Hybrid Honda Accord

gfedchak

The effect is 99.9% seamless.

I have the Civic Hybrid, and I've read that the HAH behaves the same as the HCH. It only took me a day or two to get used to the AutoStop feature. There is no lag, there is no leaping. The effect is imperceptible.

I assume the driver you observed was trying to max his mileage by taking full advantage of the AutoStop feature. You don't have to do that. It's totally optional behavior, but is something a "maximizer" might enjoy gaming at.

rich57

Not only is there no REAL spare tire, there is no spare tire at all. There is an "Instant Mobility Kit", consisting of an air compressor and can of sealant.

You can order the spare as an option however, Part # 06421-SDR-A00 the dealer also needs to order the 'donut' (aka temporary tire).

I am the proud owner of the HAH and think it is a blast to drive. Do not have the navigation but did spring for the XM satellite radio.

dwynne

Do that around here, and you would never get to work Someone in another lane will see the large opening and cut in front of him - every time.

Dennis

sinepman

I was wondering how effective the A/C is in 80 plus heat when the car is idling along in traffic. Does anyone have experience with this? TIA!

midnightcowboy

No, that feature is only on the Acura RL and it is only avaialble in a few very large cities.Alos, it is extra cost, simliar to XM after the intial trail period ( not sure either 3 months or 1 year) Some of the XM-Radio stations in larger cities , will give you up to the minute traffic information.

Crus'n in 6th ,

MidCow :shades:

dwynne

On the RL XM is free for a year. I have XM in the cars, but alas my city is not large enough for a traffic channel of its own. I carry a scanner in the daily driver and keep it tuned to the local airborne traffic reporter. It only breaks squelch when he is reporting. Not as nice as the RL's system, but the RL's system would do me know good here anyway.

Dennis

nymaxx

If you look at our host Edmund's long-term test for the HAH you will see that they are less than delighted with the car, which matches my own experience. It is an expensive combination of mediocre performance and mediocre fuel economy (I've averaged 21 mpg so far). It is beautifully built but mine had to go back twice to correct a nasty rattle. Personally I wish I never bought the car and will get rid of it as soon as I can afford to.

PF_Flyer

How long have you had your HAH? For all the excitement (some may call it hype)about hybrids, that's really a surprising number.

dwynne

What was your previous car?

I can see how if you were used to quick take off and rapid acceleration you could be disappointed in the fuel economy you got.

If you drove it trying to maximize fuel economy then I can see how you would be disappointed in the performance.

I am surprised you would be getting 21mph AND not like the acceleration both.

My current daily driver is an M5. I am pretty sure that whatever I replace it with will be disappointing in the performance department, but should be pleasing in the economy area

Dennis

nymaxx

My everyday driver is an '05 Malibu Maxx that I bought in August. It handles great, is comfortable and gets 30 MPG on the highway. Plenty of pep. It has been perfect and has never needed a repair.

My trade-in was an Audi A4, which was a very high end driving experience especially the handling. I know not to expect an Accord to match it but the Accord feels numb and lifeless on the road. The Car & Driver 0 - 60 numbers were actually better for the HAH than for my A4 3.0, but in real world experience the HAH is definitely not as fast. I had to trade in the A4 since the console was crushing my knee and was beginning to cause permanent damage.

My HAH is still breaking in and I hope it gets better. I currently have about 400 miles on it. It's been in for service once to fix a rattle.

Thanks for listening and responding

nymaxx

OOPS I mean't '04 Maxx

sinepman

I used to have an A4 too and you are right about the console. I have no idea who designed it. I drove my friend's on a few hundred mile round trip and did NOT like the ergonomics. Now to the HAH. I wonder if that numb steering has to do with the fact it is electric. Did you take it on an extended test drive before you signed on the dotted line? I've made that mistake too, which is why I owned a Mini Cooper for around 3 months. Don't ask!!!! :confuse:

dwynne

http://www.autobytel.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_page_order_in- t/1/article_id_int/537

Talk about comparing apples to oranges, the Prius, the Escape, and the Accord are compared.

Dennis

nymaxx

No I didn't take a very long test drive. I was interested in a Prius but this looked like a better choice. What put me off on the Prius was the tiny wheels, they make it look like a golf cart.

Am hoping my HAH will improve and that I'll learn to like it. I don't have a lot of choice right now.

I'd like to wish the other HAH owners in this group the best of luck with their cars.

dwynne

The Prius is MUCH slower and handles less well, but does return better MPGs even driven "Wrong" and really good numbers if you poke along. Based on your criticism of the Accord I would not think you would be happy in the Prius - other than increased MPGs.

