Used 2003 Honda Accord Consumer Reviews
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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.
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.
- LX V-6 SedanMSRP: $2,90038 mi away
- EX SedanMSRP: $5,49578 mi away
- EX V-6 SedanMSRP: $7,980111 mi away
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.
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!
horrible engine
looking at having a 3rd engine installed with only 24,000 miles and they say my warranty won't cover it.
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!
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).
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
RELIABLE
This car is reliable and gets good gas mileage for a 6. Stereo display went out - it is covered on warranty past the normal warranty of the car. Call Honda and see if you are covered. Catalytic are also covered after a special extended time also. They are known to fail. Seats get uncomfortable on long drives. Honda stands up for their errors. Unlike a lot of domestic vehicles.
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!
Two years later, my views have changed
In '03, when I bought my red sled, I loved it, couldn't complain about a thing! Two years later, I fell like I got jyped! The window trim peels, the paint is the cheapest I've seen(you almost need to wax it after every wash just to keep from spider webbing), the windshield leaked form factory, and after 6 months, everything rattled over the smallest bumps! The car has horrible blind spots, and at lower elevations, I can't get any traction out the 215/50/17 meats! The brakes have warped three times, the shifter slips out of the gate under any hard shift, At 4500 miles, third gear went out...then at 19000 miles, second gear went out! So i've had one transmission rebild and then a new one!!!
Great Long Lasting Car
This car is great. I wish the 4 cyl. engine was a bit quicker being a high school student. Also the problems I have had were the brakes had to be resurfaced at 7,500 miles, and a whistling noise coming from the front pass. window. But overall this looks to be a great college and beyond car. Bought new, sophomore in High School.
Sound investment
It's been 1.5 years, and the car responds as well as when I bought it. The extended period of 7500 miles for an oil change helps in forgetting that this car actually has mechanical parts that require maintenance! I've the V6 with leather, navigational system - the works, and while I did question the need for the navi. system when buying it, it has become indispensible. It has a quick GPS lookup/update which is extremely important. The touch screen is slightly buggy but overall the interface is very intuitive. The voice guidance (configurable in male/female) is non-robot like!! One negative would be the brakes which seem to have worn out sooner than expected.
Poor Transmission and Dishonest Service
Two months into my first new automobile I developed window problems. Somethng in the door panel was scratching my glass. I took it to get serviced at least 6 times. Finally they fixed it but I still have small lines in the window. After about 16000 miles during an oil change the tech noticed the transmission was leaking. So bad I wasn't allowed to take my car home. After two fixes honda put in a new tranny. Now a tensioner pully is wobbling up and down. One thing to fix that but what problems did it create. Plus when they put in the tranny my alignment went out of place and they didn't install the motor mounts in right.
Excellence in Engineering
Absolutely light years ahead of the competition at the time in 2002/2003. Took the competition till now (mid 2006) to catch up.
Fantastic Vehicle
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.
55,000 mile review
The V6 has plenty of power and is fun to drive. There is problem with the transmission slipping that the dealers don't seem to be able to figure out. I have had the exterior window trim replaced 4 times since new and it needs to be done again. There are lot of interior squeaks that seem to be getting worse. The quality in finish work seems to be lacking. The metal and paint is very thin and chips/dings easy.
sequestered car
I have a blue Accord LX 4cyl auto. Excellent brake response and feel. Passing power is confident and ready when cruising on freeway driving. Engine is peppy; as is typical of Accord. I drove this car from TX to VA and the mileage comes to about 33-34 mpg with 4 adult passengers at that. Honda could use a better sound system. With 45K miles I still have the original tires, brake pads and has done a wheel alignment. This is my second Accord, the first one a 92 DX with 193000 miles and still running perfectly. Both were made in Japan with VIN starting with JH...My daughter finally "sequestered" the car from me. She can't stand the fun I am having. Maybe a coupe v6 will be fun huh?
No 7 year itch for us. We love this car!
