Well folks, I just went to the dealer to pick up my car, which I
dropped off yesterday for it's first oil change and some door rattles.
I also asked them to check the tranny because it took a bit to engage
into drive from P, R or N (1 2 second delay to engage D). Actually, it
engages then again about a second later. No biggie, I thought...this
is normal.... I was hoping that they would say that but..... it has
also been like this from day #1...

Nope, "Re manufactured Transmission" has been ordered. Service told me
that this is condition is not "normal". They also told me that they
have replaced transmissions on other '03's. I didn't ask for details
but I did want to let you all know because I have seen posts on these
boards with this same symptom.

Question: They tell me that a "Re manufactured Transmission" is not a
"re built transmission" because ALL the innards are new (perhaps used
casing) and it's not assembled in an assembly line, but rather by
humans at Honda motors... Is this true? I also demanded a new torque
converter.. they told me that Honda only sends them as together to
eliminate contamination concerns. Does anyone have the facts on these
two items? Anyone out there work or have worked in Service? Lastly,
has anyone had a tranny replaced before? If so, what everything right
after that major repair (alignment, rattles, no damage, etc.) They
tell me that the car will not need wheel alignment. Can anyone confirm
that? Sorry for the long post, but given all the tranny issues and
questions, I thought the replies to this one would be helpful for
others as well. Thanks!