Of course, I don't think a lot of the Maxx's sportiness anyway - neither did Edmunds (7.0 out of 10.0) saying:

Lackluster interior, subpar braking and steering, less cargo space than true wagons or SUVs.

Decent EPA numbers for a V-6 though, 22 and 30. A Mazda 3 or 6 or maybe the 3.5l Altima might be more your cup of tea?

Dennis

nymaxx

One thing that's very encouraging - regardless of Edmund's latest review not a lot of people are expressing dislike or disappointment, even going back thorugh hundreds of threads. I'd appreciate some people sharing success stories - are you getting EPA mileage or better? Do you feel that you're getting the 0 - 60 in 6.7 seconds that Car and Driver published? If so, what was your experience during the first 500 miles? THANK YOU

dwynne

I think if you drive in a "spirited" manner in any car you are not going to get EPA numbers. Their highway test is done at 48mph on a chassis dyno - and most folks drive 70-80mph on the road with wind resistance. Hybrids (any hyrbid) do especially well on the EPA tests, so their numbers fall off the most in the real world.

If you drive any car in the most fuel efficient (and to me the least fun) manner you can get better mileage. In a hybrid that means using the electric motor as much as possible around town, on on the highway keep it in 3 cyl mode - even if that means slowing down for hills and "drafting" behind other cars/trucks.

The manual calls for no full throttle acceleration or hard stops on a new car. So most folks would not be timing 0-60 with a car they just got. If you think your car is defective, drive your other car to a different Honda dealer and score a test drive in another hybrid and see how it compares. Your complaints could indeed be justified if there is a problem with your car.

Dennis

baiano

I saw a Prius blow by me in DC the other day at 80-90mph; I would think that somewhat defeats the purpose (other than the fact he gets to drive in the HOV lane). I was getting 35mph highway, 30mph city in a 94 Honda Accord for 10 years, but used cruise fairly religiously.

falconone

Believe it or not at 80 MPH in a Prius you can still get 40 MPG assuming their is little headwind and the road is flat. My friend achieves that most of the time. Yes, you have to drive 80 on interstate 80 or else you're toast!!

nymaxx

I have both the HAH and Maxx. The Maxx is a surprisingly delightful driving experience. The handling is crisp and controlled and the car does great at high speeds.

I'm not so impressed with the HAH handling. You don't get the same sense of control, and it is more fatiguing on long trips.

Honda gets a lot of credit for its outstanding products, GM gets very little. In this case the Maxx deserves a lot of praise. And you can pocket quite a bit of coin if you choose the Maxx.

falconone

I've heard lots of good things about the MAXX. Too bad it has an ancient push rod engine. The mileage it gets is pretty good though. The HAH has electric steering so that is a big complaint I've heard about it. Kinda numb. I'm sure they will work on improving it.

bugsndaffy

Does the HAH come with tinted windows? Is it better to to get it from the dealer or go somewhere else to get them tinted? The car looks so much nicer w/tinted windows. I am in the market for a HAH right now. I will hopefully have one by the end of this month!!!

larsb

I do not know if the HAH comes with "tinted" glass per se, but I bet it comes with "heat reflecting" glass.

Check around for tint options. There is a "ceramic tint" out there now that is superior to most anything else in regard to heat and UV deflection - my boss has that on his Avalanche, his daughter's Beetle, and his wife's Lexus. We live in Phoenix, and he swears by the great job that tint does on the heat blocking side.

bugsndaffy

Thanks for the info on Ceramic Tint. I will definitely look into it. I live in SoCal/San Fernando Valley Area and there is no shade where I park at work. My '93 Civic has tinted windows and it's helped alot not to fade the interior.

stevedebi

It depends upon how Honda did the glass. I used to own an Odyssey, with "heat resistant" glass, and my photo-sensitive sunglasses did not turn dark when driving, so the tint was very good.

On my Civic and CR-V, they are both supposed to have that "heat resistant" glass, and are tinted. But my glasses turn somewhat dark in bright sunlight, so more UV radiation is getting through. I would hope for 31K that Honda used the Odyssey method on the HAH.

newbee1

I recently bought brand new HCH and one thing just bother me is static noise from radio speakers every time I start using my cell phone. I even turn off radio but the noise still. Anyone has this kind of problem? Thanks in advance for your help.

blane

newbee1:

Have you tried moving your phone around the inside of your car to see if the noise changes in relation to the position of your phone? I.e., closer or farther from one or more of the Honda's speakers, front and rear.

newbee1

Blane:
Yes I did. Moving the phone around would change noise level - more or less but does not stop it. Unfortunately when it happened I always in driving position could not move further back near rear or rear side speakers. Will try and let you know. Thanks.

viet

I am so glad that my Accord Hybrid does not have this noise problem when I use the cell phone while driving. Will retest it to make sure.

