The Accord Hybrid is fast. It still looks odd to read it but this car is very quick. Off the line, the car feels somewhat slower than the regular V6. As engine speed rises and the electric motor kicks in, the scenery moves about very swiftly indeed. The automatic transmission operates beautifully. It functions transparently and is generally eager to skip down a few gears.
The brakes are strong and, coupled to a nice firm pedal, ensure short stopping distances. The electronic steering is well assisted although the artificial feeling normally associated with this type of assistance is present.
The ride is uncannily smooth and quiet. The Accord is great on the highway and provides an unbelievably comfortable drive. The only improvement I can think of, to enhance the driving experience, would be replacing the original equipment Michelin tires. Their grip is sub-par on any road surface.
Safety
The car has 6 standard air bags: dual front side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with brake force distribution and traction and stability control. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars for the driver and passenger in frontal impacts. It also received 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the front and 5 out of 5 stars for the rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated the Accord "Good".
Conclusion
The Accord is great and there is no doubt about it. If one takes the Accord Hybrid as it is, no one can deny how competent it is. The levels of refinement, comfort and luxury are mere millimetres from those in the Acura TL. They surpass the TSX and just about match those of the Infiniti G35. If I was a normal person and had the money, I would spring for the Hybrid on merit alone.
The Accord has long been one of the wisest and safest purchases anyone could make. The case for the Hybrid is more complex. Honda wants nearly $4,000 extra and you loose the power passenger seat, the sunroof and the 17" wheels. Question is whether it is worth paying the supplemental money. A 4-cylinder Accord consumes about the same amount of fuel as the Hybrid and costs over $7,000 less. The debate over long-term reliability also continues; how long will the batteries last? After five years, will they still hold a proper charge?
The real and final question is why would someone buy this Hybrid? The answer is not to save money but to help reduce the amount of toxic emissions that we inject into the atmosphere.
Good stuff:
Smooth and quiet
Fast
Interior fit and finish
Not so good stuff:
Fuel consumption
Price
Competitors:
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Nissan Altima Hybrid (soon)
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (soon)
The brakes are strong and, coupled to a nice firm pedal, ensure short stopping distances. The electronic steering is well assisted although the artificial feeling normally associated with this type of assistance is present.
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Safety
The car has 6 standard air bags: dual front side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with brake force distribution and traction and stability control. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars for the driver and passenger in frontal impacts. It also received 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the front and 5 out of 5 stars for the rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated the Accord "Good".
 |
Conclusion
The Accord is great and there is no doubt about it. If one takes the Accord Hybrid as it is, no one can deny how competent it is. The levels of refinement, comfort and luxury are mere millimetres from those in the Acura TL. They surpass the TSX and just about match those of the Infiniti G35. If I was a normal person and had the money, I would spring for the Hybrid on merit alone.
The Accord has long been one of the wisest and safest purchases anyone could make. The case for the Hybrid is more complex. Honda wants nearly $4,000 extra and you loose the power passenger seat, the sunroof and the 17" wheels. Question is whether it is worth paying the supplemental money. A 4-cylinder Accord consumes about the same amount of fuel as the Hybrid and costs over $7,000 less. The debate over long-term reliability also continues; how long will the batteries last? After five years, will they still hold a proper charge?
The real and final question is why would someone buy this Hybrid? The answer is not to save money but to help reduce the amount of toxic emissions that we inject into the atmosphere.
 |
Good stuff:
Smooth and quiet
Fast
Interior fit and finish
Not so good stuff:
Fuel consumption
Price
Competitors:
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Nissan Altima Hybrid (soon)
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (soon)
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