Used 2003 Honda Accord Sedan Consumer Reviews
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225,000 miles and still a beast
Lilbit Libra, 11/18/2015
2003 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
65 of 67 people found this review helpful
I am writing this review because I have owned my Honda accord since 2003. I have done very little repairs over the 10+ years. Only replaced an O2 sensor. Its has been a godsend. Only had transmission problem because McGee tire put junk fluid. As soon as I put Honda trans fluid back in, zero problems. My car just hit 225,000 and just had to give her front end brakes, rotors, bearings, tie rods. All general maintenance. This car will last forever.Its death due us part so look for my 500k update.
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Great car with lots of little issues
Pickandpray, 07/24/2015
updated 07/29/2019
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
34 of 35 people found this review helpful
I got this car second hand and it has many little problems that don't sully the overall satisfaction with driving the car. BAD: door lock actuator failure moon roof relay dark radio prevents seeing the station or the time tail lights leak water internally clear coat peeling GOOD: Very acceptable audio quality (decent bass in factory component setup) Very smooth quiet ride Pretty good handling (not sporty but not floaty either) No excessive wind noise on the highway During high speed road trips the suspension feels under dampened when hitting dips in the road at 80mph. Suspension feels great below 70mph. *update* After sorting out the little issues, the car has been problem free except for an idler bearing that needed replacement twice and my heat is not too warm but a coolant flush helped a little. I'm still very happy with this car because it has been very dependable and I hope it stays that way for atleast a few more years.
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Hard to replace
Bernie, 06/13/2018
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
Bought my 03 EXL V6 new. At 148K miles, I'd like to upgrade. I have followed manufacturer maintenance schedule and other than expected wear over time, the car still looks good and as I tell people, it doesn't owe me a dime! It has had two transmission flushes, per schedule and I've never had problems. Reviews on newer cars have been discouraging at best with issues ranging from cheaper interiors, navigation, sound systems, door seals and transmissions, (especially the newer CVT). Probably not too many seekers for a review on this old Honda but I felt compelled to submit one from a "very happy car owner". I may just keep it a wee bit longer.
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Our Experience
Ty, 06/25/2016
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
This is a car that I insisted my friend should get after her first lemon of a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Turns out that this Accord makes that lemon look heaven-sent. It's a shame because I drive a 2000 Honda Accord with over 210,000 miles. The suspension rattles and clunks, the engine burns oil, but it runs well otherwise and hasn't given me any major issues. The 2003 Honda Accord that my friend got has just 79,000 miles. The ride is infinitely better, the seats are much more comfortable, and the car is all around a significant improvement from the previous model. However, the number of issues that the 2003 Accord has way outnumbers my own Accord just 3 years older. The transmission is absolutely garbage. This car has left us on the side of the road outside of Vegas in the middle of the summer with an overheated transmission, pouring fluid all over the side of the freeway. After getting one part of the transmission fixed, it started to shift hard. The tail light switch failed and started killing the battery, which I had to fix on my own to save some money. The AC would only blow cold air through one half of the car. The list of issues go on. All in all, as much as I love this car, the quality of the mechanical components is incredibly bad. A car that I told my friend would be reliable and problem-free has been anything but. CarComplaints.com rates this car as the second worst car to purchase and suggests "avoiding this model year like the plague." Boy were they right. Be careful when thinking about buying a 2003 Honda Accord. As much as I love this car, I hate it just as much.
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I think it may run forever...
Tom, 07/25/2016
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2003 EX 2.4l automatic and now have 185,000 miles on. The car has never broken down, ever. All I do is change the oil every 5,000 miles and then about every 60,000 miles I drain/refill the transmission fluid. I have gone through a couple sets of tires, brakes, and at 100,000 miles I had the coolant drained and replaced. But that is all standard maintenance. The only thing that ever went wrong happened just a few weeks ago. There were a couple days when my A/C was intermittent and then it stopped working all together. Took it to my mechanic and was diagnosed that the A/C clutch went bad. He couldn't find a single other thing wrong with my car so I decided to spend $800 and get a new A/C compressor (with a new clutch of course!) installed. In 13 years of owning the car this is the only thing that has ever went wrong. I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment now and love the fact that I haven't had a car payment in a long time. Curious to see how long it will last but I have a feeling it will last longer then I will and I am only 35!!!
