Used 2003 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Basic commute
The car is a reliable, spacious and economical mode of transport. It is no looker and the interiors are dull and grey. Build quality is at par with industry average but surprisingly the car does not feel tinny. The 4 cylinder is very smooth but gets buzzy at high revs and power delivery is linear as expected from a compact sedan with economy in mind. The ride is neither too harsh nor too plush. It is somewhere in between. Handling is abysmal in tight turns though the steering is well weighted. Fuel economy is good. All electricals work seamlessly. It is very reliable and starts at the first crank every time. Cheap to own and run as well. Overall a perfect car on a shoe-string budget!
Great Car Great Price
Bought used in 2008 with 26,000 miles for 5200 dollars. Still own it and love it today. Now has 126,000 miles and running strong. The only maintenance we have done is regular oil changes and timing belt change at 70,000 miles. Averaging 35 miles per gallon.
Great car
My wife bought this car used in 2006 after her 1999 Elantra was totaled. It had about 35,000 miles on it and we put another 85,000 on it. I put new brake pads on it one time, new plugs twice, changed the oil every 3 to 5000 miles, and we went through 1 and a half sets of tires. This car was super reliable and I would still be driving it at 120,000 miles if it had not been totaled recently. I have no doubt that this car would have made it to 200,000 or more miles. Was hit twice at high speed on a rainy day on HWY 210 and I walked away with no major injuries.
Great MPG/Great Bang for the Buck
Love it.I bought my 2003 Elantra 5-speed manual w/35,000 miles in March 2003 from the dealership; have 7000 more miles on it. (Hyundai is THE benchmark for customer service in this market!!!). I get 31+ mpg city/hwy and 33+ mpg on freeway travel from Chicago to Northern Ohio at 75+ mph. Great car! Room enough for the single person or small family; great handling; heater brings up good heat in cold weather within 1/2 mile or so; front SIDE airbags. A little noisy in the manual 5-speed. Runs remarkably smooth on mid-priced tires (Barum Tires). Caution: It does take a crowbar and body builder to yank the tire off the wheel! I would buy a new (and now larger) Elantra in a heartbeat. Enjoy.
Had two of these one died other still runs
I bought one for my wife (now x) that one ran good up to 145k when it blew up from her not taking care oh it. The second one my mother bought at the same time and dealer both new. That one only has 66k after 14 yrs,she got tired of it and bought a new so I brought it down to plant city fl with me. And this little car runs like the day I bought it with her, I hope I can get another 5 years out of it. This car still is mechanically perfect I hit a large pot hole and damaged the right front strut got a new quick strut from Amazon for 63.00 put it and kept going this really is a dependable little car. I have been so happy with the car that I traded it for a 2012 elantra for a graduation present for my daughter and as a side note, I like Hyundai products so much I bought a 2013 certified Tucson limited for my wife and traded in my 2011 Acura RDX for a 2019 Tucson limited for me, so now I have 3 nice Hyundai products, I'm a very good customer.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A Value Leader Among the Compacts
My car has 16500 miles on it, and it hasn't started squeaking, rattling or falling apart after 5000 miles like an American car would. Mine is a 5 speed with every option including traciton control and ABS, which is rare and hard to find. I test drove an automatic, but it was too sensitive to throttle inputs and kept reving up to and past 4500 rpm, which is useless since my 5 speed pulls even the steepest hills in 5th. Quality is much better than any American car of this size. Some cheap interior pieces, but they are all put together very well. Even the tires are an expensive Michelin model, which rides comfortably and qietly in the summer, but are useless in the snow (see below).
Interesting take s on this car.
This car was a gift to my wife at 173K miles. It stood in the African sun for a year before the radiator was done and the head skimmed. After 200 miles on the very first trip, it overheated. Towed it to a work-from-home mechanic. Problem was a T-insert pipe in the cooling system repaired with silicon! This was re-engineered and all else done properly. After running it in for 2000 miles to settle the head, the power at 7K rpm pops your eyes. This engine is amazing; you can do anything at any rpm. Never saw such before. In Johannesburg above 5800 ft ASL I get 42 mpg. Semi-city and synchronized lights. The soft body is an all-round crumple zone. Saved me a bomb! 2nd choice after the Mazda3.
