DecodedCars2006 Honda Insight
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 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 — 180% better than the average 2006 two seaters (18.6 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Few owner complaints1 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 30 for similar models.
- 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 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 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), 180% better than the 2006 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,300 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Insight — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Insight →
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 | +180% | $1,300 | 171 |
| Insight Hybrid | 1.0L 3-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 45 / 49 / 47 | +153% | $1,450 | 189 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Honda Insight under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Honda Insight (this car) | 52 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Pontiac Solstice | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Chrysler Crossfire | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Honda S2000 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Honda Insight.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Honda Insight is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Honda Insight buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- 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 2006 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 |
| 2005 Insight | 52 | 155.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →