Used 2003 Honda Civic Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Good car
Great car! After 7 years of owning this car, I have only replaced the struts, mirrors, gas cap lid cable, change draw spring and replaced washers underneath driver seat to stop it from rocking back and forth. Besides that I have done 1 tune up, change tires twice and the obvious oil changes. I figure thats all pretty normal stuff considering I am at 93,000 miles. This car has never stalled out, overheated or not started up. I would def purchase a Honda again.
Decent but not great
This vehicle has been a pretty good day to day driver but the attention to detail is been lacking. Fuel economy is great and 7 years later feels tight and drives like new - but it is not without its issues. After two weeks of ownership, the interior fabric fell off the doors and need to be reglued. Stabilizer links failed at 80,000 km. Air conditioner failed at 90,000 km (55,000 miles). Exhaust manifold was cracked at 100,000 km (63,000 miles).
- EX Coupe w/Side AirbagsMSRP: $7,595127 mi away
- EX Sedan w/Side AirbagsMSRP: $4,995128 mi away
- LX CoupeMSRP: $4,739167 mi away
Honda reliability is just a catch phrase
Unfortunately, this car's motor went out despite my meticulous maintenance of the car. Also, it burned a significant amount of oil. It might have been lack of care from the previous owner. The car was great while it ran. This was my 4th Civic (2 of which including this one had motor issues), all of my Civic's owned burned oil. I thought it was normal for older cars to burn oil but my 2005 Ford Focus and 1999 Ford Escorts do not burn oil at all. Plus they run great aside from electrical issues in the Ford Focus. Despite all it's praise and glory, I don't think I'll ever own a Honda again.
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Honda is the Best
I have been told million times how good Hondas are. I have experienced it myself now. I purchased 2003 Honda Civic in 2004, It has been 7 years now with 172,000 mileage and this CAR still runs like brand new. Civics just don't break. I have been driving this car ALOT but still it's really good. NO serious/Major Problems. After driving Honda Civic, I will never ever think of buying anything but Honda. All my friends who purchased Fords had too many engine & transmission problems with their cars. Honda is the Best.
Canadian SE Special Edition model
Just bought this Civic 5-speed manual transmission SE model. It seems very practical and comfortable. Everything works and the car is 10 years old. Seating is comfortable, driving view is excellent, power is adequate with the manual transmission. This one was in excellent condition and I hope to keep it for the next 5 years. I really like the biege and brown interior. The dash is a nice quality, it doesn't look cheap. Also easy to park and the rear seats fold flat. The clutch is very intuitive as well.
Still love my Civ
Bought new in July 2003, have put 110k miles on in the last 7 years. Perfect little car for a guy like me looking for a reliable economical commuter. 36- 38 mpg on 50 mile round trip commute. 2- 3 times a year I travel to Tennessee and I always get 41-43 mpg on the trip, traveling 75-80 mph. That makes me happy, has been fairly trouble- free. Shop been saying for the last 3- 4 years that the front struts need to be replaced, but way too expensive, letting it go for now. Had to have the thermal protector for the a/c compressor replaced, wasn't too expensive. Front brakes done last year, rear brakes still pass inspection. Due for the 110k timing belt replace ($$$) : ( but overall a great car!
Great Little Car!
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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Great Car But Has Transmission Issues
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!
93,000 miles and counting
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.
Satisfied Owner
I switched from my Dodge to a Honda mainly because of it's reputation. The car's mileage is only slightly better and as far as ride and performance. I sacrificed design for reliability. There is a very minor rattle somewhere in the dash which kept me from giving it a 10 in both the "Build Quality." I also gave it a 9 in "Reliability" since I haven't owned the car for too long, but my neighbor did have problems with her brakes when she first got her Civic two years ago. For the higher price I paid I really didn't want to here any rattles. I'm satisfied with my purchase and I'm expecting it to pay off in the long run since it holds it's value well.
Honda Dependable
This is the 2nd Civic I have owned, my first was a '98. I bought a Civic for the 2nd time based on my first one; great fuel economy, reliability, and maintenance. Both of my Civics have given me 38-40mpg (mix of city and hwy driving) The only problem I have ever had was on my '98 civic was around 200k, when I had to replace spark plugs, wires, and distributor cap. ~$600. Otherwise, just regular care. Oil changes (every 5k) Tires (around 70k) and fluid flushes starting at 100k. I highly recommend a Civic, regardless what year. My 2003 Civic may be basic compared to a brand new car, but it does its job, and I'm very happy with it.
i like my honda!!!!
this is my first ever honda, after 3 toyotas. the toyotas are great for hard driving, they seem to thrive on high rpm shifting. the honda likes more gentle driving, gas mileage suffers with hard driving, so in that regard the toyota is better for me. i've been dissapointed with the quality control of the honda. lots of small things, sun visor drooped, one window is very slow, dealer says it can't really be fixed, weather striping around windshield is not smooth, etc. mechanically, its great, good accel (get the 5 spd)sound system is fine, love the turn radius!
