2003 Hyundai Sonata: Road Test
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2003 Hyundai Sonata ▼
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- MSRP: $15,499 -$19,074
- Invoice: $14,104 -$17,208
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Our road test for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Hyundai Sonata from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata help you decide if a 2003 Hyundai Sonata is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base 4 cyl, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5.2 |
Modest but adequate in 4-cyl form at about 10 sec 0-60 mph in tests of both Sonatas and Optimas. V6s noticeably quicker: around 8.7 sec with automatic transmission in our tests. The automatic is acceptably smooth, but sometimes slow to downshift for passing and too eager to upshift, making its manual shift gate useful.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base 4 cyl, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5.3 |
In a mix of city/highway driving, test Sonata GLS V6/automatic averaged 19.7 mpg, and similar Optima 18.7. With more highway driving, test GLS V6/automatic averaged 22.4 mpg. Test Sonata LX/automatic logged a surprising 25.2 in fast urban work and performance tests. No opportunity to measure 4-cyl models. Both engines use regular fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base 4 cyl, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Compliant suspension soaks up most bumps with ease, though these sedans float a bit over large dips and humps. Comfort-biased tires keep impact harshness pleasingly low.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base 4 cyl, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.1 |
Modest but predictable, despite marked body lean in fast corners. Sonata GLS and LX are helped by 16-inch wheels vs. 15s on other Sonatas and Optimas. Brakes a little touchy in routine use, and managed only a class-average showing in our simulated emergency-stop test--even with ABS. But non-ABS system resists lockup, and nosedive is well-checked.
QUIETNESS
| Base 4 cyl, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
Road noise drowns out wind rush at highway speeds, but is not objectionable. Neither is engine noise, though both engines sound rather coarse and aren't quite as smooth as rival Japanese units.
CONTROLS
| Base 4 cyl, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6.5 |
Both Sonata and Optima have mostly large, well-placed gauges and controls. All power-window switches are illuminated, another convenience. Materials hard to fault for the price, but glossy woodgrain plastic trim on higher-line models cheapens ambience, and available leather lacks richness.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base 4 cyl, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Ample head and leg room. Comfortable seats offer manual or power height adjustment and are set relatively high to windows, so outward vision is commanding.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base 4 cyl, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Decent head room, but sit knees-up if front seats are pushed very far back. Seat a bit too low and soft for best support, but has fold-down center armrest.
CARGO ROOM
| Base 4 cyl, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Flat-floor trunk has smallish opening but good volume, and compact hinges don't dip into load area. Seatback folds easily but not quite flat, and pass-through isn't full-width. Interior storage space generous.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base 4 cyl, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
For equipment and comfort, Sonata and Optima are impressive values, with generous warranties to boot. No wonder both are drawing record sales. Steep depreciation and low resale values are still a downside of South Korean cars, but these two appeal as bargain-priced Toyota Camry alternatives with little need for apology.
Total Score
| Base 4 cyl, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 59 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 58
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