Used 2003 Hyundai Sonata Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Great Car, Great Price
Bought the Sonata LX w/ ABS, Traction Control, Moon-roof, and that fancy mirror a few days back. Lots of car for an amazing price of 19K, Great warranty, amazing financing, and a rebate to boot! The car is great looking, and very plush inside. The ride is smooth and very quiet, and there's room for the family. I think Honda and Toyota have some serious competition here.
Not bad, but could be much better
I have only driven the car 1,000 miles. Miles per gallon are 12.8 on my last fillup. I have the LX-6 Cylinders. Car handles well and it is quite comfortable, exterior design is very striking and modern. Interior design is quite pleasing and ergonomically correct. Cannot attest to reliability since the car has only 1,000 miles.
American companies can't touch this!
My first Hyundai...I am really impressed with it. The autostick is very nice to work the rpm's. I recently read that Toyota and Honda "big wigs" are taking notice and they should. My Sonota DOES remind me of a Toyota. This car has great quality!
Excellent Car
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,
Wonderful Car & fun to drive
The V6 engine is great and has wonderful acceleration. It's smooth and quiet.The front and rear seats are very comfortable for long and short trips.This Hyundai is very beautiful. I always get comments and questions like: "Is that a Mercedes " or "That car must have cost you an arm and a leg" If you can find a car at this price with these features, buy it!!!!
Why would you buy anything else
As soon as I saw the updated Sonata with the Jaguar-ish front end I knew I had to have one. Who can afford a real Jag? Not only is this a beautiful car but you get some many features for a reasonable amount of money. Even the plastic wood-grain trim is nice. And I also got abs and traction control and still kept it under $20k. I've had the car for 19 months and just hit the 50k mark. It's only been in a shop for its regular oil changes and it's 30k tune up. I have had many compliments on my car. I loved it the day I bought it and 19 months later I still do.
I love my Sonata
I never thought I would ever own a Hyundai, well this 2003 Sonata is my second. In 94 I bought an Excel and still have own it, I love the reliability. The Sonata looks like a Jag and runs awsome. The truck is huge and the back seat is very comfy for my 2 kids. We will be buying more Hyundai's
Find a nicer car for less....NOT
When you take in the price, options and warrenty...how can you beat it? You can't!
Best Value Car
excellent car and drives very good.
Sonata great car for the price
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.
Great car
a lot of car for the money
Mrs
I love this car! It runs great and has all of the features I wanted.
Love my Sonata
After years if driving a VW (a nightmare from the beginnig) we bought a use Sonata and I am in love. It love that car! It's stylish, fun to drive and pretty darn good on gas, depsite current gas prices. Hyundai might has nabbed a customer for life if the car remains as great as it has been!
Great Value
This car has been all we were hoping it would be and more. The 2 years we have driven this car it has only required one dealer visit, the chrome peeled off the interior door handles so they were replaced no questioned asked. The car rides great and the performance of the V6 is more then adequate. We will be looking to replace this vehicle soon and are leaning towards a small SUV from Hyundai or Kia because of this cars quality and affordability.
Would buy another Sonata
Overall I like the car. I have had to put some money repairs that I did not expect. I also don't like the remote control is only available by the dealership at cost of over a hundred and fifty dollars. I also only get 12 MPG while driving in city driving. Expected better but is a V6 I have the LX. I have had my car garaged over night I think three times.
Im Lovin' It!
Purchased new, the 03 Sonata has been a smart buy. I would buy another Hyundai, problem being, it would be another Sonata. I enjoy my car and use it for distance traveling. Its reliable and fun to drive. Winter driving is on ice and snow also is a breeze with front wheel drive and comfortable size on the highway. New or used, try a Sonata. Drive Smart!
lovemycar
I love my Sonata. I'd buy Hyundais for the rest of my life now. It looks great and feels great. I've put more miles on my car then usual in the last 6 months (almost 15,000) but it still runs great. I have a little spot on my trunk where there is rust. But thats covered in the warrenty so I don't have to worry about that. I checked out the Camrey and Altima and the Hyundai had more this standard for less money.
excellence at a bargain price
My car is beautifully designed, giving me the feeling they have thought of everything to make a great ride with every convenience. I feel sorry for all those people out there who have paid so much for their cars which are no better. Everything works well, and nothing has had to be repaired.
Hyundai is great
They are comfortable & easy to drive. I just can't find any fault with Hyundai They come standard with stuff other makers charge extra for.
No Longer A Hoopty
This vehicle is a wonderful ride. Stylish.I am proud to be a Hyundia owner with extra money in MY pocket.
