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 31 through 40 of 191.00-
Poor Choice - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By cody - March 19 - 3:33 amAt 10,000 miles calibers stuck had to have all new brakes and drums, then at 14,000 front breaks had to be replaced. Dealer said it was my driving that cause the brakes to crumble. Needed new belts already, gas mileage stinks. Paint came off door handles so they are now White, all four of them. Interior worn, and I am a single person. Would not recommend this car. Now at 48,000 need new breaks again, rear calibers stuck once again, but then it is always my fault. Dont buy a 4 cylinder, you have to turn off heat or air to get on the freeway, and pray when you go up a hill. No matter what a salesman says this model in a 4 is not like a 6. Have driven my daughters Toyota and her 4 has no problem.
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Great Value - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By Dale Poncy - February 8 - 10:00 amThis is my 4th Hyundai. I have owned an Elantra GLS, Elantra GT, Santa Fe, and now this Sonata LX. All are 2001 or newer. These are great cars for the money.
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worth the money - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By Hyundia - January 31 - 8:20 pmI bought this with 14,000 miles. Put a lot of miles in 4 years, about 165,000. Ac compressior went out quickly, leaking oil. Dealer refused to fix because of miles, even though it was under normal ac warranty period. You must change timing belts, all! As scheduled as I done. Faithfully changed oil. Trans started acting up, again I faithfully serviced. I still would buy another one, looking now at 04, getting rid of a 2008, dont like the ride as much as the 03!
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Bad car!! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By Roomraider33 - January 28 - 8:58 pmWe bought this car with 68000 miles on it. The car was nice looking more on the richy side. when we drove it for more the 25 minutes the trany got hot. To back up it felt like you hit someone when you didnt. The paint on the bumpers would come up every time i washed it. Then the air bag light came on if we repair it the cost will be $1000. The spark plugs needed replaced well that bill was $400 because the had to take part of the motor to change them. loved the inside but overall bad bad car!!!!!!!
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Sonata great car for the price - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By Steve - December 12 - 3:30 pmThe car has been great and Hyundai supports the warranty. Had a transmission fail at 92,000, but I am sure it was due to improper servicing at 65K. Hyundai replaced with rebuilt Trans only asking if I changed fluid. Previous post dissing Sonata due to failed timing light and no engine light to warn is owners fault. No car will give a light for this and they all will fail. Suppose to replace at 65,000, mine lasted until 90K and then I had it replaced. Still running strong at 97K. Comfortable and roomy. Back seat tight with carseats, but all cars of this size are. Would buy again and recommend. Hope to get another 50K and then buy a new one.
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Great Price for More Car Than I Paid For - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By TexAZ - November 14 - 2:00 amWe own an 03 Sonata GLS, W/ sunroof & spoiler, & standard Sonata package. Honda & Toyota go head to head here. We have seen in Hyundai, the turn both Honda & Toyota made years back, from disposible cars, to quality products. The 03s are a testimony to Hyundais desire to turn the corner, and they have done it! The looks, performance, interior & exterior, they put together a machine to be proud of. Add to that, Consumer Reports "Recommended Seal", plus the warranty, and theres no comparison. People trying to figure out what it is from the looks, makes the whole ownership thing really pleasing. Test drive it, and I know which you will choose!
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The little Jag - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By lkletter - November 3 - 10:00 amI have not had my car for very long, but it is definately a great car for the money. I only keep cars for as long as the warranty, so hopefully with a great 5 year 60000 warranty I will keep this car for a while. A bit disappointed in the gas mileage it gets. Everyone says it looks like a Jaguar. At least it does not cost like one.
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Very happy - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By Homer Jay - September 21 - 10:00 amIve had my Sonata for just over 2 months and while that doesnt give me any long term perspective, what I have seen so far is very good. I have a car here that I actually dont mind driving, be it around town or on road trips. I am very, very happy with the Sonata!
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Love it ! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By TylerJames - September 7 - 7:04 pmWell, I bought my car 2 months ago. Im 16. Its kinda big for a 16 year old. But I like it b/c it suits me. I like the exterior design and the interior is tan and shows stains. Car takes off slow u must put your foot into it. Other than that I love the gas mileage and the way it looks. My friends also insist we take my car when we go somewhere. So overall I love it. It also looks brand new when its 5 years old.
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ok car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By faraway - August 15 - 1:33 pmWe got this car and its very Nice looking. The inside is very Nice. The only thing is the trany needs to be replaced. We are not happy. We talked to some one who has 2001 Hyundai sonata they told us that they had to replace the trany at 12,000 miles and now 68,000 miles later again same problem. Also the airbag light comes on and that will cost about $1000 to fix. If you need the spark plugs replaced it will be about $400 to do it because they have to take part of the motor apart. The tires are different on this car so they are about $160 a each. We have the v6 2.7litter and the oil filter for that style motor doesnt fit you have to get the 4 cylinder. Good looking car.
