Hyundai Sonata 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • dougndodougndo Member Posts: 136
    I don't know for certain what the spare tire cover is made of, but it looks like shredded rubber, plastic, fibers, and a bonding agent compressed under high pressure. It's not very thick, but it seems to support a reasonable amount of weight as long as the foam supports are in place. (The 2002s have a nifty circular storage tray that sits on top of the spare and supports the cover.)

    I had a problem with my Kenwood powered subwoofer sliding all over the back end and occasionally knocking into my 12 disc Pioneer changer that was bolted down on the right side trunk floor. I didn't want the subwoofer screwed down because I need to be able to move it out of the way when carrying bulky items. Still, I couldn't have it careening around the trunk smacking into things. It actually affected my driving habits while I figured out what to do.

    I went to a camping supply center and bought a nylon compression strap like you wrap around sleeping bags. Using this as the fastening device, I made some careful measurements of the subwoofer and the spare tire well cover, and I drilled two short self tapping screws (inserted through washers and the strap at the appropriate places) into the well cover. Then I placed the subwoofer over the strap and between the two fastening points, pulled the strap around the subwoofer, threaded the buckle, pulled the strap tight, and the subwoofer was anchored. I adjusted the amp and equalizer controls for the new position, and I was rockin'.

    When I need to use the whole trunk floor, I can undo the strap and move the sub wherever I need to, including the rear seat floor if the seats are down. I have enough cable to do this. The strap and the screws lie flat and don't interfere with loading at all. (Just avoid scratching things by covering the screw heads.)

    You might find you can do similar things for some of your flying cargo.
  • matsumotomatsumoto Member Posts: 7
    Hello

    I'm a newbie here
    What options have owners of the 2002 Sonata chosen?
    Is a Xenon headlight option available on the 2002 sonata?

    Is it an option on the upcoming XG350?

    Otherwise I may have to add an aftermarket option but I would rather have them from the factory.
    Can anyone provide some info on this?

    Thanks
  • dunn3dunn3 Member Posts: 29
    You wouldn't happen to be in Florida or the UK and have that as your surname? I don't belive Xenon lights are an option on the 2002 Sonata. I also don't think they are available on the XG 350, but I am not sure; I know of someone who added Xenon headlights (the bulbs) to their Golf. It looks pretty nice!!

    Still loving my '00 Sonata with ~18k miles
    Have had a couple of problems which were all fixed by the dealer at no charge-although it was a bit of a bother dropping the car off.
  • aniryuaniryu Member Posts: 61
    Check his/her profile--he'she is from Japan.
    Funny, how a Japanese would like a Korean car, isn't it?
    And I have a question: is the 2002 model a "redesign" or a simple "facelift"? Isn't it too closely related to the current version?
    Why doesn't Hyundai just change everything about the Sonata?
    And the latest Sonata came out in 1999, isn't it a little early for a redesign?
    Is the 2002 model and redesign or a simple facelift? That's a big mystery to me.
  • majorthomechomajorthomecho Member Posts: 1,331
    I would say it qualifies as more of a redesign than a face lift. A face lift (to me) implies a few cosmetic changes. The Sonata has gone through just a few.
  • matsumotomatsumoto Member Posts: 7
    I guess I can live without the xenon's

    I know that the headlights on my
    Sonata are brighter by far than many other cars without xenon

    They really project on the road well
    That's another reason that builds my confidence in Hyundai

    hyundai cars are popular all over the world incl. Europe, Asia and elsewhere and now America

    When I was in Asia this summer, I saw new Hyundai's in Hong Kong, Taiwan and even Japan, right in the heart of Tokyo, Ginza
    It was an XG300 Model

    Korea and Japan are not enemies like many people think
    They are also hosting the 2002 WorldCup together

    Akin to the relationship between England/France,Germany or France/Germany... like brothers they fight and make up throughout...also like competitors but not enemies
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    Why is it funny that a Japanese would like a Korean car? I mean, how many Americans buy Toyotas and Hondas?
  • dougndodougndo Member Posts: 136
    Because my 2001 Sonata is only a few months old, I had some buyer's remorse when I heard the 2002 was going to be a "whole new car." Certainly the external shots we saw on nonEnglish Web sites and the JPEG people posted here and there set the expectation that this was a completely new car.

