Let me preface this blog by saying something. We at UCS like Honda. They earned the #1 slot once again in our Automaker Rankings. They brought the first hybrid to America. Their Gen. 2 Civic Hybrid is one of the current shining examples of hybrid technology.

Given that, I am happy to report that Honda seems to be turning back to their hybrid roots and ditching muscle hybrids. Ever since we did our second Hybrid Watchdog, we’ve been calling out the Honda Accord Hybrid as a “muscle hybrid” that uses hybrid technology to increase power rather than improve fuel economy. Indeed, it is this “muscle over miles” mentality that inspired our recent Earth Day Challenge campaign to Toyota.

Well, looks like we can scratch one muscle hybrid off the list…

The LA Times reports that the Accord Hybrid will be discontinued after the 2007 model year. The article notes what we have been saying all along—the marriage of the hybrid drivetrain to the V6 engine was only a marginal boost over the more popular four-cylinder conventional model. The article also noted that larger non-muscle hybrids such as the Ford Escape Hybrid beat out the sedan for fuel economy, further sullying its reputation and sales.

Honda has certainly learned its lesson, as you can see from this blurb:

As Honda learned, people who buy hybrids tend to focus on one number, and it isn't horsepower. "It's been our experience that hybrid customers respond to high fuel economy numbers," spokesman Sage Marie said Monday.

So Honda’s wisely cutting its losses and looking to expand its hybrid base with a new lower cost, higher mileage model in ’09. Hopefully the company will also come out with a fuel economy focused hybrid version of the Accord soon. And, hey, why not an Odyssey Hybrid, while we’re talking.

I believe this should serve as an ominous warning to those automakers who think they can make some green—and get a green reputation—by making and selling muscle hybrids. They are dealing with a far more savvy consumer base than they might have anticipated. Whatever the hybrid model, its MPG that should win over MPH. It’s that simple.

Posted by: ScottN