Typically about 27-28 mpg combined; automatics around 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, while manuals hover around 23 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Overview of the 2008 Accord’s fuel economy
The 2008 Accord uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Official EPA estimates are consistent across LX, EX, and LX-S models, with slight variation by transmission.
EPA fuel economy by transmission
EPA tests provide separate city and highway figures that inform consumer expectations for the two main transmissions offered on the 2008 Accord's 4-cylinder lineup.
- Automatic transmission: 24 mpg city / 34 mpg highway; combined about 27 mpg.
- Manual transmission: 23 mpg city / 34 mpg highway; combined about 27 mpg.
These figures are the official ratings and serve as a baseline for used models as well. Real-world results can vary based on driving style, load, road conditions, and climate.
What to expect in real-world driving
In mixed driving, many owners report mpg in the upper 20s, with highway trips often close to or slightly above the highway EPA estimate, depending on speed and wind resistance. City driving typically yields lower mileage due to frequent acceleration and braking.
Tips to maximize mpg
Our practical guidance to improve efficiency on a 2008 Accord 4-cylinder:
- Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure; under-inflated tires reduce fuel economy.
- Perform regular maintenance (oil changes, air filter, spark plugs) to preserve engine efficiency.
- Drive conservatively: gradual acceleration, steady speeds, and anticipate traffic to minimize stops.
- Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady pace and avoid excessive speed.
- Remove unnecessary weight and avoid roof racks when not needed to reduce drag.
By applying these practices, you can approach the vehicle’s EPA highway figure on long trips and keep city mileage closer to the lower end of the range.
Summary
The 2008 Honda Accord 4-cylinder typically delivers about 27-28 mpg combined, with official EPA estimates around 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for automatics and 23 mpg city/34 mpg highway for manuals. Actual results vary with how you drive and the environment.