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 11 through 20 of 591.00

• 

  Falling apart? - 2003 Honda Civic
  By loonmaster - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Got it new and I was pretty pleased at the price, at first. Almost from the get go though there was some "clicking" from the engine, bad smell from the AC and all the moding seems to be coming off. Tried to take it in for repairs but nothing ever seems to get fixed and I feel a lot of the people at the dealership are being rude and they just dont want to seem to help me. Cant imagine going Honda again. Too bad too since I was really excited about getting my Civic.

• 

  Problems Honda Civic Transmissions - 2003 Honda Civic
  By b2cmu - November 5 - 3:40 am

  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

• 

  New may not be better - 2003 Honda Civic
  By rae - January 26 - 12:23 pm

  Interior seats should be wider. Judging front and back for parking is terrible. I always find I am either too close or too far away. My 1992 was terrific, unfortunately I sold it - still with no problems in 2003 with 198,200 miles. It was also great on gas. I dont get as good gas mileage as I expected.

• 

  8 months and 3 transmissions - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Karen Hull - September 19 - 10:00 am

  After driving mini vans and other "family cars", it was nice to drive a small vehicle. I was looking for a car for commuting 100 miles per day. The Honda Hybrid seemed to fit the criteria. To date, I have had three transmissions and the third transmission is causing problems. If Honda could fix this car, I would like it much more. I dont think Honda is willing to work with me. I have had trouble with the dealership and the Honda company. I want a dependable car that doesnt spend every 3rd month in the shop.

• 

  Transmission failure at 44,000 miles - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Dorado - July 12 - 7:30 pm

  I bought the car with expectations of significant gas savings and because I was pleased with former Honda cars. Gas mileage was so-so given it is a hybrid (long distance 50 mpg - mix of distant and normal town milage 41 mpg) - so not as great as Prius. Real problem was that transmission died at 44,000 miles while I was on a heavy traffic road. No warning! No power and luckily I was able to coast to a parking lot. Reconditioned transmission, towing etc. cost $3,085. Talked to Honda Care and only concession was cost of transmission at "warranty" cost. Not happy camper and no longer Honda satisfied customer.

• 

  troubles - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jweer - July 6 - 2:00 am

  bought new in 2002, some major problems...paint, vibration that were not addressed by dealership. Comsumer Reports must be on the take from Honda, Toyota etc. Would much rather have a Ford focus, at least its fun to drive and Ford acknowlodges mfg. defects. Honda is just in denial

• 

  Worst Honda Ive Had - 2003 Honda Civic
  By wondertrev - May 4 - 2:00 am

  5th Honda/Acura Ive owned, and certainly the worst. Had to have alternator repaired at 12K, and now the clutch bellows at 29K. The other Hondas Ive owned have been bulletproof, but Car and Driver is correct about the quality control problems for this car. My sister isnt very impressed with hers, either.

• 

  Disappointed - 2003 Honda Civic
  By cardriver - November 10 - 3:56 pm

  I bought this car while commuting to college and work daily. MPG and cost were the determining factors in purchase. The engine, apart from VERY loud revs, is just fine. It has no problem getting to 80-90 MPH and going steady. My major and only real issue with the car is the interior. For short trips (i.e. test drive) the interior is just fine. Get past 20 minutes in the car and youre ready to kill yourself. The seats are rock hard and HURT the back over time. The cup holder is awkwardly positioned behind the shifter, the radio is too far to reach while sitting back and the car lacks an armrest all together. Claims of high MPG are lies; rarely over 25 MPG on street w/ highway

• 

  Honda and quality - I dont think so - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mooness - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Bumper loosened and mis-aligned first month. Interior door trim came apart. CV drive boot loosened and tore. Leaking strut.