Keep in mind, Honda had the 1st Hybrid available, not Toyota as is commonly believed. The fact that it was not a practical sedan was possibly a mistake, but Honda was 1st with the Insight hatch.

 

Actually...there is quite a bit of Acura influence in the interior styling.

However, I agree with you on the outside...and thank goodness for it!!

 

Looking at the JDM Hondas and it's plain to see the the styling for 2010 and beyond

 

Seems like they slapped a Prius-ripoff body on a Civic Hybrid to rush a hybrid-only model to market. No mileage improvement over a Civic Hybrid. I expected better.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightline/2008...ner-hybrid.html

 

[QUOTE=DiscLarry,Oct 5 2008, 05:08 PM] Seems like they slapped a Prius-ripoff body on a Civic Hybrid to rush a hybrid-only model to market.

 

Follow the link in the link I posted. Linky
Sure sounds like Honda's estimate, but I'll admit it is not 100% clear.

And I didn't say Honda was wasting their time; I have no doubt the Insight will fly off the lots.

Yes, the original Insight was the first production hybrid. And the 968 was the first Porsche with a 6-speed transmission. So what? They probably sold about equal numbers of vehicles. First to market is great if you can turn it into profit, but there were just too many compromises with the original Insight, and now it's just a footnote in automotive history.

I still say that I expected better. It's not bad (ignoring the blatantly derivative exterior), just not as good as I hoped.

 

Honda could make a 400 hp, 70 mpg, miracle car that runs on tap water and someone on here would post that they think it sux because it looks somewhat similar to some other car or because they dont like the color of the freakin shift knob.

And, yes, it looks vaugely like a Prius in profile because that shape works aerodynamicaly. If the Elements profile was good in the wind, the new Insight might look similar to it... and people would bitch about that too.

After you see specs and a price then you'll have enough information to pass judgement. If you still think it's a weak attempt to copy a Prius, then you are welcome to your informed opinion. You can also exercise your option to buy another product that fits your needs better. May I suggest an Ford Expedition or maybe a Hummer. Their purchase value per pound right now is unsurpassed.

And Larry, if being first to market with a new concept means so little to you as a consumer, then why do you care if the new Insight looks derivative? Your comments make no sense to me. But don't worry, it's probably just me...

 

From what I read last night, This will be less expensive than the Civic Hybrid.