Is the 2002-2003 Honda Civic EX a bad choice for my first car? Doesnt it have alot of problems?

Asked by TwilightGuy1989 Apr 18, 2009 at 10:13 PM about the 2003 Honda Civic EX

Question type: Shopping & Pricing

Ive been doing alot of research and i keep hearing people say that the 2001-2003 Honda Civics have lots of problems!

Is this true and are these year models ok to buy for my first car? Money is no worry, but i am concerned with its reliability i mean after all Hondas are supposed to be the best of the best!


Thanks!

10 Answers

1,455

Hondas and Toyotas have a very good depreciation scales, because they have proven to be reliable cars. Nevertheless; I would take this car (as well as any used car) to a complete professional checkup before bying. Ask for additional warranty if you think you need it. Hope this helps.

6 people found this helpful.
625

Go for it! I've owned/currently own a 2004 civic SiR and presently a 2007 civic Si. Reliability won't be an issue. The problems reported were with seat belt lights and faulty trouble codes. Any dealer can resolve these minor issues in minutes. I've also owned 2 Accords, both of which were outstandingly reliable. Plus the Honda civic out sold the Ford F-150 last year in North America. The 150 has been the highest seller for years. And to beat out by a Japanese compact car?!? That's gotta give you some confidence! I wouldn't recommend buying privately though. In a lot of cases you don't know just how the vehicle was driven by the previous owner. At least if you purchase from a dealer you've got the worry free driving ahead you. The car is detailed and thoroughly inspected for anything (no matter how small) that may need addressing in terms of repairs or parts failure.

4 people found this helpful.
65

The civics don't really have any problems other than odometer troubles. there was recall a while back. but other than that it's a pretty solid and fuel efficient vehicle. as for vehicle sales, you can't compare a fullsize halfton to a compact econo car.

2 people found this helpful.
595

the consumer reports website will list all recalls along with known problems and repair costs

1 people found this helpful.
16,815

Haven't heard of major issues with the Civics... Honda has had issues with transmission problems, but they aren't prevalent in the 4 cyl. They aren't the quickest cars on the road but they are a perfect daily driver, if the price is right then go for it.

2 people found this helpful.
25

I had a 2000 Honda Civic Si and that was the best car i car i ever had. They are tough, durable and reliable. I would get another one in a heart beat. I never had problems what so ever. I've had that civic and an accord they were both great cars.

2 people found this helpful.
625

if you haven't already purchased the car i would say go with the previous generation (1996-2000). the D17 in the 7th gen civics has little aftermarket support and unless you plan on a k20 swap or go with forced induction the car is about as good as it's going to get in stock form.

2 people found this helpful.
30

Will 185 65 14 snow tires work/ fit my 2002 civic coupe ? All size charts recommend 185 70 14

3 people found this helpful.
60

I bought a 2003 Honda Civic and it turned out to be the worst car that I've owned. Everything went wrong, A/C went out and had to be replaced. Blown Head gasket. Transmission failed, Strong gas smell in the cabin of the car. I bought a Honda because of it's reliability, but I learned that 2003 is a horrible year for Honda's.

6 people found this helpful.

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