Overview & Reviews

The Honda Accord -- one of America's favorite vehicles -- has been substantially changed for 2003. Continuing as a sedan and a coupe, the 2003 Honda Accord features more powerful and fuel-efficient engines, increased safety and higher levels of interior comfort. A voice-activated GPS navigation system is optional, and a sporty EX coupe debuts in early 2003.

• Tight build quality, quiet cabin, refined powertrains, comfortable driver seat, outstanding optional navigation system.

• Missing key features, relatively small trunk, mushy handling with V6.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 1,022.00

• 

  Transmission Failure - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Shannon - August 13 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this car as my first car. It worked wonderfully, I loved it! Then two weeks later the transmission fails. Everywhere I read says this is a common problem with this year. I spent all my money I saved on this car, I dont have enough to buy a new transmission.

• 

  Honda USED to make a superb car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By tbckc - July 5 - 7:29 pm

  I had been a raving Honda fan since the early 90s. I finally gave up and sold my 42,000 mile, 03 Accord after a bad a/c compressor, sunroof relay, wiper motor, and drivers door lock motor. Of course, AHMC had no interest in a goodwill claim on any of it. Im just now reading reviews by other owners who are citing the same issues over and over. Also looks like I got out just in time to avoid the failure of a poorly engineered automatic transmission. Since the late 90s larger vehicles with more powerful engines, and attempts to make them shift without jerking have stressed Hondas unique design of an automatic. Please, DO YOUR RESEARCH before you buy.

• 

  Worst Car Ive ever owned! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jay424 - March 6 - 3:58 pm

  Im tired of people saying that Hondas are good because theyre not. Ive had my accord for 7 years and have had 3 transmissions, rear brake caliber snap and leak fluid, 3 power windows went out at once. Also have power seats that move when the car comes to a stop. The first month and a half after I had the car, it spent 5 weeks in the dealership to fix the seats that move. The dealer originally gave me back the car, but destroyed the interior of the car. Ive also had a TCS module replaced and my car also has rust on the hood. Hondas build garbage automobiles. I would never buy another Japanese car again. What a waste of $30k. Im going to buy a 2011 Mustang, with good FORD quality.

• 

  Transmission problems - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jim - October 2 - 5:25 am

  My 03 Accord ExL coupe was purchased new and loved the car at first. I had major issues with the dealer fixing minor issues with the car. The vehicle was in the shop for 3 of the first 6 months Of purchase for paint issues, headliner, leaky window seals, transmission shifting problems, and dealer recalls. The quality of work from the dealer was poor at its best, with them causing more issues with poor workmanship. I have changed oil every 3000 miles, and just turned over 98000 miles. Replaced failed struts at 50000 miles. was told it was just normal wear. Transmission went out @ 610000 ( out of warranty ) no help from Honda. Had shifting issues (2nd to 3rd gear) from day 1 but was told everything was fine. Power window motor went out around 70000. Sunroof seal leaks, headliner had to be replaced and seal replaced. Window trim around around doors and pillar was replaced by dealer at least 3 times while under warranty because the finish keeps peeling off. I ended up fixing this issue myself. Tie rods have been replaced @ 80000, brakes every 35000, rotors and calipers were just replaced because they froze up on rear. Front leather seats have cracked and I alwats kept the conditioned. I have always liked driving this car but am not sure I would buy another Honda after my experience. My father had transmission issues with his 2012 CR-V and sold it after 6000 miles when Honda Sid it was Ok.

• 

  Next Honda Is A Camry - 2003 Honda Accord
  By R. Morgan - September 2 - 11:23 am

  This car is the 9th Honda product owned by me and my immediate family. At 76,000 miles with all scheduled maintenance performed, the transmission failed. Honda would not pay for any repair since it was out of warranty. Transmission overhaul cost $2,200. No more loyalty to Honda Motor Company from me. Transmission repair shops will tell you that the torque converter and internal filter are the weak links in all Honda transmissions.

• 

  Not all its cracked up to be! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Oh Noooooooo - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Honda and my last! The front brakes were shot at 9000 miles. Pads and rotors had to be replaced. The suspension came loose one week after purchasing the car. Dealer tightened, but still makes noises over bumps and feels loose. Dealer says nothing they can do. Anti-lock brake on right front only engages while going over bumps. Again, dealer does not know why. Engine vibrates at idle in drive gear so much that it shakes my whole arm. Dealer says nothing they can do to fix it. I dont see the situation improving anytime soon!

• 

  Questioned Reliability - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Max Epr - February 4 - 1:27 pm

  Bought this car new. The 8th Honda product in my family... 3 Acuras. Auto transmission failed at 76,000 miles. All scheduled maintenance has been performed. Car was out of warranty so took it to local transmission repair shop. Cost $2,200 for overhaul. Faulty torque converter was cause. My next car will be a Camry.

• 

  Poor reliability, worse dealer service - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Matt Cash - November 4 - 10:00 am

  My first and last Honda Accord...Mine is loaded with the V-6 and has had trips to the dealer four times for brake problems. I have never ridden in a car with as many rattles and squeaks. I would file a lemon law but I want to sell and get out of the car. I also had AWFUL service at the dearlership and Honda did not seem to give a rip that their "crowned jewel" of reliability was having so many problems. Buy anything else.

• 

  2003 Honda Accord Ex-V-6 Complaints - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Gw - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Compared to my 2001, the car has significantly more rattles and road noise - the sound deading material seems non-existant.

• 

  flawed design, unsafe, low quality - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jinrui - February 6 - 9:53 pm

  Since buying this car, I have experienced many problems. First, the LCD screen suddenly became dark for no reason in 2004. The dealer said this is a design defect and replaced it after one month. In 2005, during a regular maintenance in a dealer, we were told the car was leaking transmission oil. Last November, we went to Chicago at noon and parked on a street (a lot of traffic at the time). Coming back in half an hour, we found someone had sneaked into the car and stole all our expensive items. No prizing signs on the doors. Sure, we locked the car before we left. It seems the Honda anti-thief alarm system malfunctioned.