🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Honda

Model:

Civic

Year:

2003

Chassis Codes:

EM2 (2-door Coupe), ES1/ES2 (4-door Sedan)

Engine Codes:

D17A1 (1.7L SOHC non-VTEC), D17A2 (1.7L SOHC VTEC - Si/Si-G trims), D17A7 (1.7L SOHC VTEC - DX/LX/EX trims with California emissions)

👋 Introduction

Category:

Compact Economy Car

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Honda owners seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.

Competitors:

Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3, Ford Focus.

Features:

Officially licensed, OE material derived, web-based access, covers all major vehicle systems, comprehensive troubleshooting and repair procedures, year-long access.

Savings:

Enables significant cost savings by empowering owners to perform repairs and maintenance themselves.

📋 Manual Details

Geographical Coverage:

North America (primarily US and Canada models)

Model Variants Covered:

DX, LX, EX, HX, Si (Coupe), Si (Sedan - Canada)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive online service manuals)

Type:

Online Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Web-based access (licensed for one year)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (including D17 series), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control, automatic and manual transmissions, clutch, drive axles.

Chassis:

Brakes (ABS and non-ABS), suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link beam), steering (power rack and pinion), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, mirrors, audio system, charging system, starting system, cooling fan control.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, blower motor, controls.

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, bumpers, glass.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flushes.

Repair:

Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), transmission service, brake pad and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), steering rack replacement, exhaust system repair, radiator replacement, AC system service.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common issues, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) explanations and procedures, wiring diagrams for electrical system fault finding, component testing procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Accessibility:

Accessible via web browser on PC, laptop, smartphone, or tablet with internet connection.

Printable:

Likely supports printing of individual sections or pages for offline use.

Type:

Not applicable (online format)

Type:

Not applicable (online format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Variant:

1.7L SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder (D17A1, D17A2, D17A7)

Displacement:

1668 cc (1.7 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

75.0 mm x 94.4 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1 (typically)

Horsepower D17A1:

115 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque D17A1:

110 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Horsepower D17A2 Vtec:

127 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque D17A2 Vtec:

114 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

13.2 gallons

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Dx Lx Ex Hx:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Dx Lx Ex Hx:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - HX model only, 4-speed Automatic Transmission - DX, LX, EX models

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Transmission Fluid Spec At:

Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Spec Mt:

Honda Genuine Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) or API GL-4 SAE 75W-80 (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Coupe Length:

170.2 inches

Sedan Length:

174.6 inches

Width:

67.0 inches

Height Coupe:

53.3 inches

Height Sedan:

55.6 inches

Wheelbase:

104.3 inches

Trunk Volume Sedan:

12.9 cubic feet

Trunk Volume Coupe:

11.0 cubic feet

Curb Weight Min:

2540 lbs (DX Coupe Manual)

Curb Weight Max:

2790 lbs (EX Sedan Automatic)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

★★★★★ (5 Stars)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

★★★★★ (5 Stars)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

★★★★☆ (4 Stars)

IIHS Front Offset Crash:

Good

ABS:

Available on EX and HX trims, optional on LX

Airbags Front:

Standard dual-stage driver and front-passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4-speaker system. Optional premium audio with subwoofer on EX trims.

Display:

Digital odometer and trip meters, fuel level indicator, coolant temperature gauge. No central infotainment screen.

Cruise Control:

Standard on LX and EX trims, optional on DX.

Traction Control:

Not available on this model year.

Bluetooth:

Not available on this model year.

Usb Port:

Not available on this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the Maintenance Minder system (if equipped and monitored properly).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 105,000 miles (Iridium-tipped spark plugs)

Transmission Fluid Change At:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and transmission type. Consult manual for specifics.

Coolant Flush And Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 4 years

Engine Oil:

API Certified SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil

Coolant:

Honda Genuine All Season Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicate)

Common Issues:

Automatic transmission torque converter shudder, SRS warning light (occupant classification system issues), AC condenser leaks, power steering pump whine, rear brake caliper seizing.

Engine Sludge:

Early D17 engines were prone to oil sludge buildup if oil changes were neglected. Regular maintenance is crucial.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Honda is renowned for reliability, fuel efficiency, and engineering innovation.

Generation:

Seventh Generation Honda Civic (2001-2005)

Design Language:

Characterized by a distinctive 'monospecific' or 'one-box' exterior design, particularly in the sedan, and a futuristic interior layout.

Assembly Locations:

Alliston, Ontario, Canada; East Liberty, Ohio, USA; Suzuka, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Edmunds Best Used Cars:

Often cited by automotive reviewers for its value and reliability in the used car market.

Intellichoice Best Overall Value:

Previous generations of the Civic have consistently won 'Best Overall Value' awards from IntelliChoice.