How Low Can You Go?
It clearly depends on what type of car/SUV one is used to driving! We drive a vintage Honda Accord and have no problems whatsoever with getting in and out of the Insight. I'd imagine that if one is used to vehicles that one climbs up into or sits high in, and that must be the case with Consumer Reports testers, then the Insight seems low.
As to being hard to get in or out of, though, that could be helped with regular stretching exercises! I'll bet that the "low" sensation or difficulty will also diminish or vanish over time as one gets used to it.
It's similar to people's experiences with bed mattresses. If you're used to an old-fashioned lower bed and get a newer thicker mattress, you feel high up and it's a piece of cake getting into and out of bed -- or, in some hotels, you seem too high up and your feet barely touch the floor, making it harder.
In any case, CR should qualify its statement saying something to the effect of "Some people may find..." or "Those are used to SUVs or higher seats may find..."
Push-Button Gear Selection
I think the same point applies to their "confusion" over the push button gear selector. They or the guy or gal who test drove the Insight must be so used to regular stick transmissions (even automatic) that they confuse easily. I also think that Consumers keeps regurgitating the same talking points... once they've written that push-button gear selections are tricky, they stick to the party line.
We were used to the automatic, big handle gear changer, with the grip for releasing the brake, but adjusted without any transition time.
MPG Figures Still Wrong
Note: They still haven't changed their report on the Insight, claiming it gets 62 mpg on the highway -- and only 44 in the city!
In any event, in spite of my criticisms, I still like Consumers and will keep subscribing to it. It's been helpful as I've researched new cars and many, many other products and services.
