The Good
The 2003 Honda Civic excels in reliability and fuel efficiency, appealing to practical buyers. Its comfortable ride and simple design offer a pleasant driving experience. The Civic's proven longevity and strong resale value make it a smart long-term investment, giving owners peace of mind. The sporty Si trim offers a touch of performance for those seeking a bit more excitement.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2003 Honda Civic include potential clear coat paint issues, especially on darker colors. Some owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission. Rust can be a concern in regions with harsh winters. The base engine can feel underpowered for some drivers, and the interior materials can feel basic compared to newer vehicles.
2003 Honda Civic: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 1.7L SOHC 16-valve i-VTEC inline-4 (DX, LX, EX)
- 1.7L SOHC 16-valve VTEC inline-4 (Si)
- Horsepower:
- DX, LX, EX: 115 hp @ 6100 rpm
- Si: 160 hp @ 7600 rpm
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
- DX, LX, EX (Manual): 32 mpg city / 38 mpg highway
- DX, LX, EX (Automatic): 29 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
- Si (Manual): 27 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times:
- DX, LX, EX: Approximately 9-10 seconds
- Si: Approximately 7.6 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- DX: Basic model, standard features include manual windows and locks, and a basic audio system.
- LX: Adds air conditioning, power windows and locks, and upgraded audio.
- EX: Includes features like a sunroof, alloy wheels, keyless entry, and upgraded audio system.
- Si: Sport-tuned suspension, sport seats, unique styling cues, and a more powerful engine (VTEC). It also features a manual transmission, a limited-slip differential, and performance-oriented tires.
2003 Honda Civic Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2003 |
| Make | Honda |
| Model | Civic |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | MARYSVILLE |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | LDAI |
| Engine Size | 1.3L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2003 Honda Civic Have?
How long will the 2003 Honda Civic last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features include front airbags, and some models offer anti-lock brakes (ABS) as an option. Side airbags were also available on some trims. There are no advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) are generally good for the 2003 Civic. It typically received 4 or 5 stars for frontal crash protection and side crash protection, depending on the specific test and body style (coupe vs. sedan). The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) also conducted tests, and the 2003 Civic generally received good ratings for frontal offset crash tests. However, it's important to note that safety standards and testing procedures have evolved significantly since 2003, so a modern vehicle would likely offer superior crash protection. The optional side airbags significantly improve the side impact safety of the vehicle.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2003 Honda Civic Prices and Market Value
2003 Honda Civic Cost of Ownership
2003 Honda Civic Fuel Efficiency
2003 Honda Civic Safety Rating
NHTSA
2003 Honda Civic Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2003 Honda Civic Compare to Other Sedan?
Performance-wise, the Civic Si offers a sportier driving experience than most of its rivals, excluding perhaps a similarly equipped Mazda Protege. Features were generally similar across the class, with slight variations in standard equipment.
At the current used prices, a 2003 Toyota Corolla is a similar alternative, offering comparable reliability and fuel economy. A slightly newer Mazda 3 (if within budget) could be a good choice for those prioritizing driving dynamics. However, for overall balance of reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability, the 2003 Honda Civic remains a strong contender. One should, however, be aware of the potential automatic transmission and paint issues on older models.
Ranks #375 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 375 | 2003 Honda Civic | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2003 Honda Civic a Good Sedan?
Buyerbeware on July 19, 2023
Please beware and think of your bank account!How to sound like I'm being respectful of Honda? First off I am a strong loyal Honda fan and will be for life. I have owned all types of Hondas and had the opportunity to buy a 2002 Honda civic EX special edition and a 2003 Honda civic VP (base model) for a very good price back in 2015, I only paid $2500 for both to be fair, both in great shape and low miles from an elderly couple who barely drove them, both having less than 80,000 miles on them when purchased. Seemed to good too be true. It was. I was used to driving my 7th generation accords before this purchase (2003-2007, k 24 engines ONLY, v6 were trash) and now I understand the D17 (1.7 liter) motors are absolutely garbage. They essentially took the previous b16y8 (super reliable) motors and gave it an extra .1 liter of power so to speak and somehow failed on all cylinders, literally. This motor is absolutely gutless and the automatic transmission paired too it is notorious for early failures and costly repairs. These cars are often mistaken for the old reliable of Honda civic fleets but I advise you seek out late 8th generation civics to save a buck (2009-2011, avoid 2006, 2007 & 2008 as they had block cracking issues) and if you are really low on cash the previous generation to these (1999, 2000) were better than these by a landslide. Don't be fooled by the Honda name on the car, these are ones to seriously avoid, plus they are known worldwide as a bad generation of civics, the 2001s being the worst rated for reliability ever for any Honda model. I suggest you seek out the toyota corollas of these years but even they weren't without their issues also. I hope this helps at least one person avoid a massive amount of issues and costs!
civicluver on May 31, 2021
most reliable car i have ever ownedthis car never needed brakes until 103k miles, unbelievable, she has 117k now, and running strong, i get over 330 miles to the tank around town
Bolanosd on November 12, 2020
Realizable while luxuriousThis car is a daily commute and a great gas saver. Excellent for outings and family events . Two thumbs way up honda motors I love you
Architect on June 15, 2020
Most reliable car I've owned.Fantastic Make and Model. I kept up with the maintenance and never had an issue. I see myself purchasing more Honda Civic's in the future thanks to their incredible reliability.
Jjkloss on June 3, 2020
A good run carIt a good car i drive it aver day to get to work and back home . i keep up on old try and manit look good
Joshua e on February 27, 2020
Best car I have owned with good mileage and good pThe car has everything I ever wanted in a car ....with car stereo and standard engine ...steering works fine ....noise free ....good tyre's and no gas leakage
Perfect car on December 23, 2019
Most reliable car I've owned.This car is amazing, great on milage and little to no maintenance needed. The interior and exterior is in good conditions and the mechanics are great, no issues. Ideal for a someone looking for an everyday car that will be reliable and let you save money on gas.
Marielaabad on July 23, 2019
Most reliable car I've ownedThe car has all the comforts, everything is fine, nothing fails, it only has a single blow, I changed the alternator and tires everything well.
Kaydoub on July 17, 2019
Great little car...just a little too little.It's a great car. It's 15 years old now and it doesn't even look that dated. It runs well with no major repairs. Great gas mileage. My only problem with it is the size of the interior. It is very small. In my 2 door EX coupe it's practically impossible for people to extract themselves from the backseat. If your in either front seat, you can't reach anything in the backseat. Other than that, it's great.
KHonda on June 28, 2019
Sad to give it upI am a crazy honda fan. However life has me going in a different direction and i can no longer keep it. I used it to do deliveries and made money with it & went everywhere I needed to go with it.
Drew B
Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma