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Clarkson Calls Honda Insight Biblically Awful And We Couldn't Agree More!

Agent001 submitted on 5/18/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 2:26:02 PM

44 user comments | Category: Report Cards | Source: | SOURCE: www.timesonline.co.uk

Tag Links: 2010 Honda Insight, 2010 Toyota Prius

Much has been written about the Insight, Honda’s new low-priced hybrid.

We’ve been told how much carbon dioxide it produces, how its dashboard encourages frugal driving by glowing green when you’re easy on the throttle and how it is the dawn of all things. The beginning of days.

So far, though, you have not been told what it’s like as a car; as a tool for moving you, your friends and your things from place to place.

So here goes. It’s terrible. Biblically terrible. Possibly the worst new car money can buy. It’s the first car I’ve ever considered crashing into a tree, on purpose, so I didn’t have to drive it any more.

We are in FULL agreement.

There is only ONE to buy if you want the hybrid...2010 PRIUS!

Everyone bows down to it in this space and NOTHING comes close.

Not the Volt, Insight, Fusion...NO ONE.

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Clarkson Calls Honda Insight Biblically Awful And We Couldn't Agree More!

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FWD Torque Steer. Absolute proof the Devil exists.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

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Agent 001 must be omni-potent because he knows how good the Volt is. Wow I would love to have that power, I probably wouldn't even have to read this blog anymore because I would know so much. But I digress.
As good as the Prius is, it could never top the sales charts, even in its homeland, that was an honor given to the new Johnny come lately. Clarkson can be a bit of a snob, but hay, everyone, has a asshole and an opinion.

It may well be a sign of the times, but Honda would have to more than happy with the sales results of its Insight hybrid.

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/30741/honda-insight-tops-japanese-sales-charts/

For the month of April, Honda’s new cut-price eco-warrior topped the sales charts in Japan. The success of the Insight marks a place in the history books for Honda, being the first hybrid vehicle to reach the number one sales spot, outselling petrol-powered rivals.

The sales figures as tracked by the Japan Automobile Dealer’s Association (JADA), show that Honda sold 10,481 Insights, bumping Honda’s own Fit (our Jazz) into second place and the Toyota Vitz (sold here as the Yaris) into third. (JADA’s figures don’t include sales of 660cc Kei cars however which would otherwise alter rankings slightly… maybe they classify them as ‘toys’.)

Coupled with the existing success of the Fit, which enjoyed best-seller status for 2008, Honda now holds the number one and two selling spots. The first time in its history it has done so.

The Insight’s nearest rival, the Toyota Pruis, finished the month in 21st place. With the third-generation Pruis just around the corner and a new aggressive pricing structure up its sleeve, you can bet Toyota will be aiming to displace the Insight on the sales charts.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 3:10:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

"There is only ONE to buy if you want the hybrid...2010 PRIUS!

Everyone bows down to it in this space and NOTHING comes close."

Why? Seriously, if you're going to throw blanket statements out there that one thing is not only better than another but then hyperbolize it with "bowing down it" and "NOTHING comes close", how about maybe some rationale to justify your position? Throw in some actual content, some steak with the sizzle. Otherwise what's the point of expressing your opinion?
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 3:21:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

How about 50MPG and up to 80 with minor mods, the capability to be converted to a plug in when it makes affordable sense, best in class interior, Toyota bulletproof reliability, gorgeous re-design, much tighter handling than the rest, radar cruise, traffic nav, best resale, excellent crash rating, first solar panel roof on a hybrid, marketplace reputation and momentum, iconic image...that enough 4 ya?

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 3:29:22 PM | | Votes: 2

That's nice. 50 mpg in tech that is brand new on a vehicle that once stated a 50-60 mpg isn't too impressive on the newest model so I'm not impressed. Ford's Fusion get 41/36. The Fusion doesn't look like a Dustbuster and feels better plus it's doing great in the market compared to the"greater than thou" Prius: http://priuschat.com/news/the-slide-continues-prius-sales-down-55-march

The Prius sales slide continued in March as sales were down 55% compared to March 2008. According to Toyota's sales figures, the Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid posted March sales of 8,924 units. While this is 55% lower than March 2008's 20,635 sales, it is important to note that it is an increase of about 1,700 over February's sales. However, if you keep looking at the numbers you'll quickly see that in 2008, sales doubled between February and March.

