Both Honda and Toyota hit the market with their respective hybrid models around the same time. Ultimately, the Prius won while the Insight fizzled.
The Insight won on fuel economy but lost on practicality and performance. It lacked back seats and had meager cargo space.
"You needed to really want an Insight to be able to put up with the shortcomings," said Edmunds.com's Smith.
The Insight continued in production for several years, though, giving Honda bragging rights for having the mileage champ, even if only a few were sold. It was finally phased out after the 2006 model year.
The Insight name was brought back this year on a new four-seat hybrid car that is once again battling the Prius. Again, though, it's proving to be no match.
NEXT: Class Leader: Ford Explorer
