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2003 Hyundai Sonata Review
Strong value in a nice mid-size sedan.
2003 Sonata Review Summary & Specifications
Hyundai Sonata is a handsome family sedan that sells for thousands of dollars less than the name-brand mid-size cars. Drivers will immediately feel comfortable and in control. The interior is finished nicely and all controls are easy to operate.Sonata rides smoothly and the available V6 and automatic deliver smooth, responsive performance. Overall, the Hyundai Sonata offers a strong value among mid-size sedans. That's particularly true when you factor in Sonata's impressive warranty, with bumper-to-bumper coverage for 5 years/60,000 miles and 24-hour roadside assistance for five full years; it includes limited powertrain coverage for 10 years/100,000 miles and corrosion coverage for 5 years/100,000 miles. Even if the car is pre-owned, Hyundai still backs the Sonata's powertrain for five years or 60,000 miles.
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| Vehicle Category | Midsize Cars |
| Editor | John Matras |
| Model Lineup | Sonata ($15,499); GLS ($16,999), LX ($18,324) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.7-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Engines (optional) | 138-hp 2.4-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 170-hp 2.7-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 4-speed automatic with Shiftronic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | front airbags with passenger presence detection, front seatbelt pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts, child seat anchors |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | ABS/traction control |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Asan, Korea |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-826-2277 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.hyundaiusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 15499 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Hyundai Sonata LX automatic ($18,824) |
| Standard Equipment | air conditioning, leather upholstery, woodgrain trim, power door locks w/ remote, power mirrors, power windows, cruise control, tilt wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seat, variable intermittent wipers, rear defroster, power antenna, heated mirrors, AM/FM/CD/cassette audio, dual front map lights, V6 engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, power driver's seat, deluxe carpeting, automatic climate control, carpeted floor mats |
| Destination Charge | 495 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | anti-lock brakes, traction control, power tile and slide moonroof with sunshade ($1250) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 20569 |
| Horse Power | 170 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 182 @ 4000 |
| Fuel Economy | 19/27 mpg city/hwy |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 |
| Length/Width/Height | 186.9/71.7/56.0 |
| Track Front/Rear | 60.6/60.2 |
| Turning Radius | 34.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.3/55.8/43.3 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.6/54.4/36.2 |
| Trunk Volume | 14.1 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 3212 |
| Stock Tires | P205/60HR16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.2 |
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