Best of all, the transmission has real gears, unlike a CVT which is common in the hybrid market. There is nothing wrong with a Continually Variable
Transmission if you're driving a snowmobile, but the transmission in the Accord lends itself to an overall performance feel with sharp, precise shifts.
The engine under full throttle may be markedly quiet (almost too much so for some), but when drivers push too hard in corners the tires get loud really quickly. The energy saving Michelins are designed to save fuel, though they'll leave backroad enthusiasts wanting a set of something stickier.
Inside, luxurious leather seating surfaces await 5 occupants who are treated to plenty of room in every direction as well as entertained by a powerful sound system. Four grown-ups will be comfortable, while five won't pose a problem in a pinch. The trunk is plenty large, though the rear seats do not fold down in hybrid models. The batteries have to go somewhere, after all. Don't keep anything frozen in the trunk too long, as the heat generated by the batteries is vented into it.
Visibility is magnificent in any direction, and all of the controls seem to fall perfectly at hand. Every adjustment, button, knob or control has a solid, quality feel.
The navigation system features a touch-screen, and is very simple to use. I've encountered more frustrating coffee makers. Directions are accurate, even in remote areas, and I find it to be superior to many of the other systems available on the market. Here's a secret- I'm incredibly horrible with directions, and the Navigation system in the Accord Hybrid gave me the confidence to navigate roadways in unfamiliar towns safely.
I returned my tester after a week and over 1500 kilometres together. As I handed in the keys and set off for my next machine, a smirk crossed my face. I liked this car. I was going to miss it- not what I was expecting.
It wasn't the hybrid system, or the nice stereo, or the solid and quiet ride. It wasn't even the performance or the handsome looks or the quiet
operation either. It was more about how all of these things worked together with one another. The execution of the entire package, if you will.
A Honda sales rep I spoke to put it best. He had just sold an older couple their third Accord. He said "it just goes to show, there is something about the Accord that Honda gets dead-on with every generation. Buy one once, and you'll stick with them for life."
I think he's right.
What's Hot: Quiet, powerful, refined power delivery, goof-proof navi system, excellent visibility
What's Not: sometimes clunky drivetrain, needs stickier tires, battery heat vents into trunk, price may be prohibitive to some
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
The engine under full throttle may be markedly quiet (almost too much so for some), but when drivers push too hard in corners the tires get loud really quickly. The energy saving Michelins are designed to save fuel, though they'll leave backroad enthusiasts wanting a set of something stickier.
Inside, luxurious leather seating surfaces await 5 occupants who are treated to plenty of room in every direction as well as entertained by a powerful sound system. Four grown-ups will be comfortable, while five won't pose a problem in a pinch. The trunk is plenty large, though the rear seats do not fold down in hybrid models. The batteries have to go somewhere, after all. Don't keep anything frozen in the trunk too long, as the heat generated by the batteries is vented into it.
Visibility is magnificent in any direction, and all of the controls seem to fall perfectly at hand. Every adjustment, button, knob or control has a solid, quality feel.
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
I returned my tester after a week and over 1500 kilometres together. As I handed in the keys and set off for my next machine, a smirk crossed my face. I liked this car. I was going to miss it- not what I was expecting.
It wasn't the hybrid system, or the nice stereo, or the solid and quiet ride. It wasn't even the performance or the handsome looks or the quiet
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
A Honda sales rep I spoke to put it best. He had just sold an older couple their third Accord. He said "it just goes to show, there is something about the Accord that Honda gets dead-on with every generation. Buy one once, and you'll stick with them for life."
I think he's right.
What's Hot: Quiet, powerful, refined power delivery, goof-proof navi system, excellent visibility
What's Not: sometimes clunky drivetrain, needs stickier tires, battery heat vents into trunk, price may be prohibitive to some
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