Teresa’s View
With gas prices shooting skyward, fuel economy is on everyone’s mind and people who previously would no more have considered purchasing a hybrid automobile than go vegan, are taking notice of the gas-electric technology. The good news for mainstream America is that most folks would be hard pressed to distinguish the new 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid from its gas-powered brethren. A small hybrid logo on the backside of the car and some extra gauges inside are the only indicators.
To help improve gas mileage, a Variable Cylinder Management System deactivates three of the six cylinders during cruising. An Idle Stop Feature shuts off the engine when stopped at a traffic light, but starts it right up with pressure on the accelerator — just like a golf cart.
The Accord Hybrid requires no extra input from its driver. The gas engine and braking energy powers the battery. As a result, the battery is constantly recharging and owners don’t have to plug in their cars.
Compared to the regular Accord, the Hybrid improves gas mileage by about 10 miles per gallon in the city and nearly the same on the highway. Of course, you must drive conservatively to get those numbers. Careful drivers will be rewarded with more than 600 miles to a tank of gas, says Honda.
Is it wimpy? No! A happy secret about hybrids is that the gas-electric combo can produce more horsepower and torque than a standard engine. The Accord’s 12-kilowatt electric motor assists Honda’s 3.0-liter V-6 engine to generate 255 horsies and 232 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm compared to 240 hp, and 212 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm produced by the regular Accord V-6.
What Is It?: The 2005 Accord Hybrid is a new gas-electric version of the popular midsize sedan. Expect to spend around $30K.
Gadget Rating: The Hybrid doesn’t lose anything from the luxury feature list. All the good stuff is here, including dual-zone automatic climate control; heated front seats; a 6-disc in-dash CD audio system; XM satellite radio; cruise control and power driver’s seat; windows, mirrors and door locks. The hybrid also comes with driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags, side curtain airbags, traction control, anti-lock brakes, keyless remote entry, a theft-deterrent system and three-point seatbelts for all occupants. Bonus: owners are guaranteed no scheduled tuneups for 105K miles, under normal driving conditions.
Grocery Sack Test: Cargo space is slightly smaller than the gas-only version in order to house the battery. A kit that repairs flats replaces the spare tire, but that was a weight, not space issue.
Tax Alert: The Internal Revenue Service says the Accord Hybrid qualifies for a clean-fuel deduction, entitling owners to a one-time $2,000 break on their tax return. FYI: The deduction is scheduled to decrease to $500 for the 2006 calendar year.
So, Where Are Ya From?: Final assembly point is Sayama, Saitama, Japan.