I think Wayne's admission was that he has failed to improve over time. It *is* a good reason to never own an Insight -- you may not be able to buy a more FE car for quite a while

Like DF, I promised myself years ago I would only consider a new car that got significantly better FE than the one being replaced. I have since softened my stance because of my wife, and will at least consider a car if it gets 40 MPG. The Toyota and Honda minis coming to the US in 2007 are tempting me to replace our Subaru ... and are the only competition for me holding out until a PHEV is available.

R2-E2, 2G Prius.
Highway/City/Husband/Wife MPG: 56.5, as of 12/2005, 26K miles

Jac Nasser, Ford President: "We are planning to launch a hybrid version of
this car [P2000] within this year [1998]. We will also make FCEV available in
2004."