    In order to face my remorse head on, I went to a dealership to examine the car first hand, and yes, it is a different vehicle in many important respects. Much to my surprise, however, I saw much that was quite familiar and eventually my feeling that I had missed something really big was gone.

    Yes, the front and rear are changed. There's a more powerful V-6. The trunk has been modernized with struts, a DC outlet, and emergency release handle, although otherwise it's the same. The center console is different, though not necessarily better, and the interior seems quite a bit like the 2001. And there are other tweaks here and there.

    Still, I left feeling that while there had been some significant modifications, it was still basically the same car. I'm sure an engineer could tell us if there are more significant changes that the average person like me wouldn't notice.
  • aniryuaniryu Member Posts: 61
    I think Hyundai should change the Sonata in two years or so with a totally NEW design, with NEW interior, with NEW engine, etc etc etc.

    Don't we need some changes? We need more changes than some tweaks here and there.

    The last generation and this generation are basically the same thing!

    OH Matsomoso, you dunno how much Koreans are ambitious to prove that they are better than Japanese at least one thing. If say, a Korean company beats a Japanese company in something, it's breaking news coverage. And the Korean soccer team's reputation goes down if they lose to the Japanese, and goes up when the beat the Japanese..
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    I think a facelift was appropriate. The Sonata's scalloped headlights and arched tail lights were just not aging well.

    aniryu- A few posts back, there was this political debate about Korea vs. Japan...and frankly nobody cared and the host deleted the posts. Get the hint?
  • aniryuaniryu Member Posts: 61
    Um, *says stupidly*, if you say so..
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    I think everyone else could care less whether or not people from Korea celebrate when something of theirs is superior to a Japanese product.
  • fangio2fangio2 Member Posts: 214
    is nothing to be ashamed of.Whether it's the Olympics or car manufacturing pride in ones country's success is good.Since Japanese cars have been represented as the ultimate in automotive quality,I think when a car clearly a superior value is produced in KOREA celebration is in order.
  • aniryuaniryu Member Posts: 61
    You dunno how MUCH Korean newspapers BOOSTED Daewoo when they learned that Daewoo will be coming to the United States.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    To me, a redesign implies at the least either an entirely new body or a new platform/chassis, or preferably both. For example, the '02 Camry is a redesign because it has a new body, new chassis, new engine design (for the 4 cyl), new interior--pretty much everything new. Similarly with the '02 Altima, clearly a redesign. The '02 Sonata is a facelift, IMO. The front fascia and rear fascia are changed. The sides, doors, and roof are the same, so it's not a complete body redo. I read that the suspension has some tweaks to improve the ride, but it's not a completely new chassis. The engine is improved, bumped up to 2.7L, but does not appear to be a new design. The transmission is now the Shiftronic. The interior has been freshened, but again not all new. Still, an impressive number of changes for a three-year-old model. I can't wait to drive one on a long-term rental--assuming Hertz stocks them like they did the '01s.
  • aniryuaniryu Member Posts: 61
    So, do you think in 2 years Sonata will get a full redesign? I wish so..
  • bluewindsbluewinds Member Posts: 100
    I believe that next gen Sonata will be available in the States at Fall 2004 or Spring 2005.
  • aniryuaniryu Member Posts: 61
    Mr. Woo, may I ask something?

    First of all, are you saying that the 2002 Sonata is marely a "facelift"? So it's not a redesign? It's not a totally new car? So the 2005 Sonata will get a NEW ENGINE? A NEW INTERIOR? A NEW NEW NEW NEW COMPLETELY NEW STYLING?!!! *drools* this is getting me EXCITED. Yipee! *jumps up and down*
  • bluewindsbluewinds Member Posts: 100
    Also, Optima will be redesingned too. Currently, I don't have dependable data about 2004 Sonata, though I heard rumor. The only thing which is pretty certain is that Hyundai will lanuch next gen Sonata at 2004.

    Thanks..
  • bilbo27bilbo27 Member Posts: 2
    I am going to buy a 2002 sonata when Hyundai announces low rates on 60 month financing.It sure helps offset the difference in depreciation when the accord and camry are thrown into the mix.I figure between the G.M.free interest offer and a very soft car market for the next few monthes , low rates should be coming soon on almost all new models regardless of manufacturer. Anyone heard anything?
  • aniryuaniryu Member Posts: 61
    I think you shouldn't finance a car with 60 months. I did that once, and I am SICK SICK SICK of paying 500 dollars a MONTH, and my CAR IS BASICALLY TRASHED!!