Car is a great friend!
Ok, so I got this car when I was 17 and never had a problem with it! I've driven from California to Washington and back several times and seriously it drives great and is very reliable. I know have 136K miles on it and did replace my clutch about 6 months ago. It will probably need a few normal upkeep type repairs soon. But I hope to keep driving it. It still looks like a new car to me and I am so glad I got this car way back when!
Nice Car, Bad MPG
A very good car. I got it as a used one with 35,000 miles. It's comfort but very, very poor mpg in city. ~ 200-250 miles/tank (14.5 gallon). Omg, where is the gas going? but good mpg in highway, ~ 30 mpg.
1stCar
This is my first car, and I bought it almost 2 years ago with about 133,000 miles on it. It is a great car and was a great value. I have had only 1 major problem with it: my alternator belt broke last winter when it got to about -10ºF out, but I still managed to drive it the other half of the way to school (with no power steering). That was the only thing that has broke on this car to my knowledge and now its at the 149,000 mile mark. Also it has a bullet hole in it, so this cars a trooper. Aaaannd, a minor difference, but I'd say this is a 'girl' car but not a 'girly' car. Like how boats are always referred to as feminine, thats this car.
Terrible Car
I bought this car with 50k miles in 2005. It's been a problem after another. I had to replace the engine at 80k miles and now at 98k it has the transmission issues. The Motor Mounts were also replaced. Yes, it's a cheap car. However, the maintenance becomes very expensive. I change the oil every 3k and do excellent maint. on it. Nevertheless, it's still a problem. Would never buy a Hyundai and/or Kia in my life again. Pay a little more upfront and save a lot later when purchasing a Toyota, Honda or Nissan. Most of Kia and Hyundai engines are joint venture with Mitsubishi and they are not very reliable engines.
dealer honesty would help!
Owned a 2003 Elantra that was totaled in a rear end crash. The car had a very offensive wind noise at 50+mph. replaced with an 03' GT that has had nothing but electrical problems and the same wind noise. Electric door locks will lock you out (called tow services more than once), defroster and side mirrors activate door locks. Taken to 3 dealers for repairs. First threw up their hands. Second made us buy new battery all the time knowing the car was recalled. Third was great and is attempting repairs....finally after two years! Nice little car but very frustrating! Tire wear stinks.
I loved my Elantra!
This was my first car and I got it back in 2006 with 110,000 miles on it. Drove it back and forth from WV to VA and never had a problem with it, it handled great and got really good milage (a full tank could get me from VA beach to the mountains just fine!). It was really reliable and the only things I've ever had to replace on it was the timing belt and recently the battery (at around 147,000 miles). It was recently totaled (the front end pan caked but that was my fault!) and I miss it a lot. I loved it so much I find myself looking to trade in the fantasy kia I got so I can buy another Elantra. It is a really great car and I would recomend it to anyone!
Excellent value
Purchased this car from the original owner at 54K miles for $6K. Had one power train problem repair and otherwise routine maintenance. It has been doing very well so far. General fit and finish is good, though the exterior color on the posts between front and back windows is beginning to peel a bit. Mileage is reasonable, performance is acceptable, it is roomy and reasonably comfortable. I replaced the factory stereo and have been happy ever since.
Awesome!
I brought this used car as my first car in US. It drives very great even it have 83000 miles on it. Never have any problem.
Paint is peeling after 10 months!!!
The clear coat and paint are peeling off in dime and quarter-sized spots the car that I bought only 10 months ago. I took it to the dealer expecting that the "so-called" paint warranty would cover the repairs. The dealer, and later the Hyundai Regional Service Manager, both told me that the damage had been caused by "bird-droppings." I wash the car weekly. Worse yet, they said that this is considered "damage caused by external contamination," and hence not warranted under their "bumper-to-bumper warranty." They tell me that it is perfectly normal for bird poop to peel the paint right off a car. This is the first time I've seen such a thing.
Gave it a chance. Fed up.
