If there are any reservations among consumers about the overall worthiness of hybrid vehicles, the 2005 Honda Accord has done its part to end the apprehension.

The Accord hybrid — which joined the Civic and Insight hybrid models this year — is a high-performance, fuel-efficient, well-designed and spacious addition to the more than two-dozen available configurations of the exceedingly popular Accord.

The hybrid shares all of the upside attributes of the gas engine Accord. But it al ...
Author: James Raia
Click here to read the rest of this article...

Winding country roads provide great driving delight. They give sports car owners ample proof why they often sacrifice luxury and comfort for speed and excitement.

In Northern California, the wine country roads through the Napa Valley and Mendocino Coast are prime examples -- at least for drivers. There are plenty of stretches where passengers susceptible to car sickness may be in trouble. But for a driver, the deep turns and switchbacks require plenty of shifting, maneuvering and accele ...
Author: James Raia
Click here to read the rest of this article...

Just inside the guard gate, the world renowned 17-Mile Drive in Carmel, Calif., begins with a primarily downhill and often winding two-lane road to Pebble Beach Golf Links. The tree-lined route features lavish, oceanfront homes and a predominately forest-like setting along California's central coast.

It's a perfect several-mile locale for drivers who like to shift through gears. And it's not-so-surprisingly pleasant while doing so in the 2005 Honda Accord.

With its V6, six-speed m ...
Author: James Raia
Click here to read the rest of this article...