2007 Honda Accord Hybrid Exterior Review
Honda Accord Hybrid Exterior Review
Exterior - 6.9 (Mediocre)
Reviewers agree that the Accord Hybrid looks a lot like a regular Accord, for better or for worse. "It looks exactly like a common household Accord," writes Car and Driver. "That's dandy to those who prefer to save the planet in private, but many buyers expect the hybrid's extra cost to at least earn them public recognition as active do-gooders."
"Before one fires up the engine," asserts CNET, "it is almost impossible to tell that the car is a dual-source vehicle." Kelley Blue Book concedes, "From the outside, the Accord Hybrid shares almost all of the gasoline-powered Accord's appearance," but points out, "Subtle differences appear in the grille as well as the front and rear bumpers." As for the Accord's look, Cars.com reports, "Honda designers said they used the cheetah as an influence when styling the latest Accord because it runs low to the ground."
Reviewers are divided as to whether the Accord Hybrid's anonymity will be interpreted as a good or bad thing by potential owners. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram suggests, "Some consumers considering a hybrid want it to look different from an ordinary vehicle so it can be readily identified as a hybrid. It's a way of making a public statement that the vehicle's operator is more environmentally conscious than the rest of us." The Detroit News points out, "It's hard to brag when you can barely tell the difference between your hybrid and your neighbor's old Accord. In other words, there's not as much emotional appeal as there is with the Prius." The Accord's styling "might be a bummer for all of those Prius buyers who prefer to wear their 'Save the World' banner on their sleeves," says Forbes, "but if you prefer to blend in rather than stand out, the Accord Hybrid makes saving the planet seem as normal as recycling your newspapers on trash-collection day."