My wife and I purchased this car used in December 2006. One main reason was for its reported gas mileage. Another was for its "value". This car has been one problem after another. Multiple issues with the brakes (took them 4 times back in the shop to finally fix the problem). The paint downright fading/falling off on the door handles. MPG is around 19/21 even after the ridiculously expensive 60k mile service ($1200) and bringing it back again for diagnostics to see if something was wrong to cause poor fuel economy. Nothing found, but tried to up sell the injector cleaning service. Now, the vehicle feels like the trans is having some problems. Done with it. Trading it in this weekend.
Do not buy this car
I had the care for about 5 months. I put 8000 hazardous miles on it. Rattles, squeeks, terrible acceleration...just a sucky car! Finally the throttle wore out last month leaving me stranded on the side of the road! Roadside assist took 3 hours to arrive! I couldnt believe it! In only 5 months this car had gone from brand new best buy to a clunker! So I got rid of the hunk o' junk! Hyundai was not surprised at all of my complaints, and said that many people have the same difficulty
Don't Recommend
Within 4 years I have replaced the transmission, alternator, battery, brakes, replaced all 4 tires, and have gone through about 8 headlights. This is a nice cheap car, but you pay for what you get. I do not consider this car reliable, one thing breaks after the other. Gas is terrible and paint scratches easily.
You get what you paid for
The Elantra I bought was below expectations. It had three major problems within the first 7K miles. In one case, the maintenance technician had to drive it for 400(yes!400) miles to determine the bug.
VERY GOOD CHOICE ! ! !
I have bought my Elantra brand new for $13.800. I insisted on ABS (also came with cruise control and traction control) I worked as a "valet" so i was test driving all kinds of vehicles, but between corolla and civic, i liked elantra better. 10yr and 100,000 miles was a plus. only problem i had with the car is fuel tank. a wall inside the tank was loose, and was making noise. Hyundai dealer changed the tank under the warranty. the engine is not so fuel efficient. the most mpg i got is around 29mpg on a highway (but car was fully loaded, driven 75mph+) but in the city i don't know where the gas is going. i refuel, and few days - boom - gas is not there (trip less than 150- 200 miles(14.5 gal!!))
You cannot break this car!
After a 2002 Elantra was totaled in 2003 (at about 10k miles on it), I decided to purchase a 2003 Elantra and have been using it as a commuter since then. Other than changing oils, breaks, and tires, virtually no other maintenance was required. It has now over 180k miles, and I recently drained tranny fluid and replaced with one gallon of synthetic SP-III Supertech bought from Walmart. It was once rear-ended with Honda Odyssey of which front bumper was totally disintegrated but no noticeable damage on my car. I hit a deer at a low speed but it jumped back up and ran into the left-rear door and dented a little. Well, timing belt has never been changed and I am going to change when the weather gets warmer. In overall, I have been so blessed with this car but am getting tired. I don’t think this car does not want to go yet. I am sure it will last beyond 250k easily. I have a 2011 Sonata GLS, a 2017 Sonata Sport, and a 2017 Santa Fe Sport and they are all good and reliable.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car
I love it! Best deal for the money and warrenty. Glad I bought it. Great little car.
Great Econ Car
This car has been a great economy car since the day I bought it. I got 26 MPG around town and then 30+ on long highway trips. I put a K and N filter in and now it runs even better with even more efficient gas mileage. This car comfortably sits 4 people and can have a fifth if necessary.
Nice car
I bought the 2003 Elantra GlS with a moonroof, keyless, and an alarm, msrp of over $15,000 for less than $13,000 out the door. Definately a good price for the car. It is comfortable too. The only thing I do not like is the interior cloth. It is way too ugly.
My 2nd Elantra
I am loving my 2nd Elantra even more than my first, which I never thought possible. I have a 2000, and the exterior style changed alot. The 2003 is much roomier inside, as well as quieter, a much smoother ride, and much more responsive, and the stock radio sounds a million times better. All things I wasnt even complaining about on the 2000, so thats gotta be good. The cup holder in the rear was a good addition too. Missed that on the older one. My salesperson was an idiot and I would have never bought if it wasnt the car selling itself and already owning one. It was a horrible buying experience, but I love my new car.
Must get the stick
ok the break down. fun to drive. the manual revs high rpms. 2nd at 5000 rpm you hit 50 mph, red lines at 6500. Handels great, recomend getting anti-lock braks. 25 mpg until 2000 miles then you hit 30+ mpg. I replaced a ratteling factory stereo system so check yours at high volumes when you test drive if you dob't plan on upgrading.
Just got it
Just got the Elantra to replace my crappy built ford Tempo. This is my first new car. I was in love with the MINI cooper but what you want and what you can get and still afford to feed yourself are often two different things. When I got in this guy I was amazed with the space. It is about the same size outside as my wife's sentra but inside... wow... this baby is huge. I feel like I'm driving a luxury care much bigger than this really is. I'm happy and when I make my monthly payment and still have cash in my account I'm sure I'll be even more happy.
The Perfect sedan for the newlywed
This is a great little car for a great little price. This car with the warrenty that comes with it is great for a couple just starting out. You have safety, security, and a sharp car without the steep price. The features of power everything and side airbages makes this car a great steal. I would recommend this automobile to any married couple just starting out.
dollarvalue
This car is a delight to drive responsive and the steering is instant The features installed are equil to any of the expensive cars on the market also the gas consumption is very good on the hwy and in town.
the best
no wonder the elantra is one of the best in its class, if not the best. It has lots of room, a powerful engine, a smooth ride and the best price, off course. I own a 2001 for almost two years, 30 k miles. I love it more every day. Thanks Hyundai
VERY DISAPPOINTED
I bought this car in 06 with only 15k miles on it so it was like brand new. I bought it because of the reputation of reliability, quality and gas mileage. But right at 50,000 miles in the middle of a road trip, my radiator suddenly cracked without warning and all of my coolant leaked out on the spot and my engine overheated. It all happened within 60 seconds at a stop light. I ended up stranded for 4 full days. Finally the dealership discovered the cracked radiator. No one can explain why that happened. I have kept impeccable care of the car. In fact I checked my coolant levels etc before I left on the trip. All was fine. It cost me over $1000 and now I am nervous to go on a trip!
Great little car!
I wasn't sure I wanted to buy a Hyundai. But after having almost a year now, I love the car. Haven't had a single problem with it.
Reliable and Affordable
I bought this car new in 2003. It is the base model GLS. It is not fancy, it's only a 4.0 cylinder, but it is very reliable. It now has 105,000 miles and has not needed any major repairs and still running great! I'm looking to get a new vehicle and after the experience with this one, I'm thinking it will be another Hyundai. My husband bought a 2001 Ford Taurus in 2003, when I got my Hyundai and has had all types of problems with it.
Matty's Elantra
Buying my 2002 Elantra was the best dicision I could have made! For a small car, you cannot compare the ride comfort, standard features, warranty and price to any other foreign small car. When I searched for my "perfect" new automobile I never would have thought Hyundai...The warranty attracted me, I drove one and was so impressed I wrote my check the moment my test drive was over! I have driven over 26,000 miles in the 9 months I have owned the Elantra and not once has it skipped a beat~! AND you cannot beat the warranty!
better than most
this little car will cruise at 80 and still get 38 mpg! What a nice little car. So quiet and rides great. Would recommend it to anyone. Also has better that average head room.
2003 elentra
Car was purchased new. It can handle quite a lot: I had several huge people in my elentra when I struck the mother of all potholes traveling at a high rate of speed on the God forsaken streets of Brooklyn NY, I really thought at the very least there should have been casualties but to my amazement the car was not affected in any way. Another time my father had a huge accident drunk driving accident, it cost so many thousands to piece the car together everyone suggested the car should be scrapped yet the insurance carrier insisted it be repaired. To my amazement the car still rides well after massive cross- your finger type of repairs.
Buy one
Just had my 2002 Elantra GLS 2 months, but boy am I pleased! Didn't even go out to get one, but who can (or would) pass up that warranty!! Whatever it might lack in pizzaz and bulk, it makes up for in build quality and overall plain ol' fashioned dependability. I love it!
