Used 2003 Honda Accord Consumer Reviews

Problems, problems, problems

Quick review of my problems: 1. Transmission went totally out. Honda did replace this under the recall and made me very happy. 2. Drivers side window switch problems. It clicks all the time and the switch stays stuck in the up position and I am unable to get the window down. About 50% of the time I cannot roll my drivers side window down. 3. Interior light near the rear view mirror stopped working, but it is not a bulb. Occasionally it comes on when I'm driving down the road. 4. Now, much to my enjoyment, My mid- dash lights (stereo, time, temp, etc) are totally out. Night time, Day time... I can't see anything. To sum it up... I made a big mistake by purchasing this car.

We are a Honda family

Disappointing

Purchased an Accord because of the famed reliability, but over the two years of ownership have found issues constantly creep up, often repeating, even after taking to the dealer to be addressed. It's a fun ride, spacious, and fuel efficient, but the annoyance of sometimes monthly visits to the shop have significantly reduced my trust in the product. Am far less likely to buy a Honda in the future; Toyota's quality seems much higher now.

its a Mercedes COPY!!!!

its a rip off!!! total lack of styling, when will honda be creative on their own?

Bought used at 112,000 miles

6 months after purchase, the pcm computer and transmission failed at 118,000 miles. Appears that the computer told the trans to downshift into 1st and stay there. What seemed like a good used car now cost 50% more than we paid and is no longer a good deal. We are quite disappointed we bought this car.

I made a huge mistake

This car was very expensive for what I ended up getting. I was told it would out peroform all other cars in its class, but I find it slugish. I have sence driven the camry and the Altima and have found both much more performance driven! Dont make the same mistake I did!

Oil started leaking in 700 miles only.

Oil started leaking,.Called Honda. No big concern to them. Buyers beware. Very poor quality compare to Honda made in Japan.

Good, but not great

Had a '92 Honda Accord that was excellent. Will say the 2003 Accord is definitely better. Has more power, drives with a little more spirit, handles well. Interior looks very upscale now, but the exterior is sooo boring and plain, a Camry looks downright regal. But you don't buy Accords for their looks, just there long lasting behavior.

Geezer Styling

I have yet to find anyone who thinks that the 4dr is good looking. It seems to me that this car's styling might be specifically intended to appeal to those already collecting Social Security.

2003 honda accord ex 4

I just recently bought my accord 3 weeks ago. The new look and stlye and features are the car is best in its class.

Don't Buy This Car - It Leaks!

This car is awful. I have had in the shop 4 times in 8 months for warranty issues. The design of the body style has allowed water to leak into the car. I have had the headliner replaced 3 times. Additionally the outer sils of the window delaminate and had to be reapired 3 times, before the manufacturer painted them. Also Honda Warranty service is rude and does not care about customer satisfaction and stated that since the leak occurs when parked on a hill to stop parking on a hill. This is the worst new car experience I have ever had.

One year with Honda Accord Ex-6

Switching to the Accord following 6 years driving a Subaru Legacy sedan, I thought I would really miss the security of all-wheel drive, but I have suffered no such loss. The road feel is excellent. [I switched to Honda because the refinements of the Legacy after six years were truly disappointing.Didn't even boast a remore button for the trunk lid.]In the past year we have driven several long trips and have ended each in great spirits, experiencing absolutely no driving fatigue.

The Worst Car I have Ever Owned!

By far the worst automobile experience that I have ever had! The first month the from break callipers had to be changed -factory defective-, the third month the radio had to be changed with 6 CD's stuck in there that I never got back. And the worst, there are rattles feom every angle, I dread driving this car! I have stuffed the space under the dashboard with rugs (!!!) in roder to minimize it. Corporate HONDA Customer Service response: this is a massed produced car and you will have to leave with these little imperfections!!!! I regret greatly having departed from NISSAN!

Shake, rattle and roll

Good design, good technology. Very poor build quality, reminiscent of '70's GM. Too many rattles to list (dash, seatbelt adjuster, exhaust, etc). A/C clunks every time it cycles on. Brake pads worn out at 30000 miles (under warranty). I had similar problems in a '95 Civic. Since manufacture moved to North America, QA has gone way down. (Sorry, but its the truth). I have owned many Hondas over the years (even motorcycles). But no more. Will no longer pay steep premium price for such poor quality. Will trade in on a Ford or GM. I expect the same quality problems, but will spend far less money.

I've never recommended a car to anyone..

....because other than a BMW, which needs no recommendation, I've never owned a car I'd say was worth buying, and I've had plenty. We were more or less forced into the Accord after the lease on our CRV ran out ( what a miserable machine THAT was! ) and I'll admit that I was not very "open minded" about this car from day one. Now, two years later, I simply can't say enough good things about it. We haven't had the first bit of trouble, for a 4 cyl, it is VERY "peppy", and good lord does it have long legs; 20mpg city, *40*mpg hwy running the air and using the cruise control. I'm a fairly large fellow, but I don't feel cramped in the cockpit. I won't hesitate for an moment to recommend this car!

