Greetings all:

1) Does anyone know why is Honda being so slow to roll out the '06 HAH? Could this be an indication that they might be coming out with a hybrid coupe?

About all the website says about the 06 HAH is:

• 3.0-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Integrated Motor Assist (output of 253 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 232 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm)
• The Accord V-6 Hybrid achieves AT-PZEV certification for the 2006 model year
• Power moonroof added
• VSA added
• Temporary-use spare tire added
• Revised rear spoiler, new front chin spoiler and rear diffuser, heated side mirrors with built-in turn signals and an exclusive taillight design added
• Premium White Pearl has been added as an Accord Hybrid-exclusive exterior color

2) Is it me, or is the hybrid Camry really going to give the Accord problems? Sure, the 50+ more horsepower of the HAH might be a selling point, but the Camry is packed with features and gets 10 mpg more.

3) I actually called Toyota yesterday to ask if they had plans to roll out a Solara hybrid this year 'cause I haven't heard any buzz (since I'd much prefer a coupe to a sedan). They said they have plans to make all their cars hybrid. I said that's not the time frame I'm talking about. I'm talking about a coupe for people like me who are young, single and don't need all the space of a four door sedan... and a convertible would be nice.

I kind of think the Solara's one of the ugliest cars on the road, but if they redesign it along the lines of the new Camry...

P.S. I'm so not the only person who wants to see a convertible hybrid either:


http://www.hybridcars.com/discussion...=56&replies=30

I am not sure the 50+ more horsepower of HAH is really a selling point. Do people looking for a hybrid really want horsepower or do they want high MGP? I am surprised they are bring out the '06 with that many horses given what they know about the Camary. I think the Camary is going to blow away the Accord.

Support the Troops - Drive a Hybrid!

I believe that both the HH and the HAH are beset with the same problem. They are linked to their respective V6's. IMO most HonYota buyers are concerned with fuel economy and reliability rather than pure power. Presently the largest share of CamCords are 4c's. Who thought that these buyers would want V8 power when they've been turning down V6 power for 20 yrs.

The TCH should put a serious hurt on the HAH as you say because of the FE ratings and it's bein relatively rich in features, while likely being thousands less in cost.

Now the Honda IMA in the 4c Accord? That would put it in the same category as the TCH but it would suffer by comparison because the IMA doesnt contribute as much HP to the ICE as the HSD does. Honda is kinda caught between a rock and a hard place. They maybe should go a different route.. diesels? Diesel hybrids?

Lifetime fuel usage: 2.1 GPC ( 1.99 recent )

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My guess is that Honda is quickly re-evaluating the HAH, in light of the TCH preliminary figures and disappointing sales in what was otherwise a banner year for the hybrid genus.

As I and several others have been tossing this potato around, its become clear that Honda missed the mark with the HAH. I LOVE mine; it is an engineering and comfort marvel; but it could be so much better. They didn't even sell their target of 15K units in 2005!!! A lot of this is, IMO, a marketing/ad screwup of gargantuan size (see previous posts about this), but much is also the fault of the **** V6. Hell, lets yell about the 5AT while we're at it. I HATE having to touch 42 to cruise at 40.

The TCH may very well hasten the obsolescence of the Accord, UNLESS Honda says 'screw the 0-60 crap' like they should and does the HAH in an I4 with the new IMA that's in the HCHII. Very few people buy an Accord or Camry for HP...it makes a few sales that would be lost, but look on the road- how many V6 badges do you see, compared to the standard? The thing is a FAMILY SEDAN ferchrissakes.

I get 40+ commute segments out of mine daily (well, 38-40 when its below 40deg); I fully expect the TCH to crush the HAH, all with basically the same trim and comforts. I similarly expect the Fusion to do likewise. And there will be no contest at all when it comes to weekend errand driving.

Now, for coupes...mmmmmm I like that!

TOO MANY TLA MAKE HULK HEAD HURT.

I agree I would love to own a hybrid conv.. solara / camry.....

04' # 5, W/leather & JBL omitted.
"Prius, Just ask the person that drives one"
04' Tundra, 18mpg city & 22mpg hwy.
04' Prius, 60mpg city & 53mpg hwy.

Kenstyle NHW20 AERO Kit

I agree with the sentiments here, but I think Honda could cheaply save the HAH by making the **** thing in a coupe with a 6 speed MT before Toyota makes a Solara hybrid. I keep checking the Honda website for details on the 06 HAH. As I stated earlier, I was hoping to see a coupe announcement, now that I've read in these posts about the disappointing sales, I'm more expecting them to cancel the HAH all together.

Advantage: Toyota.

This all makes me wonder why the manufacturers don't seem to pay any attention to forums like this one because they could gain incredible insight from y'all. I don't get that at all. There was the Civic guy who was designing the new instrument panel, but aside from him I don't know that any of the manufacturers pay any attention to this site. It's a shame.

I think the HAH is a salvageable product if Honda makes a few changes: give it a 1.8L i4 (bigger than the HCH, but smaller than the current HAH), and integrate the new IMA. This would make the vehicle less expensive, less thirsty, and give it more environmentist appeal.