A great value
$13,250 total out the door for '02 Elantra GLS! AT, Power everything, spoiler, CD, & moonroof. You can't beat that price for any other brand new car. Plus complete bumper to bumper warranty. This is my first inexpensive car and Hyundai exceeded my expectations. I got a great deal! Grab one too and share the joy.
I'm Jealous of my Wife...
I bought this car for my wife and now I borrow the car whenever I get a chance because it is so fun to drive! This car is a breath of fresh air compared to all the other "H" cars out on the road -- and what a deal. The other reviews have said this, but where else can you get Auto Trans, Leather Seats, Moonroof, AM/FM-CD, a peppy little engine and a genuinely COOL exterior styling for $14,300 (bought it through CarsDirect.com). PLUS the 60,000 warranty! These guys are picking up where Honda and Toyota left off, and they can't rest on their laurels -- get one before the world figures it out and the price goes up.
Worth the wait
My wife and I have wanted an Elantra for four years, we finally bought a new 2003. It has a silky smooth 5 speed manual with 16 valve DOHC 2.0 engine, excellent comfort and ride. It replaces 1994 Hyundai Excel with 191,000 miles as the main car. I will be buying a replacement engine for the 1994. We love those Hyundai's, reliable, dependable and inexpensive to keep.
great ride
i average about 30,000 miles a year and i have not had any problems with this car other then a thermostat at 75000 miles and oxygen sensor at 70000 miles, i live in the north east where we average five to six feet of snow a year and i never have had a problem in the snow till start driving in about a foot of it, and that's with two rear tires that wont pass inspection now
Being Honest
$12,234 was the total price thats Tax, plate transfer everything, for this 2002 Elantra they even paid for the inspection sticker. So far this is the best car my wife and I drove in this price range. The standard features and just great, the car rides and drives very smooth. My suggestion to you, try one before you purchase any other car in and around this price range.
Can't get more for the money
It's a new purchase, and after only a few days, I couldn't be more pleased! Everything is above my expectations.
Excellent value, very reliable
This has been an excellent car, the price and warranty are what got us looking at it initially. We've never owned an import before, but now I'd definitely buy another Hyundai. We get 32-34 mpg in town, 40+ hwy. Gasoline with very high ethanol content does reduce MPG somewhat, but it will do that on any car. The only expense other than regular maintenance items was a battery. Plenty of interior room, upholstery still looks like new. PW, PDL, A/C, power mirrors all standard. Dealership was very determined to keep customers satisfied. We are very pleased with our Hyundai.
Brakes and Tires
I have 2 of the 2003s for my kids. Both are great and have one major flaw. You can't get the tires off if you get a flat. The steel rims rust to the hubs and needs a large rubber mallet to remove! This happened multiple times on both cars. Also, replacing front brake rotors....I couldn't remove them, and both cars the shop had to use a sledge hammer and bust the rotors off. They seize to the inner hub with rust.
Elantra GLS
Never thought that I would own a Hyundai. I went to test drive the car because of the warranty. I was impressed. This is nothing like Hyundais of old. The interior is well laid out and comfortable. Even for a 6'0 300 pounder like me. The exterior is not hard to look at. Performance is good for a 4 banger, and the transmission is silky smooth. The car also comes fully loaded for under 13 grand.
Love it!
I am delighted with the amount of car I got for the money. I shopped very carefully for 3 weeks and I know I would have had to pay at least $2,000 more for an equivalent car. I love the solid ride. Everything is high quality and well designed. This car was for my wife. I am going to buy another one for myself..........
Not pretty but very fuel efficient!
I have had this car for a little over 2 years now. It has 98000 miles on it and have never had a single problem with the car. The gas mileage is excellent! I always average 31 mpg! I would recommend this car for anyone who doesn't want to spend a bunch of money with upkeep and gas!
I Makes a lot of sense
I love my Elantra! For the price you cannot find a vehicle with so many standard features. I also shopped the Honda Civic and when comparing apples to apples, as far a features were concerned. Plus the Warrenty! It made more sense to get the Elantra. I am getting great gas mileage (38 HWY). After 6 mos realized I do have rear cup holders.