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2003 Honda Accord, still going strong.
M. Kent, 11/07/2018
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
I am a proud owner of a 2003 Honda Accord Ex. The odometer is currently topping off at 400,000 miles. This is my only car and is driven daily. There is nowhere I can’t and won’t drive this car. This car is still going strong!! I wouldn’t buy anything but a Honda. Hands down the most reliable vehicle you can own. The proof is in the mileage!
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Running Strong after All Theses Years
Wendy G, 05/13/2016
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
I have done all the required maintenance on time and this car has never broken down..ever. That is the best thing about Honda's. You take care of them, they will take care of you. After 178,000 miles, all I have done is replace batteries, wipers, tires, brakes and an alternator. Regular attention to the owners manual has kept me rolling along and safe. Love this car!!
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Failed Transmission
willm3, 10/30/2013
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
20 of 22 people found this review helpful
Great car but transmission is not dependable. I would not buy this car unless you are a transmission mechanic.
pretty nice
stewart, 09/08/2015
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
I bought this accord used from a trade in with 220,000 miles. Right now I have 229,000 miles. No major issues. Took it from ohio to florida bo problem. Scariest complaint I have seen is about excessive oil consumption. From my research it seems to happen when oil changes are not done and the oil gets dirty. When that happens your timing chain which relies upon oil pressure can jump/ get stretched. Get your oil changed every 3000 miles. I dont lose any oil and this car to get to 220k miles must have been changed like clockwork. Also the automatic seems to have tranny problems.. I have a 5 speed manual and I seen hardly any complaints. Buying used make sure the car is clean.. If someone took good care of the interior and outside, then they probably took care of it mechanically too. Also when i bought mine the oil was just due for the 3000 change.. And the small dealership didn't change the oil prior to me buying. This let me see the level of the oil, and how dirty it was after 3000 miles.. To which the oil looked good. So i bought it and had it changed first thing. I expected with that many miles to not get the window sticker epa mileage.. But in fact i get 29 combined city and highway. Taking it to florida a tank seemed to get a max of about 520 miles. Take care of your Honda if you want it to last!
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Never wanted a foreign car until Honda Accord
Dennis Popek, 10/12/2018
2003 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I got this car , by accident, and was totally surprised about how great it was. I have owned, Corvettes, Trans Am, 442 Olds, Shelby Mustang, Comet Cyclone, Pontiac Can Am, Lincoln Continental, etc, etc, and I must say this Honda Accord is the best combination of performance, handling, and road feel. Clearly its not the fastest car I ve every owned, but the feel of the car on the highway is fantastic.
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Fantastic car! The best ever for me.
snowatcher, 11/02/2012
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I had to write this review, as I have never felt about any car like I do about this one. When I bought it new in February 03, I thought it was the best value compared to competition. 10 years and 150K miles later, it proved to be more than that. It's super reliable, comfortable, runs like new, it brings the smile to my face every time I drive it. I do my own maintenance, which is really easy on this car. The things that went wrong: radio display (fixed by dealer for free), and brakes. I got tired replacing pads every 40K miles, so I put on Centric rotors and Akebono pads myself - best upgrade possible! OEM level performance, but much longer life and no dust. Highly recommended car!
Transmission Failure
Shannon, 08/13/2015
2003 Honda Accord LX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
28 of 32 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as my first car. It worked wonderfully, I loved it! Then two weeks later the transmission fails. Everywhere I read says this is a common problem with this year. I spent all my money I saved on this car, I don't have enough to buy a new transmission.
