[car5car]

Main difference is 03 handle doesn't need cylindrical bushing.
Top handle hole in 01 door panel has to be slightly increased.
Installed tops of handles look slightly different. I had to use dark gray vinyl paint. 03 handle is wider.

 

[rudeney]

So you made it fit and the only modification was was enlarge the hole in the door panel? What did you have to use touch-up paint on?

 

[car5car]

I spent about 3 min enlarging panel hole.
Drimel would be the best tool to enlarge door panel hole.
I used dark gray vinyl spray can paint from Advance auto to paint door handle. I already had it.
I paid $37.50 for door handle from ebay, including shipping. Dealer wanted $62 (wholesale) + 7% tax for my year car and I had to drive 30 min one way.
Dealer was selling 03 handles for $42.
I will probably buy rear handle too, "timing belt" handle doesn't look too good.
You can see parts diagram for 03 door handle, no bushing.

 

[rudeney]

Oh, so you painted it just because it wasn't a good color match for your interior?

 

[car5car]

Oh, so you painted it just because it wasn't a good color match for your interior?

yes

 

[rudeney]

That's great info. Thanks for being the guinea pig! This will surely save people money when their 2001/2002 door handle break.