Consumer Reports Spanks 2010 Honda Insight for "Disappointing" Flaws

YONKERS, New York — Calling the 2010 Honda Insight "a noisy, stiff-riding car with clumsy handling," Consumer Reports unleashed its wrath on the Toyota Prius fighter in a new test of small hatchbacks and wagons. Only the Dodge Caliber scored worse than the Insight in a field of 22 vehicles.

In strident language, Consumer Reports said it "faults" the Insight for its "ride, handling, noise and rear seat."

"The Insight is the most disappointing Honda Consumer Reports has tested in a long time," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center. "The Insight is a noisy, stiff-riding car with clumsy handling that is nothing like the [Honda] Fit on which it is based. Also, electronic stability control is only available on the highline EX version."

Responding to CR's scathing review, Honda spokesman Chuck Schifsky told Inside Line on Tuesday: "Feedback from customers and automotive media regarding the all-new 2010 Honda Insight has been very positive. In fact, the Insight has won several hybrid comparison tests completed independently by automotive media outlets including Car and Driver, Edmunds.com and Motor Trend." He also noted that the Insight is "the most affordable hybrid currently on sale in the U.S." and "one of the most fuel-efficient five-passenger vehicles on the market."

Consumer Reports said the Insight was rated 21st out of 22 vehicles in a new test of small hatchbacks and wagons, followed only by the Dodge Caliber, which received the lowest score.

The Insight scored too low in the testing to be recommended, Consumer Reports said. It did praise the Insight for "an excellent 38 mpg overall in CR's tests."

Consumer Reports also tested the Kia Soul in this new round of evaluations. It rated the Korean car "very good" but noted "this is a new model, so CR does not have any reliability data and cannot recommend the Soul."

Inside Line says: The consumer watchdog offers a blistering evaluation of the Honda Insight, one that is sure to have an impact on purchase decisions. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent