Our Test of the 2003 Honda Insight Base
The 2003 Insight is an important vehicle to Honda for the hatchback market segment. The Base is a member of a series of one trim levels for the Insight which include Base. The three-door car with its front-wheel drive is positioned to aggressively fill this niche for Honda. There is strong competition from vehicles from Kia.
2003 Honda Insight Base Specs
The restyled Insight Base is equipped with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that utilizes 12 valves. The VTEC-E engine is mated to a Honda four-speed transaxle. This has resulted in an increase in horsepower and torque over the 2002 version.
The Insight uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are drum. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.
The fuel system for the 2003 Insight is a traditional PGM-FI, running on ELECTRIC/GAS fuel. The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The capacity of the fuel tank is 10.60 gallons.
Statistics
94.50 of wheelbase allows for extra leg room for the rear passengers. It sits 53.30 inches off the ground. It seats a standard two passengers, with 3 doors. The dimensions of the Insight Base are 155.10 inches long by 66.70 inches wide.
The standard warranty period for the Insight is 36 months, or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is standard in the hatchback market.
Pricing is a vital consideration when shopping for a car. The Honda Insight lists at $21,280 when new. The dealer cost on the car was $19,876. This price was average compared to the industry average price for a 3-door hatchback.
MPG Ratings
The 2003 Insight gets 56 miles/gallon on the highway and only 57 in the city. This is below average for a hatchback car.
The vehicle is available in Monte Carlo Blue Pearl, New Formula Red, and Silverstone Metallic.
What We Think of the Honda Insight
The 2003 model year was very successful for the Honda Insight. The introduction of several trim levels (along with the Base version) meant that buyers could find the version that best suited their needs.
My spouse purchased mine for the 1.0 liter engine. Plus the 4-gear tranny.
I gotta admit I was looking at a Nissan, but is this better?