Used 2003 Honda Accord Consumer Reviews
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Great car but transmission problem
I love my car, when i bought it did not know there is transmission issue going on with this car. I bought it used and i drove only 105k and transmission failed. other maintenance is cheap and reliable.
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AVOID HONDAs - ENGINE RUNS BUT OUTSIDE ROTS AWAY
I am shopping for a new car but will NEVER buy another vehicle made by HONDA. I purchased my car new in 2003 and had it service by Honda; however, no one [at the dealer service centers (3 different ones) ever mentioned why my car's exterior was starting to look 'splotchy.' As the splotchiness got worse and worse, I searched online and found out that HONDA [and their consumers] has been aware of a KNOWN PAINT DEFECT and refuses to acknowledge it and has even fought consumers in court using technicalities to get cases thrown out. Apparently, if you have a DARK PAINT on a HONDA of certain years, the top coat and paint are incompatible; therefore, on the DARK HONDAs, it PEELS and RESULTS IN SPLOTCHES (like a bad burn/tan peeling away) then the exterior starts to rot. SHAME on HONDA. When I finally understood what was happening, my HONDA ACCORD was just out of warranty so, I asked one of the HONDA service managers "why HONDA reps never brought this up as it was quite noticeable, especially, as it's a known HONDA paint defect." The HONDA service manager actually reacted angrily and yelled at me for bringing this up!!! I never went back to HONDA and have the car serviced by STATE TIRE down the road from the HONDA dealer. Now, I see many DARK COLORED HONDAs on the road with PEELING PAINT and I feel bad for the owners as well as disgust with HONDA as well as the court system for not protecting consumers. Now, 1) I am searching for a new car - trying to wait for the new SUBARU ASCENT which will come out in March 2018; 2) I continue to see many DARK (usually BLACK like MINE) HONDAs (different models) with PEELING EXTERIORs (horrible); 3) I tell everyone who is looking for a car about my experience and others (I show them pics too) and tell them I think it's best to steer clear of HONDA cars unless they want to waste their money and get bad (dishonest) customer service). The latter is my response to HONDA for treating their customers so poorly after finding out [by many] that they sold defective merchandise then not acknowledging it and fixing it at their cost. Again, SHAME on HONDA. Personally, I recommend staying away from Honda vehicles since what good is a car that runs but rots from the outside? Car manufacturers/dealers shouldn't treat a customer good before/while selling a car; they should provide, at minimum, acceptable and honest service to their car owners - HONDA has not done this. Waste of money.
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- LX SedanMSRP: $5,901489 mi away
- EX SedanMSRP: N/A401 mi away
- EX V-6 Sedan w/NavigationMSRP: $2,995335 mi away
Welcome to Lowered Expectations
First of all I am not sure if my car is an LX or EX or what...it just has a V6 emblem on the right side of the back surface. I know it is a V6 with 4 doors, electric leather heated seats, 6 CD in dash CD changer and an electric moon roof...no navigation system. At first glance my car looked very nice when I bought it several years ago. Its sporty look, accessories and power captured my attention. The asking price seemed a little high at the used car dealer. But I relied on Honda's reputation for making solid, reliable vehicles to consider it worth the price. But, just in case, I scoured the internet for feedback from existing owners and mechanics with hardly a peep. I even checked Consumer's Digest and they gave it a great rating even after the transmissions had been recalled (They neglected to mention the recall in the review). Now, several years and several thousand dollars above the purchase price in repairs later, I have a piece of junk that keeps breaking in expensive ways. I have replaced the transmission, central computer module, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, brakes (discs and all twice) and the electric window motor in the driver's door. I used to wash and wax the car on a regular basis. But then the clear-coat started coming off of the paint job and rust started appearing along the tire wells, leading edge of the trunk lid and the leading edge of the hood. Now one can simply look online and see web site after web site speaking volumes about how poorly these were made. It's true...you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression. As far as I am concerned now Honda is without honor for creating such a horrible vehicle and for not taking responsibility for it's poor craftsmanship when so many problems surfaced on such a large scale. This is simply not worth the scrap metal and plastic it was made with. I am stuck with it since I cannot afford to risk getting another used vehicle that may be a money pit as well and I certainly can't afford a brand new vehicle since I am now a disabled cancer survivor living on SSI. I guess it just sucks to be me and Honda doesn't have to take any responsibility for the mess they have created. *sigh*
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2003 automatic transimission fails
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.
