If you’re looking at a used 2004 Honda Accord today, you aren't buying it for the sleek infotainment or the heated steering wheel. You’re buying it because it’s a tank. But even a reliable tank needs to be fed. People often obsess over the 2004 Honda Accord miles per gallon because, let’s be real, gas prices aren't getting any cheaper and this car is over two decades old.
The 2004 Accord sits right in that seventh-generation sweet spot. It was a massive leap forward from the sixth gen, but it’s still simple enough that you can fix most things with a basic socket set in your driveway. However, the fuel economy varies wildly depending on whether you’ve got the sensible 4-cylinder or the "get-out-of-my-way" V6.
Honestly, the window sticker from 2004 doesn't mean much in 2026. Engines age. Sensors get gunked up. Transmission slip happens. If you’re expecting the exact EPA ratings, you might be in for a rude awakening, but the good news is that these cars hold their efficiency better than almost anything else from the early 2000s.
Breaking Down the 2004 Honda Accord Miles Per Gallon by Engine Type
The K24 engine—that's the 2.4-liter inline-four—is the workhorse. Back in the day, the EPA rated the automatic version at about 21 city and 31 highway. If you were lucky enough to find a 5-speed manual, you could squeeze out an extra mile or two. In the real world? Most drivers see a combined average of about 24 to 26 mpg. It’s decent. It’s not a Prius, but it won't bankrupt you.
Then there’s the 3.0-liter V6.
It’s a different beast. It makes about 240 horsepower, which felt like a rocket ship in 2004. But that power comes at a cost. You’re looking at 18 city and maybe 28 highway if you’re cruising with a light foot. On a bad day in heavy traffic, that city number can easily dip into the mid-teens. If you’re a lead-foot driver, the V6 will punish your wallet.
Why your actual mileage might be lower than the specs
It’s been twenty-two years. Think about that.
Rubber seals degrade. Fuel injectors get clogged with carbon deposits. The oxygen sensors, which tell the car's computer how much fuel to spray, get "lazy" over time. They don't necessarily fail and trigger a check engine light, but they stop being precise. This is the silent killer of the 2004 Honda Accord miles per gallon performance. If your car is idling rough or feels a bit sluggish, you’re likely burning way more fuel than necessary.
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Another huge factor? Tires.
Modern low-rolling-resistance tires weren't really a huge thing for mid-sized sedans in 2004. If you’ve slapped on some cheap, heavy tires or—worse—under-inflated ones, you’re dragging an anchor. Keeping your tires at the recommended 32 psi (check your door jamb, don't guess) can actually save you 3% on your fuel bill. It sounds small. Over a year, it’s a free tank of gas.
The Transmission Factor
Honda had some notorious transmission issues in the early 2000s, specifically with the V6 models. A slipping transmission isn't just a safety hazard; it's a fuel economy nightmare. When the torque converter isn't locking up correctly on the highway, your engine has to spin faster to maintain speed.
Basically, if you hear your engine revving higher than usual while you're cruising at 70 mph, your 2004 Honda Accord miles per gallon are going down the drain. The 5-speed automatic in the 4-cylinder models is generally sturdier, but it still needs fresh fluid. Dirty fluid causes friction. Friction creates heat. Heat kills efficiency.
High Mileage Realities
Let's talk about cars with 200,000 miles.
Many 2004 Accords are still on the road with high odometers. At this stage, the catalytic converter might be partially restricted. If the exhaust can't get out, the engine has to work harder to push it out. It's like trying to run a marathon while breathing through a straw.
I’ve seen owners report that their mileage jumped from 22 mpg back up to 28 mpg just by doing a "tune-up" that actually involved more than just spark plugs. We're talking about cleaning the throttle body and replacing a prehistoric air filter. You'd be surprised how many people forget the air filter exists. It’s a $15 part that pays for itself in a month.
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Comparison with Competitors
How does it stack up against a 2004 Toyota Camry?
Pretty evenly, actually. The Camry of that era was a bit more "boaty" and tuned for comfort, while the Accord felt a bit more athletic. Fuel-wise, they’re neck and neck. The Nissan Altima from 2004 was also in the mix, but those CVT transmissions (in later years) and general build quality issues make the Honda a much better long-term bet for fuel consistency.
- 2004 Honda Accord (2.4L): ~24-26 combined mpg.
- 2004 Toyota Camry (2.4L): ~23-25 combined mpg.
- 2004 Mazda 6 (2.3L): ~22-24 combined mpg.
The Accord usually wins by a hair because the i-VTEC system is incredibly efficient at managing valve timing. It’s smart engineering that still holds up.
Ethanol and Modern Fuel
Here is something nobody talks about: E10 fuel.
Most gas stations today sell a 10% ethanol blend. In 2004, pure gasoline was more common. Ethanol has less energy content than pure gasoline. This means your 2004 Honda Accord miles per gallon will naturally be about 3-4% lower than what the original brochures claimed, simply because the fuel itself is less "punchy." It’s not the car’s fault. It’s just the chemistry of modern pump gas.
If you can find "Clear Gas" or ethanol-free fuel, you’ll see your mpg spike. But usually, the extra cost of that fuel outweighs the savings at the pump, so just stick to the regular 87 octane. Don't bother with Premium (91/93). The 2004 Accord engine (even the V6) was designed for regular. Putting high-octane fuel in it is literally burning money; it won't give you better mileage or more power because the ECU isn't tuned to take advantage of it.
Practical Steps to Save Gas in an Old Accord
Stop idling. Honestly.
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People love to "warm up" their cars for 10 minutes in the winter. With a 2004 Accord, you only need about 30 seconds for the oil to start circulating. Driving gently is the best way to warm up the engine and the transmission. Sitting in the driveway gets you 0 mpg.
Check your alignment too. If your wheels are fighting each other, the engine has to work harder to push the car forward. If you notice the car pulling to one side, or if the steering wheel is off-center, get an alignment. It’ll save your tires and your gas.
Also, clear out the trunk.
I know it’s a cliché, but weight matters. If you’re hauling around an old set of golf clubs, two cases of water, and a toolbox you never use, you’re dropping your fuel economy. Every 100 pounds of extra weight can reduce your MPG by about 1%.
Maintenance Checklist for Peak MPG
- Replace the engine air filter every 15,000 miles.
- Change the oil with a high-quality 5W-20 synthetic blend.
- Clean the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor with a specialized spray.
- Replace spark plugs (use NGK or Denso, Honda's prefer them).
- Check for a sticking brake caliper; if one wheel feels hotter than the others after a drive, your brake is dragging.
The 2004 Honda Accord is a legendary machine. It’s one of the few cars from that era that can still be a reliable daily driver today. While it won't compete with a modern hybrid, getting 30 mpg on the highway in a twenty-year-old sedan is still an impressive feat.
If you take care of the mechanical basics, the car will take care of your wallet. Just don't expect it to perform miracles if the check engine light has been on since 2019. Fix the sensors, keep the tires hard, and drive it like you actually want to save money.
Next Steps for Owners:
- Check your tire pressure immediately. Use a digital gauge to ensure all four tires are at 32-33 psi.
- Inspect the air filter. If it’s grey or full of debris, swap it out today.
- Monitor a full tank. Reset your trip odometer at the next fill-up and divide the miles driven by the gallons added to get your true, current MPG.
- Clean the intake system. Use a dedicated throttle body cleaner to remove carbon buildup that might be choking your idle efficiency.