2003 Honda Accord EX 2.4L Gasoline

Summary:

I mad a huge mistake purchasing the 2003 Honda Accord

Faults:

Transmission won't shift to higher gear when cold, and won't downshift in mountain driving. Even when placed manually into a lower gear, the Accord does not slow down going downhill.

Suspension is terrible, the Accord rides like a truck even in city driving. Unbearable for long trips.

Odometer adds 2% more miles than I actually drive. Honda says it is within specs, but I have never owned a car that added miles as fast as this one.

Radio face plate fell off, and CD player won't work in hot weather.

Endless squeaks and rattles.

Paint scratches that can't be removed (not related to normal wear and tear).

General Comments:

I bought this car for long driving vacations, and have been very disappointed. It is uncomfortable, difficult to drive, and has unpredictable handling.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st September, 2004

12th Nov 2004, 09:08

I totally agree with the problems of the Honda Accord 2003. The car is not at all what I expected. My radio faceplate has too fallen off and by brakes are horrible! They shake and make loud popping noises. The service manager at a nearby Honda dealership says its normal. Is it normal for your friends and family that are riding with you to ask, "Whats wrong with your car?"?

Laura.

23rd Apr 2008, 21:55

I have a 2003 Accord. My front end began to shake when I applied the brakes. It became worse over time. Turns out the rotors were worn. I replaced them with American made rotors and braking is effective and smooth.

21st Dec 2008, 17:50

I've been disappointed with my 2003 Accord EX-L - it's cost me over $2,000 in repairs this year alone! I found the 5 spd manual transmission difficult to shift. Finally went in and learned the throwout bearing was shot! Didn't give Honda the satisfaction of repairing it; I gave it to my local tranny shop to fix. It cost me almost $1500 for a new clutch and bearing assembly. As far as I'm concerned, the bearing is a manufacturing defect.

The other transmission problem is the squeaky clutch pedal. It's a common problem with Honda and Acura clutches. The master cylinder is defective, but good luck getting the dealer to agree with you. Most noticeable when it's hot outside. Mine still squeaks, will probably replace it next summer. Also paid more than $400 to replace the rear 02 sensor. Oh, and the 2.4 L engine burns oil, but not enough to be overly concerned. And the leather seating is starting to peel off. They don't build them like they used to...

2003 Honda Accord LX-G 2.4L 4 Cylinder

Summary:

Caution when buying a new Honda Accord

Faults:

- Replaced Air Conditioning Condenser

- Replaced front right shock

- Replaced catalytic converter (due to rotten egg smell)

- Replaced front right carpet

- Rattles in front passenger dash and in passenger and driver windows

- Replaced rear wheel bearing (When driving 120 kms/hour a whistling noise is apparent however when speed changes noise disappears) noise still exists dealer unable to fix this

- Replaced front air vent.

General Comments:

I am very unhappy with this vehicle as the quality standards for Honda have decreased considerably.

I have found Honda dealers lack in customer service. I also found that dealing with Honda Head Office to be quite difficult.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th August, 2004

2003 Honda Accord LX Sedan 4 cylinder.

Summary:

Great car minus the problems

Faults:

Fit and finish problems galore, like many others mentioned in the 2003 reviews.

Pulls to right as people mentioned in the 2003 reviews.

Front seat belt adjustment sliders rattled, top inside door trim pieces vibrated, front windshield pillars vibrated, bad heat shield, delivered with permanent water spots on outside of vehicle, delivered with scratches and swirls on outside paint.

The windshield trim still rattles, even after the Honda tech put in foam tape everywhere, and now there's a noise from the front passenger door that sounds as if something came loose.

I've been back to the dealer multiple times and even took the car to a local tire center on my own. At only ~300 miles (110 of which weren't mine) the car's alignment was bad! The tire center did what they could but it still pulls to the right.

It's back in the service dept. right now, dealing with the heat shield noise and the remaining rattles. They replaced the heat shield last time (said Honda stamped it incorrectly) but the car STILL makes the same noise. Very strange.

General Comments:

Honda is supposed to be a quality car maker, but clearly things have slipped a little bit. In their quest to push more cars out of the assembly line, they have sacrificed quality for quantity.

I can't honestly recommend a Honda to anyone. Spending time waiting in the dealership instead of being out on the road is truly frustrating.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th August, 2004

21st Mar 2005, 06:53

I agree Camry would be a better choice. I would also look at Mazda as well. I would even look at some American made vehicles before Honda.

17th Aug 2005, 21:53

Accord or Camry? Both great cars, both with a few problems, but if you really want problems go with Ford, Mazda (same thing) etc.

A lot really depends on the stealership - have an 03 Accord now, had 00 Camry, 93 Celica, 89 Celica... and depending on the deal next year it will be either Camry or Accord.

4th Oct 2005, 17:58

I would beg to differ with the statement bashing Ford. I've had 3 Fords and all have been long-lasting, dependable vehicles. In fact, one has 220,000 miles on it and a younger family member still drives it daily.