Caution
I am the original owner and this is my fifth Honda. The transmission just died at 44,000 miles. This is a well known problem for this generation of Accords. I babied my car and replaced the transmission fluid twice, at 28,000 and again at 40,000 miles. Honda has serious problems with automatic transmissions. I have loved this car. It was so much fun to drive. But, I can never trust Honda again. They sold a car with a serious design flaw. Do not buy a used Accord with an automatic transmission!
1st Honda
This is my first Honda, although we've had Honda's in the family for over 30 yrs. I wanted a bigger car than the one I was driving..looked at the Intrepid & Concorde but afraid of losing the handle of a small car, saw the new Honda Accord and thought what a perfect size car for me. Test drove the Honda and fell in love. Handles like a small car but has the luxury of a large car. I'm now sold as a Honda owner forever as long as they stay or get better over the years. Love the sound system, quiet ride, pick- up and go power...everything I just love
A truly great car
I like everything about this car. It's really easy and fun to drive. Handling is terrific and I'm very satisfied with all measures of performance so far. I think the styling is great and I've received lots of compliments on the appearance. The sound system rocks and the 6-CD changer is great.
The One!
I bought this used in 2010 with 50k miles. Now at 77k miles. Not a single issue. After 1.5 years and 27,000 miles, I understand the Accord marketing slogan "The One". This is hands-down the best car I've ever owned. The performance of the 4 cyl engine is better than V6's I've owned in the past. This car is comfortable, smooth, sporty; perfect.
I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!!
From the moment I set my eyes on this car, it was love at first sight!! And that was before I even sat in the thing and drove it!!! It is completely loaded except for the Nav. system and V-6 engine, but who needs a V-6 when the 4-Cyl. gets up and goes just as well?? AND has better gas mileage!!!
Update after 3 years of owndership
I have now owned the vehicle for three years and continue to be impressed. It now has 78K miles and has yet to have any major problems. I drive a combination of city and highway and still get about 22 MPG. The only two issues I've had pertain to the stereo and ABS brake light. At around 40K miles, the stereo and A/C backlight went out. The local dealer said I'd need an entirely new stereo unit ($900+) and acted as though it was a common failure. After a polite email to Honda Corp, I got a new stereo for free. The other problem I continue to have is the ABS brake light. Occasionally, it will come on, unless I'm at the dealership.
Next Honda Is A Camry
This car is the 9th Honda product owned by me and my immediate family. At 76,000 miles with all scheduled maintenance performed, the transmission failed. Honda would not pay for any repair since it was out of warranty. Transmission overhaul cost $2,200. No more loyalty to Honda Motor Company from me. Transmission repair shops will tell you that the torque converter and internal filter are the weak links in all Honda transmissions.
Still own it!
I bought this car new in 2003. It now has 209,000 miles and is running just fine. The CD player broke in 2007. That was too early. But it hasn't had any major repairs. I recently fixed the drivers side window. That is all.
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Accord LX 2003 Review
I've been incredibly lucky, or just another extermely satisfied customer. I've only needed to change the oil, rotate tires, and perform the manufacturer's recalls. Well, that and some very bad luck with getting nails in my tires (I live near a construction area). The exterior back end is a bit basic, but the trunk is enormous, and more than ample for the size of the car, but with the backseats folding down - you basically have a wagon-sized back space. The driver's seat is comfortable, and the controls are easy to reach and very simple and elegant. Additionally, I am getting better gas milage than is EPA estimated. This is my first Honda, and I will be a repeat customer.
my 2003 honda
Love the navi system. It works like a dream.
Love this car!
I am the original owner of this car and just passed the 200000 mile mark. I really love this car and I am finding it hard to consider parting with. I was just given a 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5S with 127,000 miles on it, and people are saying it's a no brainer: take the car with 75000 miles less and 5 years younger. However, as the original owner of this car I know that the oil has been changed on schedule and the maintenance schedule has been adhered to. I'm not sure about the maintenance regularity on the Altima. I'm finding it hard to part with a car that has been so reliable, so safe (it has protected me through 4 deer hits, one at 70 mph with an 8 point buck) and so responsive! I credit this car with Allowing me to avoid two potentially devastating accidents without harm to my car or myself, due to the steering and acceleration maneuverability. On a note of lesser importance, it's also difficult to downgrade from very comfortable leather heated seats with automatic adjustment to less comfortable unheated fabric seats with minimal manual adjustment. The only foreseeable repair needed on my Accord is the timing belt which would be due in around 5000 to 7000 miles, based on the maintenance schedule. I will admit to some leaking under the engine, but it is a slow leak and only causes a cosmetic problem for the driveway (it's been checked, and may be due to the last deer impact). I'm going to keep driving both for a while until I decide what to do, but my heart is with my Accord. I would not be considering a change except for a new car landing and my lap thanks to the generosity of a family member.
