There’s really no point in arguing the merits of the Honda Accord. Its reputation as the best family sedan on the market today is virtually unassailable. As a carmaker, Honda is never content to sit back and let its reputation or nameplate sell itself as the competition catches up. Accord is already in its seventh generation, having undergone a substantial tweaking in 2003, despite the fact that its predecessor was still enjoying success at the top of its game.

So, for 2005, not to be outdone by the likes of that other Japanese carmaker (Toyota), Honda introduced a Hybrid version of the Accord. This is not Honda’s first foray into the hybrid arena. The Insight has been around since the 2001 model year and the Civic Hybrid since 2003. However, there are a few important differences to note with the Accord. The Insight, with its futuristic look, came along at the very beginning of the hybrid age, when gas prices didn’t induce rage and only tree-huggers drove “electric cars.” In short, it appealed to environmentalists and enthusiasts. The Civic came along as a “normal-looking” car with abnormally great gas mileage and emissions, but unfortunately, limited power and some quirky characteristics.

By contrast, Accord Hybrid is outfitted with Honda’s third-generation electric assist system and a V-6 gasoline engine. The V-6’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system aids in the vehicle’s efficiency by shutting down three of the six cylinders during cruising or deceleration. And in an important new development for Arizona drivers, the climate-control system, which previously relied on the gas engine for power, is now mated to the electric system, a la Toyota Prius. The Civic Hybrid has also benefited from these advancements.

In fit and finish, the Accord Hybrid most closely resembles the mid-level LX sedan, which includes cruise control, air conditioning, power windows, locks and mirrors, and keyless entry. The Hybrid adds dual-zone climate control and instrumentation to monitor the various hybrid technologies. Inside, you’ll find typical Honda practicality, quality and comfort. The only option on the hybrid is a $2,000 satellite-linked navigation system.

So, if you take the Honda Accord’s already stellar reputation and popularity, and tack the Hybrid technology on to it, do you have the perfect car? Well, it depends on your point of view. The power issue has definitely been addressed (the combined horsepower on the Accord Hybrid is 255), and the gas mileage is impressive (30 miles per gallon in the city, 38 highway). But the issue is whether one has been sacrificed for the other. American drivers, no matter how much they say otherwise, are generally not willing to trade power for fuel economy. The Toyota Prius, for example, has published fuel economy ratings of 51 miles per gallon city and 60 highway, but only gets a combined 110-horsepower from the gas and electric engines. Taking into account that real-world fuel economy is often less than advertised (the Accord Hybrid averaged miles per gallon in the high 20s in combined city/highway driving during my weeklong test). That’s still better than the 20 and 29 miles per gallon ratings on the comparable Accord LX, but is it worth the extra $5,000 in sticker price?

The bottom line is, if you like the Honda Accord and are looking for a environment-friendly car, you’ll like the Accord Hybrid. The driving characteristics are similar to the regular Accord (save for the stalling sensation you get when the hybrid comes to a full stop), and the hybrid actual boasts more horsepower. But if you’re looking to save big money by purchasing a hybrid, you’ll be disappointed.

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