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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  Very good value car! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By dcharpentier - January 12 - 10:44 am

  Bought this car with 65K miles on it for 3000$ two years ago. It went through rough winters in Quebec and never let me down. It is a simple sedan but seems very reliable. The steering is numb and the automatic transmission lacks responsiveness but it is just a commuter car to go from point A to B. I feel that its consuming oil but for a vehicle of that age I am not surprised. Note for people in the north, it is prone to rust. Mine is in better shape than average here but it shows weaknesses. I can afford a better car but I dont want to let this one go. It is cheaper that its Japanese competitors of that era but I feel that it gives better bang for the buck.

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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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  Excellent Car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By tmp - September 10 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my Sonata GSL 03 with all the bells and whistles new and couldnt be happier. Going on 6 yrs replaced brakes @50,000, just did timing belt @ 83,000. Did oil change every 3,000- 5,000 miles other than that general maintenance.Not thrilled with dealer very poor customer service. I have found overall excellent performance and comfort level. Arm rest worn and power lock just went. Previously owned Mederces, Cadillac, TBird, Mustang, Lincoln,

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  2003 hundai sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By David Liu - September 4 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle rides well and is well built. It come standard with a lot of features that you pay extra for in a US or Japanese car

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  worth the money - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Hyundia - January 31 - 8:20 pm

  I 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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  Love it ! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By TylerJames - September 7 - 7:04 pm

  Well, 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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  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).

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  Reliable as any! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Aaron - December 5 - 1:14 pm

  I drive my car about 15,000 miles each year and currently have over 70,000 miles on it. I have done nothing but regular maintenance to it (oil, tires, replaced headlamp, etc.) and its been a great runner and a comfortable ride as a daily driver.