RIP: Honda Accord Hybrid
Despite ever-rising gas prices and record Toyota Prius sales, not all that is hybrid turns to sales gold. Take the Honda Accord Hybrid. Or rather, Honda dealers wish you would… The car has been a slow seller. While the regular Accord sells well over 300,000 units a year, the Hybrid accounted for a paltry 25,000 total units over the three model years it was offered. (Compare that to over 700,000 units for the Prius.) So, it’s no big surprise that Honda is yanking the (figurative) plug on the Hybrid with the pending 2008 Accord redesign.
This wasn’t because the Accord Hybrid was a bad car; it scored highly in our testing and once led our family sedan Ratings. (Available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers only.) With an average of 25 mpg in our tests, the V6 hybrid was more efficient than either the automatic Accord EX four-cylinder (24 mpg) or standard V6 (23 mpg.) An added bonus was that the hybrid version shaved 0.5 seconds off of the 0-60 time of the normal V6.
But therein lies the problem. The Accord Hybrid was a “performance” hybrid, using the hybrid system to both improve performance and give a small increase in fuel economy. Thing is, not too many hybrid buyers seem to be looking for V8 performance along with the fuel economy of a regular four-cylinder, particularly when the benefits are incremental. While an impressive engineering feat, it’s a mixed message that is tough to market, especially when other hybrids like the Prius and Honda Civic were designed to maximize fuel economy.
The Accord Hybrid brought other sacrifices, too. It had no spare tire, the rear seat didn’t fold down, and the early cars lacked a sunroof. Some of these compromises become tough to swallow at $30k. (Maybe it’s no surprise that several of us saw leftover ‘05 Accord Hybrids marked down to $25k on the showroom floor back when we went to buy other test Hondas.)
A few other hybrids--the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX400h--also emphasize performance over maximizing fuel economy. Their sales haven’t been as fast as their acceleration numbers, either. However, things change with the redesigned 2008 Highlander hybrid’s 3.3-liter V6 yielding the same 270 horsepower as the regular 3.5-liter V6. (The hybrid previously had a 38-hp advantage over the old 230-hp regular 3.3-liter.) There is also a battery-only mode for traveling short distances at low speeds.
So, outside of the expensive Lexus LS and GS luxury sedan hybrids, is the performance-biased hybrid a dying breed? Reports that Honda is going to offer a very efficient Accord diesel here certainly point to another direction...
Posted by: pndxtr | Jun 8, 2007 10:03:35 AM
The other thing that really bothered me about the Accord Hybrid was to see it get the "C" license plate here in Utah. Yes it was a hybrid, but I know that the diesel VWs get over 40MPG but don't qualify. I know there are some other air quality issue, but is that truly fair?
Posted by: Dave | Jun 8, 2007 2:25:43 PM
To the previous poster: What is a "C" license plate in Utah?
Posted by: dave g. | Jun 9, 2007 9:43:24 AM
Honda doesn't need this car because this fall they wil be selling a diesel Accord that gets 60 MPG highway.
Posted by: pndxtr | Jun 13, 2007 12:14:34 AM
"C" is for Clean vehicle. Most hybrid and CNG cars qualify for those plates.
Posted by: dook!e | Jun 13, 2007 1:20:17 PM
The main problem I have with Honda is they put the performance hybrid system into the wrong car. Why not reserve that technology for their Acura division (TL, RL, TSX), and let Honda cars strive for efficiency? They are trying to turn the Accord into a something it is not. Same thing with Toyota hybrids, let the Highlander be fuel effcient, the RX400h high performance.
My second point is that if companies want to sell more hybrids, they need to offer these drivetrains in all trim lines instead of offering only in a mid-high level trimline.
Posted by: Andy | Jun 26, 2007 7:37:14 PM
I know two people who own these - fortunately for Honda, Michigan has lousy lemon laws. Nothing but problems. Even the liberals were offended
Posted by: Gene Chamson | Jun 27, 2007 4:43:43 AM
You're absolutely right about the Accord Hybrid sending a mixed message. Most of the hybrid versions of existing models have not done that well. The Prius is successful because it was designed from the ground up to be what most people look for in a hybrid-- great fuel economy, super low emissions, reliable and practical, AND a unique design that tells the world you're driving one of those socially responsible cars.
