The Honda Insight is a strictly hybrid only model of car produced from 1999-2006, and again from 2008-present.  The vehicle stopped production after the first generation for two years and underwent a heavy redesign after the testing phase was completed. 

The first generation was a test of the hybrid technology, and so only a few thousand were sold with the purpose of quality control.  During the 2009 “Cash for Clunkers” program in the United States the Honda Insight qualified as a replacement vehicle, and had many hybrid tax rebates.

Up until 2008 there was the possibility of further tax rebates available from the government; however this has recently ended due to the Insight selling more than 60,000 units.  Some states do offer tax credits and rebates for buying a hybrid car, so local research is indeed recommended.

The Honda Insight was the most fuel efficient vehicle in the United States market for a time, and even today remains in the top ten for efficiency.  With around 70 miles to the gallon for highway and 60 for in-city it is a very fuel efficient vehicle for its price range (around $20,000).  One of the concerns is the battery pack, however the battery packs on the Honda Insight are not prone to failure, and out of over a hundred thousand sold, only around two hundred have ever needed replacing so far.

It is likely with age that the battery packs will need to be replaced, however thus far they are guaranteed for ten years or 150,000 miles.