Yeah, I was wondering why they didn't make an HAH with a small 4 cylinder engine, like the HCH. They do offer regular Accords with smaller engines (that get better economy than the hybrid) so why not a hybrid version of them? Seems a bit strange, but I suppose they didn't want to spend much on R&D or something, although you'd think it would be fairly simple given most of the design is the same as other products they offer. Perhaps they also were focused on the profit margin, considering highest trim models are where the most profit is made, it probably helped to balance out the additional costs of the hybrid system.

2001 Prius Photos       2005 Prius Photos
'97 Prius Simulation Prius inner workings