Pros:

• Quiet
• fun

"Just Going for a Test Drive"

Last Saturday, I called a few dealers. Scott Honda in West Chester, PA had 2 Insights sitting on the lot for sale. I was "just going for a test drive".

After viewing the 15 minute video, which was made from marketing and engineering perspective, we went for the test drive. Now, I'm an engineer with a BS in Electrical and minor in mechanical and software engineering and I can tell you that Honda is right on the money with the Insight design. The Video highlighted the fact that this car was designed from the ground up to save gas, unlike other hybrids.

I own, fly and perform a lot of the maintenance on a 1968 Piper Cherokee Six and am very particular about vehicle efficiency, engineering design, overall "feel", safety vs price.

During the 1st minute of the test drive, two things were apparent:

1. The Insight is quiet!
   I could hardly tell the engine had started.
   No wind noise.
   Very little engine noise, even at highway speeds
   
2. It's fun!
   I "chirped" the tires while driving out of the dealer's lot. The acceleration is good.
   This car will do 100 MPH (After break-in, of course)

"I Bought it right on the spot"

The dealer set up 0 down financing right on the spot and my wife and I drove it home (got 75 MPG on the 35 mile trip home).

"After the 1st Week"

Some observations after the 1st week of ownership:

1. This car and its technology is a "winner". The engineering has been carefully performed and is really well integrated. The IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) is seamless because there is no perceptible noise; only smooth acceleration
   
2. 82 MPG on the way to work
   
3. I've already fulfilled demonstration requests from 5 engineers at work. They are all impressed.
   
4. It's a head-turner. Lots of people are interested in hybrid technology

Honda has the right mix of innovation and technology from all sides: Mechanical, Electrical and Software.

Tim Drager
Pottstown, PA