By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
I haggled for cargo net & nose mask for Sonata from the dealer & got'em.
I just installed the net & I think I'll wait on the nose mask b/c it doesn't look that simple & the included instructions aren't that clear.
My question to you guys is what's the big deal about the cargo net??? I don't quite see how it could be useful. It's just dangling on the T-hooks in the trunk!!! Am I missing something?
cars. So when I went back again I watched closer to see what was going on and found out it was caused by kids wiping cars at the end who were wearing rings. I got the owner over and raised hell. he paid to have scratches removed.Kids with rings no longer work there.
Killerk---Just use the thing. You will see what the fuss is about. These things will grip anything and hold it in place no matter what the car is doing. When the netting gets too loose or stretched, just throw it in the wash and dry and you're good to go.
My wife hauls prepared meals and the like and nothing ever spills.
http://bbs1.adwars.com/read.php?table=mildbreeze&no=3
According to Hyundai, 2002 Sonata's low end torque is enhanced.
Trunk space is bigger than what it was.
As you guys know, this 2002 model is just face lifted model.
All new Sonata will come in 2004 spring!!!
------------------------------
Wife was driving the car and said a sound like the passenger door was open, not fully closed tight. Then she heard a thud ! Then the car became hard to steer as she was pulling over.
To make a long story short, the pulley came off of the power steering pump and was no where to be seen. We went back and looked for it but not to be found.
We called the 800 # for towing and they arrived in approx 65 minutes and hauled her off to the dealer.
Dealer says he never heard of this before.
The good news is that the Elantra has three belts and ONLY the power steering was on this one. We could have finished driving home if we either pulled the power steering belt aside and secured it or simply cut it off.
If this had one of those serpentine belts the car for sure could not have been driven.
Sooooooo FYI, get out there and check your power steering pulley for tightness.
Tony
We had the car in almost 1 1/2 months ago for the recall work. Before this the car had been running PERFECTLY. But after the SUPPOSED WELL-TRAINED TECHNICIANS get their hands on it, the very problem the recall work was supposed to avoid and which we had never experienced now shows up. Kinda makes you wonder whether they even touched the damn thing. I can't wait for tomorrow when I take it back for a re-service for the same thing.
I remember posting back then that I was concerned about this very thing. I once took our '95 Sonata in for a 30,000mi. check-up and they screwed my transmission. If they weren't so darn close to my location I would never set foot in that Hell-Hole of a service department again.
I'm beginning to think that Hyundai Only Dealers are the places to go for service. They, at least, should have competent technicians.
Engine could stall suddenly at low speeds.
What to do: Have dealer reroute MAF (mass airflow) sensor-connector wiring harness.
Actually Hyundai want to sell this model in America in advance of Santa Fe. I don't know why hyundai haven't gone launching this model in U.S.
I'm sorry about that unfortunate news like air bag misfire and some problems as a one Hyundai owner and also as a Korean.
I hope that you guys will get a quick and exact service as soon as possible.
Have a safe driving!!
What would you Sonata owners recommend - the 4 cyl or the 6?? I will be getting an automatic tranny, and I hear that the 4cyl engine is loud with the auto tranny, while the 6cyl is rather lifeless - is it worth the extra dough?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, as well as any other general advice on buying a new Hyundai.
TIA!
Everyone is different and has different expectations.
I find the base model VERY QUIET, and loaded with plenty of power. It exceeds my expectations.
The GLS/6cyl I liked because of things the 4cyl doesn't have: heated outside mirrors, 60/40 split folding rear seat, dual vanity mirrors, and I don't think the base model has the extra accessory power outlet that the GLS does. I liked the 5spd base version of the 4cyl as opposed to the auto. Either way, I've noticed a few Sonatas with gold colored emblems and lettering which really makes them look nicer and more fancy (translation: expensive).
Also, regarding ABS and tires: I've been very impressed with the performance of the stock Michelins on wet pavement and was surprised that the brakes didn't lock-up (I don't have ABS) when I slammed the pedal to avoid getting a ticket from one of those traffic-light cameras this rainy morning.
Well they found the code for Air Sensor malfunction (PO100) and tried to make it sound like something had happened after or even during(!)the recall work to interfere with the sensor connection. Jeesh! Sounds like this time they did the work they were supposed to do the first time.
But as long as the wife is happy (and she is) then so am I. The Silver Bullet is running smooth again!
Hyperseer---Agree with Giowa (Bless you---you can guess why) and Tonykrapil--- a meaningful test drive is the only way to go...none of that once around the block crap.
Lastly, for those who might have been wondering how to get the Hyundai press releases about sales, etc., now that the usautonews.com site is no longer helpful---go here:
http://www.prnewswire.com/gh/cnoc/comp/424987.html
They have more than a years worth of stories.
Can't hardly go wrong with either model.
I agree with the manual tranny availability, local dealer had a pretty even mix of both.
When that starts happening, and the tree-hugging, tofu-eating, NPR-listening, bra-burning, progressive-parenting, graduate-degree earning, high income, guilt ridden average CR reader starts seeing good things about Hyundai in CR (one of their favorite publications), then it will be acceptable to buy and be seen in one.
(I read CR in the library. I stopped subscribing years ago due to their excessive politicization on public policy issues like health care.)
