Used 2003 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews
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Happy, happy, happy
I previously owned a Lexus 400, and thought I was spoiled. In a move to economize, I bought the Sonata. Of course, it does not perform like a Lexus, but I have been nothing but happy. I have 50,000 miles on it and it ahs not cost me an extra penny beyond regular maintenance and replacement of consumables. The dealers treat me like a Lexus customer. I will never buy any other brand.
Excellent Vehicle
The best riding vehicle I have ever owned so far. I've ridden in many higher end vehicles and this equals or excels in this department.
Love, love, love it!
Bought with 23,000 miles on it and in two years, have not had one single thing done to it except change the oil. Has started every single time - even in 20-below zero weather. Like the style -too bad they changed it for 2006 - now you can't tell the Sonata from any other car out there!
I love my 2003 Sonata!
I just graduated from college and was thrilled to be purchasing a new car (I drove a 1988 Celica with 200,000 miles on it thoughout college). A friend bought a Sonata just before we graudated, I fell in love with it, it reminded me of a Jag or Mercedes. I was certain that it would be out of my price range, I was shocked on how affordable it was! I purchased a 2003 black 5-speed with standard features for around $15,000(I prefer to drive a manual, its just more fun). My Mom and Dad saw it and thought it was a Mercedes and my husband (he's a mechanic)loves the warranty and loves to drive it too. The standard features are great for the price!
Great buy!
The drive is great - the style is extreamly elegant and the base model is loaded with features. I have yet to find anything I didn't like about the model.
How did I do?
2003 Hyundai Sonata Base Model with the V6 Auto upgrade with the moonroof. I think the Edmunds TMC pricing is a bit low, though. Kelley's and NADA prices show the price as higher. Dealer invoice was $16360 for this car. I managed to get it for $16,100 without the rebate. I chose the special financing, instead. I'm surely no expert at buying a new car and wonder how the experts here may think I did on the price? $16,100 out the door (no taxes because I will title it in my state).3 or 4 dealers in my entire state; they won't deal; bought car in adjoining state. So far, 2 days, I love the car & the ride. Thanks for any input.
Dream car
I absolutely LOVE everything about this car! It's comfortable, classy and best of all affordable! I like the way the all controls are within easy reach for the driver. The trunk is very roomy, deep and it opens much wider than most cars. The safety features (including front and side airbags) is an added feature. The best thing of all is the wonderful warranty you get with the Hyundai. Why would you buy anything else?
Love my car
I love this car since the first day i drove one. styling rich and sporty performance not a hot rod but excellent for my tastes. Good job hyundia > Will buy another one.
sonata lx
This car is one of the best values on the market. It has more standard features than many higher priced vehicles. The quality is excellent and the warranty is unsurpassed.
I love this CAR!
Owned a 2002 GLS V6, switched to the 2003 Sonata Sedan 4-cyl. I have owned a Sonata for 16 months now and I will buy another one. The features for the price are outstanding. My friends are busy buying a stripped down Passats and Jettas, they are jealous of the standard features and the price!
Hyuandai Sonata
I love the standard features that are included with purchase.
Satisfied
We love our 2002 Sonata LX. It would be hard to find a bette buy for the money. After a year we have no complaints.
new car 1000 miles no it
Interior noise could be a bit better. engine noise and rain water.NOT UNBEARABLE but could be a little better. BUT I must say we like the car.
Sonata Elegance
Excellent driving experience! The 2003 Hyundai Sonata- super value, super elegance!
Could have been better
Had a 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse Turbo that that the ripe old age of 13 years reliably got me to Texas from Michigan, I love the classy look of this car, but I don't really like the Hyundai dealers that can never find issues that I tell them it has. There is something wrong with the electrical system, the car doesn't unlock at times, all the lights in and out went out one day when I was at the stop light and magically came back on when I pressed the gas pedel, I have had the battery checked all ok, drove the car to a store and had to have it jumped when I came back out?, I don't know if I can trust it. Hyundai is not a big help. To many issues for not being very old. There is more but no room
More than impressed
Very happy so far. Bought 03 GLS in Jan w/Pkg 5(moonroof,ABS,Trac Ctrl). Didn't want roof, but wanted TC, so took pkg 5. Very comfortable quiet ride, stereo good (not great), performance good, V6 plenty powerful (not as much as Hond/Toy, but better than their 4cyl and still less $), Shiftronic is fun (and contrary to some opinions, useful). My 1st month got ok gas mileage (20 mpg) in mixed (60% hwy/40% city) driving. Now avg 24 mpg. Best was a 600mi trip in Apr. that netted a very respectable 28 mpg avg (~ 80% hwy/20% city).
not bad for the money
The poor man's jag. Nice exterior look. The engine is slow on pick up but once it gets going the engines power is very respectable. The seats comfort and the position of the stearing wheal need improoving. I can't last more than 3 hours in that car without cramping up. I wouldn't want to take that car across the country.
