I have a 1997 automatic Honda Accord. Today I noticed it was driving funny, but didn't realize the sound until I got off of the Interstate and accelerated from a stop light. It sounded very boggy and very loud driving down the street.

I usually calculate my gas mileage on long rides to see what I am getting, usually on long rides about 29 miles per gallon. Today it was significantly lower (about 17.) I initially thought it was the exhaust/muffler, but the noise was coming from under the hood, not the back. The sound it is making sounds like a typical beater car that you can hear from a block away, and the faster you accelerate the louder it gets.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thank you in advance!

 

Welcome to the forum

Considering the reduced gas mileage.. could be a couple of different possibilities.... Perhaps a loose exhaust manifold, or a head gasket issue... maybe a clogged Catalytic converter (?)

May I suggest that after the engine has warmed, park the car, raise the hood, have someone you trust to accelerate while you listen under the hood

Next step: do you know a mechanic that is trustworthy?