2003 Hyundai Sonata Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

IIHS Crash Test

Poor

Source IIHS.org

MPG (up to)

19 City / 27 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

170

Seats

Positive Owner Reviews

Peggy S

It has been very dependable. It is very good on gas and very affordable.

It's a good car. It's more than 15 years old and has been trouble free. Once we buy another car, it might be a Hyundai.

Dave M

Runs great with no major problems . Hardly no maintenance

Great car never had any problems with it except for normal maintenance. Gets good gas mileage also. Nice family car.

Patricia G

The car is very reliable.

Haven't had any major problems with it. It runs great. Has great performance and very reliable. Best car I ever owned.

Bruce K

Dependable and has easy handling no drifting or swaying in heavy winds.

Drives and handles well, no blind spots, very comfortable, only complaint when hauling anything large in trunk no place to secure trunk lid.

Flori G

It's very cheap and convenient. It will be your best friend for life!

Great car, very reliable. It's great on gas and will not leave you on the road!

Michelle E

My 2003 Sonata is one of the best vehicles ever.

I have had no serious problems with this car in going on 6 years. Aside from basic maintenance the only major issue was replacing the timing belt. This car starts every time. It has a real smooth ride and yes, she is old and has her little quirks but I strive to keep her.

Alyssa B

My car is a gas saver. I use my car for everything.

1. I like that my car has ac. 2. My car is a 5 seater. 3. No problems, it runs great. 4. It is small and not bulky. 5. It has a sunroof. 1. Dislike that my gas area always says it is full and it is not. 2. Trunk only opens with key.

Maggie W

Very reliable car. Would buy again.

The paint is coming off handles. Vapor locks after getting gas. Has been a very reliable car though.

Negative Owner Reviews

Justin B

Old but it works well. My family has had this car for about 8 years

Transmission issues, turn signals work but do not make noise, very comfortable and easy to drive, because of age it is semi-reliable. Cosmetically, the cars paint is chipping so it makes the car look much older, stereo somewhat works; CD player does not work and there is no aux cord. The speakers are starting to wear out so it does not have the best sound quality.

Pat H

Okay car but too big for a single person as it is roomy which I don't need.

Too big and not the greatest gas mileage. Was not too expensive. Maintenance not too expensive

Rita S

The sunroof is really nice and it has rain guards.

My car is a Sonata gals, this is an exclusive model of the Sonata, even though my car is older it is certainly a good car to drive. It is good on gas to be a v6 and its sturdy. It has all the amenities you would want in a car today and it has a nice body, great value on the money.

Paul M

I Really like my Hyundai Sonora but it's hard to refuel.

The problem with this vehicle is that almost every one. Either after a couple months have a problem with the fuel Evap canister.

Morgan R

2003 Hyundai sonata: an affordable long-lasting and reliable car.

The car is a shared car that has been used since 2003. It does not have that many miles on it but otherwise it has been very reliable. The wear and tear on the car or any problems that have come up with it have only come up in the past 3 years and I think it is because of age. As far as performance I think it performs very well for a car size and its standard. It is been pretty reliable until recently and again I think it is because of its age. The problems we've had with it recently involved the cold weather and we think, although we haven't had a chance to take it to a mechanic to look at it that it, has to do with the transmission fluid. Also it may be in need of a tune-up and possibly oil change so muscle problems might be because the car just needs to be perked up a bit. I think the fact that the Hyundai sonata is such simplistic in its design and even performance makes it a car that is not only reliable but long-lasting and this is important for car buyers of course but not only car buyers for car buyers that are on the lower income bracket. All in all very happy with the sonata in general but saddened that it may be on its last leg after 16 years.

Margaret O

It is pretty reliable. It did have a minor problem with a tire.

I like my vehicle because I do not have to currently pay insurance on it. I dislike the mileage. I like how durable my vehicle has been.

Melissa S

It has ok gas mileage. It also needs the oil changed on a regular basis. Don't drive it fast in rain and snow it hydroplanes a lot.

I love the sunroof and radio. I like the interior and it drives smooth. We have had problems with the transmission. Also the starter went out in it so we had to have that replaced. I wish it had more room in it.

Kayla B

It last a very long time and it is very reliable. Does not have a high cost to keep up the maintenance.

It is too small. Need a newer model. Needs more charger ports and storage.

Hyundai Sonata Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

Base

170 HP 23-23 MPG 5 Seats

GLS

170 HP 23-23 MPG 5 Seats

Photos may not match model

2003 Hyundai Sonata Owner Reviews

4.15

52 Reviews

Write Review

5 stars

35%

4 stars

48%

3 stars

15%

2 stars

1 star

Justin B on May 7, 2021

Old but it works well. My family has had this car for about 8 years

Cathy O on March 24, 2021

My amazing old gold Hyundai Sonata!

My car runs great. Very dependable. There is an issue though with the doors locking automatically when I am in it and it is running, then when I stop and get out, alarms go off till I turn it off. It is low so some find it hard to get in and out of, bit if it is a dependable car you want Hyundai is it.

View All Reviews (52)

Ranks #5 Midsize Cars by Owners

The 2003 Hyundai Sonata has an average owner rating of 4.20 out of 5 which ranks it #5 of 16 other Midsize Cars.

2003 Subaru Legacy

4.36

Tie

2003 Toyota Camry

4.3

2003 Hyundai Sonata

4.15

Ranks #6 Midsize Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Hyundai Sonata has a combined MPG of 29 which ranks it #6 of 16 other Midsize Cars.

2003 Honda Accord

33 MPG

2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

32 MPG

Tie

2003 Hyundai Sonata

27 MPG

Is The 2003 Hyundai Sonata A Good Car?

Yes, it performs well and handles well in wet weather and with front wheel drive moves well on snow and ice

Tracy P.

Yes. Simple, basic, but overall a good one. It handles well, has good gas mileage, and can get out of it; s own way, though it's NO race car.

Kim B.

How Reliable Is The 2003 Hyundai Sonata?

Yes the spark plugs are not easy to change, the roof motor on a lot of this model stopped working and the paint comes off of the door handles

Kayla G.

So far. Over 110 K miles at this point. I would suggest that the ONLY problem it has is size. If you are a gentleman of some carriage, shall we say, it's a BIT of a squeeze to get in and out.

Rachel S.

Is The 2003 Hyundai Sonata A Good Value?

The 2003 Sonata has a value of 1800 to 2400 dollars listed by the Kelly Blue Book I think this is a good value since there are only small problems

Steve A.

Mine was purchased in somewhat 'emergency: circumstances used for about $2500.00. I would say that in the end though, yes, it has so far been very good value for money.

Kathy C.

Frequently Asked Questions

2003 Hyundai Sonata: What is the oil type and capacity?

Answer: The 2003 Hyundai Sonata oil type and capacity iS5W-30 and 4.5 quarts for the 2.4 L inline-4 engine. Having high quality oil is key for the engine to run smoothly. You will run into issues with the oil at some...

See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Crash Test

(Not Rated)

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front