For starters most owners are not satisfied with the fuel mileage that they get with a Prius. Latest EPA testing shows 48mpg in the city and 45mpg on the highway. … most owners are not satisfied with the fuel mileage that they get with a Prius.

http://www.zaphu.com/2007/09/27/warning-toyota-prius-falls-short-of-fuel-efficiency-expectations/

From what I have heard from owners, these figures are very hard to achieve even with the lightest use of the pedal. And if you’re one of those drivers passing me at 80mph on the interstate, forget about it! This EPA highway tests are done at 55mph on an even grade. Anything over that reduces mileage exponentially as drag increases.

My prediction: The Prius sales will shrink in numbers after the first sales burst. The competition and the consumer is smarter and time is on their side.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 4:39:46 PM | | Votes: 3

inspirion7, what's wrong with you boy?? You always post balanced and well thought opinions and by doing this you gained my respect. Now you come up with such weird statements?

— inspirion7:

| That's nice. 50 mpg in tech that is brand new on
| a vehicle that once stated a 50-60 mpg isn't too
| impressive on the newest model so I'm not impressed.

It's faster, drives much better and raises the bar from 46 to 50 mpg. How can you not be impressed??

| Ford's Fusion get 41/36.

Good for Fusion. Still, remember that while the Fusion Hybrid is 15 inches longer, it only has 1,2 inches more of the wheelbase. So there's just one inch more legroom in the rear (36 inches Prius, 37,1 inches Fusion).

| The Fusion doesn't look like a Dustbuster

Please, stop it. Leave this lame point to clueless haters, we already have enough of them.

Just look at it. The 2010 Prius is purified beauty of efficiency:
http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/2010-toyota-prius-7/1394610/
http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/2010-toyota-prius-7/1394554/
http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/2010-toyota-prius-7/1394608/

| it's doing great in the market compared
| to the"greater than thou" Prius:
| http://priuschat.com/news/the-slide-continues-prius-sales-down-55-march

Stop it. Every car tumbles in sales just before the new model enters the market. Don't use this point cause it's no point at all.

| The Prius sales slide continued in March
| as sales were down 55% compared to March 2008.

"Toyota Motor has taken 80,000 orders for its redesigned 2010 Prius, which went on sale today in Japan. That's even more remarkable considering Toyota sold only 73,000 Priuses in Japan all last year. The heavy preorder volume suggests a dogfight could be brewing with the new Honda Insight, which was Japan's best-selling car in April."

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=148230

See what I mean?

| For starters most owners are not satisfied
| with the fuel mileage that they get with a Prius.

What??

700+ owners get on AVERAGE combined observed 46-47 mpg. EPA estimated 46 mpg. How can the not be satisified when they get what was promised??

| From what I have heard from owners, these
| figures are very hard to achieve even with
| the lightest use of the pedal.

700+ people achieve it on AVERAGE. It is not hard at all. It's hard to get 55+ mpg in the previous Prius II.

| http://www.zaphu.com/2007/09/27/warning-toyota-prius-falls-short-of-fuel-efficiency-expectations/

What are you quoting? Some hater's blog entry with false data, FUD and no references? He recycles every possible hatred lie about hybrids. This bits about Prius being for posers... aluminium mining...

I calculated the impact so many times. Estimated how tons (literally) of imported crude oil, CO2 and pollutans emitted are saved by driving a frugal, lightweight, clean burning Prius. I debunked this turdy whining about battery this, aluminium that. I pro
— MrBratwurst (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 5:34:33 PM | | Votes: 1

[...] I provided references for very low total costs of hybrid ownership due to simple drivetrain. I proved so many times there are dozens of reasong to own a hybrid like a Prius instead of being a poser.

And now you come up with the same nonsense again. It's jus hopeless.

| And if you’re one of those drivers passing me
| at 80mph on the interstate, forget about it!
| This EPA highway tests are done at 55mph on an
| even grade. Anything over that reduces mileage
| exponentially as drag increases.