Love my Honda!
Well I had my 2003 Honda civic for about 4 or 5 months now and I have to say I am very glad I decided to go with a Honda for my first car. Not only is it dependable and of a high quality, it's not overpriced and has great fuel economy so I could do what I love best and drive wherever I please without constant stops to the gas pump. I look forward to driving my car ever time it's tons of fun and sporty! And I've only had to do an oil change, new air filters and spark plugs since I got it cuz I don't know how the other owner took care of the car but so far seems he did ok.
No complaints here
Bought used in 11/2008 with 42k miles. In the first year I put 26k commuting to work 60 miles round trip and a couple of trips to the beach. This car has taken a beating the way I drive it and it has not let me down once. Needless to say, its dependable...that's why I bought it in the first place. For a small, 4cyl sedan, I couldn't be happier. No clicking, rattling or odd noises/smells at any time. All parts/side moldings still holding strong. Transmission always shifts smoothly. The abrupt downshift when braking is actually the"automatic brake assist" a good safety feature but can be annoying at times. Overall...I love my Civic.
DONT BUY A HONDA
Front bumper chipping & rear trunk peeling. Body dents way too easily & has flimsy bumpers. Tires have terrible traction (firestone). Turning ratio is too small. Engine is gutless (no get up and go without redlining the engine). Dash always rattles when cold. Cheap cloth for interior. Substandard radio and speakers. Suspension and shocks are way to stiff (feel everything on the road). Small gas tank (fill every 3-4 days). Mats and trunk liner do not fit correctly for OEM. Transmission jerks when slowing down abruptly. Seat comfort is minimal.
Problems Honda Civic Transmissions
My 2003 Honda Civic LX was a great car until 60,000 miles. It began to shake as if riding on rumple strip before toll booth. I took it into dealer, who said could find nothing. I took it in a second time when they heard problem and changed transmission fluid. I have now been told there is a honda advisory about transmission problems on all Civics which is coming to light and of great concern as they have no fix. I finally got dealer to admit to problem, still in the shop
Honda Civic 2003
I bought this car in 2004 with 32,000 miles. It has now 150,000 miles and still runs GREAT. Fuel economy is awesome. I drive a lot and I've taken my car everywhere and we've never had a serious problem with it. Of course, we keep it well maintained. The most serious problem I've had with it, was when I had to replace a part of the engine that cost almost $1,000 dollars. we also had to replace the radiator, but this is a very reliable car. I love it!
Grt Imprvmnts but still not quite there
My parents recently bought a new '03 Silver Civic and the improvements over the '01 EX Civic that I drive are great! The car is so quite compared to the '01. It feels and more like an older Accord. The chrome accents were neatly placed and add a touch of upscale. The drinkholder looks better with the cover. The dash with the 3 blue gauges is great but the speedo is harder to read at 30, 50, 70, etc... The yellow on the dash is odd. The newer armrest works better because passengers get a small piece too. The rear headrests are great for taller passengers and the fabric is pretty cool.. It should also come standard with alloys, floor mats & side airbags.
Satisfaction Survey for my 2003 Honda
I purchased the car prior to this car six years age, a 1996 Toyota Camry, at the same dealership, Phillipsburg/Easton Honda, and was very pleased with that car as well. I put my trust in this car dealership. I enjoyed driving my Toyota during my ownership. This car, my Honda Civic, is so much fun to drive ( it has a sun- roof). Thank you for the opportunity to voice my review.
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.
A Solid Compact Car
Leased it brand new a year and a half ago. I put on quite a bit of highway mileage the first year. It handled nicely on the 25-30 Mile commute to and from work. On much longer drives (>100 miles) the seats become uncomfortable and lower back support is poor. Performance is good for zipping around town by yourself. Get 2-3 people in the car and your enjoyment decreases greatly. Drive up an incline with passengers and get ready to give it the gas. Transmission is amazing, ultra smooth even under hard acceleration. Engine noise acceptable, but buzzy at higher RPM which you will notice because to get decent acceleration the car must gear down and rev up a lot. No real complaints
Love it!
This is a really great car. I have had no mechanical problems with it at all. On the highway (55 mph) my LX (not hybrid) gets 47 mpg! It is about 30 mpg around town. The only two problems I've had? The car is VERY noisy driving down the road. In the job I just left, I would drive three 1-hr roundtrips and two 4-hr roundtrips. It killed my back. My legs would be nearly numb when I got to work.
This is my civic 2003
I bought this car in November 2006 having 14000 miles, now after 15 months I have almost 28000 miles. Since I have the car I'm obsessed by the road noise. I put a blanket in the trunk and I changed the Dunlop sp20 fe tires with Michelin x-radial dt, big improvement, tires are not so noisy anymore and don't squeal on turns. Still if I ran more than 65 mph (sometimes less) I can hear the wind, if it rained I have the sensation that I have the doors open and I hear all the noise, when the water is splashing under the car it's unbelievable how clear you can hear it. The doors starts to shake when listening music with heavy bass. The car starts to shake when the AC is on. Noisy engine.
