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 1 through 10 of 191.00

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  Its a not so good used car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By bm662 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought used had tune up and timing belt replaced. Still not much better? Had suspension checked 4 times replaced struts for safety. Still has thumping sounds no one can find reason! But told car is safe? The amount of money I paid for plus repairs I could have bought a new one live and learn. Dealer was supposed to be reliable. Not so in this case this vehicle should be called the Hyundai clunker.

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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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  Poor Choice - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By cody - March 19 - 3:33 am

  At 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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  Bad car!! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Roomraider33 - January 28 - 8:58 pm

  We 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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  I might think twice - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By not proud - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I had this car about 8mos and about 7,000 mile before check engine light came on it took the deal 3 weeks to fix.