The 2003 Honda Accord was an excellent mid-size car back in the day. But, with so many reports of coolant leaks, overheat, transmission failure, and rough shifting on file, and the average fair market price refusing to dip below four grand, it’s just not the investment it once was.
Is the 2003 Honda Accord a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 5/10 – There’s a lot to love about the 2003 Honda Accord, but a long list of transmission problems and the car’s advanced age will have you feeling anxious behind the wheel.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – The trunk is a bit tight, but even if the engine falls out and you have to push it to the garage, you’re still going to enjoy a smooth ride.
- Reliability 6/10 – An Accord with 150,000 miles on it might go another 50,000 no problem, or it might not make the trip home.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2003 Accord earned excellent ratings in the NHTSA’s crash test, but the safety features are more than a bit outdated by now.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – 26/34 miles to the gallon, city/highway, is still pretty good for a mid-size car.
- Value 5/10 – At half its current price, the 2003 Honda Accord would be a smart buy. At $4,684 for an entry-level model, not so much.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2003 Honda Accord?
- Consumer Reports found the car nimble and comfortable, generally praising Honda for finding the middle ground between “user-friendliness” and “European flair.”
- Edmunds praised the build quality, the whisper-quiet cabin, and the smooth transmission. They didn’t love the cramped trunk or the imprecise handling of the 3.0L models.
- Kelley Blue Book users had nothing but praise for the fuel economy, the smooth driving, and the comfortable interior. There have been a few complaints of air conditioners and navigation systems breaking down before their time, and one driver states that the leather seats can get a bit sticky on long road trips.
What Common Problems Does the 2003 Honda Accord Have?
The 2003 Honda Accord has 1,989 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with 920 of these being filed under powertrain. These complaints range from limp mode to rough shifting but ultimately come down to: the car has been on the road for 20 years, and the transmission is starting to fail.
Airbags have been a major cause for concern, as well, with 313 complaints and 9 recalls on file, with the most recent being three recalls in 2019 for exploding airbag inflators in the front seats. Two investigations into the matter remain open.
137 complaints have been registered for electrical issues, ranging from fidgety door locks to difficulty starting the vehicle.
The 2003 Accord has a total of 24 recalls on file, 5 investigations, and 1,989 complaints. The real issue with the 2003 Accord is simply that it hasn’t held up that well over the last 20 years. Wear and tear will eventually get the best of every vehicle on the road, some sooner than others.
How Long Will the 2003 Honda Accord Last?
RepairPal estimate that a Honda Accord will cost around $400 a year in maintenance, but expensive repairs like $1,408 fuel tank replacements and new throttle bodies at $497 apiece are adding up more and more.
A 2003 Honda Accord should make it to around 200,000 miles before it gets to be too expensive to keep running. Accords have an excellent track record for high mileage, but the 2003 edition’s long list of recalls and complaints may have it checking out before it hits that quarter million.
Very reliable, regular issues as my car is quite old but it keeps going and going. No rust either!!.
It has not had any major problems only minor things that are pretty normal for a car with over 200,000 miles.
The 2003 Honda Accord Coupe is reliable as long as regular maintenance is performed. I do have problems with gear slippage even though it has a rebuilt transmission. I also have had issues with the motor on the power windows going out.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology varies by trim level. The entry-level DX’s entertainment tech is about as simple as it gets. Radio, CD player, and two speakers. That’s it. A fully loaded EX Coupe, on the other hand, comes with a “Touch by Voice” satellite-linked DVD navigation system, six speakers, and a CD changer.
Safety technology is basic and outdated. Even in the higher trim levels you’re not getting much more than anti-lock brakes and full airbags. Acceptable for 2003, but a lot has happened in safety tech since then.
Is the 2003 Honda Accord a Good Value?
The 2003 Honda Accord is a bit of a gamble. It could be your ticket to the high mileage club, or it could fall to pieces before you get it home. With prices starting around $4,078, it’s not the most expensive used car on the market, but it might not be the most reliable, either.
- DX $4,684
- LX $4,801
- EX $5,166
What are the Different Models of the 2003 Honda Accord?
The 2003 Honda Accord is available in three different trim levels with sedan and coupe variations for each.
The DX is the entry level model, featuring:
- Power windows with auto up/down for the driver
- Remote release for the fuel door
- Electronic ignition with theft-deterrent immobilizer
- AM/FM radio and CD player
The mid-range LX adds:
- Remote keyless entry
- Optional eight-way power adjust for the driver seat
- Four more speakers, bringing the total to six
The EX is the top of the line, adding:
- Optional four-way power adjust for the front passenger
- Cruise control
- Security alarm system
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
What Engines Come In the 2003 Honda Accord?
- The base engine for the 2003 edition was a 2.4L inline-four DOHC delivering 160 horsepower and 161 lb.-ft. of torque. This was paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission and configured in front-wheel drive.
- If you want a little more pep in your step, there’s a 3.0L V6 SOHC option cranking out 240 horsepower and 212 lb.-ft. of torque. Not exactly a sports car, but you won’t be hesitant to pass the slowpokes on the highway.
What Colors Does the 2003 Honda Accord Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2003 Honda Accord?
Reviewers have praised the 2003 Accord for feeling pricier than it really is, with cushy leather seating and solid build quality throughout. Whatever your trim or body type, you’ve got room for five average-sized adults.
After twenty years on the road, the car has generated a meager 30 complaints of suspension issues. So the ride is still smooth two decades since the car was released.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2003 Honda Accord Have?
There’s plenty of pockets and nooks to put your drinks and phones, but cargo space may be a bit limited, maxing out at 14 cubic feet in the roomiest models.
There’s enough space to pack three, four full-size suitcases, but if you’re trying to bring home that office chair you found at the thrift store, you better break out the bungee cords.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2003 Honda Accord was the first year for the 7th Generation in North America. This generation would come to a close with the 2006 model.
2003: The most noticeable changes to the Accord in 2003 came down to dimensions. Sedans got an extra inch in the wheelbase, and both body styles were made an inch wider.
2004: The biggest change to the 2004 Accord would be the addition of side curtain airbags as a standard feature.
2005: Honda gave the Accord some design upgrades for 2005, with new wheel covers, illuminated controls on the steering wheels, and sleeker taillights.
2006: The 2006 has a noticeably more stylish, modern appearance than the 2005, with integrated LED brake lights, and wholly redesigned bumper fascias, front grilles, taillights, and trunk lids.
How Does the 2003 Honda Accord Compare to the Competition?
The top three mid-sizes of 2003 were the Camry, the Accord, and the Taurus, in that order. Of the three, the Accord ranks last for reliability and value.
Camry’s record after twenty years on the road is nearly spotless with just one recall and 811 complaints on file with the NHTSA. If you can find one with 150,000 miles on it, you might just have another 50, 100 thousand more to go.
Taurus owners have some powertrain issues to look out for, with 313 transmission complaints on file, but with KBB fair market pricing starting at under $2,000 that leaves you with a little extra cash to take care of whatever pops up.
Comparatively speaking, the two dozen recalls on file and nearly two thousand complaints make the Accord a risky proposition at a starting price of around five grand.
Do Owners Recommend the 2003 Honda Accord?
Yes it is, lasts many years, safe and extremely reliable. I am told Hondas go over 300,000 miles. I am at 200,000 now
It is reliable and gets us where we need to go. It has over 200,000 miles but still runs well. It has held up well over the few years we have had it.
I think that the 2003 Honda Accord Coupe was a good vehicle about 10 years ago. However, now it is outdated and many of them are not even on the streets anymore because of transmission failures.
