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Used 2003 Honda Civic Coupe Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
186 reviews

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Buy one for reliability

carterpuma, 06/19/2013
2003 Honda Civic LX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 4A)
29 of 31 people found this review helpful

I struggled with constant repairs on domestic cars for years before purchasing this car. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Bought at 47K miles in 2007 and now have 120K. In that time only ONE thing has ever gone wrong and that was a sensor that only cost $150. It just blows my mind how reliable this thing is. This car is such a smart choice and can be found for under $5K atm. Will be one of the best vehicle investments you ever make.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Still running with new parts

Bigtaka1, 05/17/2010
2003 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 5M)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful

I bought my civic used in 2005 with 37K miles and now have 158K. I have been a stickler with scheduled maintenance and have averaged between 33 and 38 mpg. I go on long drives once a month and it does well, but the seats are uncomfortable and you feel every pebble and crack and on the road. I replaced the ignition coils at 120K, the clutch at 153K and the head gasket replaced at 155K, which was hard to diagnose as the symptoms lead you to think the issue is elsewhere (overheating and heater malfunctioning), and the dealership was clueless. Otherwise it has been good to me. I would recommend buying this car, but if the miles are high look for one with new head gasket!

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5 out of 5 stars

Love it still

civic man, 08/10/2010
2003 Honda Civic LX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

I got my 03 civic in may of 03. My car now has 145,000 miles on it and the only thing I have done is change the tires, brakes, and batt. The power lock does not lock my driver door anymore but not to worried about that. I still get about 32 mpg in town and 40 on the road. I could not ask for a better first car, after 7 years I would not even think of trading it. Amazing car!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Mixed review

mixed review, 07/09/2009
2003 Honda Civic EX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Bought new in 9/03. Front passenger strut failed at approx 4k. Clutch started making squeaking noise at 25k. At 60k had clutched inspected, not an issue that has to be fixed but would cost $600 to eliminate the squeak. Driver door lock worn out at around 60k making it embarrassing when trying to get in the car if I actually locked the door. Cheap paint chips and scratches easy. Dents really easy. Not having ABS is a little dangerous, and the car for being so lite weight lacks breaking power.

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5 out of 5 stars

Over 271000 miles and still going strong!

Zach, 04/26/2018
2003 Honda Civic DX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I bought this car around 2012 with 120000 miles on it. Best decision I ever made. As long as you keep up this car it will take care of you. The transmission fluid is still the color it needs to be and the Engine oil doesn't have have a burnt smell. I've only had a couple of electrical problems out of the alternator and battery cables. I changed the catalytic converter cause it was bad with the manifold sense both pieces are actually attached together which is great cause you replace two major components for the price of one. The car is pretty simple to work on which is a plus also. Heat and Air still work great also and tires seem to last forever on this car. All in all this car has been great for me.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3.63 out of 5 stars

It has survived me so far with 200k+

C Read, 03/11/2010
2003 Honda Civic LX 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

I've enjoyed driving the car, mileage is great, especially since I drive a lot of miles, but I have had my problems with the car: alternator went at 90k, the trans had a bearing go at 135k (replacement required), paint started peeling at year 4, ECCM (computer) went at 197k, the fabric on the doors started coming off (glue degraded). The engine is still. Though this car hasn't been as worry free as hoped, but with the high mileage accumulated as quick as it was, I would say it has handled as well could be expected with any car, I'll compare my next car when I get one, until then.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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