A driver is on the verge of pushing Honda's first hybrid past the one million mile milestone | Carscoops

      A driver in Pennsylvania is approaching a significant odometer milestone with what may be the world's highest-mileage Honda Insight.

      A 2002 Honda Insight is now just 15,000 miles away from reaching the one million-mile mark.

      The third owner is determined to reach this milestone despite the vehicle's oil consumption and ongoing smoky exhaust issues.

      The hybrid has gone through three CVTs, three batteries, two flywheels, and one head gasket.

      When many envision a bucket list, they think of exotic getaways or thrilling activities. However, for Daisy Rue in Pennsylvania, her aspiration is quite different: she wishes to see her car’s odometer tick over to one million miles. That goal is now attainable after acquiring a used Honda Insight that has already racked up an impressive amount of mileage.

      This hybrid two-seater has undoubtedly earned its stripes. Initially bought new in 2002, it changed hands to its second owner just two years later, with 11,000 miles on the odometer. Over the next two decades, that owner drove it consistently, bringing the total mileage to 983,000 miles before passing it on to Daisy in 2024.

      Earlier this month, the Insight reached 985,000 miles, leaving only 15,000 miles to go before achieving its goal.

      Daisy’s car gained considerable attention online after she posted a picture of it along with its odometer reading in a Facebook group named Mileage Impossible. The post gained traction, receiving over 23,000 likes and nearly 1,000 comments as people expressed their excitement about the Honda Insight's achievement with its original 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine.

      The mechanical history of the car is impressive given its high mileage. According to Daisy, the hybrid is currently on its third CVT gearbox and third hybrid battery. It has undergone two flywheel replacements and required a head gasket replacement at 975,000 miles.

      Even so, these repairs are minor considering nearly twenty years of continuous use. The rear brakes remain original, and both the body and interior have aged remarkably well, showing minimal wear.

      However, this remarkable high-mileage Insight does have its challenges. The engine consumes oil significantly, likely due to worn piston rings, meaning a rebuild may be necessary. The exhaust emits a considerable amount of smoke, prompting Daisy to place a note on the rear bumper asking others not to criticize her about it.

      Nonetheless, there is hope that this Insight will achieve the million-mile milestone. Many are eager to find out if the odometer resets to zero, and some speculate whether Honda might acknowledge this accomplishment with a special gesture, potentially offering Daisy a new model in return.

      The first-generation Honda Insight was released in 1999 and was produced until 2006. It was among the first hybrid vehicles to hit the market, alongside the Toyota Prius, which launched in 1997. The car featured an aerodynamic three-door design with covered rear wheels and a unique teardrop shape, all made from aluminum.

      Its power came from a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine paired with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist system, promising 70 mpg on the highway.