Used 2003 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews
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Enjoy
Bought new for $8900, year end-sale. Commuter-car. No problems at 15K. I don't understand the complaints about the paint, Honda's seem to have the best paint appearance in the business. Head room at 6' is tight, rear view in the coupe is tough. The exterior design of the coupe makes this car one of the best looking vehicles on the road. Does seem to have slightly soft suspension(not for slaloms). 39 MPG (mainly highway. Surprisingly large trunk space, and rear seats are reasonably comfortable for 2 people.
simply amazing
What a great car, you don't sacrafice anything only gain. I get 49.5 miles to the gallon highway and 42.3 city.
ReadyToMoveUp
There is no true power in this car unless you add your own, and thus void the warranty. I have had this car for over a year, with no technical problems. The panels are thin and you can expect many dings and paint scratches. There are many little irritants i have with this car, such as the ugliest interior fabric, the air conditioner stinks and blows warm air when on medium-high, the seats will easily "click" out of place. I am rumbling about the little things but swear by the Honda name. I want to move up to a Honda Accord EX in the very near future, Im just plain bored with the Civic. I just hope i dont put the money into something just like the Civic.
New Hybrid Owner
I just bought my Hybrid this weekend but so far I think it's fantastic compared to the Kia Sportage that I did have. I bought it for $19,200 but I had to add a little on since I was upside down on my Kia (a $10,000 depreciation in a little over a year!) I was scared it wouldn't have much power but it has more get-up-and-go than my Kia did, plus it's so quiet and smooth. I drive 35 miles one way to work and averaged 45.6mpg (17mpg with my Kia).
EX rules
Fun, sporty and powerful. I wouldn't mind a dual-cam engine or even another 50 horsepower, but the stock engine is still very responsive and can get up and go with low RPMs.
My best car yet...
Having put 12,000 miles on my Honda Civic Hybrid CVT over the last 15 months, I can say I like it better than the 3 Audis and 4 Mercedes-Benz, bought new, that I had previously owned. (I traded in a late model M-B on the Civic.) Unfortunately, the Hybrid did not come with a moonroof, so I had a top-of-the-line ASC moonroof installed as part of the purchase order. (ASC is the supplier for the moonroofs that are installed at the Honda factories in Ohio.) This is one great car, as near to being environmentally sound as one could hope for at this stage of our technology.
Very Satisfied with Honda
I purchased a 2003 Civic EX 4 door automatic at the Honda Clearance sale. Was able to get a great price just slightly above invoice and a wonderful finance rate on a car with all the options. I was NOT pressured at all by the salesman or finance manager. So far, I am very satisfied with my purchase. The car runs great; the extras like the moon roof and the keyless remote are fun to use; the anti- lock brakes make me feel safer; and there's just enough back seat space to fit 2 children's booster seats and one infant car seat.
Love it
No complaints. I drive this thing into the ground and it's reliable day after day. Exactly what I'd expect from Honda but with 40 mpg average.
Home away from home
It isn't the quickest vehicle on the road, but it is fun to drive, easy to maintain and is definitely worthy of the "best selling compact" title. This is my third Honda and I have no doubt that it will hold true to the quality and reliability of its predecessors.
Just required maintenance
This was a great car! I drove it for over 16 years. Because of reliability of this 2003 Honda I purchased another Honda (2020). I hope this 2020 model of the civic is as well made as the 03. I really liked my 03 and will likely always drive a Honda!!
A Honda Civic Family
I've done extensive research in looking for a safe, reliable, and affordable car; and all the facts would lead me back to the Honda Civic. After owning three Civic's, I thought a change would be good. But nothing could compare. We now currently have three Honda Civic's; and sold our fourth. An extremely satisfied customer.
Ok for first 120K
Original owner with 130K on this car. Have never missed any preventable maintenance. Transmission need to be replaced at 80K(under extended warranty). Only replaced a calliper until 120K. Since then, I've had to replace bushings, trans mounts, & O2 sensor.
Money Pit
Bought the car with 117k miles, at 120k the radiator blew, then at 131k the head gasket blew (almost a $2000 dollar fix), and now at 139k miles my fuel pump fails which is a $500 dollar repair. If you’re looking for a cheap used car you’re better off with a Camry!!
