999 to 2006 and had a smaller sales record than the Toyota, with less than 15,000 units found in the U.S. The seller has a fairly nice 2002 edition with 115,000 miles, but its hybrid setup has been disconnected so it runs strictly on gasoline. Located in Portland, Oregon, this rarely seen car is available here on craigslist for $2,950 (firm). An attaboy goes to Curvette for the tip!
This first generation of the Insight was a subcompact liftback model with just two doors and two seats, so it was not a family car. Other variants of the Insight ran from 2009-14, 2018-22, and it is still in production as of 2026. It deployed Honda’s new Integrated Motor Assist System and was the most fuel-friendly gas-powered car sold in the States at the time. The gas motor displaced 1.0-liters and had three cylinders (67 hp), while the electric version used 12X12-volt batteries good for 13 hp. A 5-speed manual transmission was the only choice at first; then a CVT soon followed.
These first Insights were a little odd in appearance with the rear wheels hidden behind the body panels. That may have helped keep sales down to rather low levels. But the fuel consumption was outstanding, north of 50 mpg in many instances. The seller purchased this 2002 edition of the Insight for his granddaughter as her first car, but she wants something newer, so it’s back on the market at a cheap wheels price.
The body and interior look good at 115k miles, though the blue paint has a few issues. And the hybrid part is no more, as it appears the batteries have been removed. We’re told that everything else works as it should with good tires and brakes. It even has cold air conditioning. If you’re looking for an economical means of transportation that may attract stares in the process, would this Insight work in your household?
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