Introduction
Until now, hybrid automobiles have been driven by a thirst for fuel economy, in a green movement spearheaded by the purpose-built Honda Insight and original Toyota Prius. Evolution of the species lead to the Honda Civic Sedan offering a hybrid model with a gasoline-electric powertrain enabling impressive real-world economy while approximating the street performance of the midlevel LX four-door. The 2005 model year has brought the next phase, marrying efficiency with performance, and the Accord is the harbinger of this new breed. Accomplishing a series of firsts, this variant of one of America's best-selling cars sees hybrid technology applied to a V-6 for the first time, one with cylinder-deactivation and greater horsepower than the available gasoline-only V-6. Best of all, this enticing powertrain is surrounded by a well-respected car fitted with the full brochure's worth of features.
Exterior
The stately seventh-generation Accord does not flaunt its hybrid status; instead it blends in to the traffic, with little more than a diminutive badge to announce its "greener than thou" presence. Other exterior distinctions include a standard rear decklid spoiler and distinct AM/FM/XM radio antenna. A lightweight aluminum hood and slightly larger 215/60VR16 tires on exclusive five-spoke wheels are less overt. The Accord matches its nemesis, the Toyota Camry, in nearly every exterior measurement. While the Prius is classified as a midsize car, the Accord is larger, stretching 14.... Read full article