2003 Honda Civic Review
Fuel Economy
25 - 41 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
If you're shopping for a small car and you skip the 2003 Honda Civic, you're doing yourself a tremendous disservice.
Pros
Fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly engines, roomy interior, reputation for durability, impressive crash test scores.
Cons
Antilock brakes not available on DX or LX.
What's New for 2003
A host of minor changes bring the Civic into 2003. On the inside, all models gain improved seat fabrics, rear adjustable outboard headrests and new four-spoke steering wheels. On HX, LX and EX Civics, you'll find improved gauge illumination. There's a new center console for LX and EX, and a CD player is standard for HX and LX. On the outside, the 2003 Honda Civic has freshened taillamps and new wheel designs. Also, there is a Hybrid Civic available for the 2003 model year.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Love my Honda!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.7L 4cyl 4A)
Review
Well I had my 2003 Honda civic for about 4 or 5 months now and I have to say I am very glad I decided to go with a Honda for my first car. Not only is it dependable and of a high quality, it's not overpriced and has great fuel economy so I could do what I love best and drive wherever I please without constant stops to the gas pump. I look forward to driving my car ever time it's tons of fun and sporty! And I've only had to do an oil change, new air filters and spark plugs since I got it cuz I don't know how the other owner took care of the car but so far seems he did ok.
Favorite Features
My favorite feature of the car is just really how sporty the car is.
Suggested Improvements
If I could improve one thing with the car I would have to say the the seats needs to be a little more thick, they're really thin and not as comfortable as other cars I've been in similar to the civic. And alloy Honda rims shoulda been standard on all ex models in 03 but guess not .
You can do better for the money
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.7L 4cyl 4A)
Review
My 1987 Civic was a much better car: better MPG, rode smoother, was much quieter, had better ventilation through the dash and had more comfortable seats. This car is loud on the road (and I've had two sets of tires - my Jeep was quieter!). I can't stand how this thing locks itself even after opening the trunk, and the seats are more sporty than comfy. The stereo is nice. We just bought a 1986 Toyota pickup that rides better and is quieter as well. I'm trading this car in for a Camry or a Mercury Grand Marquis. Never again will I buy a Civic. Sure, it's reliable, but so are most cars these days. My friend's Accord, not much better. Sorry Honda.
Favorite Features
The stereo sounds great and we love the moonroof and folding rear seats. But that's about all we like.
Suggested Improvements
More comfortable seats, better ride, quieter cabin and door locks that make life easier rather than a pain in the neck. Oh, yeah: the cup holders are too far forward. It's as if the designers never drove this car.
Best choice in segment
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.7L 4cyl 5M)
Review
The car has been extremely reliable. No maintenance required except oil, tires, brakes over 7 years. Handles well, agile car, fun to drive with 5 speed manual. Holds value very well, thus probably best choice in the segment.
Favorite Features
Slick shifting, driving with sunroof open, reliability.
Suggested Improvements
Baby has been WONDERFUL!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought her brand new on the last day of February. She has been great to me ever since. We did have an issue with her being an overachiever when they had to do the computer recall (accepted 115% programming when she was to only accept 100% and blew the computer). I have taken her to the dealer religiously for all of her scheduled maintenance and had until recently a set of Arizonian tires on her which helped me get better gas mileage yet caused the tires to wear quicker (what do you want in AZ?) I now have a set of Michelin tires which has caused her to have a bit of decreased gas efficiency. I have been averaging anywhere from 28 to 52 mpg. Never giving her up!
Favorite Features
Gas economy, great lil get up and go.
Suggested Improvements
lights (mine got cloudy but I think this is because I live in AZ)
Great Car But Has Transmission Issues
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.7L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have a 2003 Civic and currently have 83,000 miles on it. I do all maintenance and oil changes as recommended in the owners manual. About 6 months ago I noticed the automatic transmission was having problems shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and from 3rd to 4th. Transmission is now having major issues accelerating and going over 60 mph. My mechanic says the transmission is slowly dying and has to be replaced. Cost will be around $3,000. WHAT!?! This car is only 6 years old. A transmission shouldn't have to be replaced before 150,000+ miles and especially not on a Honda. Honda what's happened to you? Buyer beware!
Favorite Features
Great gas mileage, purple dash lights, moonroof.
Suggested Improvements
Honda needs to stand behind the multiple transmission complaints on the 2001 and 2003 models and issue a recall/replacement. Address and fix the problems Honda or my next car will be a Toyota.
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