    I suggest you do 36 months, much better.

    ~~

    Cool! I can't wait to see it! I hope that it is MUCH better than the current version! I also hope that it can get up in rankings like the Elantra!
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    "I think when a car clearly a superior value is produced in KOREA celebration is in order"

    I'm sorry, I thought this forum was about the Hyundai Sonata. Excuse me for raining on the Korean pride parade.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    This discussion is indeed about the Sonata, so we all need to stick to the subject and leave the political sorts of comments at the door.

    Thanks.

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans Message Board</i
  • aniryuaniryu Member Posts: 61
    *sigh* this board is so stricked. No one at Car and Driver would mind if we start talking about peanut butter sandwiches in the mainstreamers forum..
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    Go and talk about peanut butter sandwiches in the Car & Driver forums...
  • dougndodougndo Member Posts: 136
    My 2001 Sonata was a super deal with the 0.9% financing and $800 "free auto tranny" rebate. That combo and some excellent dickering (by yours truly) made it possible for me to finance a very nice car for 36 months instead of the usual 48 or 60.

    The total cost for this car over the life of the loan is so far below a much less well appointed Japanese, American, or European car that any loss in resale value (IF I ever resell it) is more than compensated.

    -----

    Yes, it's true the forum is strict, but it's fair. I think there are forums out there that allow car enthusiasts who favor one car or another to air their competing views. If a Korean car vs. Japanese car forum doesn't exist, I'm sure it can be created. (Actually, I think I've posted on one somewhere.)

    -----

    Hyundai MC is a Korean company and the Sonata is one of its products, built with pride by Korean workers. As an American, I'm very comfortable with that. I vote with my dollars and my public support of the car that I respected enough to purchase, despite some razzing by American, European, and Japanese car buying friends. I'm still happy and proud after 5000 comfortable, enjoyable, trouble free miles.
  • aniryuaniryu Member Posts: 61
    Bravo! I absolutely HATE 40 or 60 months financing! 36 months is the only way to go..
  • dougndodougndo Member Posts: 136
    Yes, and for the first time since I paid cash for a new Dodge Ram 1500 SLT in 1994, I've got a vehicle with a warranty that exceeds my payment period. That's a huge benefit, especially when you consider that most cars are at 2/24,000 or 3/36,000 or 3/50,000 on their warranties. I can cancel the motor club for five years, too. Yippee!
  • rhard49rhard49 Member Posts: 226
    2 weeks ago I bought my 2002 and I am still impressed with the looks and the
    value, where else can you buy a 4 door sedan with leather V6 sunroof and
    traction/ABS for 19K. But it is still buyer beware. I did my best to
    go over every detail having read about various paint problems and the
    transmission problems discussed in this and the xg300 forum and was pleased
    with it as delivered. The next day when I drove it cold the transmission
    slips on the 2-3 shift same as the xg300's. It is fine once warmed up but
    there's no way the dealer could have not noticed it outta the box. Now I
    wait 2 plus weeks to get a loaner so they can "take a look at it". I have
    purchased 5 "Japanese" cars over the last 5 years for myself and my family
    and if I think about it have never in the last 20 years drove a car out of a
    dealership with a transmission problem. Your kidding yourself if you think
    korean quality is up to par with there japanese counterparts. I'm sure it
    will get fixed but read the hyundai forums then read the japanese forums,
    you get what you pay for.
  • har1bushhar1bush Member Posts: 207
    then why did u go for the Sonata knowing all this?
  • jsapiejsapie Member Posts: 28
    In 1999 I purchased a new Toyota Corolla and within 1 day/100 miles the transmission had to be replaced.
    Toyota had no units for this so they wanted me to wait untill they could get one in. I said NO WAY so Toyota gave me another new car off the lot since my paperwork did not get processed by the state. My 2001 Sonata run just fine and I have not noticed any problems with it. It now has 2000 miles on it. I traded in my 2001 Elantra for this and that had 11,000 problem free miles. I still think Hyundai builds and excellent car. Sometimes you will have a problem even with the best of them.
  • rhard49rhard49 Member Posts: 226
    Read the opening lines its a nice looking well equipped car! I thought I was well prepared in my pre acceptance inspection, obviously I over looked that inspection should be on a cold vehicle.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    I got 1.9% on a 1997 Cavalier. That's essentially giving money away and you should take things out as long as possible since you can make your money work harder elsewhere (present market excepted). With that exception, finance terms should be held to 36 months. I'm paying 6.25% on a 2001 Elantra. That's a pretty good rate for a non-buy down finance package but no one should ever buy a car that can't be financed in 3 years.
  • dougndodougndo Member Posts: 136
    It's true you never know for sure about ANY vehicle, even if you are diligent in reading, testing, inspecting, etc. Within one week of leasing a new 1997 Dodge Dakota Club Cab SLT+, the steering failed. Someone forgot to put a clamp on the power steering return hose. Within a month of getting a 1990 Dodge Monaco SE (really a Renault 4), the rear window cracked and fell out on a cold Fall morning. Within two weeks of getting a new 1995 Nissan 200SX SE-R, the radio literally exploded and started to burn because of a faulty diode (or something like that). Within a month of getting a 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage, the air conditioning failed. I could go on, but I think the pattern is clear. New cars have problems.