Worst Honda I've Had
5th Honda/Acura I've owned, and certainly the worst. Had to have alternator repaired at 12K, and now the clutch bellows at 29K. The other Hondas I've owned have been bulletproof, but Car and Driver is correct about the quality control problems for this car. My sister isn't very impressed with hers, either.
Honda Civic EX
I can't get over the quietness of operation. The seating (driver) could be a little better. I'm older so the ride could be a little softer. Am quite pleased driving this car.
I LOVE MY CIVIC!!!!
I've never driven a car that shifts so smoothly, is easy drive, and is so much fun! I especially love the fact that the stereo controls are easy to reach and control so your attention from the road is not diverted!
very nice and zippy
this car is a great buy. it is roomy and has a great trunk space for a compact car. the ergonmics are great. the seats are not the most comfortable, but they are good enough.
Like a toy car
The civic is an easy car to drive and operate, I love it. You will feel bumps, but that is the only fallback on this car. It is roomy inside and I am not short, I have a lot of head and leg room.
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.
civic2003
a great car in all aspects.gives excellent fuel mileage and superb handling.nice interiors and styling. gives you value for money.
Wow, what a car...
This is a fantastic car ... I had a Mazda Protege for 3 years and really liked it - before I drove the Civic! I spent one month test driving every conceivable small car and the Civic Sedan LX is miles ahead of them all. My wife drives a Nissan Maxima and the front passenger leg room in the Civic is almost the same as in our Maxima! Incredible space for a small car. I love the dashboard and gauges.
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?
Best Little Car On the road
One of the best compact cars w/ a 4- cylinder engine that I have ever driven. It is so quiet that you really can not even here it when it's running. I switched to this from 1996 Pontiac Firebird because of the Fuel Economy that you get with Civic. I really can not tell a difference between my old car and this one it is definitely an all around better car. I would have to say that it beats the competition hands down no contest.
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.
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!!!!!
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!
HONDA CIVIC
EXCELLENT GAS MILEAGE, GOOD HANDLING, IM A HONDA CUSTOMER FOR LIFE. EVEN MY DAD WHO HAS NEVER OWNED ANYTHING OTHER THAN A CHEVY LOVES MY CIVIC!
Transmission Overhaul Needed at 78k
I haven't had any problems with this car until last month. The automatic transmission started slipping from 3rd to 4th gear and needs a complete overhaul. My car only has 78k miles on it. There is no way it should need a new transmission. The estimate I got from the dealership was around $3000. Stay away from the 2003 Civic! From what I've read, this isn't an isolated incident.
Honda Civic
Just buy this car!
Great Bargain
We purchased this vehicle new in December 2002 and have taken 2 trips to Las Vegas, Nevada both times averaging about 40 miles to the gallon on regular gasoline. The automatic drive system functioned perfectly on cruise control in the mountains keeping the desired speed constant.
Excellent vehicle
I could not be happier with my new car. It is such a smooth drive, and it handles really well. I love the displays, and the factory sound system is excellent. Fuel economy is awesome. It's just the greatest car. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a reasonably priced, completely reliable, incredibly safe and fun car.
My Little Honda!!
My Little Honda and I have been on several road trips together and we have both survived!! She is a beauty and she is fun to drive. Her small size and get up and go helps me maneuver in and out of traffic very efficiently. Right now, she is at about 120,000 and is doing great!!
I LOVE MY HONDA
I find that my honda civic is very dependable. It rides very smooth. I had a pontiac grandam before and I can tell you that that car was a lemon! I had nothing but problems with it from the start! This honda civic has been a dream to me. When I leave home in the morning to go to work I know I will get there with no problem and that means everything to me to have a car that is so dependable!
great car
love this car! would suggest it to anyone..........
My Honda Civic EX
My Honda Civic is the best car I ever owned. In 1989, I bought a Honda Accord, and had it til' 1999. It had 237 thousand miles on it, and was in perfect condition. My Civic will last me 12 years.
It's OK but some issues
The car has been very reliable. I have had to replace the driver's side window motor twice now, I hear others have this issue as well. Like some of the other reviewers, min is at 99,000 miles and my transmission is starting to act funny. I hope I don't have to replace like they did!
Rita's Honda
I needed a reliable car for a daily 2 hour/ 100 mile commute. Looked at the Toyota, but liked the looks of the Civic much better. Handles great, good gas mileage, and I feel safe in it. But kept my big SUV (Mountaineer) in case of really bad weather!
Civic Lover
I've had my 2003 Honda Civic since November 2002. The pick up isn't as fast as I expected from a vtec engine. Its an attractive car and in general is the car is overall a good package. The price is good and the car is very reliable