One thing I would like to insist again that Accord is the best sedan car on earth in term of power, reliability, durability and excellent track record. I am so serious when I make this statement. I currently own 4 Accords excluding my Accord LX 92 and the Civic 86 I gave them away a while ago and they still run.

My HAH is a superb number 1, A plus vehicle. No need to compliment more. Today, I drove my son's Accord V6 EX 02 on the highway. I felt so happy, so comfortable, so satisfied. It ran so smoothly, effortless, so nice, so "accord" with its owner at the steering wheel. I am so damn serious. Even, my Accord 95 EX I4 with a second engine also gave me exhilarating feeling when I drive it. Honda makes better and better vehicles. I owe Honda engineers great appreciation and admiration for their talents to make me, a Honda fan, so happy about my fleet of Accord. Will buy another Accord Hybrid when my young son graduates from high school and I will have to transfer my current HAH to him as I promised to him.. Just love to create a "justified opportunity" to buy another new car. My HAH always gives me 30 MPG for combined driving and 38+ MPG for highway drive. Now, my poor job is paying the big gas bills after I added my "big-heavy feet-little son" in my auto insurance policy.

pat

Consider buying a hybrid? Reconsider after you learned about the long wait? Whether or not you chose to add your name to the waiting list, a reporter is hoping to hear your perspective. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com with your daytime contact info by May 27, 2005.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com

stevedebi

Doesn't the HAH have a active noise reduction system? That is where the speakers actually put out "white noise" that cancels out the road noise. It is becomming quite common on higher end vehicles these days...

If so, this might impact some cell phones.

rocketman51

Yes, The HAH has this active noise reduction system. It sounds like the cell phone RF is getting into the Electronics some how. I would complain to the dealer, also see if they will let you try you cell phone in another HAH, and see if it also has a problem.

dudleyr

Financially the 4-cyl LX Accord makes far more sense than the Hybrid. Nearly the same mileage (with automatics) and much lower purchase price.

Forbes misinformed. They are not the place to look for information on automobiles. The data at CR gives a good idea of actual mileage.

bonaprof

Does anyone know when Honda usually bring out its next year (2006) models? I am interested in the HAH, but I want to see what changes, if any, the company makes. What I would really like to see is a sunroof and some flashier colors. I test drove the HAH a month ago and loved it, but I also test drove a Toyota Solara convertible and loved that too. It's a reach from the HAH to the Solara, but I have just retired and am looking to fill some second childhood dreams as well as practicality. Both are highly recommended by all reviewers and I liked both. Interestingly, the same dealer has both lines so I don't have to go elsewhere. I was leaning toward the convertible although I know its totally impractical, when my neighbor told me that he has melanoma on his face, and I thought I probably don't really need a ragtop. I already get too much sun living near the Ocean. I guess all this rambling leads up to wanting a HAH in a bright color with a sun roof and I'll have the best of both worlds.

blane

The 2006's should be on the lots in September.

viet

All Honda new models usually come in October the year before. HAH 2005 came in Xmas 2004. Hopefully HAH 2006 will come in October 2005 as other models.

Sylvia

please.

thanks!

backy

Um... what personal jabs were you referring to?

Sylvia

All the bolding of names and "you said" no "you said" - it seems to be the same few people jabbing back and forth. Discussion and debate are great - but when it continues and gets personal or sniping, it begins to alienate others from joining in on the conversation.

If you'd like to discuss this more, feel free to email me so we don't disrupt the discussion.

Thanks!

PF_Flyer

Let's remember to keep to the topics here. If you want to talk about the Prius, please use the Toyota Prius 2004+ discussion. Thanks!

PF Flyer
Host
News & Views, Wagons, & Hybrid Vehicles

bugsndaffy

Yesterday after I backed my car out of the carport, I realized I had a scrape on the driver side rear bumper! I almost started to cry!!! I have no idea where it came from. I have not parked my HAH close to anything. It's not huge, but i know it's there. Does anyone know if it could be buffed out?
Thanks for any suggestions,
Laura

backy

That first scrape is always hard. If it's not down to the primer it could possibly be buffed out. There is polishing compound specially made for clearcoat finishes. A body shop could tell you for sure.

viet

You may want to set aside $400 - $700 to fix it. I am doubtful if you can buff it off. I tried to buff off minor scratches on my son's car but it would not come off. It's a thrill to drive a brand new car but somebody literally has to "wear thick pamper" around their new car for best protection. It means one may become slave to his/ her car my as wife put it. Be extremely careful at all time, no food, no drink, "no bare feet, no wet bikinis/ swimming trunks, no smoking, no bread crumbs, no hard touching anything in the car, no rolling up and down the windows, no turning on the signals until actually turning car, no abusing nice features in the car like little toys, pay attention and be very cautious on everything inside the car, etc."

One wife angrily told his husband :"If you are so crazy with your new car why dont you sleep with it forever.". Another Honda fan added "If one is so in love with his /her HAH why he/ she hugs and kisses it one hundred times a day..."

blane

viet:

You wrote "Be extremely careful at all time, no food, no drink, "no bare feet, no wet bikinis/ swimming trunks, no smoking, no bread crumbs, no hard touching anything in the car, no rolling up and down the windows, no turning on the signals until actually turning car, no abusing nice features in the car like little toys, pay attention and be very cautious on everything inside the car, etc."

Come on, relax, a car is just an appliance. It's meant to be used and enjoyed while driving from point A to point B. You might as well keep it under a glass case in a museum if you become paranoid about every little thing. When something gets a little dirty, you clean it. When something breaks, you fix it.

jrct9454

...for whom a car is most definitely NOT an appliance.

That said, stuff happens. A good detail shop can help you with a bumper scratch, and the cost might not be as much as $500, even if it has to be painted. Obviously, no one on this forum can tell anything without a picture. Best to take it to a pro and go from there if you have doubts. I've done a fair amount of this myself, but my experience doesn't help if your car is not in front of me, and I have limits about what I do vs what I turn over to the pros.

Our cars are always as immaculate as conditions allow; most days on road trips, the car gets washed before it gets "put away" for the night. It is usually covered overnight, unless outside in front of the motel with the forecast for rain. The inside is kept clean, though this is no great effort for us because there are neither smokers nor kids to deal with. For me, part of the enjoyment is keeping the car looking as close to new as possible. I respect those who differ - my best friend couldn't care less, and is of the "appliance" school of thought on these matters. But I am certainly empathetic with anyone who cares about a car - most of us in these forums are here because we're enthusiasts.

viet

Hi Bugsndaffy:

If I were you I would try to buy a best scratch removal compound at an auto shop and borrow a (round) motorized buffer from an auto body guy and try to buff off the scratches. If it does not work I will bring it to an auto body shop, good friend of mine to fix it. Guarantee you save about half of the cost unless you want to claim with your auto insurance company. If your insurance deductible is high you may get nothing from your insurance company and have to pay from your own pocket and get a claim record with your insurance company. If the scratches are real minor, not deep, the chance to buff it off is somehow better. But I very doubt it because you moved back your car and it damaged the bumper.

Also, I just filled up a new fuel tank and I got 30.03 MPG mixed driving. I can get better MPG because my little son sometimes "steals it" and drives it with a spirit of a "little bigger HAH enthusiast with a giant right foot". The HAH is truely the best Accord. I guess it may be very compatible with the Acura TL in term of torque, HP, smoothness and fuel saving. One can get very satisfied and appreciative feeling when driving a powerful Accord and an HAH on long trips.

Blane told me the car is only an "appliance". Yes, according to Dan Jedlicka, MSN Auto Critics, if one wants to get a feeling of "driving an appliance around towns" please try driving a Prius. And he is serious in his automobile reviews.

Viet
"Aging and retiring enthusiast who does not tolerate appliance-like automobiles"

gagrice

Viet,
As a point of reference, Wayne gets 46 MPG in his Accord 4 cylinder all the time. I would have thought he could get 60 MPG out of the HAH. Maybe he was going easy on his passengers.

bugsndaffy

Thanks Viet,
It's not bad enough to claim to the insurance company. I honestly don't know where or how this happened. i have been going over all the places in my head. All I could think of was this past weekend my friend and I went to the mall and out to lunch. I did not go anywhere else. I was going to try and get an estimate this weekend. You can't really see it unless you look at it in the right light. But I know it's there and it bothers me. If anyone could recommend a good Body Shop in the San Fernando Valley, please email me the info. My address is listed in my profile.

I am on my third tank and am getting 30-31MPG, lots of traffic on the 101 here. If I get off the freeway and take the streets I do much better. My goal for my 4th tank, which should be tomorrow or saturday is 32MPG. I'm taking baby steps.

Thanks for all you're input and suggestions. This forum is like family (dysfunctional at times) but the caring is there.

Laura

viet

Yes. "Family Feud" with Egoist Dad, Mom and Kids who have been in love with cars.

backy

If you can't see it except in the right light, it's likely it can be buffed out. Another trick you could try is, you can buy "paint crayons" at auto parts stores and other stores that sell car supplies. They come in different colors to match the paint. You just rub the stick on the scratch, and buff it with a cloth. Then wax over it. It can make surface scratches disappear. Good luck.