Like in every freaking car!

| My prediction: The Prius sales will shrink in
| numbers after the first sales burst.

We will see how consistent numbers will the Prius II deliver, Mr Fortuneteller. If you're wrong, you'll apologize in person.

| The competition and the consumer is smarter
| and time is on their side.

50+ mpg, great looks, low total ownership costs, good ride, bulletproof reliability, yeah...
— MrBratwurst (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 5:35:26 PM | | Votes: 1

I think Bratwurst answered the sales figure question for me but all I car about is the car itself.

The Insight is a rotten, ugly piece of low end mediocrity.

The only way it could be worse were if it had the Acura "Beak" on it.

And sadly, GM can't even equal the Insight yet.

Lastly, I really like the Honda Fit because it's a good, well designed car even though it's goal is to be efficient and inexpensive.

They still did a great job on that car.

For some reason it's always hit or miss with Honda/Acura.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 6:15:22 PM | | Votes: 2

Wow Mr.Bratwurst you said a mouthful. I will apologize appropriately if sales of the new Prius doesn't meet prior sales( I don't care about Toyota's sales expectations because they can flux at any point) and two the Volt doesn't do what it is aimed to do, give the Prius a hiccup is sales like the Insight is doing.

Ok, no one remembers when the Prius numbers were inflated (around 60 mpg).

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/672/

Prius has dropped from 60/51 mpg city/hwy all the way to 48/45 mpg while the Honda Civic hybrid dropped from 49/51 mpg to 40/45. The change reflects the difference in testing environments, of course, but Sam Abuelsamid at AutoBlogGreen reports that there could be another reason there was such a significant drop.

Hybrid cars can be tuned to perform well in specific environments. They are largely computer controlled, and how the hybrid drive train operates is up to the engineers that create the car. Abuelsamid speculates that engineers at Honda and Toyota tweaked the computer control specifically for the EPA test. The result was inflated mileage and decreased real-world efficiency.

Seems more like something American automakers would do? Apparently not, the Ford Escape Hybrid only dropped from 36/31 to 31/29.

http://www.courthousenews.com/2008/03/13/Toyota_Accused_Of_Cheating_On_Prius_MPG.htm

Toyota Accused Of Cheating On Prius' MPG
LOS ANGELES (CN) - Toyota inflated the Prius hybrid's miles per gallon by nearly 50 percent to sell more cars, according to a federal class-action complaint. The class claims Toyota knew from its own testing records and consumer complaints that its mileage claims were untrue, but continued its marketing campaign anyway.
Plaintiffs say Toyota tried to cover up conflicting reports by saying that driver experience "varied."
Consumer Reports reported recently that the Prius averaged 35 miles per gallon during city driving, not the 60 mpg that Toyota promised.
Toyota was able to charge more for the Prius because buyers were willing to factor their supposed fuel savings into the purchase price, the suit states.
Toyota allegedly ran its scheme by using old EPA testing methods and continuing to use old mileage estimates instead of updating as tests become more accurate.

And last but not least, it seems that the Prius gets a free ride constantly, but look at this site:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/toyota_prius.html

you will be blown away totally by what you will see. I'm not bias Mr. Bratwurst, just Agent 001 is blinded by all the $$$ signs Toyota tosses at him.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/19/2009 11:26:43 AM | | Votes: 1

"Agent 001 must be omni-potent because he knows how good the Volt is."

Yes that is true but 001 also has a brain and a 40k electric will suck gas (aren't I funny?) when a $25k Prius is more flexible, tried and true from a company that actually has a rosy future.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 3:23:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

And inspiron7, 001 is USUALLY right on his predictions across the board.

Volt- Too expensive, Too little, too late.

001

p.s. and yes, we DO have inside info on the Volt.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 3:25:48 PM | | Votes: 1

If it were between an Insight or a Fit, I would buy the Fit.

