Honda Accord Hybrid - Reviews, Ratings, Retired

Honda Accord Hybrid

Brought on the U.S. market in 2005, the gasoline-electric Honda Accord sold briskly in its first year - 25,000 cars. Just two years later, only 6,100 cars sold. Why the quick drop and what does this mean for potential buyers of a used Accord hybrid? Well, it seems this hybrid car failed because it was built more for power than fuel economy. In the end, buyers opted for hybrids with better gas mileage, and the greenest Accord was retired in 3 short years.

The Honda Accord hybrid runs using variable cylinder management, meaning that it can shut off three of its six cylinders to conserve momentum and fuel. This technology was also seen in the Honda Odyssey minivan. As a result of the hybrid technology, the Honda Accord was rated as getting anywhere from 24-37 miles per gallon, depending on the model year and driving conditions. The average on GreenHybrid.com is currently at 29 mpg.

USA Today heralded the new, 2005 Honda Accord hybrid as the "best hybrid yet." Sales were high and the car was quickly becoming one of the best-selling hybrids available. Unfortunately for Honda Motor Company, that exuberance faded as fast as it appeared.

In 2007, sales slowed and buyers were no longer willing to pay the $3,000 premium to own the hybrid Accord over the gas-powered, four-cylinder traditional gas-only model. The two cars looked the same and, after having features such as a power sunroof and extra four-inches added (making the car heavy enough to move up t the next weight class for mileage testing), got virtually the same mileage. At the same time, the benefit of fuel economy and the image of being "green" were stronger with other available hybrids. Treehugger.com called the 2006 Honda Accord hybrid a "mixed bag" because although it was rated AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology, Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle), its fuel usage was too similar to standard four-cylinder vehicles.

A person in the market for a slightly used, low-mileage hybrid Accord should be prepared to pay about $18,000-$30,000. For similar vehicles in about same price range, with as good or better mileage, potential buyers might also consider a Nissan Altima hybrid ($25,000) or a Toyota Camry hybrid ($25,200). If you are looking to stretch your dollar further as gas prices around the country rise, you might find that you can get more bang for your buck with the newer hybrid vehicles. Even so, this more eco-friendly, full-size sedan from Honda seemed to have everything going for it, and it will be sadly missed.