Posted by: Roman Conway | Jun 27, 2007 12:46:15 PM
Recently I was driving my new (6,000 miles) Honda Accord hybrid on cruise at 72 mph where I normally get 36.6 mpg. I noticed that my mileage had dropped quickly down to about 30. I punched the re-set button and saw I was getting only 23 mpg. I also noticed that the green "eco" light almost never came on and neither did the horizontal lights showing what was going on with the electrical assist. That persisted for about 60 more miles when I parked it overnight. The next day it was behaving normally. Anyone know why the electrical unit would shut down this way? And what if anything I should do about it. RC
Posted by: Karen | Jul 13, 2007 1:49:58 AM
I have had sooooo many problems with my 2006 Accord Hybrid. I have had it in the shop sooo many times, I can't believe I've put so much energy into helping them find the problems. I'm lucky getting 26mph hwy & that's just a symptom of what is going on with the car. I have had problems with lagging, hesitations, popping sound, kind of like a backfire when accelerating. They have replaced the main computer, eventhough they "can't find anything wrong with it." Sounds like an expensive way to deal with a problem they "can't find." When I accelerate, the assist is supposed to come one, but not always. When I brake, it's supposed to charge, but not always. Sometimes it charges when I accelerate & assists when I'm braking. Sometimes, the assist will not come on until I get to 55-60mph, then the assist will come on, quickly go off, come on again & quickly go off again. Sometimes the "eco" light won't even come on when I'm up to speed. I've had some "near misses" with this "SPECIAL CAR!" I have pulled out, with plenty of room, the car lagged, back-fired & I sat there while almost getting T-boned. I have tried to pass a truck, got half way around it, the car lagged, sat there & I couldn't accelerate to pass the truck! And, several times, when trying to get on the freeway, it lagged........... hesitated....... popped & I had to pull off onto the shoulder of the freeway to avoid being hit by a semi! Other times, I have plenty of power. My life is worth more than the headaches & "near misses" his car is causing for me. I'm going for the LEMON LAW!
Posted by: Dave Honda | Jul 24, 2007 10:31:41 AM
If I wasn't living in a cave I would have heard this news by now. As a Honda fan, I'm very disappointed. I knew these cars were junk, but I was hoping Honda would find a way to turn it around. It looks like this is one type of technology Toyota is way ahead of them on. I can't wait to hear more about the Accord diesel.
Posted by: Karen | Oct 5, 2007 1:15:25 AM
I WON MY ARBITRATION! Arbitration took almost 3 months, but I WON! I have a LEMON & the decision went my way! YAHOO!!!
Posted by: Chris | Oct 17, 2007 5:26:09 PM
The Honda Accord Hybrid has had many issues with pop/clunk/backfire, as documented in several forums:
http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f27/engine-malfunction-13795/
Despite the apparent prevalence of this malfunction in this top of the line Accord, there has been no resolution from Honda service. This car is a disappointment from a manufacturer with a reputation for reliability (and hence trustworthiness).
Posted by: Sue Kelly | Dec 16, 2007 8:44:35 PM
I too have had problems with my 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid. The autostop only works erratically and the mileage in the city is far lower than advertised (currently below 20 MPG), although we have done above 35 MPG on long freeway trips. I have had it to the dealer 4 or so times, and keep being told that the computer checks it out as fine, I can't use my front defrost as it overrides the autostop, etc. But I didn't realize I had it so good until I read some of these other postings. The car has never put me in harm's way and has generally been reliable. But I am quite disappointed in the difference between the performance as advertised and the performance in the real world.
Posted by: Dave B | Jan 18, 2008 5:20:53 PM
I have experienced the same popping/backfire noise with my 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid as others have experienced. The car has been into the Honda garage at least three times for this problem (and I could take it in every week if I had the time) with absolutely no results. Even when I was able to demonstrate the problem, the mechanic said the service manager needed to hear it. Of course, when I demonstrated the car to the manager, no popping or backfire noises. This is my first (and probably last) Honda. If a major car company cannot own up to a failed product and make it right for the owners, all we can do is purchase our next cars from another manufacturer. I'm really disappointed with the way Honda has handled (or not handled) this issue.
Posted by: Karen | Jan 23, 2008 10:18:34 PM
Dave,
I would encourage you to take the car in to the dealer as often as possible & get it documented. Even if you can't make it do it or the computer doesn't show a problem has occured, you need to document your complaints.
Then, look up YOUR state's Lemon Law on line or the book the dealer gave you when you purchased the car. Either will give you all the information you need to see if your car qualifies for the Lemon Law.
Important: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO MAKE THE CAR ACT UP FOR THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC DOESN'T NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS OR EVEN TRY TO FIX A SPECIFIC PROBLEM. IF IT'S DOCUMENTED THAT YOU COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM A SPECIFIC NUMBER OF TIMES DURING THE SPECIFIED TIME (OR MILEAGE REQUIREMENTS) YOU QUALIFY FOR THE LEMON LAW.
The Better Business Bureau will help you through it. It's somewhat time consuming, but worth the effort!
You're right about Honda not handling the problems appropriately, but I wouldn't write off the whole Honda line.
I think they've got a real, REAL expensive problem on their hands & don't know how to get out of it. For me, I would have more respect for them if they'd own up to the problems & recall ALL the HAH's on the road! The resale of these vehicles has got to be affected now that the information is getting out!
Karen
Posted by: Mia | Jan 24, 2008 6:18:51 PM
Hi, I have a beautiful 2005 Honda Accord. I have been getting about 30 mpg I have had the light dimming problems. Which is really weird my front head light and dash lights dim for no reason, it doesn't do it all the time just once or twice a week.
