2006 Honda Accord Hybrid Model Update

Hybrid Hot Rod

Honda's gas-electric Accord Hybrid is both faster and more efficient than the conventionally powered V6 model.

The Honda Accord Hybrid is a marvel: It outperforms the standard V6 model, which is already quick for a midsize sedan, but gets better gas mileage than the four-cylinder Accord.

Introduced in spring 2005, the Accord Hybrid is Honda's first six-cylinder model to employ the company's electric Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, which is an electric motor that works with the gasoline engine to add power and conserve fuel.

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Honda was the first manufacturer to offer a gas-electric hybrid vehicle in North America with the subcompact two-seat Insight that debuted in 2000. The company recently became the first to sell more than 100,000 hybrids in the U.S.

Along with the rest of the Accord line, the Hybrid receives a number of cosmetic and functional updates for 2006. Freshened exterior styling features new front and rear bumpers, a redesigned front grille and a revised trunk-lid design that includes LED taillights. The car's rear fenders have been restyled to accommodate the new taillights, and the 16-inch aluminum wheels are also new.

The Accord Hybrid gets an exclusive front chin spoiler, rear spoiler and rear diffuser. Daytime running lights and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators are also now included. Premium White Pearl has been added as a Hybrid-exclusive exterior paint color.

Inside, there's a standard power moonroof, along with a redesigned steering wheel, a new shift knob and a restyled gauge cluster. The latter now has a Maintenance Minder display that indicates predicted oil life and calculates other common service intervals. It also sports a new seat belt reminder for front passengers.

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Additional lightweight sound deadening material has been added to further reduce noise, vibrations and harshness in the passenger cabin. The rear window tray was revised after moving the high-mounted brake light from the base of the rear window to the top, rear edge of the trunk lid.

In addition, the Accord Hybrid now comes standard with Vehicle Stability Assist — which helps maintain traction and stability in slippery or treacherous conditions — and a temporary spare tire. The outgoing model had no spare, only a flat-tire repair kit, due to the IMA battery pack having to fill the space beneath the trunk.

As in the smaller Civic Hybrid, the Accord Hybrid's gasoline engine (a 3.0-liter V6) is the dominant means of propulsion. A 14 kilowatt electric motor provides additional power. Unlike Toyota's hybrid models, the Ford Escape Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h, Honda's hybrid system doesn't allow the electric motor to run on its own — the gasoline engine is always working.

The Accord Hybrid's gasoline and electric motors provide a combined 253 horsepower and achieve an estimated 29 miles per gallon in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway. The standard Accord V6 produces 244 hp and gets an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. A smooth-shifting five-speed automatic gearbox is the only available transmission for the Accord Hybrid.

Not only does the Hybrid accelerate briskly, its power delivery is seamless, with no indication of the electric motor at work. This is the most powerful Accord ever and also the cleanest burning, garnering the California Air Resources Board Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) certification for 2006. Like other Accords, the Hybrid offers crisp handling and a firm but smooth ride with ample interior comfort.

As befits a top-of-the-line vehicle, the Hybrid comes well equipped including front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, power-heated leather seats, a premium audio system with XM satellite radio and dual-zone automatic climate control. A voice-activated navigation system is the only factory option.

Considering a Hybrid Vehicle? Check out the ForbesAutos.com Hybrid Vehicle Buyer's Guide for in-depth information on available models, hybrid myths, tax credits and more.