2005 Honda Insight
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.0L 3-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 52 combined · 48 city / 58 hwy
- Length
- 155.1 in
- Curb weight
- 1,878 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 52 MPG combined — 184% better than the average 2005 two seaters (18.3 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Honda Insight is a two seaters offered with a 1.0L 3-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 155 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 95-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 1,878 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 52 MPG combined (48 city / 58 highway), 184% better than the 2005 two seaters average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $1,300 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Hatchback | 155.1 in | 66.9 in | 52.8 in | 94.5 in | 57.1 / 52 in | 1,878 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insight Hybrid | 1.0L 3-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 48 / 58 / 52 | +184% | $1,300 | 171 |
| Insight Hybrid | 1.0L 3-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 45 / 49 / 47 | +157% | $1,450 | 189 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Honda Insight under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Honda Insight (this car) | 52 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Chrysler Crossfire | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Honda S2000 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota MR2 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Honda Insight.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Honda Insight is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2005 Honda Insight in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2005 Honda Insight buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Honda Insight. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Insight years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Insight | 52 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 33 |
| 2021 Insight | 52 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 25 |
| 2020 Insight | 52 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 31 |
| 2019 Insight | 52 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 99 |
| 2014 Insight | 41 | – | Not rated | 3 | 5 |
| 2013 Insight | 41 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 43 |
| 2012 Insight | 41 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 8 | 57 |
| 2011 Insight | 40 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 10 | 31 |
| 2010 Insight | 41 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 10 | 80 |
| 2006 Insight | 52 | 155.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →