4 Star Reviews for 2003 Honda Civic

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.60/5 Average
591 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly engines, roomy interior, reputation for durability, impressive crash test scores.
Cons:
  • Antilock brakes not available on DX or LX.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 591.00
  • Buy one for reliability - 2003 Honda Civic
    By -

    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.

  • Canadian SE Special Edition model - 2003 Honda Civic
    By -

    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 doesnt look cheap. Also easy to park and the rear seats fold flat. The clutch is very intuitive as well.

  • Love my EP3 - 2003 Honda Civic
    By -

    I bought my Si in may 2012 with 140k and now it has 154k. This was the first car Ive bought with my own money, and I am extremely satisfied. The 2.0L 4 has just enough hp to have fun but still is capable over over 30 mpg highway. The shifter is very easy to use and the handling is very responsive. Most of all, this car is extremely reliable. I have only needed brakes put on the car after purchasing, other than that no problems have surfaced. The best way to sum up this car is deceptively quick, deceptively room y (especially the rear seat), and deceptively reliable. I will definitely look at another Si when the time to get a new car comes, but for now I am extremely happy with my 03!

  • Great car for the money - 2003 Honda Civic
    By -

    Ive owned my 2003 Civic Hybrid for 2 years now and so far its been a great car with only a few minor problems. The Good: Handles great Luxurious interior (compared to other non-luxury cars) Extremely quiet 45mpg The bad: Transmission fluid needs changing every 2 years IMA battery will start to degrade after 7 years Seats are very stiff, its like sitting on a bench Overall the car performs well as a daily driver, and if you arent looking to set Nurburgring lap records youll be satisfied with its performance. Even though it is less reliable than a standard civic the blue book value is lower, making it a better value when you factor in the better gas mileage.

  • Ok for first 120K - 2003 Honda Civic
    By -

    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, Ive had to replace bushings, trans mounts, & O2 sensor.

  • Status Report- 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid After 200K - 2003 Honda Civic
    By -

    Total 2003 HCH Cost- HW Items purchased from 79k to 200k miles as follows: 2 sets of tires 1 speed sensor (drove thru deep puddle) 1 set of spark plugs 1 set of ft brake pads 1 fuel filter Fluid change maintenance from 79K to 200k miles as follows: * Several 0-20W/0-30W oil/filter changes (8k mile intervals) * Two CVT fluid changes noting I assumed to change oil every 100K miles until I noticed the transmission was slipping and read my OEM operators manual stating to change trans. oil every 30K. After changing the oil the first time THE TRANSMISSION QUIT SLIPPING and I make sure to change this fluid at recommended intervals. * One Antifreeze change Car runs good(mildly abused)

  • Great Car - 2003 Honda Civic
    By -

    Bought the car new May of 03. I have 155,000 miles on it currently gas mileage has always maintained 33-34 no matter the driving environment.I have had all the schedule maintenance done by the dealer. I have replaced tires, battery etc... No problems what so ever!!! The interior material could have been a little better the paint is thin and the bumper paint is peeling like acid was poured on it.

  • Watch Out For That Tranny - 2003 Honda Civic
    By -

    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 theyre about to come of age. Do a search for 01 transmission problems and start saving for the impending rainy day. Dont say you werent warned.

  • A Convert - 2003 Honda Civic
    By -

    I recently purchased a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid, though I had to get rid of my ever so fun to drive G35 the car is remarkable with respect to fuel efficiency. The layout of the car is simple, just like all Hondas. The power is on the low side, but lets face, we buy these cars for one reason and thats fuel economy. I wouldnt care if I had to get out and push the car up a hill (which it almost seems like I have to do living in Upstate NY), as long as Im getting my 50 MPG let every other car pass me on the road. Im purchasing a new set of Cooper GFE (LRR) tires and Im hoping to eek out a few more MPG.

  • Honda Dependable - 2003 Honda Civic
    By -

    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 Im very happy with it.

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