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Main > Pre-2003 News Archives | |
| 400bhp Insight? Mon Oct 15, 2001 - More details on future "IMA" equipped NSX: You may recall the news item I posted a number of months back, with rumors about the next version of Honda's NSX sports car being a hybrid. Auto Express magazine has provided more details, claiming that the rear wheels will be driven by the gasoline engine, with the front wheels driven by an electric motor. |
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| New Insight Comparison to Volkswagen TDI Diesel Cars Sat Oct 6, 2001 - On a suggestion received from Juan, I've added the Volkswagen TDI Beetle to the other cars that the Insight is compared to against in this section of InsightCentral.net. With their quite good mpg figures, many people have wondered how Volkswagen diesel cars compare to the Insight. I've obtained data from organizations such as the U.S. EPA (Environment Protection Agency), and it doesn't look good. I could in good conscience suggest the Toyota Prius or upcoming hybrid Honda Civic to people looking for an alternative to the Insight, but the Volkswagen TDI cars are about the last vehicles I'd suggest. Although the TDI system is much cleaner operating than other, earlier diesel systems, the TDI are still dirtier running than most other cars sold today.(P.S. I love the New Beetle's body shape & styling. If you want one, though, please go for the gasoline version, despite its lower mpg figures.) |
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| New "Quick" Fuel Efficiency Tips Page Sat Oct 6, 2001 - I've created a new page in the Insight Knowledge Base/Knowledge Base that summarizes the most-bank-for-the-buck fuel efficiency tips into a brief, easy to digest table. New owners will probably find this a lot easier to print out and take with you than the pages and pages of details fuel efficiency tips already available in the Knowledge Base. |
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| U.S. Honda Releases September Insight Sales Statistics Tue Oct 2, 2001 - No big news here. Insight sales for September in the U.S. totalled 300 units, almost exactly the same as the 305 Insights that were sold in the month of August. |
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| U.S. Honda Customer
Appreciation Day Mon Oct 1, 2001 - This Saturday (October 6th), 920+ participating U.S. Honda Dealers will be hosting "Customer Appreciation Day". During this event, Honda technicians will offer free 30-minute, 40-point inspection. Honda predicts that the total number of inspections will be 50,000, as compared to last year's count of 44,000. |
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| Stainless Steel Skirt
Fasteners Mon Oct 1, 2001 - For those with earlier Insights that had the unfinished steel rear wheel skirt fasteners that tended to rust, here's a nice replacement. Some Insight owners have tracked down a company that makes fasteners of the same type, which fit the Insight perfectly, but are made of stainless steel. I have these installed on my Insight, and they're working out great! Richard Poedtke is arranging a group order of these fasteners. To get the best price, he needs to order at least 25 sets. If you're interested, you can contact Richard by email. To email him, remove the digits 123 from the end of this address: rapoe123@home.com. Here are more details: A set of these, consisting of four fasteners and four bolts will cost $17 USD including First Class mail. (Honda charges $15 for a single one of their bolts). Spare bolts & sets will also be available. |
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Car Audio Article About John Wayland's Insight now
Online  Mon Oct 1, 2001 - For those who missed
the print version of this month's Car Audio & Electronics article about the sound
system John Wayland installed in his Insight, the article is now available online at www.caraudiomag.com/archives/features/1001_features01.shtml.