Baby has been WONDERFUL!
I bought her brand new on the last day of February. She has been great to me ever since. We did have an issue with her being an overachiever when they had to do the computer recall (accepted 115% programming when she was to only accept 100% and blew the computer). I have taken her to the dealer religiously for all of her scheduled maintenance and had until recently a set of Arizonian tires on her which helped me get better gas mileage yet caused the tires to wear quicker (what do you want in AZ?) I now have a set of Michelin tires which has caused her to have a bit of decreased gas efficiency. I have been averaging anywhere from 28 to 52 mpg. Never giving her up!
Lacks power
This car is without a doubt is a fun car to drive, but it lacks power like some of Honda's other models (such the '02 S2000) but I guess what can you expect when you get a car like this for under $13,999...over all I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 10.
Honda Civic Si
Well what can I say. It's a honda civic Si. So it's going to last forever and it's a fast for an economy car. It's not going to win any races with a Mustang or big V8 or V6. It's not built to do that. It is built to last, run with min maint and fuel eff. It provides both, most I should have to pay for repairs in a given year is $600- 700 and that is all the way up to 150,000 miles. It will more than easily make it there. I'm coming from a Honda Accord 2001 V6, 101000 miles. Now the 01' would beat my new civic. But the fun to drive factor can't be denied. The civic is a blast, not to mention when I'm running it up to the red line at 6800 rpm I'm still able to get 27-30 mpg.
No fuel cells yet? Next Best...
Fun to watch the mpg panels, great to get up to 55 mpg! Feel like you're putting your money where your mouth is, to save gas and lower emissions. Smooth ride, peppy, Honda quality. Very quiet. I have only had Accords before, but this one is fine. Solid feel, smooth transitions. For once, I get a new car and I don't suddenly see them everywhere, unique! But this would be good...
fun car
This car is a blast to drive. It is not a sports car, but handles well and is a lot of fun.
pretty nice
i just got the civic hx. so far it's been fun to drive, responds well, and is super smooth.
Traded my S2000 for a Civic Hybrid
After my first 1000 miles I can't find anything I don't like about this car. Next month It will be loaded up with wife and 2 dogs for a road trip to Florida. It will be nice to pass by all those gas stations. This car could use a few more options, but I'm not complaining. It is well equiped and I'm adding an aftermarket navigation system and MP3 player. There is no sunroof option. Suddenly I have alot more uses for it than my S2000.
What more could a girl wnat?!
I was all ready to test drive a Toyota Prius last December when an article at Edmunds.com alertted me to Honda's plan to make a hybrid Civic. With Civic reliability and safety and the fuel mileage and low emissions of the hybrid engine, this is THE PERFECT CAR (OK, all electric would be even better, but I regularly travel farther than current electrics will run on a single charge.)
An awsome vehicle . . .
We recently bought this car (actually an '02, but it is virtually identicle), it is an excellent transport. Compared to our '99 saturn sl, this car is quieter, roomier and much faster. The shifter and clutch are amazing, and the car handles well. I have two complaints. For a 6'4" driver, there is not enough headroom (I have a moon roof). Also, there is a little too much assist with the power steering.
Low Trying to Increase the MPG
We bought the Honda Hybrid because we like new technolgy. With gas prices cripping up to $2.00 a gallon, fuel economy is greatly helping finance the car. Fun to drive. Great to show off. I love my Honda Hybrid. Not even a whisper of a problem. The first time the idle stop kicked in at a light I pulled the joke on my friend -- oh no, my car died. Can you push? Buy it!
WE LOVE OUR HONDA
WE JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED OUR FIRST HONDA AND ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. IT IS EXTREMELY FUN TO DRIVE. IT HAS UNEXPECTED PEP AND HANDLES BEAUTIFULLY. I AM 6'0'' TALL AND HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE INTERIOR COMFORT. WE LOVE THE CAR SO MUCH THAT WE WILL BE PURCHASING ANOTHER ONE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THANK YOU HONDA!!!!!
