2003 Hyundai Elantra Review
2003 Hyundai Elantra Review
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Hyundai Elantra model years
Hyundai Elantra types
- Sedan
- Hatchback
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Solidly built, powerful engine for its class, plenty of standard features, ultralow price tag.
Cons
- Poor offset crash test score, ABS available only as a package option.
What’s new
Hyundai has added a GT sedan to the lineup. It has the same price and equipment as the GT hatchback, save for a rear wiper, and it gets a body-color rear spoiler. The hatchback will wear a black rear lip spoiler, and both GTs will come with floor mats. Meanwhile, the value-packed GLS sedan remains unchanged, except ABS will be slightly more affordable, as it has been added to the Accessory Group 3 options package, which costs $925. Finally, Hyundai announced that it had misstated the horsepower ratings for all of the models in its lineup -- the Elantra is now rated at 135 hp, rather than 140, though the engine itself is unchanged.
Edmunds says
An undeniable bargain at first glance, the Elantra is a well-rounded economy car. If it turns out to be as reliable as Hyundai's warranty suggests, there will be few reasons to spend more on its Japanese competitors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.90 per gallon for regular unleaded in Illinois.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
$195/mo for Elantra GLS
Elantra GLS
vs
$191/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Hyundai Elantra.
5 star(72%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
377 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.13 out of 5 stars
Basic commute
Kalyan C Jagarlamudi, 10/25/2010
2003 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
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!
3.88 out of 5 stars
Owned 4.5 years
pencemen, 08/09/2014
2003 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I purchased my blue 2003 Elantra GT hatchback with 65,000 miles, and it now has 135,000 miles. The leather seats and sunroof give you amenities not seen in cheaper vehicles like this one. Hyundai parts are easy to find, and repairs are cheap. I bought this car just before I went to college to use while in school. I replaced the audio unit with an updated one, so I could play pandora and … hook in my maps. It comfortably seats 4, but fits 5 people. The size of the trunk is nice and not typically seen in hatchbacks. I've replaced a section of the exhaust pipe for $200, valve cover gasket $25, brake caliper assembly $110. I can foresee that I will have to replace the timing belt and struts soon.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Great Car Great Price
kccoflbp, 06/01/2012
2003 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
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.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Great car
Kevin, 11/30/2010
2003 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
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.
2003 Elantra Highlights
Sedan
GLS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $12,899 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $195/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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