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| Honda To Field Production Entries In 2001 Michelin
Challenge Bibendum Mon Oct 1, 2001 - Several Honda vehicles, including the Insight, will take part in this challenge, in which cars will be graded in the areas of emissions, acceleration, design, braking, handling, noise, fuel efficiency and range. |
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| Honda Canada Changes
Color Choice for 2002 Tue Sept 25, 2001 - Chris Colebrook emailed me to say that Honda Canada has reportedly dropped the Aqua Marine paint color choice for the Insight, and will now be offering the same Monte Carlo Blue Pearl color that is available in the U.S. & Japan. This isn't surprising, as it doesn't seem that Honda is producing any Insights with Aqua Marine/Oxygen Blue (paint code B98M) any longer. |
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| New Average MPG Calculations Sat Sept 22, 2001 - I have changed the way the overall average MPG is calculated for all owners listed in the lifetime MPG database. Thanks go to a reader who pointed out the mistake in my old formula. This in part is what he said: "Calculating average fuel economy is something very few people do correctly ... One vehicle gets 15 mpg. A second vehicle gets 30 mpg. What is the average mpg of both vehicles? Answer - 20 mpg. The 15 mpg vehicle uses 8 gallons to travel 120 miles, the 30 mpg vehicle uses 4 gallons. Thus, together they use 12 gallons to travel 240 miles ... to calculate the average FE of a fleet of vehicles, you should calculate the average of the gallons/mile (or L/100 km) of each vehicle, then take the inverse of this result." As you might expect, this results in a lower average MPG figure. The result of these new calculations brought the average for the 91 5-speed Insights currently listed from 63 MPG to 62.2 MPG. |
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| New Honda-Hybrid Discussion Group Tue Sept 18, 2001 - There are a number of Insight-related discussion groups on the Internet, but the busiest one to date has been the honda-insight group on Yahoo. However, recently a lot of people have been complaining about the low signal to noise ratio in that group. To give those unhappy with the current group an alternative, and to accomodate discussions about other Honda hybrids (e.g. the new Civic hybrid), a new group entitled "honda-hybrid" has been created on Yahoo. The new group is "semi-moderated" by a team of proactive and fair-minded Insight enthusiasts, including myself, requiring your to "sign-up" if you wish to contribute to the group. |
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| Insight
Styling Pictures Mon Sept 10, 2001 - I've setup a new section in the Insight Photo Gallery that shows pictures of the Insight beside other vehicles that it is often compared to. As an added bonus, I've also added a picture Michael Cutts sent me a while back, which shows how the Insight would look with partially covered or entirely exposed rear wheels. Enjoy!  |
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| Updated
Insight vs. Hybrid Civic Comparison Mon Sept 10, 2001 - I've updated the information and chart with the latest information from Honda's press release last week. |
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| What
do you think - is the Insight "a lot of technology without much improvement"? Sun Sept 9, 2001 - I've been updating the Owner Opinions page with recent submissions. Perhaps the most interesting one is this submission from Elliot Fishbein, which I received in an "I dare you to print this" email. Elliot doesn't actually own an Insight, but he expresses a similar viewpoint that I've heard other Honda CRX HF owners express. Have a read and see what you think. |
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| John Wayland &
Insight on Cover of Car Audio Mag Sat Sept 8, 2001 - John emailed me to
say that his Insight 'Sniffer' is featured as the cover story in the October issue of Car
Audio and Electronics Magazine. John has stopped at nothing in turning his Insight into
the ultimate "hybrid ambassador to the world of sound-off competition". As John
points out, "having an Insight on an autosound enthusiast's magazine cover exposes
this great car to an audience who might otherwise never take note of it." While many
details of John's project are described at www.geoff.shepherd.com/wayland/,
You'll have to pick up your copy of Car Audio & Electronics for all the great pictures
of the final results.
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| Insight
EMF Danger? Fri Sept 7, 2001 - Brian Collins forwarded me a copy of this letter than he received from American Honda in response to his concerns about electro-magnetic field levels produced by the Insight ...  |
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| 101.9 MPG in a 1070
Mile Tank! Thur Sept 6, 2001 - Rick Reece sent me this picture of the FCD display after he travelled 1070 miles in a tank of gas, for an average of 101.9 miles per gallon. This is what Rick said: "This is my best tank of gas so far. I didn't exactly use normal driving as I slowed to 50-51 mph for 600 miles to keep the FCD over 100 mpg. The remaining 400+ miles were done at 55 mph. This is a 980 mile round trip between Washingtton and Greenville SC. The remaining 100 miles are overlap on the same commute plus DC area driving. I only added 10.245 gals so I guess I could have broken 1100 miles if I had pushed it." Wow! Personally I'm happy when I get a 1000 kilometers (600 miles, give or take) in a tank with my Insight! Of course, I don't usually let it get down below 3 or 4 bars on the fuel gauge. In this pictures, Rick is at zero bars.  |
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| IMA Equipped Civic
launched in Japan Thur Sept 6, 2001 - Honda has improved its IMA hybrid system, together with other engine technology advancements, for its hybrid Civic. Some people have looked at Honda's figure of 29 km/L (68 MPG) for the hybrid Civic, and mistakenly interpreted this to mean that the hybrid Civic will equal the Insight's fuel efficiency. Their mistake is ... |
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| U.S.
