2003 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews

THIS CAR IS AWESOME!!!!

Written by: Jclink on 07/20/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought my Sonata GLS V6 in January '09 and I've had it for about 6 months now...and let me tell you...I absolutely love this car! It has all the right features of a luxury car except not the luxury price. I ALWAYS get compliments on my car and when it's washed (mine is pearl white with a hint of sparkle) you better believe it will turn heads! Even though some people may say they want more horsepower, I don't think the Sonata needs it...if they want more horsepower they need to get a used Mustang! However, I lie to you not that I raced a guy on a Suzuki motorcycle (fully loaded) and I beat him going about 135mph!!! I kidd you not...go out and purchase a Sonata GLS V6 if you want quality!

Favorite Features

Comfort of all seats; radio/cd capability; overall design and space of interior; front of car because it favors a Mercedes

Suggested Improvements

just wish it had more mpg range and the back of Sonata could use a fatter body upgrade to give the illusion of a sports car

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Poor Choice

Written by: cody on 03/19/2009

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

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. Don't 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.

Favorite Features

Have had many people ask me if I liked my car.

Suggested Improvements

Don't know if they had problems with brakes or they just like to blame the driver. Need to find out why paint came off the door handles, they are plastic.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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worth the money

Written by: Hyundia on 01/31/2009

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

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, don't like the ride as much as the 03!

Favorite Features

auto/stick shift option

Suggested Improvements

fix ac leaks period, also force dealers to fix trans complaints, don't let them say we don't find anything.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Bad car!!

Written by: Roomraider33 on 01/28/2009

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

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!!!!!!!

Favorite Features

Seats,sound system,overall look.

Suggested Improvements

Better Trany, and cheaper repair cost.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Sonata great car for the price

Written by: Steve on 12/12/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

The 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 owner's 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.

Favorite Features

V6 has power. Moonroof is great. Shiftronic kicks butt. Easy to work on.

Suggested Improvements

Nicer interior.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Love it !

Written by: TylerJames on 09/07/2008

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Well, I bought my car 2 months ago. I'm 16. It's 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.

Favorite Features

sunroof, Keyless entry, power windows, manuel/automatic shift, kinda looks like a jag, fog lights & also security system.

Suggested Improvements

make car peppier upon take off. also the paint on the door handles tends to peel. Make security system a little better Also should come with tinted windows.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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ok car

Written by: faraway on 08/15/2008

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We 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 doesn't fit you have to get the 4 cylinder. Good looking car.

Favorite Features

sound system and sunroof

Suggested Improvements

better trany

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Good Value

Written by: Steve Lautenschlager on 06/28/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Style of vehicle and gas mileage, I am getting around 30MPG.

Suggested Improvements

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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awesome 2.4

Written by: david 2.4 on 06/25/2008

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

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. I'll buy another hyundai when this one die's. They say they are good for 200,000 miles, i guess I'll wait and see.

Favorite Features

sunroof, gas mileage, fog lights, price, and sporty design

Suggested Improvements

solar tint windows

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best Investment for lowest dollar

Written by: Jbond on 05/11/2008

Vehicle

2003 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Styling, standard equipment - AC, pwr windows, CD player, WARRANTY, reclining seats - USABLE and comfortable. Large trunk and extremely smooth ride.

Suggested Improvements

NONE, other than return the present styling back to this model year (2003)

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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