We purchased our Accord in May '03, it has 105,000 miles, and still love it. It still runs like the day we bought it. The only issue we had was the timing belt broke literally 2 days before I was going to take it in for the 105,000 mile maintenance where it was going to get changed regardless. Thankfully, it happened in the driveway. At first we were quoted a $2000 repair, but when they saw our appointment in the computer, they charged just the $1500 maintenance, and did all the other services for that check-up, AND found a 10% off coupon for us to use. My husband has always loved Honda, but this is my first one. With reliability and service like this, I now understand why.
2003 DX Sedan 5 speed manual
Great performer for the $. Powerful acceleration w/good mileage. Drives well, quiet, fun 5 speed manual. Very refined for a $15K car. Not a lot of bells and whistles but has CD player & power windows. A/C is an option. Want A/C?, then an LX is a better deal. Only problem has been window seal buzzing (seems to have mostly gone away on its own) & buzz in the center console CD compartment at 70 on freeway. Wish it had power door locks. This is a low price entry into a top class of automobile. This car can be had for about same cost as Civic LX and is much more refined, powerful & roomy. Great value to buy and cheap to maintain over the years.
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.
6 year old car turning into a money sink
Issues during the first 6 years included rapid brake wear, radio/AC backlight failure, ignition failure (6 ignition coil plus labor is a $1000 repair). The transmission never seemed to work right and I took the car in 2 weeks after we bought it (only to be ridiculed by the service transmission). It went in again for the transmission recall in 2004. The transmission fluid was changed at 111k miles in 2008 (well before the required 120k). Less then 6 months later the transmission went out. First gear only, no reverse. A faulty torque converter, the cause for the jerky shifts from 1st to 2nd gear that many experience, burned up the transmission.
Honda Accord EX-L
Excellent Acceleration and ride comfort, Rides Smooth.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2003 Accord DX
I bought a new 2003 Accord DX Auto from Gillman in Houston. I think the DX is the best value around as it is on average 2000$ cheaper than the LX. It is better equipped than ever with a CD player, power windows, ABS, Automatic and AC. The engine is smooth and the gas mileage is excellent. The build quality is up to Honda standards. The interior is comfy and attractive. The exterior is conservative but elegant. In brief, it is a very practical and reliable car.
Suprising Honda Accord Problems
Car was purchased new. After five dealer visits, a service bulletin was found regarding clunking and creaking noises from the car's underbody. A number of BODY WELDS were apparently MISSED AT THE FACTORY. The car is now being serviced by a body shop for spot welding the defect areas. There are also noises from something loose in the driver's seat. This has yet to be fixed. Face plate on Sound System needed to be replaced as it came loose. Car has some door rattles.
I really like this car.
Coming from 1991 Civic LX fuul version,153K. This car is powerful (Honda,are you guys sure its a 4 cyl?), confortable,fun to drive, good sound system (CD player+ 2 speakers, good AC (Texas here), classy looks. Only think I'm a little bit dissapointed is about some rattling/cracking noises in the sunvisor's area.(on bumpy roads) It seems that the padding there is a bit loosen.Dealer promised to fix it on its first service.(3750 Miles)
90,000 miles and better than new.
I've owned this car since December of 02, and have enjoyed every mile I've driven it. Honda recalled it to fix a potential transmission problem at 30,000 miles. I put new tires on it at 70,000 miles, which made it a much better car. The only other repair has been new front brakes at 80,000 miles. The car looks new, feels new, and with the new tires, rides and handles better and quieter than new. I can't find any reason to buy a new one, and plan to put another 90,000 miles on it.
Honda Accord LX
Not as quiet as my '92. Lots of wind noise around front windows. Road/tire noise is more than my previous accords. Drivers door doesn't always want to close as easily as the other three. Automatic Transmision is 5 star. Engine has more power than my previous Accords. Dealership very concerned about customer satifaction.
Honda Heaven
What a fun sedan!! Plenty of get up and go. Love the cruise control and sound system controls on the steering wheel. The interior is roomy and very nice.
