2010 Insight won't beat Prius

The problem with the IMA is....it always needs gas. Where as the Prius can run on electric for some parts of it's trips.
From what I've read it looks like the new Insight will work pretty much like all of Honda's Hybrids.
Someone did say on here when the first pics were showen that they heard it was going to be IMA but will also be able to run on electric as well, like the Prius.
But if that were true, I don't think they'd call it IMA anymore. As people would have the wrong idea about it.

 

Uh, guys, time for a reality check. WHO CARES if the car has uber technology.

Does it get good fuel economy? Prius and current IMA Civic, YES. Almost the same mileage in the "real world". Insight projected to do at least as well as the current Civic, maybe better. New Prius projected to do at least as well as the current one. Maybe better.

How much does it cost? The new Insight should be about $2000 - $4000 less than a Prius. You get a larger car with the Prius. So $ per value would be about the same.

How about reliability? Honda has a good name (earned), just as Toyota has.

The Insight should fly off the dealer lots, just like the Prius does!

The Insight, in spite of what many in the auto journals say, does not really compete with the Prius. It's a "compact car". The Prius is a "midsize car". It WILL compete in that buyers will now have more to choose from so will be able to get -exactly- what they need!

I'd say everyone wins!

 

who cares... if the honda is cheaper and gets similar mileage, the prius is out and ,mine will be traded in, not to mention the fact that I'd be looking forward to some higher quality and better finish, a dept honda continuously beats toyota in. Still very disappointed overall in fit/finish of toyota products. What can I say... they feel cheap.

 

Have you heard of patents? That's why. They can't just copy it unless they purchase a license from Toyota, and many of them are unwilling to.

I've owned 5 Hondas/Acura and 3 Toyotas, and I always liked Hondas more than Toyotas - better fit and finish (as others said), better long-term quality in my experience, more youthful designs, and just generally more fun to drive. I could care less whether it can run electric only - if the IMA assist is enough to match the mileage of HSD over a broad range of typical driving conditions, I'm fine with it. Remember, electric-only is not "free" - in fact, if you over-use it you are just creating more need for the ICE to charge the batteries, which over the long run is less efficient than just having the ICE turn the driveshaft.

I'm good with my 2 Priuses for the next 10 years or so, but I'll be rooting for Honda (and GM/Chrysler, Ford, etc.) to succeed in this area. Consumers need more selection of environmentally friendly and economical cars. I'd love to buy another Honda in 10 years.

 

Ford Escape Hybrid uses similar technology as the Classic Prius. I understand that Ford and Toyota cross-licensed each other for various elements of hybrid technology.

Nissan Altima Hybrid also uses similar hybrid technology, having licensed this from Toyota.

Honda and GM are going their own way.

 

For the sake of individual purchases now, it really is a matter of preference.

But stepping back to look at the big picture, the fact that IMA cannot be augmented to use more electricity will end up holding back Honda later. Then there's the reality that larger vehicles (like Camry & Sienna) won't be getting IMA, as Honda has clearly stated a preference to diesel for them instead.

Insight's wake-up call to GM sure will be interesting. That will hopefully translate to a win for everyone. High-Volume production of reasonably priced hybrids won't be limited to just Toyota soon.

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I dont believe this to be true.... Honda's non- hybrid economy vehicles already produce near prius MPGs... given development, any way you slice it, honda poses a real threat to the prius and its market.

I'm sure a test drive will be in order.

 

There are so many problems with that, I don't know where to begin.

What will 50 percent of each automakers product-line consist a decade from now?

It's not just about Prius and not just the next few years.

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please explain the "problems" ... there is an abundance of oil for the next several hundred years, honda's non hybrid civic and other models almost match the prius for economy... I can't see how honda could miss out if they made a high quality inexpensive competitor to the prius...

 

HSD has no shift lag and is inherently more reliable than an old-style transmission.

I agree that Honda makes excellent products. My GF's Civic is a marvel of conventional automotive technology; I would have bought one had there been no Prius.

 

Gladly, after you answer the question...

What will 50 percent of each automakers product-line consist of a decade from now?

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what kind of a stupid question is that? Sure... I work in the accounting dept of ever auto manufacturer, and I'll get that breakdown for you and post it on the internet ASAP ound:

Come on already... You have no point - face it - Honda's new car will pose a great threat to the prius... toyota better step up to the plate big time or the prius is out.

Really, the only thing going for the prius at this point is that it has no real competition... add some healthy competition and choice for consumers and I guarantee you pruis sales will drop.

 

Not sure what a combustible engine is - one made of coal? If what you are referring to is the four-stroke internal combustion engine, of course Otto patented it in 1876. Circumventing this patent is what forced Atkinson to develop his own variant, upon which the Prius ICE is based. Later court rulings reduced the enforceability of Otto's patent, which opened up the technology for others.

This historical stuff is widely available on the web. You may want to do some research on intellectual property law as well.