2005 Honda Accord Review

Specifications

Now Thats More Like It

The makers of hybrid cars have got to be smiling these days. With gas prices the way they are, sales of Toyotas Prius and Hondas Civic Hybrid have never been stronger.

After all, what other options do new car buyers who are concerned about budgeting fuel costs and saving the environment have? Diesel? OK, thats fair. Despite the poor quality high-sulfur diesel fuel currently available in North America the longtime alternative has still been proven better for reducing emissions and improving mileage than conventional gasoline.

But Hybrids (HEVs) are better at these tasks yet. That might be true but who wants to drive a tiny economy car with skinny tires? That stereotype is changing, with Toyotas sophisticated full-hybrid system now powering a much larger 2004 Prius. It will also be available soon in the brands Highlander SUV, but not before Lexus brings out its RX 400h, and thats just the beginning.

GM has a fleet of HEV pickup trucks and SUVs ready to launch on the North American public, while Ford has its long anticipated Escape Hybrid arriving soon - using Toyota mechanicals by the way. Nissans upcoming Altima Hybrid will make use of Toyotas hybrid system too, which makes it look a lot like the “if you cant beat em join em” motto is alive and well.

And what about Honda? Yeah, the brand that was first to market in North America with its funky Insight, followed up by its highly successful Civic Hybrid isnt about to let Toyota steal all the thunder. That Insight just took a third place finish in the Compact Car segment of the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study by the way, a very impressive feat considering all the vehicles it had to contend with. This just goes to show how reliable HEV technology is becoming.

While more models are expected, Honda recently announced that its popular Accord sedan will be the next inline to get the HEV treatment. And a good thing, with the Altima and Toyotas Camry coming on the scene over the next year or so, the Accord Hybrid will outpace these by quite a margin when it arrives during the summer.

Yeah, its expected soon, and should be the most exciting hybrid to hit the market yet, at least from a driving dynamics perspective. What makes it so enticing? The new model makes use of the Accords already enthusiastic 3.0-liter, 240-horsepower V6, combined with Hondas Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. That means itll produce even more power than the current V6, while delivering much better fuel economy. Improving this last point even further is Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), a technology that cuts power to three of the cars six cylinders when not needed. A similar system was recently introduced by Chrysler Group in its 300 HEMI sedan and will soon appear in GMs truck lineup, but its a first for Honda.

Other than the cylinder deactivation system, which will most likely end up on the regular V6-powered Accords asset list after debuting in the hybrid, the new Accord HEV will be much like the current gasoline powered one - at least when it comes to features and options. Honda hasnt said anything about pricing, but you can expect the hybrid powertrain to add at least a few thousand to the price of a similarly equipped conventional Accord.

The new car gets a number of exclusive exterior upgrades over the conventionally powered Accord, including a distinctive front grille design, modified taillight treatment and hybrid badges of course. Additionally Honda will add a rear trunklid spoiler and unique aluminum alloy wheel design.

Honda is justifiably bullish on the new Accord Hybrids potential in our current HEV friendly market.

“Putting hybrid technology into our most popular model is a further indication of Hondas commitment to hybrid technology and our confidence that consumers are ready for more hybrid models,” stated Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The Accord hybrid delivers both increased performance and higher fuel economy. It takes hybrid technology into all new territory.”

While it will be a bit more expensive than a conventially powered Accord, thats the price of doing the right thing. And even if youre not on the holier than thou environmentalist bandwagon, at todays fuel prices the Accord Hybrid shouldnt take too long to pay itself back in spades at the pump. Now thats a modern day symbiotic relationship. Honda, youve done us proud.