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unreliable with poor service!
Owned car for 3 weeks/600 miles. Taken to shop twice for a/c problems. The SECOND visit found a leak in the system and parts are on nationwide backorder. Will not have car for weeks. Dealer refusing to provide loaner or rental. Purchased at Sierra Honda of Monrovia, and also taken there for first repair (which was inadequate). Now sitting at Honda of Santa Monica.
2DR EX-L V6
I purchased the car used new with 60k miles. I love to drive it, its very fast, reliable, comfortable and stylish. Its a great value for the money. The only draw back is the CD unit after only 6 months of having the car @ 68k miles the CD player and circuit board went out. The Honda dealer replaced the circuit board for free, and i had to pay an outrageous $600 dollars for the CD player to be repaired.
Great Car!!
Saphire Blue Pearl 2003 Accord LX V6 I have been putting this car through its paces by driving some very twisty mountain roads here in Colorado, and it has performed flawlessly. Power to spare, great handling, and I love the looks I get. This is a real winner!
A lot of car for the money
I recently traded in my Accord for a new car. it had over 150,000 miles on it and still ran strong. Smooth powerful engine, great MPG, comfortable ride, and seemed like it could last forever. However, the transmission had to be replaced at 78,000 miles.
Great first car!
This is my first car, a 2003 Honda Accord Lx (4 cylinder w/ Automatic.) I absolutely love it, it is good looking, comfortable, affordable, and drives perfectly. I bought mine used w/ 51743 miles on it and when driving at freeway speeds (65+) there is not a single squeak or rattle. Although the interior is a tan fabric, it has been very well maintained and all seats are very comfortable. If you are looking for your first car or just a replacement, this is a perfect choice.
flawed design, unsafe, low quality
Since buying this car, I have experienced many problems. First, the LCD screen suddenly became dark for no reason in 2004. The dealer said this is a design defect and replaced it after one month. In 2005, during a regular maintenance in a dealer, we were told the car was leaking transmission oil. Last November, we went to Chicago at noon and parked on a street (a lot of traffic at the time). Coming back in half an hour, we found someone had sneaked into the car and stole all our expensive items. No prizing signs on the doors. Sure, we locked the car before we left. It seems the Honda anti-thief alarm system malfunctioned.
VERY surprised and disappointed
It started on the day of purchase. I noticed grit under the paint on the hood - more like small pebbles. Reluctantly, the dealer re-painted the hood. Then, the left rear wheel sensor went out. Then - a rattle developed in the trunk area. After multiple visits, still a rattle. It sounds like a mid-70's Chevy hatchback - the rattle is that bad. Each time the daler says - "fixed it." Each time they lied. The rear windows rattle when cracked. The center console rattled for awhile. The driver's window area squeaked for awhile. The steering wheel is off center - meaning when the wheels are in perfect alignment, the steering wheel is not. The black leather is turning white, etc., etc.
This beauty has ISSUES!
I love the ride, i love the styling, and the acceleration of the V6 felt like a 300hp engine! But man oh man, what is wrong with Honda's quality? My transmission (shared with the Honda Odyssey) crapped out on me at 60K, the center HVAC system crapped out on me shortly after, and BOTH my fog lights cracked during the first 2 months of driving it on smooth highway roads. I don't accept "yeah but it was covered under warranty" accuse, it IS a poorly built car and i went back to Toyota's and continued my track record of ZERO defects driving them. Many other Accord Coupe owners at my work had the same complaints so i know it's not a fluke.
Wish I'd done more research
I bought the car new; never had a Honda. Barely 3 years old & clear coat started to wear off. After 6 years old, clear coat/paint looked horrible and much worse than should for its age. Honda was unwilling to help and admitted no quality issues w/ paint; however have found many others with paint problems as well. Lots of squeaks & creaks on inside that are getting louder w/ age; Water from moonroof drains has left stains on the interior near windshield & did very early in its life. Doubtful that I would buy another based on my experience w/ paint issue.
