The original Honda Insight of 2000 was a groundbreaker without a doubt. In North America, it pioneered a major new trend with its high-tech hybrid gasoline/electric powertrain. It started a rush on this kind of technology from rival automakers that continues today, though the overall market for hybrid vehicles remains very small on a worldwide basis. It’s also worth noting that manufacturers were building hybrid vehicles as long ago as 1901, so perhaps the current surge of enthusiasm is more of a revival than a breakthrough. Closer look: Honda Insight hybrid