Well screwed together
Bought this car because I started a new job and had to commute. My previous car was a 2002 Altima 3.5 which I really enjoyed driving especially from the acceleration point of view. Had many fit/finish and quality problems with the Altima, but not the Honda. Its completely reliable and everything fits together as it should. Gas mileage is excellent.Its a lot of fun to drive, but could definately do with another 20 horses under the hood to make passing more relaxing. Amazed at how high the engine revs and how quiet it is at such high revs. Definately a car thats more in touch with the road and as a result can be tiring to drive over long hauls.
Honda Civic Hybrid has Flaws
I purchased the Honda Civic Hybrid because I thought it would be reliable and get outstanding fuel economy. I was sorely disappointed. Instead of getting the 48 MPG as advertized, I never get more than 38 MPG, even under gentle driving conditions. The undercarriage protective plate is made of cheap plastic, instead of steel as on conventional cars. This plate falls off under normal driving conditions at a cost of $65, which is not covered under the warranty. Dearler customer service is poor. I do not recommend this car.
Honda Civic
The civic is just great. The features inside are excellent, and is compact, yet not too small for comfortability.
my Civic will have you chasing behind
This car handles like a dream, the nicest civic as of yet. Powerful Vtec will have onlookers drooling. The car is hot. 15 inch alloys are sporty too.
Fun,safe,reliable & ecologically sound!
We are thrilled with our new toy: responsive; road hugging; corners well at speed; and brakes with confidence. Seats are supportive & comfortable. Love the look of the metallic silver exterior and charcoal interior. Feels safe to drive, easy to park, accelerates quickly and turns on a dime. In short...BIG FUN for a not so big price.
2003 Honda Civic
I am extremely happy with my little Red Honda! It is such a cute car and fun to drive! I would definitely recommend it for anyone, well maybe not for a big family!
Amazing Car!
While shopping for my first new car, I drove every compact and mid size under the sun and the Civic was the obvious choice. The Civic was my first foriegn car and I'm kicking myself for driving all those American pieces of junk for so many years(except American trucks)! The manual EX is exciting to drive with nice acceleration and seats that hug you like a race car! Combine the performance with a moonroof and a 6 spkr sound system and you have a winner.
What you expect from a Honda
Overall a great car. The Fit and finish is up to par and the overall drive ability is great. The thing I don't like are, the engine should be stronger, it would be nice to have a vtec standard on all trim levels. The seating position is a little high and can make tall drivers (me) feel a little awkward. And some thing like keyless entry and ABS would be nice without having to get the top of the line.
Bought Because of Sept. 11...
I bought the Civic Hybrid to help fight back after the "when you buy drugs, you're supporting terrorism" ads on TV made me realize that "when you buy gasoline, you're supporting terrorism." As it turns out, the hybrid is such a terrific car that I would by it again even if it wasn't the right thing to do. I haven't missed my fancy German sports sedan one bit. The hybrid handles nearly as well, has excellent acceleration and braking, an incredibly quiet and comfortable ride, luxurious but not ostentatious interior, and makes me feel quite virtuous driving it.
Really enjoyed this 2 door EX Coupe
I had my Honda Civic for 5 years but just recently sold it so I could get a 4 door (got little kids). The car was very, very reliable and I only had a little over 51,000 miles on it. I never had any mechanical problems with it the whole time (knock on wood). I always changed the oil (myself) every 5,000 miles and made sure to change Air Filter (15,000 miles). I made sure to check the tires monthly as well. I got anywhere from 32-33 mpg around town with some highway driving. For straight highway trips I averaged around 36 on the last one. If you take care of this little baby it will take care of you. If you decide to sell your Civic, sell it out right as the dealerships will hose you.
My Awesome Baby!
I am 20 yrs old and I bought the Civic for myself. I went from the car my parents bought me, a Pontiac Sunfire, to the Civic. I loved my Sunfire and wasn't sure if I was going to like the Civic but once I test drove it, I fell in LOVE with it and had to have it! The Civic is awesome! Smooth ride, fun to drive, great design interior and exterior! Its just an awesome car through and through! Very sporty!
seeyaray review
I have driven this car since Nov. 2002, durring what I consider a tough winter. This car handeled very well in the snow, and is a pleasure to drive anytime. the only thing I would like to see added to it's options is a GPS, other than that it has everything I need in a automobile. Fun to drive and excellent on gas.
civic review
i love everthing about the car!
