Hi all,

I've been planning to upgrade from my '02 Insight to an '06 Civic hybrid, and have ordered a Silver Blue w/nav.

However, I am getting cold feet. While I love the high MPG of the Insight and its reliability, the build quality doesn't seem up to Honda standards.

A quick dealer test-drive gave me a sense that the '06 Civic is largely improved over my Insight. But, I could use some reassurance from a few of you who have lived with the '06 for awhile now.

Does your '06 seem solid, rattle-free, and well-built to you? I was glad to see the HCH is being built in Japan.

Thanks to y'all for the MANY great posts on this site, and especially for the great vibes from happy owners.

 

I did the same thing, went from a 2002 Insight to a 2006 HCH. The build quality difference is night and day. I have nearly 4000 miles on the civic and nothing but a smooth quiet ride. No rattles, nothing. You won't be dissapointed.

 

Rick, did you have similar quality issues with your Insight? I am VERY encouraged by your reply, thanks!

Can't wait to get some comfy seats, too. Oh, and how about those Insight blind spots... bet you won't miss those!

 

I'd call it more unrefined issues with a limited production experimental car more than quality issues. The rear hatch did rattle a lot though on the Insight. My air vents initially wouldn't stay pointed on hot days, I had them replaced under warranty and that seemed to fix those. I actually went to the extend to add noise deadening materials to my Insight, but the Civic is still much quieter.

I really don't think the Insight has a blind spot if you set the mirrors properly. Many people point them way WAY too far in. That said, the visibility out of the Civic is better, but then again it is a larger car. They even have those little windows on the front A pillars.

 

Rick--

Funny you should mention sound dampening materials, because I was thinking about that today as I was driving around in my new HCH II. Although the sound insulation is quite good up top and up front, from underneath it is a bit on the side of "road noise".

I am wondering what you think about sound dampening in this regard?

 

Ricky!

I just logged into InsightCentral, and realized who you are! Cool. Got to read some great posts about your car. I originally ordered Galaxy Gray, then switched to Opal Silver Blue... now I'm more confused than ever. Sheesh! My car is scheduled to arrive in May... I'm either gonna get a Taurus or a Gemini HCH. Couldn't believe all the people who posted they are switching from Insight. Gotta grow up sometime! Hehehe.

Any idea how to price an '02 Insight with 5-speed and 57K miles?

 

Smooth, quiet, excellent shut lines on doors trunk and hood lids etc., very tight tolerances on body panels. Test drive for several miles and get the dealer to take you as a passenger when you can better listen and think. Ride in the back seats too. What more can I say?......................My family love it. Japanese cars top all the quality ratings

 

excellent build quality. i've owned 3 mercedes and an audi a4 and the 06 civic is very impressive. as good quality as the audi. not as high was the mercedes but then again the mercedes were much more expensive. the hybrids are built in japan and their tolerances are very tight. less than 1mm of gap between the front/rear bumpers and the main body. no squeeks or rattles and the car feels very tight on the road. i've had mine for about 2 months now. i highly recommend it.

 

I also traded in a 2002 Insight CVT for a 2006 HCH. My 4 days per week -daily commute to work is about 180 miles round trip. I enjoyed my 56 MPG with the Insight. I knew that the MPG on the HCH would be less (about 46 MPG) but the ride is MUCH nicer!

The HCH has a much smoother and quieter ride even with 44 PSI in the tires. The doors close with a nice solid sound.

I too, had trouble with the vents in the Insight. I cut small cubes of art gum erasers to keep the vents open.

 

I had an '04 HCH and I think that the '06 HCH is much better than even the '04. There is less road noise and no rattles. I love how the doors almost clunk when you shut them, makes me feel secure.

Good luck,
Jessica