Even though Consumer Reports gives the 2003 Accord four out of five stars in reliability and a handful of other categories, there are a few concerns with the 2003 model. RepairPal lists 45 reported issues—some serious, like ignition switch failure, and some minor, like the radio not lighting up properly.
Also, in the first half of the 2003 Accord’s lifespan, there’s an increased chance of the vehicle developing major transmission problems leading to engine failure. If you pick up one of these 2003 models, you could be looking at an expensive fix depending on its mileage and repair history.