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2003 Honda Accord EX V6 4dr
hollandsc, 12/07/2011
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
Background: original owner, 148k miles, new transaxle @ 45k, new output shaft oil seal @ 145k, new struts @ 145k, and every warning light that could have come on has come on. I need to mention that it has been in four wrecks all due to being hit from behind while stopped. With this said, I do all repair work myself on this car and all of my other cars. This Honda is a little touchy because of the number of sensors. This is good or bad; good if you fix the issue because the car knows if there is an issue or bad if you want to ignore the problem and dont want to know about it. Parts are readily available, cheep & the car is easy to fix. No matter the car (I have had just about every
Beware of going over 100,000 miles
Keith, 07/12/2016
2003 Honda Accord DX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Had transmission issues-gasket in-between casings gone-hard to fix -costing 15-2000 dollars. Two oil leaks sprang up in engine-gaskets. I was later told Honda gaskets die after 100,000-so dam true! Other person I know had severe transmission issues in this model. Door is a issue-try and go out it goes to swing back on you. Body rot started on the panels-exhaust system rotted out-same right tail light went out 6 times in a few years. Nightmare. Please look at the later models first. This 2003 was a Bust!
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I love my Honda
Marco Gonzales, 01/25/2016
2003 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
My 2003 Accord LX is as good as it was when I bought it in 2003. With 267,844 miles it still runs like the day I bought it. Of course I kept the maintenance and changed the timing belt and water pump every 60K miles. I will be buying 2016 Accord in April.
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Great Car
Matt, 09/15/2006
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 2000 Ford Contour SVT for a Honda Accord V6 in 2003 and have been very satisfied with the Honda. There are several flaws in the Accord, the "automatic" air system is a broken piece of junk, the alternater/battery system makes the lights flash (unfixable), and the dummy pedal is too small. The emissions is too far ahead of its time resulting in a sulpher smell. But overall, I've been really happy with the performance, owner cost, service, and reliability of this car. I had the flawed radio display, which stopped working. They replaced that on warrenty. No critical feature has had any problems for me.
Don’t change your car says Honda advisor!
Richard, 07/11/2021
2003 Honda Accord DX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought new in 2003. 150000 miles. Very few problems. Always serviced by local dealer for whom we have praise. Advisor has the same car - he doesn’t like later models which are crammed with electronics which do fail. Has always told us to keep the car until major failure - unlikely! Yes it is rusting and we fear that will limit its life.
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Honda USED to make a superb car
tbckc, 07/06/2011
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan w/Leather (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I had been a raving Honda fan since the early 90's. I finally gave up and sold my 42,000 mile, 03 Accord after a bad a/c compressor, sunroof relay, wiper motor, and drivers door lock motor. Of course, AHMC had no interest in a goodwill claim on any of it. I'm just now reading reviews by other owners who are citing the same issues over and over. Also looks like I got out just in time to avoid the failure of a poorly engineered automatic transmission. Since the late 90s larger vehicles with more powerful engines, and attempts to make them shift without jerking have stressed Honda's unique design of an automatic. Please, DO YOUR RESEARCH before you buy.
Scared
bigjohn112, 07/14/2013
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
I wish I had read more reviews before buying this car for my daughters first. I found this car at a dealer. One owner, 119K, no wrecks, no damage. Car looked a drove great. AC did not blow as cold as I thought it should but they checked it and replaced a sensor. I am going to change the transmission fluid as soon as possible. But with all the talk about tranny problems I find myself listening for odd noised and weird shifting . We have only had it a few days, but may end up wishing I had got a 2004+
2003 Honda lasts forever!
Cheryl Franklin, 06/29/2018
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I purchased this Honda used, and it has been a great running, reliable car. I did not have to change the Timing Belt and Water Pump until it had 218,113 miles on it. I got the oil pump resealed, new radiator, alternator, and catalytic converter between 233,000 - 244,000 miles. And here I am today, at 312,900 miles and it is going strong. I have to admit that when I purchased it used, I considered it to be a lemon because of electrical problems: The CD player stopped working, the passenger side front window did not work (even though we changed the window regulator twice). But for a lemon, this car has been a winner! You will enjoy and drive this car until the wheels fall off. I highly recommend this used car.
