A Glimpse into Automotive History
When exploring the car graveyards scattered across the globe, I always search for milestone vehicles that have left a mark on automotive history. Over the years, I've documented some of the very first Toyota Camrys sold in the United States and even one of the last Oldsmobiles. Today’s Junkyard Treasure is a special find—an early first-year Honda Insight, now resting in a Denver-area boneyard.
The Honda Insight made its debut in the United States in December 1999 as a 2000 model. It was the first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car to be sold in the country, beating the Toyota Prius to American showrooms by seven months. This vehicle represented a significant leap in automotive engineering, showcasing a super-lightweight aluminum chassis and a drag coefficient of 0.25. At the time, this made it second only to the GM EV1 in terms of aerodynamic efficiency among production cars—assuming the EV1 could be considered a production vehicle.
The 2000 Insight featured a 1.0-liter VTEC straight-three gasoline engine paired with a 10-kW electric motor. Its curb weight was just 1,847 pounds, which allowed it to achieve remarkable fuel efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated it at 49 city/61 highway miles per gallon, far surpassing the second-place gas sipper of that year, the Chevrolet Metro, which managed only 32/41 mpg.
However, this efficiency came with trade-offs. The Insight lacked comfort, performance, and an appealing design. When the larger and more fuel-thirsty Toyota Prius arrived, it quickly outpaced the Insight in sales. For the 2000 model year, the Insight was available only with a five-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was introduced for the 2001 model, but the manual still offered better fuel economy. This dynamic might not hold true with today's advanced CVT technology.
This particular Insight was manufactured at the Suzuka Factory in Mie Prefecture. The VIN's 004xxx production sequence numbers indicate that it was one of the first 5,000 Insights built for the U.S. market. As such, this car stands as a genuine hybrid pioneer, representing a crucial step in the evolution of environmentally friendly transportation.
For those looking to purchase a new vehicle, there are numerous options available. Exploring the MSN Autos Marketplace can help you find the perfect match for your needs and preferences. Whether you're interested in a classic like the Honda Insight or something more modern, there's likely a car that suits your lifestyle and budget.
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