2003 Hyundai Elantra Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2003 Hyundai Elantra comes with a single engine: a 135 hp, 2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder engine. Two transmissions are available: the standard 5 speed manual or the optional 4 speed automatic. Gas mileage is around 25 miles per gallon city miles and 33 highway miles. Certainly not a powerful car, the 2003 Hyundai Elantra has plenty to help drivers get from point a to point B.
Compared to luxury, touring sedans, the 2003 Hyundai Elantra may seem a little sparse, but there is plenty of comfort for the price. Air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and power locks a CD player, a trip computer, a leather steering cover and leather seats are all available, either standard or optional, depending on the trim, of which there are now three. The 4 door GT adds the lineup in 2003. In case the worst happens, driver, passenger and side airbags are standard on all three trims.
Owners seem to have a lot of great things to say about the 2003 Hyundai Elantra. The gas mileage is raved about, as are the few problems that the Elantra has. People like the way it looks and the way it drives. Like all cars, however, there were some commonly recurring issues. Due to the small engine, there is little acceleration. The interior parts and anything made of plastic aren't anything special, and the 2003 Hyundai Elantra doesn't hold resale value any better than a colander holds water. But if you can live with minor problems like these, then the 2003 Hyundai Elantra could be a fabulous commuter vehicle.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2003 Hyundai Elantra
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by Casey D
Dec 07, 2024
This car is advertised as having 25,000 miles but it looks like it has way more. The front end sounded like both front hubs were ready to fall off and when I got up to around 55-60mph, the right side of the dash made a bad grinding sound for about a second.Dec 07, 2024
by Barb B
Feb 28, 2021
Its old. Technology isnt there. High maintenance cost, older and things wear out.Feb 28, 2021
by Ellen K
Jan 19, 2021
I LOVE it!! I own one an I am looking for another one same year an model.Jan 19, 2021
User rating:
by Casey D
Dec 07, 2024
This car is advertised as having 25,000 miles but it looks like it has way more. The front end sounded like both front hubs were ready to fall off and when I got up to around 55-60mph, the right side of the dash made a bad grinding sound for about a second.Dec 07, 2024
by Barb B
Feb 28, 2021
Its old. Technology isnt there. High maintenance cost, older and things wear out.Feb 28, 2021
by Ellen K
Jan 19, 2021
I LOVE it!! I own one an I am looking for another one same year an model.Jan 19, 2021
by Mark M
Sep 03, 2013
I like a lot about this car. It is great for commuting back and forth from work. It gets good gas mileage. Reputable make and model. Good car for someone who doesn't want to pay a lot in repairs. Very reliable and rides well. It has power and gets you from point a to point b with a piece of mind.Sep 03, 2013
by Mary B
Dec 19, 2012
This car is a total piece of crap! I bought it for my college car. I've spent more money fixing this car then I paid for the car. I keep thinking what else could break? But it keeps surprising me... Throughout the 2 years that I've owned it i've replaced the following:
-Engine: Leaked oil like crazy. So much that you'd fill it up and drive it to the repair shop and it would already have the oil light on.
-Front Axils Twice!
-Timing Belt
-Roters & Brakes
-All four Struts/suspension
-Ball Bearings for both front tires
-The inside is also falling apart. bolts falling out of the ceiling. Crack in the dashboard, etc...
I faithfully change the oil every 3000 miles, rotate my tires every 6000 miles. I'm a clean freak and keep the inside so clean. I am not an agressive driver. I'm single and usually drive alone to work so kids don't even wear it down. This car is very loud. Whenever I drive people places they always comment on it. It also is making a weird clanking noise whenever I drive over bumps...ugggh I don't even want to take it in to see what this problem is. I've been saving my money so I can buy a different car. I will never buy this car again and I would not wish this on my worst enemy.Dec 19, 2012
by Anonymous
Jul 31, 2012
Car is fun to drive at night because of neon lights.!!
Smooth Handling
Recent Brake check
Excellent suspension
2 owners
Fantastic commute car
Acceleration is average, V4 engine.
5 seating capacity
shiny silver hub caps!!
Reliable vehicle
MPG 23/30, good on highway.
Jul 31, 2012
by Steven F
Dec 19, 2011
Cheap brake pads cause rattle when worn.
Handling style is great if you figure out how it can be driven.
Acceleration is adequate for daily driving.
Gas is 25mpg.
Could have a stronger blower for the heating and air conditioning
Revised- September15, 2012
105,000miles
Found spark plugs to be worn on 2 particular plugs and replaced the whole set or 4. MPG rose to 27. Engine power and throttle response increased through the whole range. Also replaced the air cabin filter. Improved ventilation system function dramatically.