Just Got My Birthday Card
Just got a nice 1 year anniversary card in the mail from Hyundai. To paraphrase what it said, I Win. I have 3 other vehicles so I only put about 1K miles a month on this car, but I have to say I'm impressed. Got the obligatory Benz and Jag comments (not bad company for a car under $20k). After break-in symptoms subsided (burning decals on exhaust,lower than expected mileage but has rebounded STRONGLY) I can say this car has not had a single problem or a dealer visit. Give Hyundai a few years and they'll be selling like Honda's. I'd say Hyundai already has the quality and design to take Mitsu out of the picture completely.
Get past the name
Totaled my 2000 Grand Marquis and wife's truck bit the dust, both at the same time. Had to get something affordable. I got the GLS and wifey got the Accent. Both of thease cars are simply GREAT!!My Sonata drives and rides like a dream, a tad hard on BIG potholes but otherwise very fine. Drive 80-85mph to keep up with traffic here in Vegas, a breeze! Have over 10K miles on it, not a single problem. I'm 6-4 and 240, enough room for me. Just love the car. I get a kick out of the jokers who spent $30-40K for a nameplate. Stop reading and go out and buy one of these incedible cars.
My Exquisite Sonata!
I've owned a Silver 2003 Sonata LX (with ABS/Trac, Moonroof) for about 4 months with not a single problem. So far the car is very dependable & with the 5-years/60K bumper-to-bumper warranty, I'm not much worried either. The looks of Sonata with the extraordinary warranty were the key factors for me to buy this car. The exterior styling of Sonata is stunning. Sonata's styling is the hybrid of Mercedes C-class and Jaguar. I personally think that Sonata is the most appealing car in mid-size car category. I'm getting around 20-22 mpg in mix driving condition, which I think is very reasonable.
Great value for the money!
I have driven this car since September and there are just a couple things that I am not happy with: Miles per gallon- The sticker idicated 19 City/27 Hwy and I have barely averaged 20 MPG on mostly highway trips the car now has 7,500 miles; I took it to the dealer after 1,000 miles was averaging 12.8 MPG. The automatic transmission lags on emergency acceleration - I will have the dealer check it at the next service. The 4 speed transmission is adequate in city traffic, but should have overdrive for higher speeds.
My Toyota Rival
great car in price and value
Review of 03 Sonata GLS V6
We have had our 2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 for just over a year now and we could not be happier with it.This car is great and so reliable.Before this we had a Ford Focus which was declared a lemon.We then went back to Hyundais (this being our 5th) and test drove the sonata.We couldnt be more happier with our purchase.Everyone asks us if its a Jaguar.A relative in my family was so impressed with ours they went out and bought one.Hyundais are great cars and we are very happy with the purchase we made.If your looking for a midsize car go for the Sonata.You wont be dissapointed.
Wifes Car
I love the handling of the car and for the money, the ride is superior. There is one downside and that's the resale value. I plan on keeping it five years or more with the great warranty anyway.
Thought It Was Good!
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.
The little Jag
I have not had my car for very long, but it is definately a great car for the money. I only keep cars for as long as the warranty, so hopefully with a great 5 year 60000 warranty I will keep this car for a while. A bit disappointed in the gas mileage it gets. Everyone says it looks like a Jaguar. At least it does not cost like one.
This isn't your Hyundai of Yesteryear!
From the first time I saw the new design of the Sonata at the Philadelphia Auto Show In 2002, I could not believe it was a Hyundai. I was currently shopping for a new car and this one definately caught my eye...It is wonderful to drive. Feels, looks and handles like a much more expensive sedan. CHECK IT OUT!..It's worth a try.
I love my new car
In the past ten years, I've driven Honda Accords and I like them. This year I just bought Sonata, my and I like it better than the Accords we owned before. After we test driving the Sonata, my wife wanted to buy this car instead of Accord, Carmy, and Passat. After I a few days research, most information I got from Ednunds and NSM auto sites, I made up my mind to buy this car. We paid $18,300 for this 2003 LX (at) with sunroof plus tax
A completely satisfying luxury sedan.
This particular car has great features, good road handling, especially on the highway and around turns. The Sonata definitely has class and style complemented with luxury.
2003 4 cyl basic sonata
Very good car. Excellent warranty. excellent appearance. Dealer is quick to stand behind warranty and offers excellent service and reminders
Great Car!
We have 4 kids, so money is always a consideration. I needed a reliable car for a fair price, and this car is IT. Transferable warranty (6 years) was a big selling feature. It's quiet, fairly quick, and handles well. Hyundai will always be a make to consider for me in the future.
scottsdale review
Car runs great. Sometimes engine seems to be working too hard
2002 Sonata Base 4cyl-put to the test
After putting 40K on my 2002, I've got to say it has handled everything very well. They say the 4cyl is loud and noisy, but I have not noticed anything out of the ordinary. Great all around. Dissapointed that I had to replace and pay for new Front Brakes at 30k. Bulb went out at 35k and they replaced that for free. no problems or hassles with that.
