subject: The 2003 Honda Civic [print this page] The Honda Civic was first manufactured in the early 1970's, ever since it has become the most popular compact car in history. 2003 Honda Civic models are fairly similar to previous model years with a few additional features. The hatchback is back for it's second year and offers owners an even smaller body (9 inches less) along with a very powerful engine. The hybrid is available as well giving consumers exceptional fuel economy with more than adequate power. Overall the Civic remains the standard that all other car manufacturers try to attain for the '03 model year.
On the inside of the Civic has new fabric selections added for this model year along with adjustable headrests for rear passengers. The trim packages offered include the DX, LX, EX, HX, and the Hybrid. DX models are the basic trim level offering very little in the form of amenities. Owners are likely to find that the DX has few power accessories (possibly limited to power windows), a basic stereo system, and plain cloth fabrics. Mid-level LX packages come with a lot more in the way of creature comforts. Standard features of all LX packages are full power accessories, more selection of cloth fabrics, 4 spoke steering wheels, optional power adjustable driver seats, CD players, and much more.
Going further up in style and class is the EX trim level. These cars come with standard features like CD players/changers, leather upholstery, leather wrapped steering wheels, moon roofs, power driver seats, and optional navigation systems. Both the Hatchback (HX) and Hybrid models come with the same optional features of the upper level EX.
The engines available include the standard 1.7 liter four cylinder engine that comes on most all of the 2003 Honda Civics. There is a standard 5 speed manual transmission to accompany the 1.7 liter and an optional 4 speed automatic. HX models come equipped with the more powerful 2.0 liter engine and are only offered with a 5 speed manual transmission. Hybrid models utilize a 85 horsepower gasoline engine and a 93 horsepower electric motor. Fuel consumption is very respectable and the hybrid gets 46 mpg city and 51 mpg highway. Averages for the gasoline engines run from 30 mpg city to 36 mpg highway.
Safety has always been a priority for the Honda motor corporation and even though the 2003 Honda Civic is very small in stature, it does fairly well in crash test ratings. Compared with the Ford Focus it does better in side impacts. The refinement on the interior is also a lot better than the Focus and Cavalier, making it one of the most desirable compact cars of the '03 model year. The unique suspension system allows the Civic to handle very nimbly while retaining the solid characteristics that owners have come to love. Another competitor is the Toyota Corolla which remains another great buy in this segment. Both the Civic and Corolla have great fuel economy and highly refined interiors, factors which make it hard to say which car is actually best.
The 2003 Honda Civic is one of the best choices for a compact car from that model year. Consumers can choose from an entirely budget oriented model, or get a plush luxury minded vehicle with a very powerful engine. Buyers would only be doing themselves a disservice not considering one of these cars.
