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Honda Accord Saloon (2003-2008) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 4 out of 54.0

Written by Simon Harris Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 30 - 52 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

With the diesel engine being so superb, and also offering excellent fuel economy, it will also be the car to retain most value and shouldn’t cost significantly more to insure than the 2.0-litre petrol model. If owning an Accord economically is your aim, go for the diesel.

Although first year of Accord production was petrol only, the vast majority of those sold since have been the diesel, which is very economical for this size of car and has low carbon dioxide emissions. Honda has also resisted introducing a six-cylinder petrol version of the Accord, which would be thirstier than the two four-cylinder petrol engine models and have limited appeal.

Honda offers a low emission petrol-electric hybrid in the Civic range, but has no plans to offer a hybrid in the Accord or a car of a similar size.

Mechanically you’ll have no worries at all, with Honda’s stoic reputation for reliable motors. Inside though, the trim may begin to wear and date quickly, although build quality is not in question.