The gasoline engine in the 2001 Honda Insight is rated at 67 horsepower, and the hybrid system adds electric assist of about 13 horsepower, for a practical combined output around 80 horsepower under optimal conditions. Honda does not publish a single official combined horsepower figure for this model year.
Engine horsepower
The 2001 Insight uses a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 67 horsepower. This is the primary power figure cited by Honda and automotive references for this year.
Hybrid system and total output
The Insight pairs that gasoline engine with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) electric motor, which is rated around 13 horsepower (roughly 10 kW). When the electric motor engages, the system can feel like it delivers roughly 80 horsepower in total, though there is no single official combined horsepower rating published by Honda for this model. Actual output varies with battery state, temperature, and driving conditions.
What that means in practice
In daily driving, the electric assist helps with low-speed torque and smooth acceleration, aiding fuel economy. While the car is lightweight and efficient, its total power output is modest compared with modern hybrid systems, reflecting its focus on efficiency over outright performance.
Context for enthusiasts and collectors
As an early hybrid, the 2001 Insight emphasized weight reduction and efficiency. The 67 hp gasoline engine paired with a modest electric motor aimed to maximize mileage more than acceleration, which remains a defining characteristic of the model’s appeal among classic hybrids.
Summary
In short, the 2001 Honda Insight has 67 horsepower from its gasoline engine, with about 13 horsepower from the electric motor, yielding an approximate system output near 80 horsepower under ideal conditions. The official combined horsepower figure is not published as a single number by Honda for this generation.