2005 Honda Accord

I bought this car brand new when the hype for hybrids (other than a Prius) was building up so that there was a waiting list. My previous car was a super-reliable 1998 Jetta (4-cilinders, manual transimission). I was very happy with the considerable jump in horsepowers in the Accord Hybrid, and the smooth driving. The interiors and exteriors are very pleasant in general. The car does look great!

My grievances in 'value' and 'performance' have to do with the whole concept of 'hybrid car' in Honda's technology. I guess I was expecting the same basic operation as with Toyota's hybrids: electric motor running at low or constant speeds. Instead, Honda uses the electric motor to assist the regular combustion engine while accelerating. The result is awesome acceleration, but no so much savings in fuel consumption specially if the car is driven short distances (3-5 miles) in local roads (up to 45MPH). Honda uses the batteries to do a neat fuel-saving trick: it completely stops the combustion engine if the car comes to a complete stop, and seamlessly restart its as soon as the break pedal is released. Although I appreciate this feature, it doesn't compensate for the fact that a lot more fuel would be saved by running exclusively with the electric engine.

I still get similar millage in this V6 engine than the 4-cilinder Jetta so not all is lost in terms of value.

At the time of purchase this car came with two expensive options: XM radio or Navigation. I couldn't chose "neither", but the Navigation was $2,000 extra so I got the XM radio which is now unused once the trial period expired.

California DMV decided that although this car is ULEV, it still is not eligible to drive on the carpool lanes. That was a medimum-sized disappointment.