Honda Accord Hybrid Supply Tight (non-existent)

Wasn't there once a report about the Japan built Camry having more problems than the US made one?

As long as build quality is a priority for the head and heart of the company, it shouldn't be an issue for their products no matter where they are built.

Honda has had issues with design quality. The pertinent one being the issue with the hybrid Civic's battery control. The negative perception from that has some taking a wait and see with the new Accord, and may be a factor in Honda's slow rollout as they take extra time in quality control.

 

Today I had about an hour to check the 2014.5 Camry Hybrid LE model (mid level). Note, these are initial impressions as compared the 2014 Accord Hybrid base model and my 2010 Prius II (base).

The trunk of the Camry is bigger than the Accord with the right side rear seat only that does fold forward (not flat) with a pass through "hole", which is how the video indicated skis could be stored inside. Rear head room is slightly better. Interior comfort (for me) was given to the Accord. Interior quality of the Camry was between the Accord and the Prius with less of the bio-plastic we all know. Actually the dash had similarities to the 2013 RAV4.

Drive-ability is "much" better than the Prius and very close to that of the Accord. One thing very apparent is Camry's 2.0L Synergy felt much more refined as compared to my Prius 1.8L. Camry had no back-up or side camera. Styling goes to the Accord, but that is subjective.

Warranty: Accord, 3/36, 5/50 poertrain, 8/100 hybrid (non-CARB)...Camry, 3/36, 6/60, 8/100.
Rated MPG Accord...50 city/47/45 hwy. Camry...43/41/39...but some sources differ.

Still trying to figure the difference between a 2014 and 2014.5 Camry Hybrid.

Now for brakes. The Camry does not have any of the "acceleration" issues the Prius still demonstrates, and I know how to duplicate that one. The Accord brakes were perfect by my standards.

I am going to spend a lot of time on this decision, but the Accord is winning so far.

 

There are discrepancies on advertised MPG, but not sure what the differences (if any) are yet.

 

The XLE hybrid has slightly lower ratings due to the larger wheels. Could that be what you are seeing?

Also, was the Camry one of the cars given improvements for the IIHS offset test? I don't see that affecting fuel economy unless it added a good amount of weight.

 

I did not play with the radio except to hear the sound quality still sucks. Do remember there were both a USB and 3.5 jacks and thought I saw traffic and gas listed on one of the menus. Was not a priority at this stage of research though.

 

Radio - Schmadio ... maybe it's just me, but keep the radio ... I'm a holdout nowadays for plugs only:



And the guy who parks next to my plugin LOVES his accord - including its EV range & mpg's. He said it was just sitting on the lot - as well as a regular Accord plug in (canceled order?).
.

 

Might consider adding the Accord Plug-In to my list of prospectives however, initial search shows 10 each only in the whole US available...all in CA or NY. Even with flight benefits, not worth my effort to fully explore this vehicle. Bad enough there is only one each within 50 miles of the regular hybrid for me to check out.

Say what you will, but we do not get all the toys here in Texas that "some" of the CARB state get. We don't even get the Prius Plug-In here. I considered leasing a Fit EV, but it is not allowed out of the target states...no exceptions.

 

Honda Accord Hybrid: A Long, Strange Trip It Can Be - WSJ.com

Well it seems the WSJ has nothing new to say against hybrids other than that they are weird and make weird noises

 

not a bad review, but honestly, some people make the sound/vibration of the ice coming on to be that of a freight train when in reality, it is hardly noticeable. even to passengers who have never experienced a hybrid, they never ask me, 'what the heck was that?'

 

I found the brake acclimator noise more distracting on the gen2 Prius than the ICE kicking on.

 

This is "my opinion" but the Prius I own, and the few other hybrids I have checked out, are so quiet to begin with that all the weird noises just stand out. More of a differential thing you get accustomed to.

 

that's true, but i never really noticed. and i wasn't deaf back in '04.

 

Yea ... I much more prefer the old noise ... like radiator fans, valve tappets, squeeky belts, squeeky water pumps, the sound of a 6 running on five, back firing . . . ah the good ol' days . . . less weird, much more acceptable

 

Don't get me wrong, but the deep throat-ed thunder of a performance big block still gets me h-rd, but if I can't have one, she can't either.

 

Note Camry Hybrid has a 2.5L ICE

 

oOOOH, keep an eye out on those Accord Plug-in plastic wheelcovers. They are beyond ugly. Seriously, barf!!

 

Thanks for the correction. The Accord Hybrid has the 2.0L.

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid - Specifications - Official Site

 

Hub caps have nothing to do with this decision process, but thanks again.