Door Handle for Honda Civic 2001-2005 (Front Driver Left Side) Review
Table of Content
As a long-time Honda Civic owner, I know first-hand how frustrating a broken door handle can be. Recently, the driver’s side door handle on my 2003 Civic broke, leaving me unable to open the door from the outside. After some research online, I decided to purchase a direct replacement OEM door handle for my Civic.
In this blog post, I’ll review the “Door Handle for Honda Civic 2001-2005 (Front Driver Left Side)” based on my experience installing and using it.
Overview of the Product
This door handle is designed specifically for the front driver’s side door of the 2001-2005 Honda Civic. It is an authentic OEM Honda part, meaning it’s the exact same handle that originally came installed on the car from the factory.
Some key features and specifications:
- Fits 2001-2005 Honda Civic front driver’s side door
- OEM Honda replacement part
- Constructed of high quality ABS plastic for durability
- Matches the original handle perfectly in terms of fit, appearance, and function
- Easy bolt-on installation (no modifications required)
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Ordering and Delivery
I ordered this door handle through Amazon for about $45 USD including shipping. It arrived within 2 days of ordering thanks to Amazon Prime delivery.
The handle came packaged very securely in a cardboard box with foam inserts to prevent any damage during shipping. Inside the box was the handle itself, the two bolt covers, and installation instructions.
Installation
Installing the new handle was a quick and easy process that took me less than 30 minutes:
Steps for Installation:
- Remove the interior door panel using a pry tool
- Disconnect the rod connector from the broken handle
- Remove the two 10mm bolts securing the handle
- Remove the broken handle and clean any debris from door
- Install the new handle with the two 10mm bolts
- Reconnect rod connector
- Snap bolt covers back into place
- Reinstall door panel
I didn’t run into any issues during installation. The new handle bolted right into place with no modifications needed. All of the attachment points lined up perfectly.
Tools Needed:
- 10mm socket
- Ratchet
- Pry tool
- Phillips screwdriver
Fit and Finish
Once installed, I found that the fit and finish of this replacement door handle is excellent. The plastic construction feels very solid and durable. The handle matches the original perfectly in terms of color, contours, and texture.
When closed, the handle sits flush with the door just like the OEM part. The snap-in bolt covers blend seamlessly into the handle. You cannot tell this is an aftermarket replacement part at all – it looks entirely factory-installed.
Operation of the handle feels smooth and sturdy. The chrome button depresses with a satisfying click when pulled. Overall the handle has a very OEM quality feel.
Functionality
Most importantly, this replacement door handle restored full functionality to my driver’s door. I can now open the door effortlessly from the outside using the handle. The handle engages the latch mechanism smoothly every time without sticking or catching.
Inside the car, the door opens and closes normally. The latch and lock mechanisms continue to work flawlessly with the new handle installed. There are no rattles, vibrations or looseness.
Long-Term Durability
While I’ve only had this handle installed for 2 weeks so far, I don’t anticipate any issues with its long-term durability. The solid ABS plastic construction gives it the same OEM quality and longevity as the original. I expect to get many years of reliable use from this handle.
Considering it’s protected from the elements inside the door, it should maintain its appearance very well over time. The chrome accents may fade eventually, but a quick buffing can restore the shine if needed down the road.
Pros
- OEM quality fit, finish and operation
- Direct bolt-on replacement requires no modification
- Matches factory handle perfectly
- Restores full functionality of door latch/lock
- Durable ABS plastic construction
- 1-year warranty provides peace of mind
- Much more affordable than replacing entire door
Cons
- None that I can find so far
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- GOOACC 635Pcs Car Push Retainer Clips for Honda Civic
- Honda Civic (2001-2005) DX LX Rear Muffler OE Style 492425 With Bolts Gaskets Review
- Honda Civic 2004 Universal Car Steering Wheel Cover Review
- Universal Motor Trend FlexTough Floor Mats for Honda Civic 2004 Review
- Honda Civic 2004 Sun/Rain Visors Review
- FINDAUTO Universal ABS Rear Trunk Spoiler Wing For Honda Civic 2004 Review
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- BDK Universal Front Rear Rubber Floor Mats for Honda Civic 2004 Review
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- FH Group Universal Fit Seat Covers
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- FH Group Car Floor Mat
- Air Intake Kit
- Honda Civic Bumper Trim
Verdict
Overall I am extremely satisfied with this Genuine Honda OEM replacement door handle for my 2001 Civic. The quality meets or exceeds that of the original factory handle. Installation was quick and painless. It restored the complete functionality of my driver’s door after the original handle broke.
I would highly recommend this door handle to any 2001-2005 Honda Civic owner needing to replace a front driver’s side OEM handle. It’s very affordably priced considering the OEM quality. There are cheaper aftermarket options available, but I’d suggest paying a little more for the factory fit and function that this handle provides.
