I have been kicking around my ideas for my next car purchase for some time, going from Fit to SX4 to XB to XA to Versa to Soul to now the Insight, and while looking at the Insight and Fit, thought about another Civic (I had a new 95 and new 98 years ago).

My thoughts:

Fit: PROS -- Best value in terms of what you get for the money. Mondo space, lots of options, clever seating configurations, and passenger room is close to the Civic. Price.

CONS -- Gas mileage lower than Insight, possibly the Civic (I've heard people say they get better mileage in their Civic than the fit). Not as head turning/coversation starting as the Insight

Insight:

PROS: Like the tech and gadgetry. 40 - 60 MPG. Conversation starter. Drives nice for a hybrid.

CONS: Rear visibility. Price. Rear seating. Maintenance.

Civic Hybrid and/or Civic

PROS: Proven vehicle. Most interior options. Mileage. More likely to deal.

CONS: Reliability issues (hybrid, from what I've heard), everyone has one,

Right now I'm torn between the Fit and Insight. I loved the Fit from the first one I saw, but really like the coolness (and MPG) of the Insight.

 

My advice is to test drive both. I like the way they built the new insight, but haven't experienced the drive. Sounds like you have a tough decision to make... good luck!

 

Honda makes such good small cars that deciding which one is the real problem.

Over on another thread I tell my story of trading in the Fit for the Insight last week.

Nothing wrong with the Fit at all! I'm just at the stage where I want a little more luxury and comfort, but still want great gas mileage and a hatchback.

The Insight really meets these combination of criteria for me.

The Fit is still the winner in several areas over the Insight:

• Faster, by a good bit
• Deliciously fun go-cart steering and tighter turning radius
• More headroom (front & rear)
• More cargo room
• The magic seats are pure genius!

The Insight wins in:

• Fuel economy: for my commute - Fit 39 / Insight 51+ so far
• QUIET!
• Smooth riding. It reminds me of an Accord more than a Fit.
• Heavier, more solid upscale feel to the car
• Pure amenities and standard features
• The displays/electronics are really fun! Voice recognition over the climate control as well as NAVI/music/bluetooth
• Built-in displays that help you drive more efficiently

In many areas the cars are a dead tie and have some of the same feature/components. Heck, the Insight has the same steering wheel, cruise controls and even the paddle shifters!

The hybrid premium does not really pay for itself in gas savings (unless gas goes to $10/gallon) but you also get a more decked-out higher end vehicle. To me that was the selling point. I wish I could've afforded to keep both because the Fit is so fun, but I couldn't.

One other area that is extremely subjective - looks.

The Fit is cute but the Insight is elegant in my opinion. Lots of folks have said both cars are ugly. Once you drive either one of them, you instantly love it.

I did not choose the Civic Hybrid because:

• They're too common - everybody and his neighbor has a Civic
• There is no Civic hatchback anymore
• More expensive than both Fit and Insight, but not necessarily better.