The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has recognized the Honda Insight as the number one gasoline-powered performer in its annual ACEEE's Green Book: The Environmental Guide to Cars and Trucks - Model Year 2001. The Insight and the natural gas powered Civic GX tied for the top spot. In addition, the Civic HX grabbed the best vehicle in class award being cited as a "Greener Choice."
The "Greener Choices" rating system gives each 2001 model year vehicle a score based on tailpipe emissions and fuel economy, and the pollutants that are emitted during a vehicle's manufacturing process. The Insight received a Green Score of 52, the highest on the list. Fuel Economy is a key factor in ACEEE's rankings, and the Insight's 61city/68highway EPA ratings are the best in the industry.
The Honda Insight was introduced in 1999 as the first gasoline-electric hybrid on sale in the U.S. The 'Ultra-Low Emission' Insight features Honda's Integrated Motor Assist' (IMA) system -- a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine combined with a lightweight and compact 144-volt electric motor.
The Insight does not require an outside source of electric power -- it never needs to be plugged in. In 2000, U.S. EPA honored Honda and the Insight with its 'Climate Protection Award' for leadership and technical innovation. In addition, the Insight has accumulated numerous accolades including:
- Popular Mechanics "Design & Engineering" Award
- Automobile Magazine "2000 Technology of the Year"
- Popular Science "Best of What's New" Award
- American Woman Motorscene "Most Likely to Change the World"
- Clean Car Coalition "Clean Car Salute"
- Edmunds.com "Most Significant New Vehicle"
- Sierra Club "Environmental Engineering" Award
ACEEE's Green Book, now in its fourth edition, provides comprehensive information on all key aspects of automotive environmental performance for every new passenger car, pickup truck, SUV, and minivan sold in the United States. ACEEE is a non-profit organization based in Washington D.C. dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection. For more information about ACEEE and its publications go to --http://aceee.org.