They should have just made the Fit a Hybrid.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 3:36:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The mid-size Volt has a lot going for it. Size, comfort, looks, plug-in technolgoy, high mileage, American-made. Things that an econobox simply cannot do.
— thstone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 4:00:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The Volt is a compact. It is built on the GM delta chassis, which is shared with the Astra, HHR, Cobalt, and Pontiac G5.
— 91z4me (View Profile)

Posted on 5/19/2009 10:01:20 AM | | Votes: 1

Agent 001 we have you down on the record in print. I love the future. Really, Who would have known Toyota would be laying off thousands, GM going bankrupt and the Fit and Insight outselling the Prius in short order? Figures don't lie and liars don't figure. Agent 001, you didn't acknowledge the Insight sales figures. A fluke? You can say all you want how much info you have on the Volt. So what? My sources says different.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 4:03:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Said it years ago while all you guys were bowing down...

http://www.autospies.com/news/Does-This-Video-Prove-Auto-Spies-Agent-001-Should-Have-Bob-Lutz-s-Job-37966/

On the record with Agent 001 ;)

— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 4:53:35 PM | | Votes: 1

Dude so what? Most said GM was on its last leg. And?....

What about that those Insight sales?
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 5:03:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Insight is brand new on market and new Prius just starting to arrive in dealers

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 6:26:24 PM | | Votes: 1

thstone,
It's never too late for GM to ship Volt production to Mexico or more likely China. Not having to worry about workers expiring on you because of no env't laws makes profits all the greater.

Wouldn't surprise me if Obama gave GM some tax incentives or handouts to ship more auto jobs to China.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 5:42:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Insight=$12,000 car with an $18,000 sticker price
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 8:59:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

That Honda is without a doubt the ugliest car I have ever seen :-/
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 9:21:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

The Honda is a replica of the Prius!lol
— truckman (View Profile)

Posted on 5/19/2009 5:42:27 AM | | Votes: -1

Wow. Just wow.

Agent 001 is the biggest prius fanboy on the face of the planet. This clueless dope is jumping on the Clarkson bandwagon as a way to promote the upcoming toyota seemingly unaware of the fact that Jeremy POSITIVELY LAMBASTED the prius as the WORST VEHICLE OF ALL TIME. What is Agent001 going to say when the new prius gets another similar review?

Get a freaking clue, man.
— AIL59 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 9:57:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

That was the last Prius which we called the most ergonomically incorrect car in modern times.

My bet is he will change his mind like we did with the new one.

It is the best hybrid on the planet.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 11:14:07 PM | | Votes: 0

Come on now, there is no credible new intel available on the Volt, let's not say things that aren't true now. I will say that the Prius is not something that really burns me up and all this chatter about it has me thinking that Toyota really pays some bills for this site. Regardless, the Insight will challenge the Prius stranglehold on the segment because it's a Honda. Doesn't matter that EVERY automotive journalist has heralded the Fusion as the best driving hybrid on the market including the next Prius, it is a Ford and not a Japanese vehicle which immediately diminishes it;s credibility (sadly). We will see what the drive of the Insight does, but if the FCX Clarity is any indication (and it's consumer reviews) these guys chasing hybrid technology will ultimately be sorely mistaken. Hybrid solves nothing, and when the carbon footprint sticker gets on the windshield -- all will be revealed.

— THESCOOTER (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 10:19:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

What intel do you need beyond a car that will sell for between 35-40k for an all electric car that only goes 40 miles before recharge, is unproven and the 2010 Prius is tried and true and 15G's less.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 11:16:03 PM | | Votes: 0

What Agent 001 refuses to remark on is the Prius was selling for thousands above the purchase price. The gleam is off the ball, and sales of the all mighty is down close to 50% ( forget the new model, if the Prius is sooo good, the existing model at a discount should still post decent numbers, that isn' the case) The Volt will receive rebates to bring the vehicle in close to $27k ( the price of a loaded Prius). The Volt will change the game because you wouldn't have to really use any petrol, has one of the most advanced architectures on the planet and easy to use. One site for anyone interested about the Volt is: http://gm-volt.com/. Don't take info second hand, always go to the source. Toyota is so taken back by the Volt, every time major news about the car hits the wire, Toyota has something in print in response ( me, too, me too) so the Prius will have a plug-in sometime in the near future, but it is fun to watch them scramble for attention.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/19/2009 11:03:51 AM | | Votes: 2

