Are hybrid cars worth the cost?

Is paying a premium price for a hybrid really worth the cost over buying the regular model of a car?

Consumer Reports doesn't think so.

The Honda Accord stands out as Consumer Reports' top pick for mid-sized sedan.

The basic LX four-cylinder gets an impressive 30 miles per gallon overall and is relatively inexpensive at around $23,000.

The Honda Accord Hybrid is pricier, starting at more than $29,000, but its window sticker cites a whopping 47 miles per gallon.

It didn't measure quite that high in Consumer Reports' tests, said Jake Fisher, the director of auto testing at Consumer Reports.

"We got an overall of 40 miles per gallon," Fisher said. "That's really impressive. But not the 47 miles per gallon that was claimed by the EPA."

Plus, since the hybrid version costs $6,500 more than the basic model, you're paying a lot of money up front to save gas.

And the hybrid scored much lower in Consumer Reports' performance tests.

"It just doesn't drive as well as a normal Accord. The ride, it's much stiffer. The braking, it's not as good. And the handling? Well, in emergency situations, it's not nearly as secure," Fisher said.

Also, the battery robs you of some cargo room in the trunk. There's no room for a spare tire. You'll only get a tire repair kit.

Bottom line: The regular Honda Accord is actually a much better deal.

But, if you prefer a hybrid sedan, Consumer Reports says you're better off with the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

It doesn't have the same compromises the Accord hybrid does. It starts at $20,000, and gets 38 miles per gallon overall.