11. Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is a hybrid vehicle introduced back in 1999 and featured a strange design with a lightweight body structure that helped achieve a great fuel economy and reduce emissions. However, the first generation, which was discontinued in 2006, was almost an experimental model and sold in limited quantities. The second generation, introduced in 2009, was a much more mature and conventional car, with enough room for five passengers. It also has decent handling and driving characteristics, and a very efficient hybrid drivetrain. Back in 2009, the world went crazy for hybrids, and Toyota Prius and Honda Insight were introduced just in time.
It even features better performance, a more upscale interior, and several more advanced systems than in the Prius. But, the sales figures were pretty low, and Insight was lagging behind the Prius. The Insight was more expensive, and in an economic recession, like in 2009, the price was very important to the average buyer. Second, it looked like a copy of the Prius. Not only technologically but aesthetically as well. Honda said that it chose a five-door hatchback style because of its aerodynamic qualities, but the finished product looked like the Prius, and people didn’t want to pay more for a copy.