Wonderful Slick Sedan
When driving the Accord's competitors including the Camry, I felt indifferent and no excitement. One test drive in the Accord and I grinned like a fool. The Accord is so smooooth in everything it does, great build quality, thoughtful with many nice touches. Manual transmission Accords are harder to find but much more satisfying to drive. Gas mileage is great for a car with this weight and power. You've got to try the slick shifter, very Miata/MR2-like!!! The exterior is a little peculiar at first but I've grown to like it! Consumer Report, Car & Driver and Road & Track magazines are right on the money. The Accord is the best!
Great Car
I have had my Honda for nearly eight years and have really enjoyed it. So far repair costs have totaled a mere $100 and that was at an out of town dealership on a Saturday afternoon! Very comfortable, precise handling, good visibility and the radio and HVAC controls are easy to use while driving. It is a little slow off the line but the mpg is outstanding. I regularly observe 34 mpg highway and even had one 38 mpg trip. The paint and interior have held up well and still look good. I feel confident that I'll enjoy driving this Accord for another eight years without any complaints.
I LOVE IT MORE
I am just checking back. I bought it 7 months ago and put 6000 miles on it. Loved it then, love it more now. Some changes since my initial report: Bumpiness got better. Now it feels just right. Not too soft, not too bumpy. MPG improved. I get 35 MPG (75 % HWY). On my last trip with AC on and 80 MPH all the way I got 30 MPG. Pick up is better. It has better pick up on HWY speeds (ex. from 55-80). Very comfortable at highway speeds. Had 1 recall: simple stuff (weak hose clamp). I am considering a second one.
what
The lumbar support in the drivers seat is very uncomfortable, even when at the lowest setting. So bad that it causes my back to hurt for several days. The road noise from the tires is extremely loud. Otherwise it is a great car. I can't stress enought on how bad the seats are though.
Overrated by thousands of people
This car has been okay but not nearly as great as many claim it to be. City mpg is about 14 with the V-6 engine with light throttle, 28 to 30 highway. Car has had transmission problems, electrical issues, and generally not that reliable. I also owned a 2001 Acura TL that nearly stranded me at 61,000 miles due to a faulty transmission. This will be my last Honda since the dealer is not sympathetic even with the extended warranty ("that is normal"). I do not recommend Madison Honda in Madison, NJ to fix any Honda - do not buy the extended warranty there.
I wouldn't buy the 2003 model
I have had many problems with my Accord. Transmission slips without notice, electrical problems, a/c only blows 1 temp. The car seems to have a mind of its own so I wouldn't recommend the 2003 model since this is the 1st year of the new style. Check out the recalls on the 2003's, there are many! Always trouble. Get the 2005.
First car... Yay!
It's a great vehicle, drives smoothly and is in excellent condition.
Never gets old
This car runs so quiet…you can’t tell if it’s running or not!
car review by CRH
actual milage to date (15,100), excellent condition. Nighthawk black exterior. Automatic with many x-tras including power moon-roof, power windows and doors,6 disk in dash CD changer, 160hp, 4 cylinder engine, power steering, cruise control, heated seats (both), keyless entry. aVery smooth riding and comfortable.
My car named "ZIPPY"
WORST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS A BURNT OUT BRAKE LIGHT BULB
Not So Sure About Honda Anymore
Bought this used in 2007 with 60, 000 from a Honda dealership. I always noticed that this car didn't have the smoothest downshifting, but other than that, it was great. I'm now at 125, 000 and it shifts hard quite a bit. Within the past months on 2 occasions it has refused to accelerate with my foot on the gas, and the check engine and TCS lights immediately come on. After reading many other reviews and complaints about this car, I'm sure I know what's about to happen...
