[Spktyr]

From fueleconomy.gov:
2005 Honda Accord 3L EX Automatic: 21/30, 0-60 in 7.0
2005 Honda Accord 3L Hybrid Automatic: 29/37, 0-60 in 6.5

That's about a 30% overall improvement in economy with an *improvement* in performance over the conventional Accord. The base price for the hybrid is $30,140, vs. $26,850 for the conventional version. Very little delta in price; certainly not a huge expense, and it should pay off fairly quickly. On top of that, it's an Accord, not some weird bodystyle (Prius, Insight).

[beef]

"2005 Honda Accord 3L EX Automatic: 21/30, 0-60 in 7.0
2005 Honda Accord 3L Hybrid Automatic: 29/37, 0-60 in 6.5"

Using the highway numbers and figuring gas at $3.00/gal it will take you about 174,000 miles to recoup your investment. Not counting the time value of money. And assuming you never have to put a nickle into maintaining the IMA system.

As for your 0-60 time, what's the number when the pack is at 1/2 or 1/4 charge? I don't know about the Accord, but in the Insight if I want to pass on a 2-lane road, I better check the state of charge first.

In reality, people don't see that much improvement. The fuel economy test does not take into account the head start you get with a full pack. We will see how this plays out, but I think when people start having to replace the battery packs, the popularity will go south in a hurry. The numbers I've heard for the Insight are $2000 for the pack alone, $5000 installed with computer upgrades they want you to have. And Honda balks at selling you the pack so you can do it yourself.

As far as styling is concerned, they certainly aren't any worse than those shoeboxes like the Element or Scion. Actually, my Insight reminds me of my old Citroen DS19, except it doesn't have the cool suspension system.