    A transmission is a significant component, and you'd think that they'd be thoroughly checked out, but the reality is the dealer can't check (or doesn't) everything. Sometimes vehicles are practically sold "off the truck" (like my '97 Dakota) to impatient buyers (like me) who have to have something NOW. Even if a car has been on the lot for a while and totally PDI'd, that doesn't necessarily mean the car's been driven beyond first or second gear or that it's been out on the highway to see if it can run at cruising speeds with the a/c on full blast to see about durability.

    I've had customers (I used to sell VW, Audi, and Porsche) who refused to purchase a car with more than 20 miles on it. One guy demanded less than 10 miles on a car before he'd buy an Audi A6 4.2. Right after he bought it, it died on the 110 Freeway in lane three and wouldn't budge. What a mess! So dealers can't always get the vehicle out for a road test or drive it too much because customers might balk at purchasing it.

    Anyway, I guess I'm saying there's more involved here than just Korean quality. As you can see, Japanese, American, German, or French, I've had disappointments with them all, but each of them worked fine in the long run. In fact, the ONLY car I've had delivered in perfect condition and that's kept running without a problem in the first several months is my 2001 Hyundai Sonata.

    I'm sorry to hear about your tranny problems on your 2002 and wish you the best in getting it resolved.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Take a careful look at everyone's experience with these cars. Now look at the engine sludge postings in maintenance and repair. After reading these I'll never buy another Toyota despite good luck in the past. Hyundai's product quality is quickly improving, Toyota reeks with corporate mendacity.
  • fangio2fangio2 Member Posts: 214
    would remove any doubt's I had about them.If you like the way the SONATA looks and drives you should buy it.
  • rhard49rhard49 Member Posts: 226
    where'd you get the flag that appears next to your name in the post it looks pretty kool
  • majorthomechomajorthomecho Member Posts: 1,331
    Csandste, I have read sludge posts and your posts on the subject are becoming a tiring refrain.

    Yes, I think the behavior of Toyota (based just on what the posters are saying) is pretty bad, but are the posters telling us the whole story.

    And just how many posts about sludging are real and how many are the same person posting under different names? Are all the posts really by actual Toyota product owners or are some posts actually done by people working for the competition?

    You have to take all the posts (the good and the bad) on Edmunds with a grain of salt.
  • majorthomechomajorthomecho Member Posts: 1,331
    Rhard49, the flag appears by a name when the poster has chosen the country they are from. They do this choosing in the "my profile" section. See where it says, "welcome [your screen name here] and then says, "preferences, my profile, and logout?" Click on my profile and indicate to Edmunds what country you are from. Update your profile and next time you post, you get a flag. Pretty neat huh?
  • waxywaxy Member Posts: 8
    So being a Sonata newbie (just 3000 km. on the odometer), I was just a little nervous when my "check engine" warning light suddenly came on (steady state) the other day. Reading the service manual was reassuring (no major cause for panic) but the Service Manager at my local dealership suggested I bring the car in to be checked. Turned out to be something I had tried to check earlier - an improperly secured gas cap! The S.M. said the gas cap represented about 90% of the problems when this warning light comes on.

