2003 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews

Great, Reliable Hybrid

Written by: Radar on 08/06/2009

Vehicle

2003 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my Civic Hybrid new, and after six years have put in almost 89,000 miles. The mileage is great: I average 42-44 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving, and on long freeway trips I often get my mileage up to 51 mpg or better. I have only had two issues with the car so far: 1. The chrome covering on the door handles started peeling off and have cut my fingers on it a couple times. 2. In the last 6 months the car has started shuddering when I take off from a stop- -a common problem in Honda sedans from this year I hear? Still, the mileage is great and it has been otherwise very reliable. I'm keeping this for one more year, and seriously considering a new one to replace it again.

Favorite Features

Great mileage; it looks like a real car; great stereo system for my needs; comfortable, smooth ride.

Suggested Improvements

More durable chrome on the handles; move the battery to a different place so the back seat can fold down; tranny issues?

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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165,000 mile review

Written by: abigcess on 07/30/2009

Vehicle

2003 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 5M)

Review

i purchased it new back in '03. i now have a little over 175,000 miles on it. it's been the most dependable car. i still drive it hard... dirt roads, 120 degree heat, 1200 mile trips in 8 yrs. few yrs ago, i was rear-ended on the freeway resulting in some extensive damage, but still runs strong despite virtually no maintenance work on it.. so far, I've changed brake pads once, spark plugs once, air filter twice, and last few times, I've gone over 9000 miles between oil changes. haven't done any tune ups, alignment, radiator flushes, or clutch work done yet. I'm averaging 32-34 miles with 70/30 city/freeway driving.

Favorite Features

rock solid reliability, low ownership cost, requires minimal scheduled maintenance, nimble handling, comfy enough to sit for 8hrs trips, mpg,

Suggested Improvements

the original cd player eats up cds, the ac/heat fan located under the glove box went out around 120,000miles, but miraculously working again after repluggin, noisy clutch since 23,000 miles, but still working fine, interior plastics faded after Febreeze spray,and my head touches the ceiling I'm 5'10"

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CVT transmission - Good luck

Written by: Unhappy customer on 07/27/2009

Vehicle

2003 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Transmission died on a busy highway at 34K almost killed myself trying to get off the road. Honda had it for 12 days saying it needed a new trans and then gave it back saying nothing was wrong. Had it in again at 36K 50K 61K 81K and finally at 110k brought it in for a oil change and they finally checked my mileage saw I was over 100k and admitted something was wrong with the slipping transmission. Honda Care could care less and the case manager told me they weren't willing to pay a dime for the $4600 trans the dealership said they would take 10% off for my trouble. This car should have been recalled day one. Please don't buy this car. It is a danger to drive. I have some advice sell it quickly.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Replace the transmission with one that works.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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No complaints

Written by: PA commuter on 07/18/2009

Vehicle

2003 Honda Civic LX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Sorry to hear about all the transmission problems. I have 83k on mine and no signs of auto tranny slippage. Averaging 35mpg city and 40+ highway. I've found that if you drive above 70 on the highway, mpg declines dramatically. Bought the extended warranty in august of 2003 and never used it. Only complaint is that I'm replacing the brake pads every 25k miles without intensive use.

Favorite Features

Excellent body integrity, paint, and timeless style. Honda reliability all the way around!!

Suggested Improvements

More power without sacrificing fuel economy (new civics have more power but not as fuel efficient). Longer lasting brake pads.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Transmission/Clutch Recall Info

Written by: ACRUMP on 07/17/2009

Vehicle

2003 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

There was a recall on the transmission (Judder Slippage - the car rumbles when accelerating, esp noticeable going uphill). According to protocol, they have to do this "burnishing procedure" 3 times, at which point they will replace the entire clutch on your transmission (for free, under the recall). You also need to be under 100K mi to be eligible. My car is at 98K....they're just about to replace my clutch, so I'm very excited about that. Other than this one issue, my car has been running perfectly. I've been keeping track of MPG for over 10K, and I'm averaging 46.5 MPG. I'm absolutely thrilled (and confused that some people claim to get only 35 MPG).

Favorite Features

Avg MPG = 46.5 (for over 10K miles), AC works really well.

Suggested Improvements

Paint/plastic is chipping on my door handle (and becomes very sharp...I cut my hand opening it once).

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Mixed review

Written by: mixed review on 07/09/2009

Vehicle

2003 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought new in 9/03. Front passenger strut failed at approx 4k. Clutch started making squeaking noise at 25k. At 60k had clutched inspected, not an issue that has to be fixed but would cost $600 to eliminate the squeak. Driver door lock worn out at around 60k making it embarrassing when trying to get in the car if I actually locked the door. Cheap paint chips and scratches easy. Dents really easy. Not having ABS is a little dangerous, and the car for being so lite weight lacks breaking power.

Favorite Features

Great gas mileage. Amazing in the snow as long as it isn't too deep. Handles well for an economy car, very poor compared to my BMW X3, BMW Z3, and Mazda6, but better than my Dodge Ram.

Suggested Improvements

Make these options standard: anti lock brakes, side impact airbags, pwr door locks.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great Car

Written by: Alex on 05/02/2009

Vehicle

2003 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Good gas mileage. With K&N Oil Filter and Castrol Syntec getting 35mpg at 70mph on 87 regular gas. At 55-65mph nearly 40 or higher mpg. Like the cluster gauge comparing to the the 2002 Honda Civic Ex or older.

Favorite Features

Cruise control at these speeds to the mpg. Another is to drive the 5 speed manual to get that gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Glare from the console above the radio. Do use 89 gas because I got lower mpg unless you want to.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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All right at first

Written by: zach on 05/01/2009

Vehicle

2003 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car was all right at first, just a little vibration due to a loose motor mount. The transmission went out 5 months later and it's broken beyond repair is what I was told. It'll total 3 grand for a new one and I need to shell out cash for worn left and right bushings, a leaky cv boot, and a new motor mount. Don't bother buying unless you can get it from dealer under warranty.

Favorite Features

V-tech engine, clear tweeters, moonroof, interior style

Suggested Improvements

Put in a decent tranny!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Long live the si

Written by: si lover on 03/29/2009

Vehicle

2003 Honda Civic Si 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car has been great! I've driven it for a few years now and I'm ready to buy a new one. The handling is great on cornering with the right tires. Acceleration isn't amazing, but hey it's a 4 banger. The only complaint is the cost to repair. Nobody has parts and most people don't even know what kind of car it is. If you're a young kid and you want something with low maintenance and fun to drive this is it. Or if you live in a city it's so easy to park. Great little car! Owning this car has made my wife and I Honda enthusiasts.

Favorite Features

The seats, the hatchback, Steering wheel, sunroof, tone of the exhaust, handling, cup holders.

Suggested Improvements

Acceleration, six-speed please, More aggressive body style, a little better handling, release the v-tech a bit sooner in RPMs.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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My Little Honda!!

Written by: Angie-lou on 03/22/2009

Vehicle

2003 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.7L 4cyl 5M)

Review

My Little Honda and I have been on several road trips together and we have both survived!! She is a beauty and she is fun to drive. Her small size and get up and go helps me maneuver in and out of traffic very efficiently. Right now, she is at about 120,000 and is doing great!!

Favorite Features

my sunroof is wonderful and the interior dash lights. They are blue and everyone that sees them comments about them.

Suggested Improvements

a softer and more plush driver's seat.

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