2003 Honda Accord Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Honda fiddles with a successful recipe, leaving out some of the parts people seem to like and adding spice for which nobody asked. The result, to a critic's eye, is questionable, though it will certainly sell to the masses in the same quantities it does today.
Pros
Tight build quality, quiet cabin, refined powertrains, comfortable driver seat, outstanding optional navigation system.
Cons
Missing key features, relatively small trunk, mushy handling with V6.
What's New for 2003
The Honda Accord -- one of America's favorite vehicles -- has been substantially changed for 2003. Continuing as a sedan and a coupe, the 2003 Honda Accord features more powerful and fuel-efficient engines, increased safety and higher levels of interior comfort. A voice-activated GPS navigation system is optional, and a sporty EX coupe debuts in early 2003.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
peppy, comfortable ride but low mileage
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I recently bought this used to have a cash car and to get into something with better gas mileage than my truck. I love the styling and would say it on of my favorite years for being sporty and practical all in one car. I have lots of trunk space, the seats are comfortable and the stereo even sounds good. My main issue is I'm getting poor gas mileage. I wasn't expecting the EPA mileage, but for a 4-cyl, I was hoping for better than 20/30. I average about 23-24 mpg. I have explored all the gas saving tune ups too. I was getting 19-20 in my v-8 truck. I wish I would have opted for the 6-cyl as the mileage is about same with more oomph.
Favorite Features
styling, sunroof, handling, stereo
Suggested Improvements
sustainable gas mileage & replaceable fuel filter.
Fantastic Vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This was my 3rd Honda Accord over the last 20 years. It has been a great vehicle since we purchased it new in 2003. The gas mileage has been excellent - consistent 24 MPG in city commuter driving. We have averaged 33 MPG on trips.
Favorite Features
Leather heated seats, moon/sunroof, AM/FM/CD Changer, Steering wheel audio controls, Dual climate control
Suggested Improvements
IPOD/MP3 player option. We installed a USA Spec IPOD/MP3 Player several years ago. It works great with the factory sound system and steering wheel audio controls.
2003 automatic transimission fails
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
We bought our 2003 Accord used and owned it for 12 months when the transmission failed at 67K miles. $2,700 Ouch! In researching we found that transmission failures in 2003 Accords are quite common. Take a look at the April 2008 Consumer Reports Used-car reliability report and you'll see how evident it is that Honda had a problem with these transmissions. Despite the clear evidence of a problem Honda will not stand behind these failures. If you have a 2003 Honda Accord sell, sell, sell while your vehicle value is still high and you haven't suffered the cost of a transmission rebuild or replacement.
Favorite Features
EX model is full of all kinds of comfort features. Fun to drive.
Suggested Improvements
Honda should support their products when they have a known problem. Customer loyalty should not, and in this former customer's case will not, be taken for granted.
My 3003 Honda EX V6 experience
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Purchased my Honda in December of 2002. My family has had six Hondas, and they have all been good reliable vehicles. I probably will won't live long enough to wear it out
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Best car I have driven so far
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This is my first Honda and I like it. After 5 years of drive, there still is no noise from inside. Way better quality than my previous Toyota Corolla. And with only a 2.4 L engine, this car accelerates so fast that I felt like in a sport car. And I got 25 GPS minimum when I drove in the city, way better than my previous Nissan Altima. My car only needs to replace engine oil every 10,000 miles. Save money. I never have any problem with my car, except may be one or two recall services by Honda. I love the car and passed this 2003 model to my daughter. I just bought a new 2008 Accord EX for myself.
Favorite Features
Accelerate fast. Roomy and fuel efficient. Also got it with a below invoice price.
Suggested Improvements
Keep the quality. Don't go cheap like Camry.
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