2008 Honda Accord MPG Review

The best-selling Honda Accord competes in the family sedan market with the Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima, Chevy Malibu, and Ford Fusion among others.

The 2008 Accord is available with a 2.4 liter inline four or a 3.5 liter V6 engine. Our test unit performed admirably with the 2.4 liter i-VTEC four. After experiencing the four cylinder’s thrifty performance, we’d be hard pressed to upgrade to the V6, given the current price of gas. For most folks, the 2.4 liter four cylinder will get the job done.

We took our four-door test Accord to the highway, loading it up for five hour trek to Vermont for some spring skiing.

Over a week-long test, we found the four cylinder Accord to be conservatively rated at 21 city and 31 highway miles per gallon (MPG), as we achieved 34 MPG on the highway and 28.1 combined in over 600 miles of driving.

The Accord is well-suited to highway cruising … as it soaks up those Interstate miles. The big fuel efficiency display is a boon for economy-minded drivers.

Over the years, the Accord has grown to be quite a substantial sedan. When loaded up with the goodies, like our test car, the Accord delivers a luxurious ride.

The Accord’s interior is a welcome cocoon with leather surfaces, dual front heated seats, and power lumbar support for the driver. The voice activated navigation and audio system helps keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

While we would have preferred an AWD SUV for the trip, our front-wheel drive Accord had no problem making its way through half a foot of spring snow in the Green Mountains. And let it be said, our Accord’s anti-lock brakes were put to the test, as we encountered a harrowing long slope of black ice at the bottom of Killington Road.

If we had one nit to pick, it might be the back seat’s small center passthrough. If you’re a skiier, there’s no problem … but if you (or your kids) snowboard, you’ll need to put down the back seat to stow your gear inside the car.

All-in-all, it’s clear to see why the Accord continues to be a runaway sales success for Honda after all these years. While the Accord’s gas mileage, excellent value, legendary reliability, and comfortable ride are a tough combination to beat, Honda is poised to set the bar even higher when the high MPG diesel Accord debuts here in America in the very near future.

– by Daniel Gray