Are the Honda Hybrids really worth it?

ARE THE HYBRIDS WHAT WE EXPECT? Thee all new honda Accord Hybrid is both faster and more fuel effecient than ever before. The Honda Accord hybrid is a wonderful answer to the rising gas prices. Its economics meets luxuary. This Hybrid is the first to employ the IMA (intergrated motor assist). Which is an electric motor that works along with the gasoline engine.Honda was also the first manufactor to offer gasoline-electric hybrids in north america. The hybrid is the most powerful accord ever, and also the most cleanest burning. It has a combination V-6 electric motor powertrain that provides the best power and acceleration figures of the accord lineup with fuel economy equal to that of a four-cylinder. Unlike other hybrids, like those from toyota or ford, hondas hybrid always seem to dominate when it comes to fuel effeciency and luxuary combined. The features and guages are superb.The honda hybrid is also more easily adaptable than the other hybrids. It strikes just the right note between classic and cutting edge technology. The only downsides that I can come up with is that the high voltage battery area reduces the trunk size from 14 cubic feet to about 11 cubic feet, but I think that people can deal with that part whenever the honda accord hybrid offers so much more! Another awesome feature of this hybrid is that during temporary stops the gasoline engine automatically shuts off to save fuel and reduce emissions. This is a huge benifet. In the Honda line, this is the best Accord, just as the Civic hybrid is the best Civic. But the Accord pushes the envelope to include 0-to-60 in 6.7 seconds in a comfy five-passenger sedan while, according to the EPA, achieving 30 mpg city, 37 highway. Yes! Consider: The four-cylinder automatic Accord does only 24 city and 34 highway. With today's technology, only a hybrid could hit all of these marks.This primo Accord naturally has the highest price, about $30,000 base, Honda says, including automatic, leather, heated seats, AM-FM-satellite radio and six-CD changer, anti-lock brakes, and curtain airbags; the only option is a nav system. It also has the best performance of any Accord four-door, outrunning the V-6 automatic by 0.3 second to 60 mph and 1 mph in the quarter, to 93 mph in the end zone. From the driver's seat, you see what you always see in Accords, except for some subtle details in the HVAC controls and Honda's unique hybrid gauges positioned low in the cluster. Except for this small array of unusual graphics in the cluster, there's little about this car to say it's a hybrid, or that it's the best Accord. There's a small "hybrid" badge on the decklid, less conspicuous than the V-6 emblem below it, a token decklid spoiler, special five-spoke alloy wheels, a different grille color, and tires upsized one notch to 215/60R-16. The eye is hardly grabbed. Honda is low-profiling this one. We think average folks wouldn't notice anything about the way it drives, either. Okay, engine off at idle might raise flags, except, "Is it really off? What's that little noise? There's a vibration, too." Until you read the manual, the small green "AUTO STOP" blinking on the cluster is cryptic to the point of huh? 3During our summer test motoring, the A/C was always running. The belt-drive compressor (75cc displacement) stops with the engine, but the electric compressor (15cc) maintains cabin coolness and keeps the Accord alive with enough vibration that you could thinkin a Lexus anywaythe engine were still idling. It is true that competing sedans or coupes hold certain advantages over the Accord. Some are faster, others are more prestigious or less expensive. What's special about the Honda Accord, though, is its completeness. It scores well in all of the categories that people expect a family-oriented sedan or coupe to cover, not just a few. When examined from a holistic standpoint, it's easy to see why this Honda car has become an automotive icon.The Accord has been fully redesigned for the 2008 model year. This model is bigger than previous Accord models and boasts better engine performance without any loss of fuel efficiency. It's available as a midsize coupe or sedan and a variety of trim levels to suit almost any buyer's needs. Entry-level LX models have the basic necessities while top-line EX-L models feature items like leather upholstery and an optional navigation system. All models come with a fully array of safety equipment, including side curtain airbags and stability control. In my opinion The honda hybrid is well worth the price.