What a car
Really excellent car to have and quiet a peppy one at that. Just now nearing 242000 miles I replaced abs module (traction control failed) and lower control arms but other than that I absolutely love this car and will purchase another accord lx coupe in the near future.
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These are the best
I love these cars just want to change style that's all great dependable vehicle
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not what i expected from honda
This car picks up so much road noise its a joke.Engine light comes on constantly.{small repair after another}. The 2.4 four cyl uses oil to the tune of 3 qrts in 4000 mile oil changes.CD sticks in player so often that i gave up and just left one in.{would not come out no matter what i tried} Thought the gas mileage would be alot better than 23 highway. Power steering line started leaking fluid on exhaust had to replace line.Had to replace rotors on front and back, had to replace complete exhaust system,also seat belt light stays on constantly.All of this in the first 9 months of ownership. Update now I have had to replace both rear brake calipers and oil consumption has increased to a qrt every 600 miles! Forgot to mention the passenger side taillight assembly fills with water every time it rains! My first honda will probably be my last one. So sad that they would put such a piece of junk out to consumers and not recall them { all 03 accords}. April 8 2019 another update on this junk hunk. Oil consumption has increased to a quart each 300 miles! This car does not leak oil, does not smoke, and it does not lack for power,was reading other reviews on the 03 accord and someother owner indicated there may be a petition around to sign to pressure honda into recalling this wonderful piece of engineering and removing the black eye they have given consumers. April 13 2020 update on this 03 accord. Now in the past 3 months the clear coat has started peeling off on front bumper and hood. Still consuming oil but still gets me where i want to go ( just have to hold my breath and pray).
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great car, feels like luxury
This car has been great. THe handling and performance is that of a BMW or lexus type. I have an 2001 accord also and the difference is tremendous. The interior is sleek and nice with the gray leather. The navigation system is also very nice. The only drawback is for my self who is 6'4" 300lbs the front driver seat become uncomfortable in the mid back area and requires some readjustment regularly. This is not a problem for my 5'7" 120lb wife. Great car which make you feel you are driving a 35K vehical for great price.
Excelent Design, GREAT Price
OK - So I REALLY wish I came home with a leather 5-spd. manual - but that's buyer's remorse- and I'll have to get over it. The car has a LOT of power - but the Automatic, even the new 5 speed auto doesn't downshift all the times it really should for you - but in all but the most sprited driving conditions, it's a great automatic. I've personally heavily modified my car altready with lowering springs, 18" wheels and tires, HIDs, and the list goes on. I've put in about $4K in to the car - and even tehn with all my audio, and handling needs satisfied this car is a STEAT at it's price!
Best car I've ever driven
I absolutely love my car. There is nothing I don't like about it except that the interior seems to collect lint. It drives like a dream, nice and smooth. The features are convenient, they thought of everything. I don't know that I will every buy a different kind of car. I'm sold on Honda.
We love our car!
We purchased our 2003 Honda Accord to replace our 1991 Accord. It's much nicer than the Camry which we also considered. Several reviews have not liked the road feel, but I really like it. You can feel the road, but the suspension is tight and handles the bumps very well. It's way too nice of a car for it being our commute car, but I really enjoy driving to and from work now! I would definitely recommend the EX-L version to anyone considering an Accord purchase - the extras are well worth it.
Great car
Great car! Bought it because we are having our first kid soon. Will make a great family car. Lots of room, drives great. Awesome gas mileage for such a roomy car. Fun to drive.
All Around Value
Very powerful, driver friendly car. Appreciate fantastic seats, and ergonomic layout of controls.
Great Car to own
I compared the Honda Accord and Nissan Maximum and I am so glad a chose the Accord. The car helds great and has great fuel economy. I owned a Infiniti I30t and the accord is more comfortable. Great car and would recommend it to everyone.
Best car for money
Accord has good accelaration,great mpg's. Interior customized around driver.The car handles well,outise noise is minimally.Test drove several other cars and this was best by far.Drove to Ny and back averages 33mpg. Only car that came close was Sonata butr resale value and road handling/acceleration werent even close.
Should have a 3-point star on the hood!