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You need a new transmission = 2003 Accord
Antranick Harrentsian, 08/07/2018
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Great car, if you don't need to drive the car. The transmission my car, like thousands of other Honda Accord owners, died and needs to be replaced. Though it is the most notorious defect for this model year, unfortunately, it isn't the only one: no A/C due to the positioning of the A/C condenser and its susceptibility to being rendered inoperable by rocks the car runs over; the electrical system malfunctions (i.e. the headlights no longer work, the cd player no longer works). The biggest downfall for this model year Honda is clearly the fact that due to Honda's poor transmission design, you will need to shell out $2,000.00-$4,500.00 for a new transmission.
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Can't beat the Accord
James G, 03/31/2010
2003 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Purchased for my wife 2004 from Jim White Honda in Toledo, OH. and received a good deal as it was an 2003 model. Car has held up great. There was an initial problem with a flickering of the dashboard light, which a dealer in Akron, OH (Mike Pruit Honda) promptly fixed under warranty. The rest of the time has just been routine maintenance. Several people in our families think it time for us to purchase a new vehicle and give them our Honda, but we are not ready to part with it yet. Only problem never repaired is one of the key remote lock would drain a battery (in the key) in a day or 2. We had lived in different cities so no one dealer changed the key, each changed the key's battery.
My Honda V6 Ex Review
Bugs, 01/21/2006
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have 30k miles on this Accord and bought it new. The power is very impressive and on long trips have got 32mpg. I have owned Toyotas, Fords, Chevrolets, Pontiacs and Nissans, none these vehicles in the same class as this car. Had one minor problem on the interior and the dealer fixed it. Overall i would recommend this car. But not for a younger person that is beginning to drive, too much power, get them into trouble.
Outstanding 03 Accord
movinwest, 08/22/2011
2003 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I owned a new 03 accord lx with a manual transmission. I purchased the car instead of a nissan z or an audi a4 as I thought I would be practical for once. During 200,000 trouble free miles the car won me over with a combination of enjoyable driving dynamics, all around practicality and reliability. The only repairs other than brake pads and two batteries, was an oxygen sensor which needed replacement costing a little over $100. The build quality is certainly a high point for this car as it seemed as solid at 200k as when it was new. The mileage was tremendous as on one trip I got up to 36 mpg on the highway. A tremendous value.
Love it!
jpayne_07, 10/21/2010
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my Accord used with 12,000 miles on it. Now 6 years later it has 253k on it. I have NOT had a problem out of it at all. It has been a great car. Even with the high miles on it i am still averaging 33 MPG. No leaks whatsoever and still rides amazing. I plan on driving this car until it finally quits. I have put 240k miles on it and I believe i can run it for another 250k. The only problem is the paint. It has faded in a select few spots but i cant complain
2003 Honda Accord EX - 6 cyl
wallyk2, 12/21/2014
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
I've enjoyed my car, but the transmission had to be replaced at 40,000 miles, 2 of 3 catalytic convertor stages had to be replaced in less than 120,000 miles, and the oxygen sensor twice...now my heat "blend doors" have to be replaced (which entails removing the entire dashboard).
299,000 miles and still running!
Tanya Stemmerman, 10/21/2019
2003 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My mom bought a 2003 Accord back in 2003 and gave it to me in 2012. It’s 2019 and still running great! It now has 299,000 miles on it! This car has not given me any real issues other than having to change the Cadillac converter in order to pass smog in 2016. I am really good at keeping up with the recommended maintenance which helps the car continue to run smoothly I believe. I will NEVER drive a car that is not an Accord.
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DON'T BUY!
Michele, 12/10/2009
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Since we bought this car the transmission has gone out twice, the radio/cd went out and the A/C went out. Our transmission was replaced at 55,000 miles and now at 120,000 miles it's out again! Honda says they know this is an issue, but are not willing to help. We are looking at another $3500!!!
What a set of wheels!
carolina08, 06/25/2006
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Purchased with 72k miles as certified used vehicle. Love the power, though it has almost gotten me in trouble a few times. I have avoided several accidents in this car thanks to the agile handling and intelligent abs system. Did have the problem with the radio in April but dealer replaced it under good faith (though my certified warranty would have covered it). Only repair I have had to make is replace a brake light switch that won't let the car be put into gear if it goes out. It cost me 8 dollars and I was able to install it myself! I drove a brand new civic before I bought my accord for more room. This accord with over 86,000 miles runs just as well as my brand new civic! ITS A HONDA!!!!