Sales for August Released Thur Sept 6, 2001 - In the U.S., Honda has announced that 305 Insights were sold for the month of August. I've heard some people who are quite disappointed about the Insight sales statistics, but I don't see why. It has always been expected to be a low-production vehicle - an opportunity for anyone who has the money to buy some of the most advanced & ecologically responsible automotive technology before it reaches a wider market. I'm still excited to drive my rare Insight each day, and look forward to the day when this technology is more widely available in other vehicles. |
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| New
Insight Model Year Guide Thur Sept 6, 2001 - To help sort through the generally minor differences from one model year to the next, I've added this new feature to the Knowledge Base / Knowledge Base. Let me know if you think of anything that I've left out. |
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I'm back!  Thur Sept 6, 2001 - I'm now back from
vacation, and beginning to sort through all the emails you folks have sent me while I was
away. I have some interesting things that I'll post shortly. In the meantime, one tidbit
that I'll bring your attention to is the fact that another Insight paint color,
"Grand Prix White", is apparently to be available in Japan! |
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| I'll be back shortly! Wed Aug 22, 2001 - I should let you InsightCentral.net fans know that I will be away for a week and a half, returning at the start of September. Don't worry, if I don't answer your email right away, I haven't fallen off the planet! Pearl and I are taking a vacation and visiting Paris. Wish us Bon Voyage! (P.S. I'll see if I can find a Honda dealer with French Insight brochures.) |
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| Another
new Knowledge Base Section: Little-Known Insight Features Sun Aug 19, 2001 - I'm sure many of you already know about most of these, but judging from the number of emails I see on these topics, it seems that not everyone is aware of all these things. |
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| New
Terms & Abbreviations Section in Knowledge Base Sun Aug 19, 2001 - I've created another new section in the Knowledge Base/Knowledge Base, which provides explanations for various Insight-releated terms you'll find throughout InsightCentral.net, and elsewhere on the Internet. |
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| New
CVT Section in Knowledge Base/Knowledge Base Sun Aug 19, 2001 - I've created a new section in the Knowledge Base/Knowledge Base devoted to the CVT automatic transmission version of the Insight. Thanks to Michael Cutts for the suggestion that I gather all this information together in one place on InsightCentral.net! The new section features a comparison chart detailing the differences between the CVT and 5-speed manual Insight. It also has answers to some common questions about the CVT Insight, together with impressions from owners of the CVT Insights. (To those of you who emailed me the feedback on your CVT Insights which is posted here, thanks!) |
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Insight "Carpet Protectors"  Wed Aug 15, 2001 - A while
back, Ken Balsom and Jim Polus emailed me to tell me about the Insight carpet protectors
they're producing. If you haven't seen these yet, they're metal plates that fit over the
driver's left footrest bump-out that isn't covered by the standard Insight floor mats. In
the last few weeks, they report that they've sent out over two dozen of these. However,
they've said that the black is currently unavailable, due to a supplier problem. They've
also said that they are planning on developing more items, such as brake/clutch pedal
covers and a removable armrest. |
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| Richard
Reece's Insight Modifications in Detail Tue Aug 14, 2001 - Richard has sent me more pictures and descriptions of the modifications that he's made to his Insight (see yesterday's posting of his center console). Visit this new page in the Insight Modifications section to see what his labour of love has produced! |
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| Editorial:
"How My Gas-Electric Car Saves the World" Mon Aug 13, 2001 - Thanks to Micahel Tebo at American Honda for bringing this New York Times article to my attention: My father would have had a few things to say to those automakers grumbling about government-mandated gas-mileage standards. He would have waved his fist in the direction of Detroit and thundered: "Global warming! Alternative energy!" But I've learned there's more to getting good gas mileage than that. I now drive the most high-tech, fuel-efficient car humankind has ever created ... [Brian's note: I'm not sure I agree with everything in this article, but it is nice to see the Insight still getting attention in the press.] |
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Serious
Insight Console Modifications  Mon Aug 13, 2001 - Richard Reece has emailed