All I can say is WOW
We recently purchased a 2003 Hyundai Sonata LX with package 7 and I cannot believe how much car you get for the money. While we were out shopping we decided to look at a Camry at our dealers Toyotas store which was across the street from their Hyundai store. We found that a Camry XLS equipped like our Sonata LX would have cost almost $7,000 more. I know about Hyundais past, but that was then and this is now. As fun and reliable as my 2001 Elantra has been, I could never justify spending $7,000 more for a comparable car.
Utterly amazing
I initially wasn't even going to look at the Hyundai's when I was going to buy either a Toyota Camry or a Honda Accord. However, when I read in Consumers reports that the Sonata had predicted above average reliability, much better than the new Camry, and slightly lower than the Honda, I had to take a look. And I walked out with a new car. After test driving the Honda and the Toyota, I couldn't believe the difference. For the same price as the base Honda/Toyota, I was getting a V6, leather interior, sunroof, 4 wheel disc brakes, better warrenty, amazing stereo - the best I have seen in any production car, etc.
Great Value
This is my 4th Hyundai. I have owned an Elantra GLS, Elantra GT, Santa Fe, and now this Sonata LX. All are 2001 or newer. These are great cars for the money.
Sonata Magic
So far I have owned this car for one month and I truly enjoy the feel and excitment of driving this vehicle. I really enjoy the fact and comfort of having the 10 years or 100,000 mile warranty that comes with the Hyundai product.
the perfect affordable car
The car was afordable (just over $15,000) and is a LOT of car for the money. Other than changing the oil and filters, no maintainence has been needed or required. I have used the car on several multi-state trips with my wife and two teenage daughters and the trips have been comfortable and fun. A great car.
Great Value!
This is my second Hyundai and I was happy with the tiburon but it was to small for my family. The Sonata is not a fancy car but it is a family car. It's the perfect car for my wife because it's handles well with enough power to pass when you need to.
I'm 74 and wanted an a/t
Very pleased with the dealer. It is an eyestopper that everyone seems to like. Tight until broken in, but releases as it acquires mileage. I have just 5000 on it so far and am well pleased. Mine is grey, a color that appeals to many. I find the suspension a bit hard, four wheel independent, and the webbing on the steering wheel bothersome. I think I will get a pair of Isotoners for driving for comfort and a bit of class.
New 2003 Sonata LX
Boughjt our 1st Hyundai product, being a Sonata LX. The vehicle exceeded my expectation with it's workmanship and overall product performance. The quiteness of the cabin and 2.7 liter engine is unblieveable and quite peppy. I had to look at the RPM guage to make sure the motor was running. I purchashed it in the New Orleans are for 18,900.00 with a MSRP of $20330.00.
Great Car!
I recently bought the LX after shopping around for a while, and absolutely love this car. The ride is smooth and quiet. The shiftronic is great for getting out in traffic, it also ads a sporty feel which I like. People are floored by the looks and the features in this car. I was looking at the Passat, Accord, and Camry, but I payed alot less and have a better looking car.
_
This is my second Sonata (lost a 2000 base to an accident) and I love it. Since 2000 they have made a number of small but appreciated changes including split folding seats, more space efficient trunk hinges, and a power outlet in the trunk. Im still in the break in period, but even without revving the engine the car has plenty of power. I would recommend it to my friends.
Great Little Sedan
i've had my sonata gls for 1.5 years, and i'm totally impressed with the car.the list of standard features on the car are incredible.i wanted a larger car with a v-6,sunroof,etc.and of course a good warranty.i looked at the new altima and it would have been about $24,000, same for the accord and stratus. my sonata fully loaded w/o leather and abs stickered @$18,500 w/sunroof.the car has a very good ride at high speeds and minimal vibration,the v-6 to me is better than i thought it would be,passing power is great and acceleration is good.i highly reccomend this car to anyone.