108,000 miles
Found exhaust manifold nuts to be loose and were causing build up in the engine bay. After correcting the problem found that the car drove completely different. Performance affected by this problem involves overall driving dynamics. Handling and ride over bumps became more predictable and correct on feel. Tracking on road became linear instead of feeling darty left to right. On center feel of the vehicle shifted changed. Brake pedal response through the whole stroke became more responsive. Engine power and acceleration changed through the whole rpm band. Transmission operation of shift points and smoothness of shifts corrected from variable and inconsistent to proper timing engaging smoothly instead of a bit harshly. Believe the car was like this since new and over time nuts either came loose or were loosened by someone at the dealer. If these issues were addressed or never occurred my mother would not have purchased a Toyota instead.
Revised 6/13
Did a transmission fluid service and the car runs much better. Also replaced an axle with a bad boot. Throttle response has improved as a result and handling has changed due to the axle replacement.
Revised 4/13/14
After changing the timing belt at 127k miles the car runs and handles completely different. The dartiness I felt at 108k must have been related to the timing belt as well since now the car tracks thru a corner with less steering effort and concentration.
I have reason to believe the 60k timing belt service was no done correctly at the same Glendale dealership now... Never thought something like this would effect ease of steering or handling on center feel so much. This and a set of great tires on the back wheels transformed the car. Not sure why the braking performance as degraded but may be due to need for factory pads and/ or some new drums and rotors that are out of spec or are just warped.Dec 19, 2011
by Ray M
Jul 18, 2011
I recommend it or any other Hyundai for that matter, they make fantastic cars.Jul 18, 2011
by Anonymous
Feb 27, 2011
I like the good gas mileage, the good standard speakers and radio. It gas
nice set up in the car on how the dash panel is displayed and organized.
Its got good size cup holders and the car runs nicely.Feb 27, 2011
by Rhonda C
Nov 12, 2010
its small but a gas saver. brake system is good, handles well. replecing the thermostat is a job!!! lol i get 38 miles/gallpn with mine, i have heard of some getting better, some worse. i love my car its fun to drive just small.Nov 12, 2010
by Adam N
Jun 18, 2010
this is a great car for a first driver or a family, but for a driver who is used to going fast this is not the car for you. Don't get me wrong i love taking this car on long drives with the family but space it does not have and sitting long periods makes a tall person crampedJun 18, 2010
by Igor S
Dec 22, 2009
This car has adequate performance for its class. Transmission is smooth enough, and engine is adequate for daily commuting. Handling is secure but not too involving. Ride quality is decent. Brakes are the car's weak point since it's not equipped with ABS. Build quality is decent with good fit and finish, but interior materials could be better. Gas mileage is horrible for such a small car, with about 17 mpg in city driving/30 mpg hwy. Appearence is, well, easy on the eyes, still makes me smile after the carwash.Dec 22, 2009
by Tom B
Nov 11, 2009
wish i could afford a mazdaspeed 3. needs more power. good
seats. had to replace radiator at 80000 miles. NEEDS A FIVE
SPEED TRANSMISSION INSTEAD OF A FOUR. dull driving and
steering. good for my first car. i like it more that i could a
corolla of the same yearNov 11, 2009
by Maggy A
Nov 04, 2009
the cow slayer...well any little car that could take out a cow 3 times it size and still drive, is good with me! that poor car, poor go-kart should i say. Fun little 5 speed though. Miss It, but wouldnt really care for another one for my personal vehicle need something bigger. like a Dodge 2500 would be nice.Nov 04, 2009
by David B
Jul 15, 2009
I've been wanting a new car for a while and my elantra had an issue that had me car shopping...in the end i couldnt get rid of it. i missed my lil car and she fixed herself so back on the road i go.Jul 15, 2009
by Michaël B
Jun 26, 2009
C'est une petite voiture compacte et le fun a conduire. Peut performante mais dispose quand même de 150 HP pour un pti 4 cylindres. Voilà ce que j'avais a dire, lol lol lol lol lol !!! Criss de limite de mot a marde !Jun 26, 2009
by Ryan K
Apr 12, 2009
It's hard to imagine a duller car than the Elantra. I test drove one, and, let me put it this way. If you've driven any boring econo-box made in the last 15 years, you,ve driven an elantra. The engine was blah, the suspension and tires were so-so, you get the point. I wanted to test drive a new one, but the sleazy salesmen wouldn't let me. They kept saying "What's wrong with the used one?" Nothing, but there was nothing right about it either.Apr 12, 2009
by Alfred C
Feb 21, 2009
It is a very reliable car, however the body gets dinged up easily. The car is great on gas mileage. And most performance parts have to come from Korea(talk about shipping costs alone). Definitely he best warranty out there. Feb 21, 2009
by Emily K
Feb 11, 2009