me this picture of the modifications he's made to the center console in his Insight. His
modifications have allowed him to install a replacement CD receiver, an equalizer and an
LCD display!He's covered up the cup holders, but that isn't a great loss in my opinion. |
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| New 2000 Insight
Available for $15,500 Wed Aug 8, 2001 - Thanks to Michael Cutts for bringing our attention to a new red, 2000 Insight without A/C, for sale for only $15,500 USD. The dealer is in Florida. I guess people in Florida don't have much interest in a car with no air conditioning! If you're interested, email me, and I can put you in touch with Michael who can pass on the details. |
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| New Accident Included
in Reports Section Wed Aug 8, 2001 - Thanks to Richard C. for sharing with us the details and pictures of this accident that his new Insight was involved in. (Single car rollover, driver and passenger walked away unharmed). The car is being sold for salvage on ebay. |
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| Cars.com Reports that 2002 Insight Remains the Same Tue Aug 7, 2001 - The website cars.com has posted a report on Honda model changes for next year. For the Insight, they report that "nothing significant has changed for 2002." Assuming this information is accurate, it appears that those wanting cruise control will have to continue to go with after-market cruise control units. Of course, this news isn't too surprising, as we really can't expect Honda to invest too much extra money in tweaking a limited-production car such as the Insight. |
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| Insight Bra to be
Available in September Tue Aug 7, 2001 - Bruce Jones has emailed me to say that he's been in touch with Perfect Fit Car Bras, who are "almost finished" their work on a pattern for a two piece front mask (bra) for the Insight. It will be available some time in September, and the price will be approximately $85 USD. |
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| Win Insight & Support Anti-Global Warming
Campaign Tue Aug 7, 2001 - Peter Beargie brought our attention to the "Global Warming Sweepstakes" aimed at lobbying government and corporations to fight climate change. The interesting twist here is that participants can win a new Honda Insight - the car that does more to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions than any other vehicle sold by a major automaker. |
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| Edmunds July 2001 Long-Term Road Test Update Tue Aug 7, 2001 - Edmunds.com has posted their July 2001 long-term Insight road test update. This time they've reported on the troubles they had getting the correct parts to replace their missing rear wheel skirt. |
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| Welcome to the New
InsightCentral.Net Main Page Mon Aug 6, 2001 - As you can see, I've slightly reformated the main page of the InsightCentral.net, giving it the same banner style seen throughout the rest of the site and adding the Highlights section to the left. I've also switched to a new format for the news section, to make it a lot quicker & easier for me to add new news items. |
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| L.A. Times Reports That
CVT Insight Lacks Lean Burn Mode Sun Aug 5, 2001 - A few weeks ago the Los Angeles Times published an article with a very in-depth comparision between the Insight and Prius. If you missed this article, there's a very interesting tidbit. The article seems to confirm what many of us have long suspected - that the CVT automatic transmission equipped Insight does not use lean burn mode. This helps to explain the CVT Insight's lower fuel efficiency. It also helps to explain how the CVT Insight achieves SULEV emissions certification, while the 5-speed is rated at ULEV. This information is consistent with what CVT Insight owners have reported, about the lack of the occasional slight increase of power that some drivers detect when the Insight enters NOx catalyst purge mode. Article... |
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| U.S. Insight July Sales
Figures Wed Aug 1, 2001 - Insight sales for the month of July totaled 323 units. This brings the total Insights sold this year to 3,296, or 51% of the 6,500 that are allocated to the U.S. each year, at just slightly past half way through the year. Sales History... |
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| Hybrid
Civic U.S. Date Set July 13, 2001 - Honda has announced that the previously mentioned IMA-equipped hybrid Civic will be sold in the U.S. in sedan format beginning in March of 2002. This is what we now know and don't know about the hybrid Civic [more] |
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| ACEEE
names 2001 Honda Insight 'greenest' vehicle June 24, 2001 - A newly released version of the gasoline-electric hybrid Honda Insight has seized the position of "the year's greenest vehicle," says the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) ... |
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| U.S.
