Honda Insight 1st Gen

The first-generation Honda Insight launched in North America for the 2000 model year, beating the Toyota Prius to become the first mass-produced hybrid sold in the US. Honda's goal was singular: maximize fuel economy. It achieved an EPA rating of 70 mpg highway thanks to a lightweight aluminum monocoque, a teardrop shape with a 0.25 drag coefficient, and its 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine paired with an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) electric motor. Critically for enthusiasts, it was available with a 5-speed manual transmission alongside a CVT.

Collectors appreciate the Insight for its historical significance and focused engineering. Its radical, futuristic styling with covered rear wheel wells and its advanced-for-the-time aluminum construction make it a standout piece of automotive design. Production numbers were low, and the 5-speed manual variants are particularly sought after for their engaging driving experience and greater reliability compared to the CVT. It represents a unique moment when a major manufacturer prioritized efficiency above all else.

The market for the first-gen Insight is well-established but remains relatively accessible. With an average sale price around $10,500, it's not a budget-breaker. Condition and mileage dictate value, with worn-out examples trading below $5,000. Pristine, low-mileage cars, especially manual models from the final 2006 model year, can exceed $20,000, showing strong demand for the very best examples of this pioneering hybrid.

Based on recent sales, prices range from around $4,500 for daily-driver examples to $23,500 for top-tier collector-grade cars.