But now I have a whole new problem, I had an Amp and Subwoofer installed. Now the subwoofer makes a horrible squelching noise, when ever I start the car or put it into reverse it lasts for several minutes. I can open the car door or the truck to stop the noise. But they have replaced all my wires twice, changed the grounds, a new Amp, changed the power connection, a new Subwoofer. Nothing helps!!!! Does anyone have any idea what is happening.
Posted by: Mike | Mar 13, 2008 4:27:25 PM
I've been attempting to retrieve reimbursement from Honda for problems I had last year which cost me motel room stays, flights, meals, etc., four states away from home. Just last week my local dealership turned down my request. Please offer your suggestions how and where to go next.
Thanks
Posted by: Inge | Apr 17, 2008 11:35:59 PM
I wanted a Hybrid, first mistake. Then, my Toyota Camry was totaled before their hybrid was available, and that dealership wasn't really interested in selling them. I bought a 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid (big very expensive mistake). There were rave reviews about it (go figure). Initially, it was averaging 24 mpg... but now it's getting 20 mpg. The dealer claims it's the way I drive. Then the oil change cost double because it's a hybrid. The best thing I can say about it is, I get a good laugh out of people with my Honda stories. The AAA guys wouldn't believe there was no spare... it took 6 weeks and $500 to get one. Often, when I step on the brake, I have to be careful not to ease up, because the engine revs and the car jumps forward... into traffic, into other cars, etc.
This is the new 'Edsel'. No wonder my dealer has a PR person on staff to soothe the disgruntled.
Posted by: Penny | May 28, 2008 11:04:41 AM
My Accord Hybrid is a joy! Getting 26 + mpg in the city and 40 mpg on long trips. Love the navigation system I added and the comfortable ride.
Posted by: medmeone | Jul 30, 2008 5:36:19 AM
I have an '06 Accord Hybrid. I like it. I have owned several performance sedans - none with good gas mileage. My HAH consistently averages over 28MPG with mixed city / highway driving, and is faster than all of my previous cars.
My car has been very reliable. But, I do get the popping noise documented in other posts. I have found that the noise occurs under light acceleration, during the second to third gear shift. It seems as if the electric motor is unsure whether to engage or disengage. I say the second to third gear shift because you probably know that this car hardly ever uses first gear, unless you floor it either from a stop light or low speed. When the popping noise happens, there is a small lag (about 1.5 seconds), the electric motor disengages, and I start accelerating again. If I need to move faster, I anticipate, and give more throttle - avoiding the problem.
The popping / acceleration lag issue is annoying. If anyone has found a fix for it, please post. That being said, I enjoy my HAH, and have no regrets.
Posted by: ysamo | Aug 25, 2008 4:17:05 PM
i love my honda accord hybrid!!! it gets avg 28-35 mpg. 0-60 in under 7 seconds and comfortable. This from I 100% reliable Honda! Oh and I only paid 17K for it. WooHOo! so what if it pops and hisses I have gotten used to that part. you just have to give it more gas and it smooths out!. :)
Posted by: dabouv | Aug 26, 2008 10:09:04 PM
I have an 05 accord hybrid and am pleased with it. It has had almost no problems. We are averaging 32 mpg in mixed driving now. I think a part of that was learning how to drive it as we initially got about 29 mpg. We live in Oregon and we actually drove to San Francisco and averaged 40.1 driving about 72. I have never had below 26 mpg on any tank. We drove to Mexico last winter with stops in several california cities to visit friends and drove around Ensanada, Valle Guadalupe, etc... and averaged 34 mpg for the trip. Honda should have put this on a 4 cylinder, you would have gotten 6 cylinder performance for better than 4 cylinder mileage. STill, this is an underappreciated car in my experience.
Posted by: Doug G | Nov 21, 2008 1:07:27 AM
I have a 2005 Accord Hybrid and have also had some issues with the IMA system. Intermittently the charge and assist bar graphs would quit working but that seemed to be remedied when the dealership did an update to the 'puter. My ignorance was the problem with the 'autostop' feature that could have been solved had I read the manual more closely (it doesn't work if the 'defrost' is on in any climate control mode). Short of that I have no complaints and the luxury of the features included with the hybrid is superb. Oh, and this past August I made a trip from S.F. bay area to Santa Barbara and decided to see how good the mpg would be if I set the cruise on 65 mph (like the folks at the EPA do-actually 55 mph). I got 45 mpg going down. I thought I did something wrong, like topping off the tank, so I let the nozzle kick off and didn't top off the tank; 42 mpg coming back. It's nice passing those Prius pukes in a luxury car that has 255 hp and can pass anytime or anyone. To the person with the squelching noise inside, Honda has a service bulletin for replacing the noise canceling module along with both door speakers as a remedy for the interior noise. Worked for me!