Some of the newer hybrids may come with more advanced technology and power but the 2007 Honda Insight Hybrid is still the leader in its class in fuel economy and high tech body construction.

Ever since its introduction in 2000 as the first mass produced gasoline electric hybrid, the 2007 Honda Insight Hybrid’s unitized body is made of aluminum with plastic front fenders. As a result it boasts a drag coefficient of a mere 0.25. Add to that its aerodynamic body style, flat underbody, low rolling resistance tires and a consistent use of lightweight material throughout the entire vehicle and the 2006 Honda Insight Hybrid requires 30% less power to operate than the previous model Honda Civic.

The 2007 Honda Insight Hybrid is the most fuel efficient car in America getting an EPA rating of 66 mpg highway and a real world range of approximately 500 miles on its 10.6 gallon gas tank. What it lacks in power it more than makes up for in economy. This is the ultimate commuter vehicle with its sleek two door two seater construction. It comes complete with power windows, mirrors and locks; keyless entry, a CD player; and a rear window defroster and wiper. Automatic climate control air conditioning is optional.

The Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system in the 2006 Honda Insight Hybrid combines a 1.0-liter, 12-valve, inline three-cylinder VTEC-E gasoline engine and a lightweight permanent-magnet electric motor capable of recharging its own power supply. There are 120 D-size nickel-metal hydride batteries capable of a total output of 144 volts housed under the floor. The gas engine does the bulk of the work and the electric motor provides only supplemental power.

The electric motor's contributions at low rpm improve the total torque output to 79 foot pounds at 1,500 rpm with the standard five-speed manual transmission, and 89 79 foot pounds at 2,000 rpm with the optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The manual transmission is standard and the CVT is optional. The five-speed 2006 Honda Insight Hybrid is rated at 60 mpg in the city and 66 on the highway and is ULEV-certified. The CVT offers 57 city/56 highway and has an even more squeaky clean SULEV rating.

The 2007 Honda Insight Hybrid earned four out of a possible five stars in government crash testing for frontal and side-impact safety. Antilock front disc/rear drum brakes are standard. However, side airbags are not available. The interior design combines attractiveness and functionality with real time gauges to show fuel economy and your average mpg.

The 2007 Honda Insight Hybrid has enough power for normal driving. The IMA works considerably better with the CVT because the balance of gas and electric is computer controlled. It has quick steering for excellent maneuvering in crowded areas but the narrow tires can start tracking in any large groove in the roadway and the light body feels the crosswinds.