THANK YOU CR!!! But please rate all the products and not just a few select brands.
I thoroughly enjoy reading CR at the library and find most of their product reviews to be as good as they get for being bias free. For cars, they just aren't performance oriented. That is what C&D, R&T, MT, etc. are for. I'm still somewhat in shock and pleasantly surprised to see CR write glowing words about a Hyundai product. Isn't that something to celebrate? We've come a long way, baby!
Now enough of their readers have to buy and use Hyundai's so we'll start making the reliability charts in their annual auto issue. Hyundai's haven't historically 'cause CR readers who return the annual surveys don't buy Hyundais. Maybe they will now? And then the key will be to have a reliable rating!!!
@ all.
I think the warranty is great, but if you have to use it, then its not so great.
Any comments on the braking capability of your Sonata? I've read some results that indicate a Yukon, LX-470 and a Tundra have better stopping distances from 70 mph than a Sonata.
If I'm remembering right, the current issue of CR that tested the Elantra comments on fact they wanted and tried to buy an ABS-equipped one. They couldn't get on in time so went without. Brakes were OK but would've shown performance improvements with ABS. CR always recommends ABS.
I've quoted Geico, Allstate, Progressive and thier affiliates, and Nationwide. Here is some personal insurance info I just bought today for those thinking of buying a Sonata GLS. Note this is for two drivers(self and spouse no kids) whose last at fault accident was more than three years ago and only one in five years AND a 10% discount for having home/auto.
Best Rate = Allstate (6 months)
Bod. Injury-100/300: $37
Prop. Damage: 100,000: $32
Uninsured: 7,500/ 250 ded: $0
Med. Pay-5,000 ea.: $6
Col. 500 ded.: $128
Comp. 250 ded.: $68
Rental $20 per day: $20
ToTal: $283.20
Uninsured Medical 100/300 (2cars) $43
Looking at price, it wasn't much different than Hondas, Toyotas, and Nissans. Hyundai obviously has something to prove with their 2000s. The Sonata had so much more to offer than just the name.
http://bbs1.adwars.com/read.php?table=mildbreeze&no=22
Also, I thought that Kia Optima's rear end looks very similar to BMW's...
Maybe that's what they were getting at: the front end is a take-off of the C-Class, and the rear resembles the S-type. They certainly were right.
Although not overly concerned, I have been reporting a notch gear change at each service and they now agree with me that it is not as good as it should be. My car is built 12/99 so must be an early build and it is quite possible that the synchronizers have been improved as part of normal improvements.
I am still very happy with the car
I think New Sonata resembles Mercedes and Jaguar.
I have never written that Sonata resembles Beamers.
However, Kia Optima's rear end
It looks like 80's BMW 3 seires....
Just my opinion...
http://bbs1.adwars.com/read.php?table=mildbreeze&no=24
Have a safe driving.
Please let us know what they end up doing and what it does to or for car. I might mention it to my service tech next time I take my GLS in.
Forgot if you live in Australia. Tried to check out your profile but all I got was your name.
My wife has never felt more secure and confident behind the wheel of a car. She drives about 65 miles round trip every day in the Nations #2 worst traffic, the D.C. Metro. area.
She comes through the door all smiling and relaxed. With the ABS and TCS, she doesn't even let the snow and ice worry her all out of proportion.
Thank God I made the right choice and thank Hyundai for finally delivering the right products.
This car is so smooth and refined, I don't think anything in its' price range and class come close to surpassing it on any real terms of value except resale. And even this is sure to change over time.
2000 Sonata GLS Auto w/pkg 13 bought 7/20/00 built 3/00
Current stats:
10800 miles---avg mpg=24.5 (Winter avg. 22.5)
Service---1 oil and filter combined with recall work #1, recall work #2 (deftly handled by dealer)
Problems---Keyless transmitter replaced gratis, Stalling episode requiring recall work #2.
The repairs to my gearbox are not a recall but rather to install revised synchronisers due to a notchy gearchange.
I am not expecting an improvement to the gearchange when cold but this may happen. I have not put any pressure on the dealer to carry out the work.
I will post the results of this work.
So it would be interesting whether they will do the same thing for 2002 models here in the states as well. I think they probably will.
Thanks to all who've posted with wonderful info for new buyers and owners.
Happy motoring!
I put them in my 00 base model back in March and feel they are making a great big difference. I have them in my 01 Elantra and Ranger PU as well.
I think they are well worth the $$s and effort.
BUT, I have had leaves work there way into the blower area through the cowling in front of windshield.
Just a thouht.
Tony
Upon questioning, the dealer told me that the synchronizers had been revised with a change of 5 degrees in the lead in angle of the synchros. This is supposed to rectify difficult or notch gear change.
The gear change is now stiff like a brand new car and will no doubt need a few miles to loosen up.
I can already notice that it is easier to engage 2nd gear as it goes in smoothly even though it is tight.
I am doing approx. 500 kilometres this weekend so the gearchange should loosen up in this time.
I will give an update on my return.
Too bad the 6cy looks like a nightmare. I have a feeling the dealer will have some sort of opinion on your request to swap the plugz.
Not that changing the plugs is a 'bad thing' BUT it will be logged in your Sonata record log too. It may or may not be ammo for the dealer, should anything crop up in the way of troubles.
Good luck,
Tony