When Good Hybrids Go Bad: 2000 Honda Insight, K20 Power

The first generation Honda Insight is an early Japanese gas-electric hybrid that features the strange combination of lean-burn engine, a 5-speed manual transmission, extruded aluminum monocoque construction and a sub-1900 lb curb weight -- but is it fun?  Yes, albeit with moderate acceleration due to the combined 73 horsepower and pizza cutter tires. However, a K-series Honda engine will fit under the hood.  Find this 2000 Honda Insight with K20A2 power offered for $6,500 in Hartford, CT via craigslist.  Tip from Cory.

The Benefits of Hindsight: 2000 Honda Insight

by K2 Mystery Car --

Blanche placed the plate down in front of her husband with a flourish.
“I made you your favorite meal dear; ribeye steak with a side of shoestring fries. I hope you like it!”
Nodding his head enthusiastically, Frank picked up his knife and fork and gave her a huge smile.
“You’re the best, Blanche. Thanks for this.”
She winked and said, “Let’s dig in before it gets cold.”
They were both quiet for a while as they enjoyed the food she had prepared until Frank inhaled deeply
and put his fork down slowly next to his plate.
“So I’ve been thinking.”
“Yes dear? About what?”
“I’m getting a little tired of the crazy gas mileage I’m getting in the F-150. It’s only getting about 14 miles
per gallon around town and it seems a little crazy. Maybe I should get something a bit more
economical.”
A fork full of cooked steak halfway to her mouth, Blanche stared at Frank, “Uh-huh…”
“Yeah, what I really need is a two-seater hybrid with less than 70 horsepower. I’m thinking that’ll fit the
bill.”

10k: This Is What The CR-Z Should Have Been: 2000 Honda Insight K20 Powered

The Honda Insight was the first modern hybrid gasoline-electric vehicle to hit the US market, beating Toyota's Prius to the showroom by a few months back in the year 2000. Remember the year 2000?   Y2K?  Did you ever find another use for the bomb shelter and apocalypse hideout you built for your family?  Did you know that Spam does have an expiration date?  Anyway, first generation Insight didn't sell well compared to the Prius which is a shame because it was an actual driver's car, complete with manual transmission and proper feedback from the steering wheel.  The only real complaint you could have is that the combined gas-electric 73 horsepower won't thrill in the year 2014...but what if someone offered you a 200 horsepower Insight?  Find this 2000 Honda Insight with K20 power for sale in Clinton, CT offered for $12,500 or best offer via ebay.

5k: Unlikely Fun: 2000 Honda Insight 5-spd Manual

A late model Japanese hybrid featured on Daily Turismo? Okay, okay, put away the pitchforks, we haven't fallen asleep, gone mad or been bought out by a Malaysian Venture Capitalist firm.  This green hybrid is the "Mini Cooper" of Eco-friendly rides, sports a 6000 rpm magnesium block lean-burn engine, a 5-speed manual transmission, extruded aluminum monocoque construction and a sub-1900 lb curb weight.  Find this 2000 Honda Insight 5-spd for sale in Southbury, CT currently bidding on ebay for $4,619 with 2 days to go.