Bought used; tranny went bad

I bought this car in Nov of 2004 with about 42K miles. I come to find out that I am the third owner! At approx 60K miles, the transmission went bad and it will require $3200 in repairs. Thank God I bought an extended warranty. Another complaint I have is headroom-- there is none. I'm constantly banging my head against the ceiling when I check my mirrors to go in reverse (and I'm only 5-9). The stereo is pretty cool but it had to be replaced by Honda (they did it for free) because the whole display went black one day. So far, this car has been high maintainence but it is a fun ride. I'm hoping I won't continue to have problems with it. My '95 Accord lasted 185K miles.

LX-V6... Good Value, Excellent Car!!

This was my first BIG purchase right out of college and I'm glad I made this choice. The exterior design of the car took a little getting used to. Otherwise, the car's performance is great! It handles well and gets great gas mileage (about 30-31 on the freeway and 24-25 in the city). Seating is comfortable (in the front and back), plenty of trunk space and tons of power on the LX-V6.

Buy it and modify it

I have an aftermaket intake and exhaust system as well as many suspension items. I now get 32 MPG on the highway and 28 around town with over 240+ HP. I installed a carbon fiber hood and tinted the windows on the nighthawk black car and the appearance is incredible.

Typical Honda!

I love this car! Reliable, good feel for the road. My only issue is that it doesn't have more low-end torque (but it kinda works for this light- weight vehicle). I've absolutely "blown away" vehicles with more horsepower ratings like the altima and maxima, and gave mustang GT's a run for their money as well! When the engine is "broken in" it has a nice "growl" to it when you push it. Give it 20-30 more horses and it would be the perfect car for this segment!

Compromises unnecessary

Having owned 4 accords, 2003 is the most tech advanced. Very tight car and great fit and finish. Suspension is very disappointing. It sags under full load of 4 adults and with 2 adults, has more body lean than I like. The steering while positive is numb. The voice system is useless and could have been invested in better supported front seats, steering wheel lights,etc.

Transmission problems

My 03 Accord ExL coupe was purchased new and loved the car at first. I had major issues with the dealer fixing minor issues with the car. The vehicle was in the shop for 3 of the first 6 months Of purchase for paint issues, headliner, leaky window seals, transmission shifting problems, and dealer recalls. The quality of work from the dealer was poor at it's best, with them causing more issues with poor workmanship. I have changed oil every 3000 miles, and just turned over 98000 miles. Replaced failed struts at 50000 miles. was told it was just normal wear. Transmission went out @ 610000 ( out of warranty ) no help from Honda. Had shifting issues (2nd to 3rd gear) from day 1 but was told everything was fine. Power window motor went out around 70000. Sunroof seal leaks, headliner had to be replaced and seal replaced. Window trim around around doors and pillar was replaced by dealer at least 3 times while under warranty because the finish keeps peeling off. I ended up fixing this issue myself. Tie rods have been replaced @ 80000, brakes every 35000, rotors and calipers were just replaced because they froze up on rear. Front leather seats have cracked and I alwats kept the conditioned. I have always liked driving this car but am not sure I would buy another Honda after my experience. My father had transmission issues with his 2012 CR-V and sold it after 6000 miles when Honda Sid it was Ok.

Worst Car I've ever owned!

I'm tired of people saying that Honda's are good because they're not. I've had my accord for 7 years and have had 3 transmissions, rear brake caliber snap and leak fluid, 3 power windows went out at once. Also have power seats that move when the car comes to a stop. The first month and a half after I had the car, it spent 5 weeks in the dealership to fix the seats that move. The dealer originally gave me back the car, but destroyed the interior of the car. I've also had a TCS module replaced and my car also has rust on the hood. Honda's build garbage automobiles. I would never buy another Japanese car again. What a waste of $30k. I'm going to buy a 2011 Mustang, with good FORD quality.

honda failed on this one

trunk leaks, 2.4 engine uses alot of oil between 3000 mile changes, this accord picks up too much road noise. sounds like the front end is ready to fall apart ( had all front end parts inspected and were ok ) just the nature of a honda I was told! dont put cd in player it will not come out! anyone that reads this review please stay away from the 03 accord.

Honda Forever!

I have absolutely loved my Honda Accord! I have owned it for 16 years and have had absolutely NO problems with it, other than routine maintenance requirements. My next car will also be a Honda...but may downsize to a Civic. I will never buy another car other than a Honda as I feel they are totally reliable...and last forever!