Honda Accord Hybrid

Reviewed: The Honda Accord Hybrid

Overview: The hybrid Honda Accord makes more horsepower than the non-hybrid models and I’m convinced that the 260 horsepower combined output is more than enough to get the Accord moving quickly down the highway. Honda quotes the accord as getting a combined fuel economy rating of just over 30mpg, which is quite respectable for a 260 horsepower car.

Does it measure up to other sedans?

Let’s find out.

Detail:

When someone mentions that they are looking at a hybrid, most people begin shouting off any fact and story that they’ve heard about hybrids. Some of these points may be correct, but chances are good that they’re nothing more than hearsay.

The Accord hybrid is a hybrid vehicle that is challenging the traditional ideas of what a hybrid car should be. It is powerful, good looking and comfortable to sit in while driving or riding. The interior has all of the same styling cues and features that we’ve grown to love about the Accord hybrid and the Accord is treated to all of the technology and reliability that we’ve come to expect from Honda.

Initial Impression

The hybrid Accord looks just like the non-hybrid version and the only identifying marks are a few badges and labels that adorn the side and rear of the car. This is a good thing since the latest incarnation of the Accord is attractive and functional, and we love how it looks. The design is subtle yet there are styling elements that are distinct and aggressive.

The quality of the finish is quite high and Honda has once again assured us that it will live up to the legend of the brand.

Driving the Accord

Put your foot to the floor and you are shown an exhilarating bout of acceleration. You will have a hard time believing this car is a hybrid as the speedometer races upward, receiving thrust from a hard working six cylinder engine. With over 260 horsepower, the Accord hybrid is not lacking any muscle.

Your rear end will notice the immediate addition of torque that the electric assist motor gives to the vehicle and while you are hammering on the throttle you are still achieving nearly 30 miles per gallon. It does not get much better than that.

Conclusion

This is a great car to just get in and drive and it does not offer any inconveniences or apologies for being a hybrid. This car is a true example of modern hybrid technology at its best and I love every bit of it!

Honda Civic Hybrid

Reviewed: The Honda Civic Hybrid

Overview: The Honda Civic hybrid doesn’t look much different from its conventional gasoline engine powered brother, yet it is an entirely different vehicle underneath the hood. Does the Civic offer the same driving mechanics and experiences of the gasoline only model?

Read on to find out.

Detail:

There are styling cues which separate the hybrid model from the conventional ones. Gone are the amply sized multi-spoke rims, and in their place are oddly shaped hubcaps, designed, no doubt, to improve the Hybrid’s aerodynamics. Also different are the tires, which are a bit smaller and designed to maximize fuel economy.

Initial Impression

The Civic Hybrid that I was standing in front of was black, lower to the ground than I expected, and had seventeen miles on the odometer. I’ve been informed that the paint job is a special midnight black pearlescent paint, and that it doesn’t come that way from the factory, however, you can definitely get your hybrid in black.

The interior has the same styling cues and accents as every other Civic on the road. The seats are comfortable and easy to get in and out of and the driver’s seat is adjustable in every direction, just like we like. One minor difference is the addition of an indicator light on the instrument panel that lets you know when your electric assistance motor is doing its job.

Driving the Civic

The newest Civic cars have the most horsepower of any Civic released in North America to date. The latest Civic Si, which features a screaming 197 high-revving four cylinder, is the fastest factory-model Civic to be produced. If you’ve ever driven that car, prepare yourself for a rather anemic drive by comparison.

The hybrid is quick to accelerate at slow speeds, and within the city, you are unlikely to notice a significant difference between the Hybrid and the conventional model. On the open highway, however, you will find the Civic Hybrid to be slow to gather speed to pass. Most people won’t find that to be limiting since speeding unnecessarily down the highway defeats the entire purpose of this car, which is to be as efficient as possible.

The suspension is firm enough for my tastes and I do not feel every bump and crack in the road. This pleasantly surprised me, as I was expecting handling that was overly soft and spongy. This Civic takes corners exactly the way I like.

Conclusion

This vehicle is one that you can be happy with and drive every day. It accelerates quickly enough for the average person and it gets plenty of miles per gallon.

Overall, I’m impressed, great job Honda!

My Favorite Hybrid Car

My Favorite Hybrid Car

Without question, my favorite hybrid car is the Lexus LS 450h. With sensual styling that has aggressive cues and accents, the 450h is subdued enough to slip quietly through traffic, yet from certain angles, the 450h lets you know that underneath the hood there is a tiger waiting to be released.

Start the engine and you’re treated to the distinct sound of… nothing. No growl of the engine, no burble of the exhaust, just a quiet idle, which does not change in volume when you slowly accelerate. The 450h is deceivingly quiet and many people will find themselves in shock when they begin to accelerate without the accompanying blare of the engine.

This is true, of course, assuming that you accelerate timidly. Mash the throttle to the floor and you’re greeted to a frightening scream from the engine and the sheer force of the motor propelling the vehicle forward forces your head to firmly and intently recede into the headrest. The sensation is nothing short of awesome, and I am completely convinced that this hybrid Lexus will give most sports cars a run for their money.

In fact, I’m completely convinced that this car is faster than most sports cars.

The Hype!

This vehicle is more than just a super-sedan, it’s a showcase of hybrid technology, forever disproving the belief that a hybrid vehicle has to be a sedate and mundane vehicle to own and drive. Whichever driver is lucky enough to own this vehicle will be fully aware of its awesome capabilities.

All of this comes with an appropriate amount of hype, of course, and the world has certainly set their eyes on the final product, which is set to roll out of Lexus’ factory later in the year.

Back to the Car

The LS 450h features more technology than Bill Gates can shake a stick at; a navigation system, self-parking technology, and, of course, a massive hybrid engine. The suspension is soft, yet firm enough that the driver will feel the curves of the road as the vehicle eviscerates the asphalt underneath it.

This car and all its technology and luxury, however, does not come cheap. You can expect me to put a second mortgage on the house to own one, so don’t be surprised if you see a few people driving by with all of their possessions in the back.