Insight Sales Climb Dramatically June 24, 2001 - Not surprisingly higher fuel prices are leading more people to buy hybrid cars! Insight sales in the U.S. continued to climb dramatically for the month of May. |
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| CVT
Automatic Transmission Insight now for Sale in U.S. May 10, 2001 - CVT-equipped Insights are now being delivered to dealerships thoughout the U.S. The $21,180 (USD) CVT Insight achieves 57/56 mpg city/highway, and carries SULEV emissions certification. |
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| Honda
returns to 2001 Tour de Sol with CVT Insight May 6, 2001 - Honda is once again a sponsor of this year's Tour de Sol, an annual 'green' and 'clean' car rally organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association. This year, two CVT automatic-transmission Insights will serve as the pace cars. Insight owners are encouraged to come out to the displays and show their support. |
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| U.S. Honda
Releases April Sales Statistics May 1, 2001 - A total of 573 Insights were sold in the U.S. this month. This surpasses the previous best month of sales by a significant margin! This even in a month when sales for most other Honda models were lower than last month. |
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| Honda
Gives Sneak Peak at Left-Hand Drive Insight with CVT Transmission April 16, 2001 - Here's a picture from the New York Auto Show. We may be that much closer, folks ... |
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| Automobile
Magazine publishes Insight log book April 4, 2001 - The May 2001 issue of Automobile Magazine includes a log book from having spent a year with an Insight. Some of the highlights include ... |
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| U.S. Honda
releases March Insight Sales Figures April 4, 2001 - In the month of March 424 Insights were sold in the U.S., among the highest number of any month to date. See the sales statistics page for comparision with number for other Honda vehicles for the month. |
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| Next
Honda NSX to be a Hybrid? March 26, 2001 - Best Car Magazine of Japan reports that the next version of Honda's exotic super car is to incorporate Honda's hybrid technology. It would be very interesting completion of a circle to see the NSX inherit technology from the Insight, as the Insight's all-aluminum body was developed based on Honda's experience with the aluminum-bodied NSX. While it was previously rumored that the next version of the NSX would no longer have an aluminum body, this article claims that the aluminum body will remain. |
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| Updated CVT Insight Information March 12, 2001 - Visit this section in the Insight Knowledge Base / Knowledge Base for updated information that Honda has passed on to us regarding the estimated fuel efficiency and U.S. availability date of the CVT automatic transmission version of the Insight. |
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| U.S.
Honda has released February Insight Sales Figures March 1, 2001 - 340 new Insights hit U.S. roads in the month of February, more than twice the number that were sold in February of last year. |
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| Insight
Tops ACEEE Greenest Car List February 12, 2001 - The Honda Civic GX and the Honda Insight tied for the title of "Greenest Vehicle of 2001," in the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy's (ACEEE's) 2001 'Green Book,' a consumer environmental ... |
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| An 'Insight'ful First Year February 6, 2001 - Honda answers some of the common questions about the Insight and where it plans to take this technology. |
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| Honda
Sells 85% 'LEV or better' Vehicles in 2000 January 29, 2001 - American Honda broke its record for low emission vehicles sales in 2000, with a total of 980,647 Honda and Acura cars and light trucks that qualify as Low Emission Vehicles (LEV), Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV) or Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV) ...
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| 2001
Detroit Auto Show - Automakers Present Visions of Future Cars January 8, 2001 - ... The Michelin Challenge Bibendum, in fact, is meant to be a real-world test of environmental vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, top finalists in the 2001 National Car of the Year contest ... |
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| 2001
model year Insights January 1, 2001 - Some U.S. dealers are now starting to deliver 2001 model year Insights. |