Nearly Flawless
Stoney, 01/12/2007
2003 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought this new and have been extremely pleased with the performance, reliability, and overall "functionality." Our 4 cylinder LX accelerates and handles well. The fuel economy is very good. Seat comfort is excellent despite the lack of lumbar adjustment. Repairs have been minimal - oil changes, tire rotation, and new brake pads (typical for 50% city driving). If you buy this car used, be sure to pull a CarFax because there are thousands of "totalled" Accords out there being sold - and it is hard to restore a heavily damaged car to original specs.
Honda Reliability
NorthDallasTexas, 06/29/2006
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
03 Honda Accord EX Sedan 4cyl with auto and NAV. Great design, GREAT interior comfort! Room for 5 midsize adults. 23-28.5 mpg city 31.2-35.0 mpg highway What other sedan of this size can compete? I love the Navigation, VERY easy to use. Ambient lighting is neat. 6 cd changer is good, steering wheel controls GREAT for people who use to take there eyes off the road (like me) at 72,000 miles starting to "putt putt" a little. I'm 6 foot 1 and hit my knee's under the steering column everytime I get out! I don't feel that the brakes, braking system and ABS system work as good as they can. Feels like you're stopping a Suburban, not a midsize sedan.
A Nice Drive
DreArf, 03/09/2005
2003 Honda Accord LX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
First vehicle I have ever owned and it was new when I bought it. I have had so much fun driving it. Power is quite pleasant, but I do notice a slight hesistation before it kicks in when I accelerate hard. I have fine tuned it some by adding chrome rims, AEM cold air intake valve, AERO turbine performance mufflers, and special paint striping. I'm 5'4 and the visibility is okay, but if you're short you need to just get use to visually compensating when parking and driving in tight spaces. The design a lot of people seem to complain, but of course, if you own one it grows on you. The car has been a surprise to drive and I hope someone can enjoy this model as much as I have.
Honey of a honda
Norm raush, 09/15/2016
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
After 265000 miles car runs like new, engine terrific, trans repaired at 230,000 miles , still quite rattle free, fun to drive ultra reliable.
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Bad MechanicaL Design & Poor reliability
newstripes, 12/02/2011
2003 Honda Accord DX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
My experience with this car has been far from the perception og Hondas go forever, are reliable and great quality. We are experiencing the well known problems of excess oil consumption & timing chain issues. It seems the design of the engine & car makes it very dificult & costly to repair this requiring about 14hours of Labor according to our Honda Dealer. This car usues the most oil of any car i ever owned (3L per 5K) and has cost the most to maintain this year at so far $2000! Now This $2000+!!! all at 80,000 miles (130K Km).
Great car but transmission problem
Ankit Patel, 10/01/2015
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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
HondaOwnerNOmore, 06/28/2016
updated 06/29/2017
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan w/Leather (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
11 of 17 people found this review helpful
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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Welcome to Lowered Expectations
James M. Krupski, 10/12/2015
2003 Honda Accord LX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
9 of 14 people found this review helpful
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
Jay, 09/08/2008
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
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.
my 2003 honda
Mocha, 10/22/2003
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan w/Leather and Navigation (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Love the navi system. It works like a dream.
Accord LX 2003 Review
toddchitt, 09/01/2005
2003 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
The One!
pbconspiracy, 11/15/2011
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Love this car!
Wendy, 01/05/2019
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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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A truly great car
MaxUse, 06/23/2003
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan w/Leather (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
1st Honda
gotit, 06/24/2003
2003 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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
Still own it!
Betsy, 03/16/2019
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan w/Leather (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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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Next Honda Is A Camry
R. Morgan, 09/02/2009
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
unreliable with poor service!
george39, 07/14/2003
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
flawed design, unsafe, low quality
jinrui, 01/25/2007
2003 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
Great first car!
03hondaaccord, 04/29/2012
2003 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
VERY surprised and disappointed
Andrew, 10/01/2006
2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.