EL34, I love your Black Socialist pic.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 10:35:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Car and Driver has a slightly different opinion:
Highs
Taut handing, impressive mpg, great front seats, hushed interior, plenty of dashboard graphics to follow, nice price.
Lows
Not as sophisticated as the Prius, tiny back seat, limited rear view

http://www.caranddriver.com/buying_guide/honda/insight/2010_honda_insight

How can 2 people people/publications review the same car and have highs that are lows in the other review and vice versa???
— SimonS (View Profile)

Posted on 5/18/2009 11:57:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Have you driven the new Prius or Insight?

Drive them both and then tell me.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/19/2009 1:27:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

most journalist are prone to blowing things out of proportion so people would talk about them and their article to gain more popularity. Apparently it worked. How much worst the Insight could be from the Fit/Jazz on which it is based? if this car is "biblically the worst" then how would he describe most british made cars?
— stelvio (View Profile)

Posted on 5/19/2009 1:18:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

The insight feels like you're driving inside an empty coffee can.

The Fit drives nicer.

Like i said, I like the Fit and they should have just made it into a Hybrid.

The new Prius feels like a premium car...like a Lexus.

An UNREAL improvement over the last one.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/19/2009 1:36:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I would like to see some additional studies on the total cost of manufacturing hybrids. Also some studies about buying used vs buying new and the total impact to the planet. Perhaps some refurb business that also updates emissions equipment on older cars would be a far greener option than any of the current manufacturers offerings.
— valhallakey (View Profile)

Posted on 5/19/2009 1:53:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

He should have said, "This Car is Absolute Rubbish!!!" Its funny as hell when he says that.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/19/2009 3:36:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

It doesn't matter what people say about this car, the car sales number is the one to determine if it is successful or not.

Most of the people that buy new car now only want the lowest price available.
— DoctorC (View Profile)

Posted on 5/19/2009 4:03:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I think that they are all under performers! Although I would probably do more research in crash test results, I would bet that the Honda is better than the Toyota, and the fuel mileage that a cab driver was getting was 6.5L/100km city. My non hybrid civic is getting 7.5L/100km, I will take the non hybris Civic any day with an additional 40HP! And safer too! Although I still love Jeromy Clarkson!
— truckman (View Profile)

Posted on 5/19/2009 5:50:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Truckman, is that Mary with a pic of baby Obama? Sweet!!!!
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/19/2009 3:28:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

It's a picture of Mary and Jesus, Obamma is the Antichrist, lol
— truckman (View Profile)

Posted on 5/25/2009 3:51:23 AM | | Votes: 1

Great article! I couldn't stop laughing. Finally, someone tells it the way it is. Absolutely awesome! Agent 101, you rock!
I'm still chuckling.
Gotta say your right. The vehicle name "Insight" is exactly what it means. An Insight into your driving future. Insights with keys left on the seat at the local 7-11 and dozens of insights found on country roads burned to the rims and dozens more crashed into trees because they realized that the author of this article was right.
Just like the V8 commercial, instead, "I shouldda bought a Toyota".
— pageman (View Profile)

Posted on 5/19/2009 4:02:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Congratulations Agent 001! When did you finally get offered a paid job, as the director of Prius internet gorilla marketing?

I might think that being on Toyota's payroll substantially compromises autospies' integrity, though. Of course, it is not like anyone on the planet ever respected autospies anyway.
— AIL59 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/20/2009 11:57:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

BOLLOCKS! This Clarkson clown is a tosser! I drove the same Insight he did, and he's just a picky b***ard.
— The_FNG (View Profile)

Posted on 5/21/2009 8:52:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Clarkson doesnt pull punches,just go test drive a new TDI Jetta and the Honda and Toyota just will be a memory.Drivers car with some highway punch or lifeless tin cans.When you look foreward to the morning drive that is what its about, owne a car with some soul to it!!!
— vwrules (View Profile)

Posted on 5/21/2009 9:17:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

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Clarkson Calls Honda Insight Biblically Awful And We Couldn't Agree More!

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