2003 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews

The best sedan I have ever owner

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this car used, with 23,000 miles on it. We took a 1500 mile trip shortly there after. It averaged 28 mpg. I change the oil every 3000 miles along with other routine maintenance. etc. It now has 130,000 miles on it and recently experienced brake chattering. The pads have been changed several times, but never the rotors. Well as it turns out the rotors were as smooth as a baby's a--. Yes, after 130,000 miles, all it needed was pads. Does it show its mileage, but of course. However, if you are considering this model, don't be concerned about advanced miles. This will be the best sedan you will ever buy. Nuff said.
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Great car! Lots of Bang for your Bucks

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata LX 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I don't know about some of the previous reviews. I bought this car from the estate of a friend who bought it, then died shortly thereafter. He told me he loved his previous Hyundai and this one also. I was skeptical, but at the time it was just what I needed. This car has been extremely reliable, easy to drive and repair (for what little repairs it needed). Assessing the quality I would say it is not quite as good as a Honda Accord, but better made than a Camry, too bad the resale value isn't that of either of these models. I would definitely buy another Hyundai and I think that the new Sonatas are better than ever!
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It's a not so good used car

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

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

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

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, you'll need it for repair cost. Paint flakes off exterior door handles.
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Hyundai should honor their repairs

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

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 won't 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 won't 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

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata LX 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

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. We've performed all the scheduled maintenance and haven't had any problems. Beware the cost to change the plugs, labor was $234, however I've 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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Thought It Was Good!

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

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 I'd Buy another one. 154,000 miles on body. 7,000 on engine. still going strong. HOPE IT LASTS!! Thanks.
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Love my Sonata

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata LX 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

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 it's 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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Cheap to Buy - Expensive to Maintain

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

The Sonata is about $5k less on average to own vs the Honda Accord & Toyota Camry. However I do know about 6 yrs into ownership that in the end I spent much more in repairs on this "cheap car" than going with one of the others. First everything on this car at the garage is "special parts" & expensive. Needs special transmission fluid when flushing, special tires (racing ones found on a Jag)at about $130/tire & already replaced 2 sets. The power radio antenna broke-$300. The power steering line rusted & broke-repair pending. Have 134,000 mi on it presently & gone through 3 sets of brakes & pads an most of driving is wide-open hwy. I suggest buying a better car up front & save $ in long r
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Excellent Car

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my Sonata GSL 03 with all the bells and whistles new and couldn't 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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