2005 Honda Accord Hybrid Road Test

What Happens When Super Efficiency Meets Surging Power

It looks like an Accord. It rides and drives like an Accord. Heck, it even smells like an Accord, but no, this is no regular Accord. Its an Accord Hybrid. As it might appear, Im making a big deal out of the fact that theres just one additional word at the end of this Hondas name. Big deal, you might say to yourself, and you know what, it is. That one little word, that one inconspicuous badge, makes a world of difference in performance and economy, plus it actually makes it the ultimate Accord.

About this Accord; in a nutshell, its the third hybrid vehicle that Honda has committed to production and a new entry for 2005. Its role as environmentally friendly family transportation follows the compact Civic Hybrid sedan and the miniscule but ecologically sound Insight, but unlike the previous two trials, Honda has chosen a different tactic. Beneath its ordinary-clothes exterior lie advancements that place it bounds ahead of even the most technically advanced hybrid Honda makes. Its also the best Honda hybrid to date, a few words of notoriety which ought to be enough to project this Accord into fame, even if it is for only forty-five seconds or so, until the next revolutionary hybrid arrives.

For the sake of brevity, I wont dance around the Accords impressive stats and accomplished goals for too long. With Hondas IMA hybrid system, a "mild hybrid" system which operates in conjunction with the standard gasoline motor, Honda has effectively created a system that further boosts the V6 powertrain. Electrical assist makes for a 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway rating possible, which bests not only the regular Accord V6 by some 43 percent, but the regular four-cylinder model as well. Heck, it even verges in on the Civics ratings, which as far as Im concerned is pretty darned good! When driven appropriately, its possible to extract a diesel-like 600+ miles per tank. Never mind the fact that its the quickest Accord sedan in production, shaving a half second off its 0-60 mph time of just seven and a half seconds. Its only edged out by the more powerful, six-speed manual EX-V6 Coupe, but still, seeing the tailpipes and lights of this one will be an increasingly popular sight.

As you know, batteries and densely coiled wire arent light, the IMA system, components amassed together weighs approximately 285 lbs. With excess weight being the mortal enemy to performance machines and fuel-savers alike, Hondas engineers cleverly pared out weight by sorting through its material parts list. Amazingly, two thirds of this mass has been negated by revisions elsewhere in the car. Lightweight aluminum is used on the hood, the bumper beams, suspension components, wheels and non-supporting components of the chassis, not to mention a few nips and tucks that reduce weight elsewhere. All in all, the Hybrid weighs about 120 lbs more than a regular automatic V6 Accord for a curb weight of 3,525 lbs.

In the week when the Accord Hybrid was in my possession, I made a quick road trip down to Detroit, Michigan. Essentially a non-stop journey, the Accord Hybrid was an effective long-distance cruiser, swallowing highway mileage without guzzling gas. The entire trip, including mulling about in Ann Arbor, a total of close to 900 miles of driving used a tank and a quarter. The proof really is in the pudding; hybrid technology has very useful applications in areas youd have never thought.

While the Accord remains a popular choice with Americans, fending off other sedans challenging it for first place, I didnt spot a single hybrid model on the trip, but then again, theres nothing eye-catching to help. This Accord looks no different than any other plain-clothes model; the changes made are even subtler than that of the Civic Hybrid. Mods are limited to a decklid spoiler, aero antenna, charcoal-colored grille, and larger but more aerodynamic 215/60 R 16 wheels. The biggest clue is still the Hybrid badge, but youll have to squint to see it. At the same time, the plain-Jane black Accord didnt attract any unwanted attention either. With the upcoming 2006 facelift, expected to arrive early next year, the Hybrid will most likely become even more inconspicuous.