Overview & Reviews

After receiving significant upgrades last year, the Sonata receives only minor changes this year. Among these are a battery-saver feature (in the event that any of lights are left on); illuminated window switches; a 12-volt power point in the trunk; and electronic, rather than cable-operated, releases for the trunk lid and fuel door. Additionally, Hyundai announced that it had misstated the horsepower ratings for all of the models in its lineup in previous years, so the Sonata's four-cylinder is now rated at 138 horsepower (down from 149) and its V6 is rated at 170 (down from 181), though the engines themselves are unchanged.

• Excellent warranty, stylish sheet metal, pleasant highway ride, lots of bang for your family-sedan buck.

• Noisy four-cylinder engine, some cheap interior bits.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 191.00

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  Expensive to maintain - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Nichols - August 19 - 12:08 pm

  Caliber stuck at 9,000 miles whole new break job on rear, then front pads fell apart at 15,000 not covered. front interior handles cut passenger had replaced prior to recall. flush trans fluid expensive due to special fluid. alternator went out at 60 thousand, very expensive to replace, labor cost will kill you. Timing belt goes out around 60 thousand. Be prepared for tune up. Have your check book ready if you by a used 2003, youll need it for repair cost. Paint flakes off exterior door handles.

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  Hyundai should honor their repairs - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By jamesw71 - May 10 - 10:02 pm

  I bought it new back in 2004. Stepson crashed it 3 months after I bought it. The dealership is having problems fixing it and honoring my insurance claims. Approximately once a year it wont start. They claimed they fixed it by doing such things as disabling the antitheft system, changing the battery and replacing sensors but I still have the problems. Insurance wont honor the claim anymore saying its a sensor problem even though its the same problem from the crash, the dealership is charging me $500 a year to change the same sensor over and over. Statefarm Insurance and Hyundai are screwing me over on this one. Exterior is coming apart..again, radio problems & door handle problems.

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  Value and Dependability - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By msailyork - January 24 - 10:06 am

  I bought this car new for my wife who uses it to commute 80 miles to work every day. Well, after 7 years and 122K miles I can say this car was a bargain. Weve performed all the scheduled maintenance and havent had any problems. Beware the cost to change the plugs, labor was $234, however Ive only had to do it twice. Great little car with all the LX amenities. Liked it so much bought a Hyundai XG-350 for myself.

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  MY SILVER JAG WISH U AR - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By LIL JAG - December 22 - 10:00 am

  DRIVES GREAT AND YOU GET ALOT OF LOOKS

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  Thought It Was Good! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tyler James - December 4 - 11:39 pm

  I Like The Car. I Like The Features. However its not dependable. changed alternator, cv shafts. Oh. Did i mention the whole engine. ?? Yea. follow maintenance intervals for timing belts. they tend to break and kill your engine. My car is nice. wish it was a little better on fuel, a little more dependable, and it came with more features. Then Again I only have the base. My car is going on 7 years old and it is still a head turner. I will drive it until i graduate college. But I doubt Id Buy another one. 154,000 miles on body. 7,000 on engine. still going strong. HOPE IT LASTS!! Thanks.

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  Hyundai Sonata GLS - Awesome - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kim Seth - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Hynundai and I am always glad to tell people about them. I own the 2003 Sonata GLS in slate gray. It is a gorgeous vehicle! I get stares and comments on this car all the time! Everyone wants to know "What kind of car is that?" and "Thats a beautiful car." I also like to tell them that you wont find a comperable American vehicle for less than $5,000 more. Its styling, affordability, and warranty speak for themselves. Go try one out - you wont be disappointed!

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  Love my Sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lisa - October 20 - 7:16 pm

  I bought my 03 Sonata brand new in 2003. I have loved the look and performance ever since. It now has over 100K miles on it and its still going strong. We drive from OK to Galveston, TX yearly without any issues. I would definitely buy another one, when this one gives out, that is.

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  best car ive ever had - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By b.migliosi - October 16 - 10:00 am

  ive got only good thongs to say about this car. i absolutely love its appearance and performance.

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  Im trying it - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Pamela8 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I think it is a great car for the money

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  Sonatas are GREAT! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chantelle - October 16 - 10:00 am

  i had purchased a 2002 sonata GLS, but traded it in after a year and a half with 41,000 miles due to problems with the windows, engine and reliability. Now that i am in my 2003 sonata GLS i could not be happier. wish i got better gas mileage, but it is great considering it is a 6 cyl.