If you were only going to do one, which would you replace?

Also, would a cheap HU, like a new $100 Pioneer with 14w RMS sound better than stock?

I have added a small powered sub behind the pass seat, but it's still a pretty sad system, lol

 

I'd do HU first.

 

yeah, that makes sense, if for no other reason than to get MP3, USB, etc. How much will the sound improve by installing an aftermarket HU while keeping stock door speakers? thx

 

I did my HU first and had an amp running the fronts for a while before they were replaced. I think I made the right decision.

How much? How can I quanitfy that?

 

I just swapped speakers yesterday on an 01.... sounds so good with the stock head unit that's all I'm going to do, they were cheap $50 blaupunkt ones from crutchfield too. No need for a head unit, you can get an ipod adapter for a few bucks on ebay, works great.

I don't know if the speakers are the same on the 01 and the 03 though... the 01 ones were pure garbage, look like they are literally made of paper.

 

The stock head unit is really, really , really bad. It is the cheapest of the cheap and VERY low in power. A head unit is the first thing to do. Once you do, you will get tired of the ragged response of the speakers once you get them louder but the head unit is usually the most bang for the buck change.