Hi Terry,

As an owner of a 2005 Insight 5-speed with A/C, let's see how many of your questions I can answer.

I drive to maximize mileage, but I do drive the posted speed limits. It may take me a little longer to get up to speed, but I eventually get there.

Only three tanks so far, but my mileage stats are:

http://www.greenhybrid.com/compare/m...r-shocker.html


I do use the A/C, when it's just me in the car, I cycle it. Similar to what you did in your Civic. If my wife or friends are riding in the car, it stays on, and I watch the MPG's drop. As the temps go up the A/C will be used more, and expect to drop to the low 70's. Doesn't totally answer your question, but I don't have many miles on the car yet.

The sound system is still the same, Honda just upgraded the head unit to a CD player and added two more lousy rear speakers. I used the fader and turned off the rears and replaced the door speakers with Infinitys from Crutchfield. It's better, but not great. The stock rear speakers are worthless. Maybe one day I'll add an aftermarket head unit and small amp.

I have heard of other people installing satellite radio, a search should give a few hits.

Cruise - I wish Honda would install it, with the option to choose a set miles per hour or mpg. Aftermarket units are out there.

Road noise - it's not my wife's Acura TL, doesn't ride as smooth or as quiet. It's a small, light two-seater. And drives and sounds like one. It is louder than most luxury cars, but thats not a fair comparsion.
I believe it is acceptable, but noticable.
Turn the stereo up, and everything is fine.
All kidding aside, I believe the road surface makes the largest impact on the interior sound level.

A few months ago I was excited as I waited for my new Insight to be delivered. Now that I've had it for awhile, I'm still as excited. It's an incredible car.

For people like you, Honda really needs to make more cars available for test drives to answer your basic questions about the car. Have Insight demo cars at select dealers in the prime market areas. Have salespeople that are really up on all the features.
When I bought mine, it was a leap of faith. I had only driven a used CVT Insight, with a drained main battery. But the different forums around gave me enough info to make up my mind. I don't regret the purchase.

p.s. Adding a center armrest really helps with comfort.

Regards,