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2001 Honda Insight CVT

The 2001 Honda Insight CVT is a 73-hp 1.0-liter inline-3 with a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. It starts at $21,180 MSRP and is rated at 47 mpg combined.

It makes 73 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 89 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 45 mpg city and 49 mpg highway (47 mpg combined).

The Insight measures 155.1 inches long on a 94.5-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 1,975 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainHybrid
Price
MSRP$21,180 ($38,868 *)
MSRP with Destination$21,620 ($39,675 *)
Destination Charge$440
Engine
Engine Type1.0-liter aluminum-alloy inline-3 with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system; 12-valve SOHC VTEC
Displacement1 L
Horsepower73 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque89 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (with IMA; engine 65 lb-ft @ 4800) rpm
Valvetrain12-valve SOHC VTEC
Compression Ratio10.3:1
Injection TypeMulti-Point Fuel Injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission
TransmissionContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
1st Gear2.441
Reverse4.359
Final Drive5.69
Fuel Economy
City45 MPG
Highway49 MPG
Combined47 MPG
Recommended FuelUnleaded Regular
Tank Capacity10.6 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionTorsion-Beam
Front Stabilizer Bar17.3 mm
Turning Diameter31.4 ft
Brakes
Front Brake Disc9.1 in ventilated disc
Rear Brake Disc7.1 in drum
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front14 in lightweight alloy
Wheels Rear14 in lightweight alloy
Tires FrontP165/65R14 78S low-rolling-resistance all-season
Tires RearP165/65R14 78S low-rolling-resistance all-season
Dimensions & Weight
Length155.1 in
Width66.7 in
Height53.3 in
Wheelbase94.5 in
Front Track56.5 in
Rear Track52.2 in
Cargo Volume16.3 ft³
Curb Weight1,975 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front38.8 in
Legroom Front42.9 in
Shoulder Room Front50.5 in
Hip Room Front48.7 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 2001 Honda Insight 2-DR.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Honda INSIGHT. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Feb 24, 2004 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOW-BEAM TERMINAL ON THE HEAD LIGHT WIRE HARNESS CAN OVERHEAT AND COULD CAUSE THE LOW BEAMS TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.

Consequence: AN UNEXPECTED LOSS OF LOW BEAMS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND COUPLER FOR SIGNS OF HEAT DAMAGE. IF HEAT DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH AND COUPLER. IF NO HEAT DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND ONE MATING PIN IN THE COUPLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

NHTSA campaign 04V086000

Jul 24, 2002 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULES WERE NOT PROPERLY WELDED AND MAY NOT DEPLOY IN A COLLISION.

Consequence: THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY PROTECTED IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 2, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

NHTSA campaign 02V196000

25 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2001 Honda INSIGHT

Owner Complaints

25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Honda INSIGHT (2 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags5
Power Train5
Engine And Engine Cooling4
Exterior Lighting4
Electrical System3
Electronic Stability Control1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Nov 15, 2018 · Exterior Lighting
“LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED W/O WARNING OR EXTERNAL CAUSE. WORKED ONE DAY BUT NOT THE NEXT MORNING. NO OBVIOUS FUSE OR RELAY IS THE CAUSE. FOUND THAT THERE WAS AN INADEQUATELY DESIGNED SWITCH THAT WS…”
Jan 4, 2016 · Exterior Lighting
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA INSIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V086000 (EXTERIOR…”
May 27, 2014 · Exterior Lighting
“BOTH MY LOW BEAMS FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING, BUT HIGH BEAMS STILL WORK. I CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS NO POWER BEING SENT TO THE LOW BEAMS. THIS VEHICLE HAD A RECALL FOR 2000-2002 MODEL YEARS…”
Nov 14, 2011 · Exterior Lighting
“HEADLIGHTS GO OFF. FIXED ONCE ON RECALL. NOW SAME PROBLEM. SAME HEAT DAMAGED SWITCH & THEY WONT REPAIR. *TR”
Sep 24, 2010 · Power Train
“2001 HONDA CIVIC LX TRANSMISSION FAILED ON THE HWY AT ABOUT 60MPH NO WARNING ENGINE JUST STARTING REVVING FROM WHAT I HEAR THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS YEAR OF HONDAS. *TR”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2001 HONDA INSIGHT. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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