I'm trying it
I think it is a great car for the money
It's OK
I bought this car because of the price. I personally prefer Japanses cars, but financial problems always happen to everyone, I believe. Compared to my old car, Nissan Sentra, it's really not fun to drive. But it rides pretty smooth and pretty comfortable. BUT I would definitely go back to NISSAN!!! Just invest a couple of thousands more.
short term so far so gooood
am driving on highways the majority of time. very happy. i have 4 cylinder that does not lack power when air cond. is off. auto needs kick whem acceleration is required. car does have the necessary kick when need be. worth the investment based on the warantees and sell price. not so if you intend to sell because of poor depreciation.
UNDISCOVERED GEM
JUST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE ON THURSDAY 12/6/02. VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE LAYOUT OF THE CONTROLS INSIDE, THE QUALITY OF THE PAINT FINISH.RIDE QUALITY, PERFORMANCE QUALITY IS ALL THERE! BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FOR $17, 200 PLUS TAX AND LICENSE. COMES WITH MICHLIN X TIRES, FULLY LOADED. BEFORE YOU BUY A CAMRY, OR ACCORD TAKE A REAL CLOSE LOOK AT THIS SONATA. EXCELLENT DOLLAR VALUE!
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!
Tired of buying American Lemons
So far so good! Got rid of a lemon known as the Ford Windstar. Last 3 Fords I owned were junk. Loved the looks of the sonata. Just took it on it's first 8 hr road trip. Great ride. 32.46 mpg even with the air on. 24 mpg in the city. Can't wait for next trip!
Nice car
The Sonata is an overall stable vehicle. It makes for fun driving, especially with select sport shifting, and looks exceptional. The handling is very responsive, which adds to the exciting driving experience. The car has a great price, looks sharp, and makes for an excellent driving experience.
In the end, Sonata was an easy choice!
Me and the wife just bought our 2003 Sonata LX, we own a 2001 Elantra. it still looks brand new, and performs marvelously. The Sonata looks and perfroms like a 30,000.00 dolar car, yet i got mine for 17,500.00 after rebates and dealership loyalty bonuses. My honest tip to anyone who is looking for luxury, performance and quality at a reasonable price must take a serious look at the Sonata LX. Defenitely one of the best purchases i have made in my life.
Best Car ever owned for the money
Bought this lx for my wife 3 years ago been the best car we have ever owned for the money great power & Handling gas milage could be better (20+)at the rate she's been putting miles on it we will have it a very long time (15,000)
Surprised
I couldn't be more surprised at the comfort, styling, and reliability of this car. IF all that doesn't get to you then the warranty should. I feel smarter than everyone else because I have so much for so little. The only crime is not buying this car because you're afraid of the name.
Love it
After lots of research I finally bought this car yesterday - complete with option package 7 (Moonroof, ABS, Traction Control, HomeLink, cargo net, mud guards, floor mats) and I couldn't be happier. The styling is so attractive and the car is incredibly quiet. The stereo sounds nice though I have yet to really crank it up and see what it can do. The V6 isn't as powerful as some that I've driven but its acceptable. The under-the-hood components are very easily accessible. There is lots of storage and the backseat armrest is a great addition. I highly recommend this vehicle - with that price and these features, you just can't go wrong.
So far, so good!
Purchased a new 2003 Sonata w/the V6 upgrade and 4AT (no other options). It's great! Interior could use some minor adjustments - like seat comfort - the drivers side certainly doesn't "cradle" you (spoiled by my old Chevy Lumina!) The speaker sound quality is not the best - a little muddy. But overall, a GREAT deal! We were out the door at $15,806 (including a 1000 rebate). Mike and crew at Fitzgerald Auto Mall were upfront and very accommodating. More than I can say for some of the other dealers we visited before buying there.
Solid car
I brought this car brand new (my first new car purchase since 1982) last April 22nd. The hook was the 0% financing offer. I really like this car. No, it's not a Honda or Toyota (I've owned both), but as the ad says, it's thousands less! I have not been sorry I made this purchase. I added XM radio, and with the standard 6 speakers it is better than my home stereo!
Review of a 2003 Sonata 4 Cylinder Sedan
Overall I think Hyundai builds a very nice automobile. For the first year of ownership there were a few minor things that had to be fixed, but nothing major.The major complaint I have is comfort of the front seats. It is not comfortable. I have a 4 cylinder car and it has ample pep and drive even on the highway.I would recommend thia auto to anyone.This car came well equipped as standard equipment and a great warranty.