Problems from the begining
I love my civic, really I do. But once I signed the papers and brought it home I noticed that it was REALLY hard to turn the stearing wheel. I thought, by never buying a new car before, that this was somewhat normal. Of course my brother was quick to tell me that it wasn't. I had to bring the car back to the place where I had bought it, and explain to them what was wrong. The salesmen who sold me the car got in and tried to turn the wheel himself, and was really shocked to find it almost next to impossible.
Great Effort by Honda
I am happy with my purchase of this vehicle. It feels like it has more than 93 horsepower. I am truly getting close to the 50 mpg this car is supposed to get you. The gauges are fun to look at for many reasons, and the car is actually peppy when pushed a little. Even when I push it hard and with the AC on, I get about 40 mpg.
What Happened To Honda?
I bought this car in 2002 and it has been very reliable until it hit 100,000 miles. The transmission slips terribly, I took it to a service station and had it flushed thinking that would help but no such luck. The service manager said he's seen several Hondas with bad transmissions lately. My first Honda was good for 180,000 miles, died when I wrapped it around a pole.That's why I bought another one. But this one's transmission started acting up as soon as it hit 100,000 miles. What happened to you, Honda?
Easy to be green
The Civic hybrid is great. It runs just like an ordinary gasoline auto except it gets nearly 45 mpg around town. It is an easy way to help save the earth.
How dealerships screw you out of $250
I did my research and printed out the Edmund's price. The dealership surprisingly had no problems with selling it to me for that. However, In the finance office, they stubbornly tried to sell me extended warranties and then announced that they already installed an anti-left plan to the car in which they charged me $249. It probably cost them $49 to buy it from the company and 5 minutes to put those silly stickers on the 7 most stripped parts of the car. I was not in the mood to have them spend an hour to remove the stickers and in turn stratch or chip the paint, so I'm paying $4.50 more a month for something that I didn't need or want.
Best Civic Yet Made
I own a '99 Civic DX Hatchback 5M with 160K on the odometer. The 2003 Civic Sedan has improved the pedigree in all areas. I can see both vehicles hitting 300K easily. Can you make that comment about BMW's? Honda has greatly improved the sound- proofing of the Civic as well as the transmission's quality. If I had a choice between Honda and other vehicles, I choose Honda hands down!
Great car
I was thinking about buying a new Toyota Corolla when I saw an ad from a Los Angeles County area Honda dealer selling its Civic Hybrids for under dealer's invoice. I went there, test drove and bought it. It's all what the reviews say about it -- very confortable, quiet, peepy performance, good quality in fit and finish.
Much Better Than Expected
Honda Civic Hybrid far exceeded my expectations. It's got a surprisingly smooth and quiet ride, excellent acceleration, and a different sort of "feel", -- hard to describe, you have to test drive it. It just doesn't feel like a small car, and sometimes doesn't feel like a car at all. For example, it NEVER shifts, or you can say it always shifts (the continuously variable trasmission), but you never feel anything.
Honda and quality - I don't think so
Bumper loosened and mis-aligned first month. Interior door trim came apart. CV drive boot loosened and tore. Leaking strut.
Honda Civic
Just buy this car!
2003 Honda Civic LX
I got this car from a used car dealer about 1 year ago, and have not had any problems whatsoever. I will say that the seats aren't all that comforting for long rides and the default radio system lacks, but aside from this, no complaints. Overall, this car is very reliable.
Best car I ever owned
The quality of this car is unbeliviable. I always thought I'd stick with american made cars but this car unquestionable beats the competition by a long shot.
I love this Car
I really love this car! I t is not good on Gas, it is Excellent! Better than non Hybrid Models. Those who saying about Hybrid Models, take it from me who owns one, THOSE ARE NOT TRUE!!! They just can't afford it or they just owned a hybrid lemon