Stay current with our Blog     |     Contact Us     

          

Join the Revolution

December 23, 2004  
Honda Accord Hybrid Test Drive: Initial Thoughts

My hybrid car interest began with the Honda Insight. To me the car represented revolution, a new automotive era fueled by rationalism, rather than materialism.

But when the current Toyota Prius hit the road, I thought the prospect of hybrid cars had truly become a reality. While not extravagant, it is as stylishly sophisticated as is currently possible.

When the Ford Escape hybrid hit the market earlier this year, I was very happy to see a hybrid SUV. If people have to drive them, at least make them as efficient as possible. For that purpose, the Escape hybrid is an excellent vehicle.

But the new Honda Accord hybrid added a significant twist to the hybrid class.

The hybrid Accord is a performer.

First, though, lets get one thing clear. Each car has distinct advantages for particular driving habits. Both cars offer significant improvements in fuel efficiency, such as compared to a standard V6 Accord.

    Toyota Prius




+
Prius hybrid home 
+
Escape hybrid home 
+
Accord hybrid home 
+
Head to head: Prius and the Escape hybrid match up 
+
Prius test drive
+
Escape hybrid test drive


Hybrid Car Club
Stay informed. Join the hybrid revolution Now!

 


It all comes down to stop-and-go.

The Prius is at its most efficient in the worst driving conditions, the conditions in which most vehicles make the most pollution, especially SUVs. If you live in a congested urban area, with frequent stop-and-go traffic, then the Prius is tops in efficiency.

In highway driving, the Accord hybrid speeds away. As they say, A V6 with V4 fuel efficiency. The newest of Honda's three hybrids runs clean. The very complex hybrid system smoothly applies the correct power needed - based on five different operational modes - so that fuel isn't wasted.

Why burn more fuel than necessary if performance isn't improved?

The Accord hybrid's performance is definitely improved. I've driven several standard V6 Accords, and I thought this car was easily quicker.

Much like other hybrids I've driven, there are odd moments when driving a hybrid, especially at stops, when the car basically stops - another fuel efficiency technique - that you are reminded that you are in something different.

But as I drove the Accord hybrid, I couldn't stop myself from focusing on one thing. Power.

If you are a freeway, or highway driver, especially ones who logs many miles on open roads, there is no better tool available. The Honda Accord hybrid accomplishes the task with great efficiency and surprising performance.

The Honda Accord hybrid is a superb vehicle.

More hybrid cars.

 

  > Nissan wants to sell 50,000 Altima hybrids 

  > Hybrid car cost controversy: You can save money

  > Feds to investigate Prius for alleged stalling problem

  > Schwarzenegger paves way to hybrid cars?

  > No Cheap Way Around Buying a Hybrid Car

  > The state of hybrid vehicle demand

  > Foreign-oil dependency rising: Buy a hybrid or other fuel efficient vehicle

  > Hybrid cars: The costs of being an early adopter

 

From the Blog More Hybrid Car Stories


Automakers, emissions, and hybrid cars

Prius, hybrid car, shopping tidbits

Honda Accord Hybrid Test Drive: Initial thoughts

Toyota announces new hybrid car for 2006

Hybrid car inspiration: Test driving Nirvana

The hybrid vehicle niche?

Why should consumers pay extra for hybrid vehicles?

Hydrogen hype: Why hybrid vehicles are more important than ever

What's the Point of a Hybrid SUV?

Honda Accord hybrid an extra $3000.00 plus

Detroit's hybrid vehicle collaboration a sign of things to come?

Could Chevron end hybrid vehicle hold up?

Ford's biggest gas-guzzling SUV set for extinction

Calpers, America's largest pension fund challenges automakers on California clean air legislation lawsuit

GM, DaimlerChrysler hybrid vehicle partnership creates serious questions

Daimler Chrysler and GM team up on hybrid vehicles

Automaker spin on global warming responsibility

Americans must take a stand against the American auto industry

Bill Ford Jr. has nothing but excuses when it comes to his green vision

The California Clean Cars Campaign responds to automakers lawsuit

A challenge to residents of California, and to consumers everywhere

Auto lawsuit initiated against California global warming legislation

Hybrid car rip off? $60 billion in rebates for non-hybrids.

Zap ForTwo Smart Car Available on eBay

Automakers set to challenge landmark California emission's law

Hybrid cars are for do-gooders?

Detroit's hybrid vehicle collaboration: They had no choice. Not long ago Detroit laughed at Japanese hybrid cars, not anymore.

Could Chevron end hybrid vehicle hold up? Current hybrid battery partnership and record profits could lead the way

GM, Daimler Chrysler team up on hybrid vehicles. Toyota Prius success forces automakers to complete with Japanese hybrids

Car makers just can't do the right thing. Automakers set to challenge landmark California emission's law

Disrespecting the hybrid car movement:  Faster and speedier than standards, hybrid cars are not just for do-gooders

Americans must take a stand against American auto corporations

Bill Ford Jr. Ready to Restart his Clean Revolution

Accord hybrid only available in select markets

The sad truth about the current state of hybrid vehicles

Honda Accord hybrid officially in showrooms today!

IMA versus HSD: The Honda Accord hybrid versus the Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius on NBC's West Wing

Hybrids, Fuel Cells and the Future

Porsche seeks Toyota hybrid technology

Hybrid Vehicles: Full or Mild?

A little Hybrid Rant: Cool v. Intelligence

Future hybrids "Mean & Green" according to Newsweek

Test driving the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV

Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV release delayed

My Toyota Prius test drive

Prius Availability is increasing in many areas

For Even More Hybrid Vehicle Stories >> Click here.


Join

Help make a difference. Soultek.com is part of the 1X1Power.com network.
-> Join our newsletter. 
-> Join our blog.

Additional Resources
-> Contact Us
->
Advertising

  webmaster