Introduced in 2000, the Honda Insight made history as the first hybrid-powered vehicle available to U.S. buyers. In those days, it was a niche vehicle that could accommodate only two passengers and not much else—it had a maximum payload of only 365 pounds.
With a lightweight aluminum body—and futuristic styling that was probably too radical for the mainstream market at the time—the Insight delivered what seemed liked impossible mileage: 60+ mpg on the highway. In many respects, it was a car ahead of its time, and had limited production.
The Insight left in 2006 and returned in 2010 as a much more marketable car. Today's Insight is a proper four-door hatchback that seats fives and offers usable cargo space. Mileage isn't as stellar, but few can complain about 44 mpg, especially in a modern hybrid sedan that starts at just $18,600.
