9th Nov 2003, 08:24

I've had my 2003 Accord EX V6 for almost 8 months now, and it's been everything that I expect a Honda to be. I haven't been back to the dealer at all, since the car has required NO service other than an oil change. I haven't experienced any rattles. Transmission is smooth and responsive. No "oxcart" ride and handling. No starting problems. No pulling to the right. No brake issues.

I know several people who own 2003 Accords and, based on their comments, I'm not alone in having a very satisfying and trouble-free ownership experience so far. I'll knock on wood, just in case I've just been lucky, but if that's the case, I know quite a few lucky people.

I found the comment about how much lower the overall quality of the original poster's Accord is compared to a Mustang to be completely contrary to my experience. A good friend has a 2003 Mustang GT that I've ridden in and driven extensively, and the quality of that car is shockingly bad compared to my Accord. Cheap plastics, ill fitting dash and door trim pieces, junky control feel and ground effects that were literally falling off when he got the car are some of the issues that he's faced. Frankly, my Accord is like a Lexus by comparison.

As has been said up-topic, no manufacturer is perfect, and even one with Honda's reputation will have a bad one from time to time. But based on my experience and contacts, the problem cars appear to be few and far between.

11th Nov 2003, 02:49

I have 10k on my V6 ex sedan with navi, and am embarrassed to drive others in my car due to the annoying rattles. I finally got the doors to stop with EXTENSIVE taping, buffering, dynamatting; but now it's the mouse clicking from overhead, which mine is in the visor mirrors. But, now it seems like I'm being attacked from all sides, and have almost decided to give up and surrender. I NEVER would have expected this from my new Honda.

6th Dec 2003, 17:48

After reading all of the above comments, I no longer feel alone. I purchased a 2003 Accord in June and have had nothing, but problems with it. Within 3 months of purchasing the car it began to make a popping noise under the front driver side fender. At first is was only present when stopping and starting, but now it is a constant noise that drives me crazy! Also, the car has began to have many rattles. Just last week the car began to stall at certain times during driving it. I'm taking it in this week, it may not be a pretty sight!!! I am very disappointed in my purchase especially since this is the first car that I have actually purchased for myself.

11th Dec 2003, 07:24

I have the Accord coupe V6 6 speed. I have owned 2 other Accords one with 170,000+ and the other with 150,000 miles. Because I never had problems with previous 2 Accords I expected the same reliability. I am very disappointed. I had some problems with the rattles, which were fixed. Most significant problems started at 5,000 miles when steering wheel would shake when braking. Got worse and dealer fix the rotors and pads. 6,000 miles later the problem is back and worse. Dealer says I must pay for rotor and pads and problem is caused by the way I brake. Never had any problems with 2 other Accords. I can't imagine having to have the rotors and pads replaced every 6,000 miles. Very disapointed with 2003 Accord reliability although I love the pickup, general handling and comfort.

17th Feb 2004, 16:52

After reading all of the comments on the 2003 Accord (and not just on here) I think it would be wise to hang on to my 96 Accord... which has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It seems as though 1997 may have been the last year for a well made, dependable Accord (98-02 are having severe transmission problems)

12th Jul 2004, 12:15

I have heard a lot of people complaining about fuel system problems. All of the new Honda Accord models made from the 2003 model year and above now use V-tec motors. It specifically states in all owners manual of a Honda that uses a V-tec motor to use 91 premium unleaded fuel. Since the introduction of the 3.0 lt. V-tec from the first Acura/Honda NSX, Honda make the valves with different materials and the fuel system is more tune than just a regular plain American vehicle. Try using 91 or above octane for a week and a fuel system cleaner for a weak and watch the results.

20th Sep 2004, 08:54

I bought a 2003 Honda Accord 4 Door LX in December 2002. Since then, its been problem after problem. I have had problems with my drums and rotors since day 1; both of which have been resurfaced and eventually were replaced. The problems go away for a bit, but always come back.

I have had the driver's side front window motor replaced twice.

The molding on the interior part of the doors keeps coming away and has to be re-glued.

There was a very loud buzz coming from the passenger side front door. My mechanic had to take the door panel off and glue some washer that hadn't been installed properly in the factory.

My power side mirrors are installed backward; the control that is supposed to control the right mirror actually controls the left, and vice versa. I have not even bothered to have this problem addressed, as it seems like more hassle to bother with when compared to anything I might gain from it.

Just Friday I took my car in for a standard oil change, to discover that my AC no longer works when I picked it up. Blows air, but unfortunately it isn't the slightest bit cold.

My car has approx. 40,000 miles on it. While that's a lot for the model year, I do not drive my car "hard" and I get all of the scheduled maintenance done, and on time. I trust my mechanic, as I knew him personally before I even bought the car, and that had a lot to do with where I decided to buy and what I decided to buy. All I can say is I am grateful I bought the extended warranty; otherwise, I would have had to pay a fortune for service already, and who knows if the problems will ever stop!