Honda has a reputation as one of the greenest car companies in the world, partly because they were the first to sell a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle. That was the two-seat Insight, and they followed that up with the compact Civic Hybrid four-door. Now, for 2005, Honda expands its hybrid lineup with a true family car, the Accord Hybrid sedan. Now we’ve predicted the Accord Hybrid is going to go fast, in more ways than one.

At Honda, being a gasoline-electric hybrid means much more than just being super fuel efficient. The 2005 Accord Hybrid sedan is not only thrifty, it’s downright speedy. Unlike previous 3- and 4-cylinder Honda hybrids, the Accord’s powertrain is built around a strong V6 engine. A first for the hybrid segment.

Primary power is the Accord’s optional 3.0-liter single-cam V6. It adds the Odyssey’s Variable Cylinder Management system that shuts down three cylinders during highway cruising, and hybrid’s signature Idle-Stop which shuts down the entire engine when stopping. The V-6 is mated to a new version of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist system, which uses a 14-kilowatt brushless electric motor with a peak assist of 16.1 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque. Plus a nickel-hydride battery pack, and regenerative braking. Total output of this complex drivetrain is 255 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. That’s 15 horsepower and 20 pound-feet more than the normal V6.

Another departure is the transmission. Rather than a shiftless CVT, this hybrid uses a modified version of the Accord’s 5-speed geared automatic transmission. So instead of the golf cart-like acceleration of a CVT, this hybrid has the confident gear changes of other Accords, except it is way faster. The Accord Hybrid hits 60 in 7.0-seconds flat, and runs the full quarter mile in 15.5 seconds at 93 miles-per-hour. That’s about a second faster through both tests than its gasoline sibling. It feels even faster as this Accord jumps off the line. Peak torque from the electric assist is instantaneous.

That energy carries over to public roads, where the Accord Hybrid exhibits effortless passing ability, and flows smoothly around corners. Active Noise Control completely masked the operation of the Variable Cylinder Management. However, our drivers did complain about the Idle-stop system. Unlike most hybrids, which shut down only at a full stop, our Honda cuts out at about 2 miles-per-hour. As a result, the engine is constantly starting and stopping in slow bumper-to-bumper traffic. It’s a little annoying, but still a smooth drive. Also, unlike the Toyota hybrid system, you never move on electric power alone. So, Honda’s hybrid system is more tuned to open roads than city commutes.

Which might explain our test fuel economy. The EPA rates the Honda Accord Hybrid at 29 city/37 highway. Our mixed test loop returned 30 miles-per-gallon. Less than we hoped, but still about 15-percent better than our long-term Accord V6.

In the handling department, the Accord Hybrid delivers more front end push than the gas model. Steering and suspension response is also slightly slower, though it delivers the solid grip that we expect from the Accord platform.

Unlike the pioneering Insight, but like the Civic Hybrid, the Accord Hybrid’s appearance is totally conventional. Its advanced technology is hidden away beneath the Hybrid’s aluminum hood. There is a unique grille, badging, and paying homage to its speed, a special rear deck spoiler. The interior design is pure Accord, too, with the equipment level based on the near-luxury EX with Leather model. Only discreet hybrid readouts for battery charge and assist status in the large, clear gauge cluster indicate that this is not a gas-powered Accord EX-L. The only space difference is for cargo. The rear seat doesn’t fold down, and the trunk’s 11.2 cubic feet is down 12% to make room for hybrid hardware.

Pricing for the Accord Hybrid starts at $30,505. That’s a hefty $3,300 premium over the EX V6.

Honda’s 2005 Accord Hybrid is a different take on what a hybrid can be. It adds both fuel efficiency and speed. Indeed, we love the V6-electric’s kick-in-the-pants performance, but mating the hybrid IMA system to the Accord’s also impressive 4-cylinder engine would have been a better choice for serious fuel savings and thus wider appeal. So, we don’t think that this hybrid is for the dedicated tree-hugger. But rather for family drivers that want power with less guilt, and who are not willing to accept any compromises just to go hybrid. In that case, the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid is a real gas.

Specifications

  • Engine: 3.0-Liter Single-cam V6 & 14-kilowatt Brushless Electric Motor
  • Horsepower: 255 [combined]
  • Torque: 232 Lb Feet [combined]
  • 0-60 MPH: 7.0 Seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 15.5 Seconds @ 93 MPH
  • EPA Mileage: 29 MPG City 37 MPG Highway
  • Motorweek's Mileage Loop: 30 MPG Mixed City/highway