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 41 through 50 of 191.00

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  _ - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By RandyT - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Sonata (lost a 2000 base to an accident) and I love it. Since 2000 they have made a number of small but appreciated changes including split folding seats, more space efficient trunk hinges, and a power outlet in the trunk. I’m still in the break in period, but even without revving the engine the car has plenty of power. I would recommend it to my friends.

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  Sonata Soars - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Waggle63 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  We love this car. I have 2 young boys 8 & 4 and they love to go for a ride in this car. It has good sight lines when driving. It is very comfortable for me (64" 250 lbs.) to drive as well as my wife 52". We will definately look at future products from this company as time comes to replace our other vehicles. It has a great warranty too.

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  Love it - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By kduluth - July 14 - 2:00 am

  After lots of research I finally bought this car yesterday - complete with option package 7 (Moonroof, ABS, Traction Control, HomeLink, cargo net, mud guards, floor mats) and I couldnt be happier. The styling is so attractive and the car is incredibly quiet. The stereo sounds nice though I have yet to really crank it up and see what it can do. The V6 isnt as powerful as some that Ive driven but its acceptable. The under-the-hood components are very easily accessible. There is lots of storage and the backseat armrest is a great addition. I highly recommend this vehicle - with that price and these features, you just cant go wrong.

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  the perfect affordable car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By PALADIN - July 4 - 10:00 am

  The car was afordable (just over $15,000) and is a LOT of car for the money. Other than changing the oil and filters, no maintainence has been needed or required. I have used the car on several multi-state trips with my wife and two teenage daughters and the trips have been comfortable and fun. A great car.

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  Good Value - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve Lautenschlager - June 28 - 8:33 am

  I would recommend this car based on price, performance and reliability. The 6 cyl engine has sufficient acceleration and the car handles very nicely. Change the timing belt prior to 70k miles (highly recommended). Overall, I am very happy with this purchase.

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  awesome 2.4 - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By david 2.4 - June 25 - 1:32 pm

  I love my Hyundai Sonata, I bought it for the gas mileage, and its sporty design it puts you in mind of a Lexus. I live in a mountain region of the country and it pulls the hills as good as the day i bought it. My family purchased a new 08 Chrysler sebring and my sonata out performs it 2 to 1. Only thing is it has a low resale value. Ill buy another hyundai when this one dies. They say they are good for 200,000 miles, i guess Ill wait and see.

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  problems with Sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By John Franklin - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Transmission problem right off the lot Recall from corporate about the side airbags being too sensitive Horsepower misrating 181 should be 170 Missing dome light in rear roof area Hyundai says it will cost $1200-$1300 to install one... My gripe? It should have been there to begin with!

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  Best Investment for lowest dollar - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jbond - May 11 - 5:11 pm

  Minimal cost other than routine maintenance, oil changes, tires, brakes. Gas mileage better than stated on sticker in fact, at 145,000 miles better than when first purchased. Handles excellant, rides like new after the miles. Best vehicle I have ever purchased. Mistaken for much more expensive vehicles - BMW, Mercedes and jag with the price of a Yugo.... LOL workmanship much better than any vehicle I have driven, including multiple rentals since I drive approx 100,000 per year for work. Have never had to use the warranty other than for a dead battery which was on my behalf.

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  More and more disappointed :( - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brittany - May 7 - 8:58 am

  When I bought my car I loved it! I called it my baby Jag. 5 months after I bought it the airbag light came on, the dealership couldnt fix it. After 3 years of ownership, the engine blew because the timing belt broke. No check engine light ever went on. I was 1,000 miles over the warranty limit. It cost me $3500 for a new one. One year after the replacement of the engine the check engine light came on and now I dont want to deal with this car anymore! I thought Hyundais were supposed to be good cars. Apparently not after so many years. :(

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  very good car for the price - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Eric - April 17 - 9:45 am

  Just returned the car at the dealer (was on a lease). The Sonata had been a very reliable car. Put on 70K without any problems except for normal maintenance. You buy this car for family needs (roomy for 4 & a good size trunk), not for performance (small V6).