Honda is NOT the best car for the money
JUNK. Three times back to dealer for leaking "shift selector shaft seal"; recall kit for 2nd gear done at 11,000 miles. "Grade logic sensor" causes high rpms as brakes applied downhill; dealer charged me $1,000 for a break job at 60k mi. Passenger side power door lock broke at around 40k mi (I hardly ever use the passenger side door) Radiator blew at 50k mi $400 repair. 36k "maintenance" was a $300 oil change; 65k mi trans fluid full, yet appears burnt. Svc. bulletin calls to replace at 120k mi?? Plastic wrap seal around window/door edges is warping and unraveling at 50k mi (2yrs ownership) WORST car I've ever owned. Can't wait to sell it and buy American.
Misleading
This car is awesome. Comfortable, good-looking, fast and smooth. Great all around and it still beats so many newer cars. However it is deceiving because this 2003 Accord is notorious for transmission failures and I was just one of several thousands to just find out. Do your research and you'll be shocked at the mess that is still happening. Honda has known about these awful transmissions since the cars' inception. So buyer beware if you're thinking of buying one now. It will cost you half if not more of it's value today in 2010 to get this manufacturer failure fixed by you. Honda American won't help although the car has much value left.
Awesome 6-speed Coupe
Honda really has thier act togehter this time.
Just a suggestion
I love my car but I had a friend get me front license plate made and I cannot put on the front of my car. I see that most of these Honda's do not have a place to put a front license tag.
Making Germany Jealous
I've moved up from the Honda Civic to the new Honda Accord. While driving, at times I feel like my Accord is hovering above the ground. The engine is so well made and insulated that it is rare to hear any engine noise. Smooth driving, solid, sportier looking than before, AND fuel efficient. What more could you ask for?! If this same car were made in Germany, it would be much higher priced.
zoom zoom
This car is fun to drive. The handling around curves is super. The 240HP allows for maneauvering around traffic a breeze. The suspension is wonderful. I don't feel bumps on the road, which allows for a quiet comfortable ride. The cock pit feel is great. Never a problem seeing all the controls. I rate the car a solid 9.9 with the fuel economy being the only draw back.
No Thrills but No Chills Either
I've owned my Accord EX-L for almost 5 years now and its truly amazing. If you're looking for a car to wow you with performance and handling look elsewhere. But if you want a vehicle that looks classy, rides well, gets great MPG and does just about anything with ease get an Accord. I've taken it on long trips and even though its 5 years old with 40K miles I still prefer it over a rental car any day when I have the option for a business trip. Taught both my teenagers to drive in it and everybody survived! Easily the best all around car I have ever owned...I hope to keep it for many many years to come.
Good car, but noisy
Original owner, now 7+ years old with about 70,000 miles, overall very reliable, nothing beyond regular maintenance until this year though the brakes need replacement too frequently. I had the rear first done at 20,000. Excellent mileage - 34-35 consistently on the long freeway trips, 26-28 in town mixed driving. The car is very responsive and peppy. The ride is a bit harsh however, and there is way too much road noise for a car in this class. This is my first Honda and I've been told road noise is common. My car tends to drift to the left and dealers have been unable to fully fix it. Annoying but not a huge deal.
It is SOOO Nice!
I beleive that this new Accord Coupe EX V-6 is much nicer than its Acura counterpart (CL Type S). I had been considering the CL for a few months until i saw the specs and the pictures of the new Accord. Well, i am glad i waited, this car is almost as powerful (240 hp vs. 260 hp), much better looking, has all the luxury of the Acura (and more), not to mention the Accord costs about 3 or 4 thousand dollars less than the CL Type S. This is, without a doubt, the smoothest automatic transmission i have ever driven. (and i hate automatics (had to buy one 'cause my wife cant drive a standard)). The electronic throttle control makes a huge difference.
Better than previous model.
Got the EX-L 3 wks ago. This car is more solid, rigid and fun to drive than previous model. The interior is well designed and detail oriented. Although Honda rarely compete itself against BMW or Benz, this car truly is sporty in term of handling. The 6 in 1 CD changer is a bit difficult to get used to. The center console cover is already starting to rattle, but overall this car is good. I prefer this car's handling over my just bought I35.