Accord Hybrid Experiences?

I test drove an Accord Hybrid and there seemed to be a lot of road noise. (I
was driving a Lexus RX-300, so am I just spoiled?). Also, it didn't seem to
hold the line on the road as well as I remember my old Honda Prelude (1980)
doing.

In addition, the car's battery kept going flat when it was parked in the
dealer's garage (over 3 days). The salesman had to boost it every time I
took it out for a drive. I hope this is not normal.

Otherwise, it seems pretty zippy and the hybrid oddities not distracting.

Any comments, pro or con?

Bob (email is not my real name or address)

 

I've read that it's not cost effective unless you plan to keep the car for
at least 5 or more years. Of course, this could change if the cost of
gasoline is at $3.00 per gallon or more. It's been a while since I read
the article but seem to recall that it stated that it takes at least 3 or
4 years for the price difference between the hybrid and the non-hybrid 6
cyld accords to be paid off in terms of how much you would save on
gasoline during that time period. These figures were NOT based on $3.00
per gallon gasoline costs.

 

According to latest Consumer Report, the Accord Hybrid is only 1mpg better
than the 4 cyl version in mix driving and 2 mpg for 6cyl. I do not think
anyone who buys hybrid vehicle ever thinking about saving gas. They just
want to show off .

My 4cyl version of accord is PZEV rated in CA which is not that bad when we
talk about environmental.

 

Nick,
Great point. Hybrid vehicles only get great milage when the drivers follow
lots of the the recommendations related to saving gas. After I read those
recommendations, I decided NOT to buy a hybrid vehicle--it would take all
the fun out of driving and make it like a job.