Best deal
Best car on the market. Best warranty and one of the best service offered by dealerships.
Fantastic Family Sedan
I've recently made the jump from a BMW 318i convertible, to a Sonata. So far, I love the change. While it was tough to admit that it was time for the Family Sedan, I did my homework, and pick a definite winner. The ride is soooo smooth, and fun when you want it to be. It handles as well as my BMW ('96) and has a lot more room.
Great Car
We purchased the car after many weekends shopping other dealers like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan and opted for the Hyundai. Not only is it a great looking car with many options that the others don't offer on the base models it is less expensive. The warranty is great! Unfortunately at the rate I drive I should have over 100K miles on it by the 5th year. Which means the extra 5 years on the 10 year warranty will be wasted. This is an awesome buy if you only drive 10K miles a year. We got the V6 model and it has a lot of get up and go with little noise. We have traded in a Mercedes C230 Kompressor and I do not regret it in the least.
not happy
A little disappointed in this Sonata. Whats this with a vibration when your in drive and sitting at a stopsign or redlight. It just vibrates to much. I realize its a 4 cyl. but this is just uncomfortable for me and we have had the car for only 4 days. Everyone is giving it mostly good reviews, Did I miss something?
Safe, comfortable, gorgeous
I fell in love with my Hyundai the moment the salesman rolled it up to the showroom window for my test drive. I love the body type and color (gun metal grey)and the interior is roomy and comfortable. In December of '07 someone ran a light and T-boned me in my Hyundai. To be more precise they "attempted" to T-bone me...the side impact bars that are inside the door panels saved me from any harm whatsoever. I was hit by an SUV going at 40-45 mph their vehicle was destroyed it the front. You could actually see the outline of the steel bars because the impact was hard enough to wrap the metal of the door around the bar.Thanks Hyundai for saving my life!!!
great buy
Had the vehicle for about 10 months now and still love it as much as the day I bought it. Great warranty is what sold me.
A WONDERFUL CAR TO OWN & DRIVE
atention to fit and finish is evident throughout..smoothness of performance and adequate power is always there..economy from day one is meeting e.p.a.... between the beautiful style and features that are packed into this vehicle and backed up by the very generous warranty the future owners should have full confidence in purchasing this vehicle...
Great Car
We've had this car for six months. It's the best car we've ever owned!
Hyundai Sonata GLS - Awesome
This is my second Hynundai and I am always glad to tell people about them. I own the 2003 Sonata GLS in slate gray. It is a gorgeous vehicle! I get stares and comments on this car all the time! Everyone wants to know "What kind of car is that?" and "That's a beautiful car." I also like to tell them that you won't find a comperable American vehicle for less than $5,000 more. It's styling, affordability, and warranty speak for themselves. Go try one out - you won't be disappointed!
Reliable as any!
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 it's been a great runner and a comfortable ride as a daily driver.
Sweet ride.
Fun car. wife loves it. I highly recommend it. 'nuff said.
very good car for the price
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).
Oldie but goodie
I purchased the car when it was 15 years old and 189,000 miles. It served my purpose for 10 months until I recently traded it for for a 2019 Elantra.
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Hyundai Sonata 03'
Still going after 13 Years with the basic repairs. But this was the most reliable long lasting vehicle I've ever owned.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
problems with Sonata
Transmission problem right off the lot Recall from corporate about the side airbags being too sensitive Horsepower misrating 181 should be 170 Missing dome light in rear roof area Hyundai says it will cost $1200-$1300 to install one... My gripe? It should have been there to begin with!
Invisible Car
I love my car, but it seems to be "Invisible" to other drivers. Have been HIT BY OTHER cars 4 times and at least 12 "very near misses" all in broad daylight with lights (including fog) ON! ALL claimed "Never saw my car"! Original cost of car: $19500. Total repairs: $24800. Very expensive to repair!!! My car is black with chrome. I love driving my Sonata and I had planned on keepting it for a long time, but I now plan to get rid of it. It's too dangerous! I would like a new Sonota (white this time), but I HATE the new body style! I'll be looking at other brands... Toyota, maybe.