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Honda Accord Hybrid Review: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:2006AccordHybrid.jpg|right|300px]] | [[Image:2006AccordHybrid.jpg|right|300px]] | ||
The existing [[Honda Accord]] sedan is a fine car. The [[Honda Accord Hybrid]] model offers six-cylinder Accord beating performance with four-cylinder Accord like fuel economy. [[Honda Accord Hybrid]] comes at a price premium that places it in competition with entry-luxury sedans. [[Honda]] has equipped the car for such cross shopping, it shows after reading through the standard equipment list. After wading through glossy scribes of how technically advanced this car is, you'll be happy to know this car actually drives well. Smooth and potent power is delivered through the drivetrain almost imperceptably. The extra torque and speed inherent to the [[Honda Accord Hybrid]] becomes readily apparent, after driving "lesser models". The [[Integrated Motor Assist]] (IMA) system smoothly delivers when needed and is nearly impossible to detect when it isn't. [[Honda]]'s VCM has shut down half the V6's cylinders in cruising mode | |||
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==High Points== | ==High Points== | ||
* Powerful acceleration | * Powerful acceleration | ||
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Leather-trimmed heated seats, climate control, [[Anti-Lock brakes]] (ABS), traction control, and side curtain airbags are all standard. The Accord Hybrid also has extra noise-damping equipment, to combat the intrusions from the [[Integrated Motor Assist]] (IMA) powerplant. | Leather-trimmed heated seats, climate control, [[Anti-Lock brakes]] (ABS), traction control, and side curtain airbags are all standard. The Accord Hybrid also has extra noise-damping equipment, to combat the intrusions from the [[Integrated Motor Assist]] (IMA) powerplant. | ||
The only option on the [[Honda Accord Hybrid]] is a touch-screen satellite-linked navigation system. It offers voice-operated commands, just like in the Acura TSX. One switch left blank is that for the power glass sunroof (on Accord EX V6 models). This item was stripped from the options list, to help keep the curb weight down. | The only option on the [[Honda Accord Hybrid]] is a touch-screen satellite-linked navigation system. It offers voice-operated commands, just like in the Acura TSX. One switch left blank is that for the power glass sunroof (on Accord EX V6 models). This item was stripped from the options list, to help keep the curb weight down. It has since been added to the standard equipment list for the 2006 model year. | ||
==Exterior== | ==Exterior== | ||
Revision as of 20:51, 5 July 2006
The existing Honda Accord sedan is a fine car. The Honda Accord Hybrid model offers six-cylinder Accord beating performance with four-cylinder Accord like fuel economy. Honda Accord Hybrid comes at a price premium that places it in competition with entry-luxury sedans. Honda has equipped the car for such cross shopping, it shows after reading through the standard equipment list. After wading through glossy scribes of how technically advanced this car is, you'll be happy to know this car actually drives well. Smooth and potent power is delivered through the drivetrain almost imperceptably. The extra torque and speed inherent to the Honda Accord Hybrid becomes readily apparent, after driving "lesser models". The Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system smoothly delivers when needed and is nearly impossible to detect when it isn't. Honda's VCM has shut down half the V6's cylinders in cruising mode
High Points
- Powerful acceleration
- Additional torque provided by the electric motor
- Nearly seemless operation
Low Points
- Lackluster mileage (for a Hybrid)
- Costly (the Hybrid trim is comparable to an Accord EX V6 with leather)
- No Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) offered (at the expense of economy)
Performance and Handling
Most of the weight of the hybrid system is over the front wheels. Honda has adjusted the Accords suspension to compensate for this additional weight. The front springs and dampers were given a slightly firmer rate, even though these changes are difficult to notice from driving a regular V6 powered Accord. The electric motor provides 90 percent of its 100 lb-ft peak torque at less than 4,000 rpm, which has a noticeable effect on the feeling you get when you press the accelerator pedal liberally. The Integrated Motor Assist IMA acts as both a generator (for the battery pack) and a power booster. It captures wasted heat energy caused from braking and stores it as electricity in the small nickel-metal hydride battery pack. When you call for more power (by pressing down on the accelerator pedal), the electric motor (mounted between the gasoline engine and the five-speed automatic transmission) provides its 16 hp and 100 lbs-ft of torque.
Slightly wider tires do not aid traction but, do aid in the economy effort so handling suffers. The low rolling resistance tires clearly point to economy but seem out of place with the performance offered in the Honda Accord Hybrid. They have difficulty providing traction on wet roads. Torque steer, combined with a switch to an electric power assisted steering rack makes for numb steering. Performance minded drivers will be disappointed.
Gas Mileage
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Trim |
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FWD Automatic |
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Engine |
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3.0L V-6 w/IMA |
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MPG (City/Highway) |
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25/34 |
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Safety
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- 4 wheel disc Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
- Front, dual stage airbags (SRS)
- Front side-impact airbags
- Side curtain airbags
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSA®)
- 5 Star National Highway Traffic Safety Agency NHTSA crash test rating
Reliability and Maintenance
Interior and Comforts
Leather-trimmed heated seats, climate control, Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and side curtain airbags are all standard. The Accord Hybrid also has extra noise-damping equipment, to combat the intrusions from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) powerplant.
The only option on the Honda Accord Hybrid is a touch-screen satellite-linked navigation system. It offers voice-operated commands, just like in the Acura TSX. One switch left blank is that for the power glass sunroof (on Accord EX V6 models). This item was stripped from the options list, to help keep the curb weight down. It has since been added to the standard equipment list for the 2006 model year.
Exterior
Honda has kept the Accord Hybrid understanded and uncluttered in the styling department. This is "par for the course" in terms of Honda and body styling. This is not to say that the car is unattractive. Truth is, the Honda Accord Hybrid is virtually indistinguishable from a conventional V6 Honda Accord sedan, something many buyers could find appealing. Detailing on the Accord Hybrid is limited to a hybrid badge, unique wheels, trunk-mounted lip-spoiler and tailights. Adding up all these aerodynamic aids, the lightweight alloy wheels, lip-spoiler, front diffuser and whip antenna, the reduction in coefficient of drag (Cd) drops from 0.30 to 0.29. That little reduction is good enough to slim highway fuel consumption by 5 percent.
Styles and Options
The Honda Accord Hybrid comes in one four door sedan bodystyle. The only option remains a satellite-linked navigation system ($2000).