This car could have Mercedes Badges on it and everyone would believe it was German. Silky smooth power and lots of it. Top notch build quality. Ultra quiet and smooth with terrific handling. I never thought I'd say it but the Honda NAV system is worth $2000! The best integrated NAV systme ever put in an automobile. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for an upscale family sedan. Add a spoiler to correct that ugly tail that honda designed. It makes all the difference IMO.
A great car
2003 honda accord is great. this car is very comfortable and has good reliability. overall fit and finish is great.
Redesigned Interior
The interior is the most appealing because of the excellent features it provides. The handling and acceleration is also very good.
Solid Family Sedan With a Little Fun
Great car. Solid construction. Decent handling (maybe a little heavy), smooth engine and tranny. Fantastic interior - almost perfect.
Still impressed
Here is an update from my 3/22/03 review. This car is great. Took a long 2000 mile road trip and averaged 31.8 MPG with average hiway speed at 80mph. It was so hard to keep it under 90mph, it rides so smooth with almost no road noise. Driving at night is no problem anymore with non-lit steering wheel controls. Compliments keep coming from everyone. My sister is now buying one.
RATTLES EVERYWHERE
I bought my 03 Accord LX Sedan 4 cylinder about 2 months ago. Within the first 100 miles I stated noticing rattles from the front windshield - but only in cool weather. Within a day or two, I noticed rattles from the drivers side front door - and then the passenger front door. Then the drivers side sun visor started rattling. Now the doors creak whenever I accelerate from a stop. Well... you get my drift? This car is great - minus the rattles. I have not yet brought it in. I'm worried if they start pulling it apart, it'll be worse than it is. I somehow think I would have been better off with the Camry - even if it is boring!
fun for the buck
Bought it with a few dings in it, but over all in great shape. Its a little four banger, but zips around town. Brakes like a champ and handles turns quite well. Very pleased with my purchase. Waiting to see how it handles in the snow and go from there.
Four not six
Vehicle has an excellent engine with power and smoothness of a six, matched with a highly refined transmission. After 3,500 miles including lengthly trip, mileage is better than expected - 36.8 mpg on the highway. Road noise, however, is quite excessive. Exterior design needs improvement; back end doesn't seem to fit into design and front Honda enblem much too large.
I love my new Honda
Very stylish and comfortable. Has very good acceleration and feels very nimble in turns.
My search is over
Within two years, I've owned a new Grand Am, a new Mustang(V-6), and in December bought a new Honda Accord 4 cyl. 5-speed manual w/leather. loved it soooo much i bumped up to the V-6 6- speed manual four days ago. had to have it. Honda makes an incredible car at a reasonable price that makes you feel as though you're riding in the lap of luxury and having fun at the same time. This is my dream car.
I had very good time with this vehicle
I saw many reliability issues discussed in this board. I thought that was strange, because I only had good memories with this car. The, I remember that I did have some problem with brakes with this car. They wore out too quickly. In one case, the pads were completely gone before 25,000 miles, and rotor was slightly damaged. So I paid like $300 for repair, while vehicle was still under warrantee. I need to change pads again, I have 60k miles now. But I had no other problems, and quite enjoyed the ownership. The engine is powerful and handling is quite good. After 5 years since introduction, this car still looks pretty!
Good Engine, Bad Electronics
The car drives like a charm. Even with automatic transmission is has quite a kick, even at 70 mph. The only disappointing part is the ever failing electrical parts (alarm, radio, window engine, car seat power engine, door lock).
The Best Buy !
I bought my first Accord on 1994 and just traded it in (could have kept it) for the new 2003! Redesigned with more room, leather is fantastic and the sound system rocks! I love the new dash, the heated seats are nice and comfy. it handles very well, smooth ride, little road noise but that is ok, unlike the Camery, were you cannot hear anything (not good for EMS/Police) Highly recomend!
LX V-6, 5spd auto.
This is the best car I've ever had right from the start. It is powerful and agile and fun to drive. The build quality is near perfect. I'd recommend this car to anyone
Car and Driver 10 best for a reason
This car is so much fun to drive. The V-6 is electric motor quiet in moderate acceleration, as well as silk smooth. Honda recommends regular gasoline unlike most other competitors. The interior is the best part. The Camry was too boring. The Camry doesn't come close to the Accord in standard features. The Accord doesn't have auto headlights, but it does have a way of doing it. If you leave the headlights on, the car will shut them off 15 seconds after you turn off the car, and leave. You'll have daytime running lamps during the day, and auto headlights at night.