    Anyone else experience this problem? Does it happen a lot?

    Thanks, Waxy
  • majorthomechomajorthomecho Member Posts: 1,331
    In general, it seems that an improperly tightened gas cap is the number one cause of the check engine light coming on for any car.
  • nottienottie Member Posts: 1
    Oh my!! I test drove two XG300's, one with 200mi other with 5570mi (dealer claimed it was "NEW").. liked the body, hated the standard rims... found that it just didn't clique with my personality... was about to walk away when I passed two 2002 Sonota's.. one LX one GLS ... couldn't believe my eyes!! Drove the LX w/leather for a couple days.. did the paper work today.. WHAT A DEAL!! 2001 Accord/Camry's are so plain/boring compared to this car! Almost like a small Jag S Type (sorta?don't cha think?)... nothing but praise everywhere I drive.. folkz want to know.. is that Really a HYUNDAI? Gotta love it for 20k (loaded to the tilt)
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    I'd agree that a few posts do not a problem make if it weren't that similar problems are showing up on other forums. Obviously all cars have weak points, my problem isn't with the mechanical weaknesses its with the way that Toyota is responding. I do agree that this may not be statistically significant since Consumer Reports doens't tag the car as unreliable. I think CR counts $7000 problems and $70 problems as single incidents, however.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Csandste and majorthomecho - as noted, we have a sludge discussion on our Maintenance & Repair Board, and we have quite a few Toyota discussions here on the Sedans board.

    So let's not go too deeply into those issues here in a completely unrelated discussion.

    Thanks!

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans Message Board
  • killerkkillerk Member Posts: 55
    I did the 15,000 mi maintenance today & spent a few minutes checking out the 2002s in the lot. I wish that I could'ved waited for this year's model, not that I'm unhappy w/ my 2001.

    BTW, how do you guys feel about the plastic grill? I think it cheapens Sonata's overall look. IMO. Chao.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    I think the 2002 is closer to the XG/Elantra look and will do a lot to unify Hyundai's styling themes. Also the rear lights look GREAT at night.

    With those two exceptions I think the 01's have certain advantages, especially the fact that the 02 base cars come with steel wheels and wheel covers. I still kind of like the looks of the older car, more distinctive in some ways-- actually might prefer the front end treatment. Also liked the availability of a 5-speed on the 01's.
  • aniryuaniryu Member Posts: 61
    Hmm. I guess the 2004 redesign will totally be like the Elantra/XG..
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    I think the 02 Sonata doesn't resemble the Elantra/XG. It still has a lot of curves to it. Both the Elantra and XG aim for a more upscale, angular and thoroughly modern design. Even the Accent displays this design theme. And if you've seen pictures of the redesigned Tiburon, you would notice it, too.

    The Sonata looks good- it just doesn't resemble other Hyundai models.
  • dougndodougndo Member Posts: 136
    As I indicated in an earlier post, my "new model fever" over the 2002 seriously abated after going to the dealership to see it. I'm quite happy to be in my 2001.

    Killerk: I do think that the 2002 grill is less attractive, especially compared to the cat's grin grill on the 2001 GLS/GLS Leather.

    csandste: Yeah, I was surprised at the steel wheels with plastic cover, and I was also surprised at how much I didn't like the wheels on the high end models. I think the wheels on the 2001 GLS/GLS Leather are much more attractive. (I do know that some folks like the style of the alloys on the 2002, just not me.)

    I do like the 2002 tail lights a little better than the 2001. All in all, though, I still prefer the over all feline style of the '99-'01 models better than the 2002.

    I agree with diploid that even in 2002, the Sonata doesn't merge with the evolving Hyundai look, although it's moving in that direction by borrowing some styling cues (and not just from Hyundai cars). Perhaps that's another reason I prefer the look of the '99-'01 models: greater originality.

    Now, if I could only retrofit that 2.7 V-6 and the Shiftronic...
  • rhard49rhard49 Member Posts: 226
    The XG Modern? Take a serious look at it it resembles the Infiniti Q45 pre the redesign several
    years ago its dated. Read the xg forum there having an above average number of transmission problems.
    I got my flag thanks for the hint guys
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