Honda's hybrid version of the Accord came out in December 2004. This is a "no compromise" hybrid. The emphasis is on performance more than just economy. With 255 HP, it outperforms the current 240 HP V6, which is already powerful for a family sedan. It incorporates Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, which deactivates three of the engines six cylinders under certain conditions. So it should be considered a "next generation" hybrid.

Honda has been earning a reputation for very safe cars; the current 2005 gasoline engine Accord has done exceptionally well in the government's crash tests. Vehicle Frontal Star Rating based on risk of head & chest injury Side Star Rating based on risk of chest injury Rollover Rating Driver Passenger Front Seat Rear Seat 2 wheel drive 4 wheel drive 2005 Honda Accord 2-DR.       2005 Honda Accord 4-DR.

While the hybrid Accord competes with the Toyota Prius, they're really two different critters. While technically both are midsize cars as far as the EPA tests, the Honda is a bigger car. The current Accord has 102.7 cu. ft. of passenger space, while the Prius has 96.2 cu. ft. The Prius is a hatchback, while the Accord is a sedan. The Accord Hybrid's base price is around $30,000.

The car is EPA rated 29 mpg city / 37 highway. Maryland Public Television's "Motor Week" tested the Accord Hybrid and got 30 MPG on their test loop. A little lower than some potential buyers might hope for, but not bad for a car of this weight and with this level of performance.

	3.0-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). photo courtesy Honda
photo courtesy Honda