Lack of Popularity of the Honda Insight

Frances Anderton wonders why the small, attractive, economical and environmentally friendly [part-electric, part-gas engine] Honda Insight is not more popular (“Green Dream Comes True,” June 21).

Sad to say, a valid reason to refrain from buying any of these small cars is that in an accident involving one of the ubiquitous SUVs, your chances of death or serious injury are enormously greater than if you were driving a larger vehicle. RICHARD BLACKER Santa Monica

[The Honda Insight] is indeed a fun car to own and drive, but its limitations were not properly discussed.

The Insight’s main problem is the load limit of 365 pounds, including passengers, cargo and accessories (air-conditioning is an accessory).

The driver’s manual warns overloading can cause steering problems resulting in accidents and death.

We owned one of the first Insights and dealt with several dealers in the process--none thought you had to plug the car in for charging, and none knew of the weight limitation.

We now own a Toyota Prius. We hope your article will encourage people to buy more environmentally friendly vehicles.

RICHARD AND ANNE ROMINE

Westminster

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