Well, what is your purpose of purchasing this Accord hybrid? Unlike other hybrid cars that tries to save gas by using the hybrid system, Accord hybrid is geared towards the performance side of the spectrum, not a mere save the environment kind. As others have stated, the Accord hybrid gains a healthy 253bhp over the regular 244bhp but the most important thing about the car is the torque jump from 211lbs-ft to 232 lbs-ft. The torque and power upgrade put the car on par with 07' Acura TL which has 258bhp and 233lbs-ft of torque. But... Accord hybrid weighs in at 3589lbs and the TL weighs in at 3623lbs (both the 5AT model), so if they use the same gear ratio, the Accord hybrid will be a tough mid range-mid sedan to beat.But given Acura TL shorter gear ratio that gives it a better acceleration time, Accord hybrid combined fuel economy of 28 mpg Vs Acura TL combined fuel economy of 23 mpg, it really is no brainer which car to choose if you are looking from the engine perspective.What's bad about this car is the same problem all hybrid cars have, the battery lifetime. Current battery technology gives all battery cell charge cycle rate, and not a long one at that. I forgot where I read it, but at least, hybrids have to replace battery module after 4 years or so, or its efficiency will go down. The worst problem is the battery module cost, because it is not mainstream enough, the price can be high. So try asking the local Honda dealer how much is the battery module cost if you are planning to keep the car for a long period of time.The other bad thing from mechanical point of view, although it is unproven, is the front wheel setup. High torque + high horsepower front wheel driven cars usually translates to torque steer syndrome whereby when you accelerate hard (usually on first and second gear), the wheel will tug to one side. However, Honda/Acura has deal with this problem on the 07' Acura TL type S which has 286bhp and front wheel driven. They address the issue with a smarter drive by wire system, reducing power variably to prevent torque steer on lower gears.What's bad again... Umm, trunk space has been reduced to fit the battery module.Aside from the battery and reduced trunk space, if you got the money, Accord hybrid is nice car to have.
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