Overview & Reviews

A host of minor changes bring the Civic into 2003. On the inside, all models gain improved seat fabrics, rear adjustable outboard headrests and new four-spoke steering wheels. On HX, LX and EX Civics, you'll find improved gauge illumination. There's a new center console for LX and EX, and a CD player is standard for HX and LX. On the outside, the 2003 Honda Civic has freshened taillamps and new wheel designs. Also, there is a Hybrid Civic available for the 2003 model year.

• Fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly engines, roomy interior, reputation for durability, impressive crash test scores.

• Antilock brakes not available on DX or LX.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 591.00

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  The battery is a disaster! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By loring - August 24 - 2:33 pm

  The IMA Battery on the 2003 Civic Hybrid is/was a flawed product. My first battery failed at 42,000 miles ( at 7 years) and was replaced under warranty. The second battery has failed with less than 27,000 miles ( at 11 years) and the dealer says it will cost me $3,684 to replace it with a rebuilt battery with a 3 year, 36K warranty. So far, Honda and I have spent more on batteries than I have on fuel for this car. With a 3 year warranty on a $3,684 battery, Im planning on $1,000 per year battery cost going forward.

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  Adequate Car for the initial cost - 2003 Honda Civic
  By hardfire454 - March 31 - 3:55 pm

  I have never been one to be impressed by Hondas, but this hybrid was in my price range so I bought it. Overall, it was cheap in every way, you get what you pay for. This car on various occasions wouldnt start, so Id wait a half hour, and it would start. This is by far the most uncomfortable car that I have ever owned, the battery was just replaced for free by the dealer. The cars transmissin also has needed expensive repairs many times. If you need good mileage, and dont have any money, this is the car for you.

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  CVT transmission - Good luck - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Unhappy customer - July 27 - 12:56 pm

  Transmission died on a busy highway at 34K almost killed myself trying to get off the road. Honda had it for 12 days saying it needed a new trans and then gave it back saying nothing was wrong. Had it in again at 36K 50K 61K 81K and finally at 110k brought it in for a oil change and they finally checked my mileage saw I was over 100k and admitted something was wrong with the slipping transmission. Honda Care could care less and the case manager told me they werent willing to pay a dime for the $4600 trans the dealership said they would take 10% off for my trouble. This car should have been recalled day one. Please dont buy this car. It is a danger to drive. I have some advice sell it quickly.

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  Mixed review - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mixed review - July 9 - 3:21 pm

  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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  Transmission Overhaul Needed at 78k - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kmn - March 12 - 2:53 pm

  I havent 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 Ive read, this isnt an isolated incident.

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  Honda Civic Hybrid Transmission Failure - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Dorado - February 13 - 9:03 am

  I bought this car second hand from a buick dealer and car checked out as being clean. I spent a premium price for a hybrid versus a Civic of comparable age. At 44,000 miles the trnsmission failed and I face a $3,500 bill for a refurbished transmission since I was told they do not make new transmissions for this car. Question is whether the original transmission was deficient to begin with. Fuel economy just OK at 42 mpg which includes hyway and local driving in last 4,000 miles. I know it was not an economic decission to buy a hybrid but to add the cost of a new transmission at only 44,000 miles really makes me wonder if I will ever buy a hybrid again.

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  Its OK but some issues - 2003 Honda Civic
  By gliattitd - October 6 - 3:31 pm

  The car has been very reliable. I have had to replace the drivers 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 dont have to replace like they did!

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  2003 Civic Hybrid Many Problems - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Scott - July 27 - 12:48 pm

  I have 180000 miles. Changed all fluids religiously. Had to replace clutch, transmission in Feb 08 and now IMA battery dying. $7000 worth of repairs. Very bad engineering solution for folks who care about the environment. Stay away from this vehicle...

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  No So Happy Anymore - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Used to like Honda - August 22 - 3:30 am

  While the engine and gas mileage are good on this car the rest of it is not up to typical Honda standards. Right after purchasing it the trunk was leaking due to a seam that wasnt welded properly. The little bit of metal that is used on the body is cheap- dents very easily. Had light bulbs burn out in less than a year. Original tires are cheap-had to replace after 2 years and thats with snow tires on at least 5 month/yr. At not quite 3 years old new shocks and brakes. Oh and my favorite the turn signal/4 way relay switch I believe its called just died for no reason-replaced at my expensive of course. And now the cd player decided to stop working. It loads and ejects w/o a cd in it.

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  Transmission - 2003 Honda Civic
  By James E. Veitch - August 4 - 11:10 am

  Make sure to check transmission every 25,000 miles. Mine went out at 140,000 Mi. Honda doesnt stock them one week to a month to get a replacement. They do not rebuild CVT transmissions, $3,000.00 to replace and $375.00 shipping. Front struts also go out easily.