Bad design choices.
Pointless HL / TL conversions.
STOCK MOTORS (where applicable)

Applying my priorites [clean, understated design combined with plenty of grip, body control, and a healthy dose of actual performance] to the above equals a :eh: at least, if not a :down:

As far as the C-class civic, I can think of many ways to spend the thousands of dollars it took, that would result in a better looking, cleaner hybrid.
:down:

The 5th gen Accord looks so embarrasingly cheap, particularly due to the HL conversion it's just awful.
:down: :barf:

And while the execution and quality of labor on the yellow CRX may be better, the design choices made are poor. The hood / front bumper look too heavy, and the overall form of the car is ruined by the bulbous fibreglass wheelarch extensions.
:down: