Used 2003 Honda Civic Consumer Reviews
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Great, Reliable Hybrid
Radar, 08/06/2009
2003 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my Civic Hybrid new, and after six years have put in almost 89,000 miles. The mileage is great: I average 42-44 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving, and on long freeway trips I often get my mileage up to 51 mpg or better. I have only had two issues with the car so far: 1. The chrome covering on the door handles started peeling off and have cut my fingers on it a couple times. 2. In the last 6 months the car has started shuddering when I take off from a stop- -a common problem in Honda sedans from this year I hear? Still, the mileage is great and it has been otherwise very reliable. I'm keeping this for one more year, and seriously considering a new one to replace it again.
Great Little Car!
Amber, 01/20/2019
updated 01/26/2022
2003 Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan (1.7L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 2003 to have reliable transportation with decent storage and that got good gas mileage, and now with 219000 miles on it I still love it! I get good gas mileage ...usually 34 to 38 mpg. It has good storage space and a comfortable interior. It is a solid car and I have had few maintenance issues over the years, it is pretty easy to do work on it yourself too. Besides regular maintenance, the only major repair was to get the air conditioning compressor replaced at 185000 miles. I expect to still be driving it when it hits 300,000 miles! Now in 2021 I still have this car, it still drives great and gets the same gas mileage. I did have to replace the rear struts, and the tires recently. It does have an oil leak now. But it has 255000 miles on it. I just sold this car in December 2021, it should have many more miles in it.
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2003 Honda Civic for sale near you
Showing 3 of 68 listings
- Hybrid SedanMSRP: $4,95080 mi away
- LX Sedan w/Side AirbagsMSRP: $3,999106 mi away
- LX CoupeMSRP: $6,599150 mi away
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93,000 miles and counting
UncleTurbo, 03/15/2010
2003 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.7L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought my Civic new with the intention of keeping it until either it goes or I go whichever comes first. I was just short of 55 at the time and in very good health so I wanted a car with staying power, that was sporty, fun, and economical. So far, perfect choice. The Civic delivers super gas mpg, I get over 40 mpg on expressway trips and always over 30 mpg, and generally average 35 mpg. No repair issues; one strut replaced under warranty ages ago, front brakes at 75K miles, and otherwise regular maint. Handles great, VTec motors hits with more power above 3,500 rpm, a budget sports car. It can take 4 people anywhere in comfort with their luggage. Just a practical and enjoyable car.
Great Car But Has Transmission Issues
tinkbot, 08/12/2009
2003 Honda Civic EX 4dr Sedan (1.7L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have a 2003 Civic and currently have 83,000 miles on it. I do all maintenance and oil changes as recommended in the owners manual. About 6 months ago I noticed the automatic transmission was having problems shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and from 3rd to 4th. Transmission is now having major issues accelerating and going over 60 mph. My mechanic says the transmission is slowly dying and has to be replaced. Cost will be around $3,000. WHAT!?! This car is only 6 years old. A transmission shouldn't have to be replaced before 150,000+ miles and especially not on a Honda. Honda what's happened to you? Buyer beware!
The way a Honda should be
honda4311, 03/01/2012
2003 Honda Civic LX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The seashore mist metallic coupe now has 120,000+ miles on it and still runs great. It uses a negligable amount of oil, and the oil stays clean between the changes. I just changed all of the belts, thermostat, plugs, brake rotors, and tires. The car runs like new except for a little belt screach when it's cold and/or wet. I'm really anticipating getting 200,000+ out of this car. My wife however, not so lucky. A 2002 Honda Accord SE with the same mileage riddled with oil consumption problems (1/2 quart week) and a transmission that is holding on for dear life.
This car worth the extra cost
Cool Canuck, 11/01/2002
2003 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I drive the Hybrid in the city and on long trips. Gas mileage is fantastic, although I lose the Autostop when the outside temp is below 32F. Recent trip through Cdn and US Rockies was impressive for handling and fuel consumption. The electric boost is great for passing, but on long mountain climbs the battery does run down so you are left with the gas motor alone. Haven't had any really cold weather so will have to see how it does in minus 30
The best car ever
nick869, 08/30/2010
2003 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My honda is the best compact car that feels like I'm driving a sport. Safe, fun (drifting ha ha), and great fuel economy.
best car i've ever owned, BY FAR
thwipp89, 05/08/2013
2003 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 13 people found this review helpful
bought my EX automatic new in '03 and have 125k miles after 10 yrs. after having a few american cars that were unreliable money pits, this car has been spectacular for me. wish i would've bought a honda sooner than i did. over 10 yrs, i've spent about $1k in non-maintenance repairs- mostly emissions/exhaust related, most of which has been at the 10 yr mark. i did need to replace the alternator after about 9 yrs. i average 30 MPG combined (about 65% city) but i have a very heavy foot.
Watch Out For That Tranny
Adam, 11/10/2010
2003 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
We take good care of our car. We put low miles on it every year. At 65,000 miles the transmission should not fail. To make it worse, Honda has no interest in making it right. Be very cautious when buying this car. There may not be many complaints about the '03 transmission now, but they're about to come of age. Do a search for '01 transmission problems and start saving for the impending rainy day. Don't say you weren't warned.
Heavenly Hybrid
Kim, 04/05/2008
2003 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car, primarily for the "Green Factor," but I have been amazed how reliable it has been. Even now, I still get about 50 MPG on the highway, and I will never commute in anything else. Here in Virginia, hybrids bought before 2006 are allowed on the HOV lanes, which is an extra bonus. I will be driving this car until it will no longer run, which seems likely to be many years from now. Aside from a rattle in the dash that comes and goes, this car is quiet, smooth, and makes me feel a little like a race car driver with its quick shift 5-speed manual transmission. I love this car!