This car is so cute, I named it tinkerbell because the door alarm is a higher pitched bell, which reminds me of timkerbell! She has a few stickers, one for ODU, one for OBX, one is tinkerbell, and the last is a hibiscus flower...Feb 11, 2009
by Amanda L
Jan 18, 2009
Decent car... not as good gas mileage as I'd expect, but not awful. At 50,000 miles, not too many problems, aside from the hatchback hydraulic lift not working, the emergency brake snapped, and the interior fan having 2 settings: full-blast and off. Acceleration is acceptable, but this is partly thanks to the manual transmission. Not the coolest looking car on the road, but not too ugly. Interior isn't bad, thanks to the charcoal leather seats.Jan 18, 2009
by Melinda D
Oct 06, 2008
I hate small cars, but its really great on gas. Its a great first car and after 5 years is still holding up really well. I would love to trade it in for the Santa Fe. But I'd definitely recommend Hyundai to anyone. Anyone who wants to buy my Elantra, I'm willing to sell. LOLOct 06, 2008
by Savanna D
Sep 02, 2008
I have mixed feelings about this car. Sometimes it accelerated quickly, but other times it would take forever to get going. It had great brakes, they worked perfectly, and I didnt have to even think of replacing them the whole time I owned the car. It handled pretty well, but it was kinda of stiff going around sharp turns. It was a nice looking car, but it wasnt stylish or sporty. The interior was nice, kinda cramped in the back for a sedan though. It had great gas mileage which is the only thing I really miss about it. The one bad thing that I hated about this car is that it kept sqealing almost every time I started the car. I replaced the altanator belt twice and took it to a mechanic like 3 or 4 times. They told me the last time it was my timing belt and that they fixed it but not even a mth later it was back to squealing again. It was pretty fun to drive it went pretty fast too.Sep 02, 2008
by Chris L
Aug 01, 2008
I love this car, it has been good to me as of now, with no issues. its quick for a four cylinder which i like, and its design is a nice look as well. the leather interior that matches in color with the black exterior is a nice aesthetic, but black is not an easy paint job to maintain.Aug 01, 2008
by Karabo T
Jul 28, 2008
i luv da cars sound system n 2 thnk dat its standard 4 a 1.6 da cars realy performes wen it gts on da road n its reali fuel efficient,yea da service plan iz nt ova yt so m stil njoyn it witowt it gtn 2 problemetic on ma xpens Jul 28, 2008
by Amber M
Jun 26, 2008
I simply love my car!! Its gets me where ever I want to go and it a Stick!! Which i blieve is most amazing when I girl can drive a stick!!! And the car only cost me to 7000 and it is so fun to drive!!! Jun 26, 2008
by Tyler M
Jun 26, 2008
A great car to commute with or start with, this is what i am doing until i get a Mustang. A lot of good qualities outweigh the negative. Jun 26, 2008
by Katie W
Mar 25, 2008
i just started driving this car, but it is definitely a lot better than my old one!Mar 25, 2008
by Chris H
Feb 23, 2008
Drove it for 2 years, you get them up to 60 mph and they shake due to a design flaw with the front axel (supposedly fixed in a recall). Smoothed out past 80 mph though!
Feb 23, 2008
by Brian F
Feb 20, 2008
Great Car, good quality, very reliable. Handles great, good gas mileage.Feb 20, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 24, 2007
for the price it seems an excellent value, and I would buy another if needed. Good safety
ratings, runs smoothly, decent gas mileage, and quite reliable.Jun 24, 2007
What users have asked
REPLACE COIL PACK
CAR TURNING OVER BUT WILL NOT START
753 views
Update: engine swap 03 Hyundai Elantra
I've asked before what upgrades can be made to my car and gotten the obvious response of "buy a domestic car" "lol" "hyundais suck" blah blah. So I decided to do my own research. I found an engine that is compatible for swap. Just needed some input on what I'll need to be able to fit everything in nicely. Engine is 2JZ GE. It's been swapped into multiple cars, one being the 05 lexus IS 250, which has the same size engine bay as my car. I need a compatible trans and I need to know what else I might need to complete the swap effectively. Any info will help immensely and I thank you for your time.
254 views
Radiator protection?
So basically I hit a medium sized dog at 50 in my Elantra and trashed the entire radiator assembly and support. Due to covid couldnt afford the support as well until my next check but had to get the car running so I could still get to work. That being said, the radiator is sitting in the support on the passenger side and is clasped on the top as well, but is barely sitting on the support on the driver side (is clasped on top though) and the drain plug is ON the k frame. What can I do to protect my radiator until I can get a new support? I do delivery and I take some pretty rough roads so anything will help please. And this is just a side question but how much pressure should be in my radiator hoses? Flow is just fine but the line feels extra squishy? Lol
11 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2003 Hyundai Elantra?Compare this car
2003 Hyundai Elantra Pricing
Original MSRP
$13,439 to $14,989Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent