Hyundai Sonata 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    A minor restyling occured in 97. Microsoft CarPoint lists good reliability for these cars and the depreciation is enough that I might take a chance.
  • spiritzspiritz Member Posts: 21
    I meant '00 model "manufactured" and "sold" in 1999 (started to ship in'99)
    Yes, the plattform changed completely in 1999, which was "advertised" as '00 sonata.
    Sorry if I called them incorrectly. I was in confusion. You are correct. My mistake.
    I would recommend used '99 Sonata (if you call it so) if it's in good condition and if it's cheap enough, but I won't consider buying '98 Sonata.
    It's not a matter of design, but of parts.
    Korean auto parts manufacturers have achieved great improvement in quality since 1999.
    That's why you can find very little (if any) serious problems (engine stalling, transmission failure, electrical mulfunction, etc..) reported from '99 model on (Sonata, Elantra, Santa Fe, XG300, You name it).
    And that's why plastics & materials used in the Hyundai vehicles do not look so cheap as they did 4 or more years ago.

    But after all, that's only an opinion,lots of Sonata owners may not agree to.

    Sorry again for poor English.
    Happy driving!

    Spiritz
    -A shareholder of HMC-

    P.S. I lost my message twice when I click "Post My Message" button after composing this message."internal server error"has occured, I do not understand why. Is it common in this site?
    I use broadband (1Mega bps DSL modem), and I'm not familiar with this kind of problem. I love this site, though.
  • rhard49rhard49 Member Posts: 226
    Is it a Hyundai modem : )
  • spiritzspiritz Member Posts: 21
    Hyundai doesn't produce a modem.
    If it does, it will come with 5 year socket-to-socket warranty and 10 year connection warranty..
    +^.^=

    Good Morning,
    and Have a nice Day...
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    The second gen. Sonata was 95-96-97-98
    The third gen. Sonata was 99-00-01-02

    Mid course restylings occured in 97 and 02. I assume the 99 Sonata was released in fall 98.
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    Are you saying that the 2002 is the last year of the current platform and will change again next year? I was thinking about buying one, but not if will be outdated in a year!
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    I know the Elantra's do for a new platform in 06. My assumption is that the Sonata will change in 04 or 05. Probably 04. Anybody have the proper information?
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Their future products page called the 02 Sonata a redesign (not IMHO) and they don't have a new one listed through 05. (New Accent in 05). I suspect that there will be a quicker redesign than that, sometimes Automotive News gives Korean makers short shrift.
  • hyundaimahyundaima Member Posts: 197
    2002 Sonata is a reengineered model; there's more than cosmetic changes. Engine vibration transmitted to the cabin is lower than the EF and crash test scores also should improve thanks to the redesign and reinforcements made to the frame structures and body panels.

    http://www.hyundainews.com/presskit/sonarels.htm
  • bri70bri70 Member Posts: 147
    Sorry if this was already posted here:


    http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2001/11/08/032196.html?NEWS


    An independent auto club gave a blind "taste test" of the Sonata and Camry. Don't know which model year; but you can tell who came out decisively on top from the headline.

  • dougndodougndo Member Posts: 136
    It's easy to believe that people chose the Sonata over the Camry. I just came home from seeing my friend's new 2001 Camry (base 5 speed) which she got with "remote, mats, and moonroof thrown in for $19k+." I didn't have the heart to tell her I got all that plus automatic, leather, six speakers, mud flaps, alloy wheels, power driver's seat, heated mirrors, side impact air bags, 10 year powertrain warranty, and V6 for $1500 less.

    The Camry is bigger than I thought, and kind of slabby on the sides and rear. The top of the trunk lid is very high when closed, and the trunk and cabin are quite spacious. However the cabin is butt ugly in the base model, the dash is totally uninspired, and the materials really look no better than a base Sonata, which would be $4000 less. The moonroof is huge! It made my Sonata's look dinky.

    Reading the Edmund's review of Camry, it described a car that I didn't see. It's disappointing. Then again, reading the review of the Sonata left me feeling the reviewer missed the boat there, too, but going in the opposite direction. it's a much better car than it is credited with being. However, it seems like the people in the Camry/Sonata "bake off" weren't prejudiced or predisposed to see things that weren't there because they couldn't tell what make of vehicle they were in. Most of them simply recognized the better car and said so.
  • jveliejvelie Member Posts: 9
    I think last years Sonata looked nice ,but I like the change in the front grill and and change in the tail lights in the back.I think it actually has a luxury car look to it.Does anyone here feel that way?I think sometime later next year I will be looking at a left over 20002!Did anyone turn in a used hyundia for a new one,i was wondering if the turn in value is getting better!
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    It's funny that you think the new Sonata has a luxury car look to it. I was coming out of Target this morning and the sun was in front of me. I looked to the right as I approached the parking lot and saw a silver car. I could not see the nose of the car, just its side view and (alloy) wheels. I thought it was a Jaguar S-Type. When I moved and I could see the front end, I was shocked to see it was a 2002 Sonata. The wheels really gave it a luxury look, IMO.
  • lanman2lanman2 Member Posts: 13
    In March of 2000 my wife and I bought a Sonata 2000 Fleet Model. It's a base model I4, with Auto, upgraded CD Radio, Carpet Mats, but no alloy wheels. We bought it for $14.2K, which was roughly $100 over invoice, with Hyundai's Extended 10/100,000 Bumper to Bumper Warranty.

    Late in the summer the Sonata was running perfectly, and had low mileage, so we felt it may be an ideal time to compare deals for an XG300L with every option, including the trunk-mounted CD Changer. After all, if a Hyundai Dealer couldn't give us a fantastic deal we didn't really need to worry as we liked the Sonata very much! (We've owned 4 Sonatas)

    Last August 31st we traded that car, with 12K miles on it, for an XG300L, in Merlot, with all the "bells and whistles". We nogtiated the lowest price possible, and then told the dealer we wanted to trade. I think a few things were in our favor:
    The car was in excellent shape, had always been serviced by that dealer, and it was the last day of the month. If you consider the MSRP, it was as if the dealer had allowed us over $13,300! We were able to buy the XG300L for a steal!

    My wife can't say enough nice things about the XG300L! She is thrilled!

    Lanman2
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    Another pleasant Hyundai experience!
  • lanman2lanman2 Member Posts: 13
    It was beautiful mid-August day. I was taking a day off from work, and our daughter was home from college. My wife's 2000 Sonata needed an oil change, as did my 2000 Sonata GLS.

    My daughter and I decided to drop off one of the cars and go for breakfast while we waited. We returned to the dealer's show room a little early when she notice how nice the Tiberon looked. I remember she saw an automatic, and how surprised I was when she said, "Dad, This is sweet, but it's screaming for a 5 speed!"

    Well, a long story made short ... We had no idea we would be buying a car that day! The dealer offered her $3000 for her loaded 1997 Sonata GLS with 62,000 miles. Another dealer offered to sell his Tiberon with MORE options for LESS money, PLUS he allowed her $5000 for the trade-in! DEAL!

    My daughter was shaking with excitement as we agreed to the deal. She loves the sporty look and drive of the 5 speed Tiberon, and we're happy she is in a new car with all it's safety improvements.

    I think our experiences show that the cars are starting to retain more of their resale value.

    Happy Motoring,
    Lanman2
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    That is like my experience with my 97 Sonata GLS. First dealer wanted to give me $3000, but the second offered $5500. You gotta shop around!
  • lanman2lanman2 Member Posts: 13
    I agree 100%!

    In New Hampshire we are fortunate to have many Hyundai dealers with-in a 50 mile radius.
    I usually compare notes read on the internet, and then compare the deals at the various dealers.

    So far the score is:
    Autofair Hyundai in Manchester, NH (be sure to see Scott Demyanovitch),has sold us:
    1997 Sonata SE
    1997 Sonata GLS
    2000 Sonata Fleet Model
    2001 Tiberon
    Nashua Hyundai in Nashua, NH (be sure to see John Hocking) has sold us:
    2000 Sonata GLS
    2001 XG300L

    I've found the dealers in Salem, NH and Wilmington, MA can't hold a candle to the others. The Leominster, MA dealer deserves an "honorable mention" because I found them to be very professional, they could match prices, but never were lower.

    Nashua Hyundai has THE BEST SERVICE! No arguments! No BS! Just tell them what is wrong and it gets taken care of!

    Lanman2
  • dudedude Member Posts: 123
    I'm just curious if there is anybody from Colorado who purchased 2002 GLS? I'm looking into buying 2002 GLS Auto with ABS and moonroof. Thanks in advance.
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    Lanman2 shows exactly what I've been trying to say about Hyundais in general. Try one and you'll like them! He would not have bought all those Hyundais if they were not good cars. I don't care what the naysayers consumer magazines say about them!
  • jveliejvelie Member Posts: 9
    Does anyone know where I could read more reviews on the 2002 Soanata.I am mostly interested in the positive ones,thanks!
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    I have not seen too many write ups on the new Sonata to tell you the truth. The magazines have been focusing on the Elantra GT and XG350. I know in the comparison section of this sedan board there is a thread going for 2002 Camry vs 2002 Sonata vs 2002 Accord--maybe some info there. Just drive one and see what YOU think. The critics won't be driving it, you will. See what you think.
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    I just went to the board in the sedan comparison section and you should read posts 4, 7, and 8 for some good opinions on Sonata, Camry, Accord, Passat, and Altima.
  • jveliejvelie Member Posts: 9
    Thanks claywaterfill!
    If I get the car it will be sometime next year.The wife will mostly drive it,she doesn't have along distance to work.I like to get 8 to 10 years out of a new car.As far as re sell, on these later year Hyundia I guess alot will ride on if these cars several years from now are considered reliable. I just hope the warranty is as good as it sounds.I have looked at Passats they are a sweet looking car,just to much $$$$ for what I am willing to pay for a car!
  • jveliejvelie Member Posts: 9
    Saw my first Silver 2002 Sonata on the road today it looked real nice in that color.Does anyone know how there paint jobs hold up!
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    My wife's '00 GLS is Brilliant Silver, sometimes called Super Silver depending on location and year. It is a Mica formulation rather than a Metallic. I find it to be a wonderful paint, easily maintained with a decent hard wax. A nice characteristic is it's nighttime luminosity, which is one of the things I noticed when the car was first seen on the dealer's lot. Also, the darn thing never looks dirty, even close up, unless it's really been through the ringer.
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    That's what I like about the silver--it stays clean looking longer. I think my favorite color, though, is that dark gray--I forget what it's officially called.
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    I have been reading some past posts about transmission problems. I was wondering if anyone with an '02 has noticed the problem, and if so, what exactly is the problem?
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    I believe the problem is related only to the Shiftronic tranny, both in the XG and the Sonata. It appears that the 2-3 upshift is slurred with an accompanying rise in RPM's (400-500). This occurs usually only when cold and disappears when warmed up. Not all vehicles seem to suffer from it so the fix has taken a while to promote. It appears there will be a software fix for the TCM and it will be reprogrammed. Whether this will be handled on an 'as needed' basis or something larger remains to be seen.

    There were several discussion threads on this topic over on T-H-C.org but someone just hacked the site and all of the files are currently being rebuilt.
  • jonbgoodjonbgood Member Posts: 157
    Just got back from the local mall where I saw a 2002 Sonota. I did a double take as I was immediately drawn to the lines of the car. It is very nice looking. It turned a lot of heads I noticed. I will definitely be adding this car to my sedan shopping list when I do my comparisons.
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    Other than the cassette player, is there any difference in the stereo in the base model and the LX/GLS? Also, how is the quality of the GLS/LX stereo in the 2002 Sonata?
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    I wanted to know if the height of the sonata was on par with others in its class. I don't want to feel like I am riding extremely low. How is the exit/entry into the car? Do you have to fall into it? I realize it will be a difficult transition from an explorer, but I was just curious as to what everyone thought.
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    I can't speak of ease of entry/exit as compared to your truck, but the height of the Sonata is in line with other mid size sedans. The Sonata is 56" tall. The Accord is 56.9" tall, the Galant is 55.7" tall and the 626 is 55.1" tall.
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    If I take your handle right, congratulations on the game. As a Maryland fan, I do hate them 'Noles.

    To answer both of your ?'s...

    1.) the CD/Cassette system is excellent for a factory set-up. Sonatas have always been known for good acoustics and the '02's continue the tradition. I am not an audio fanatic when it comes to my car stereo but even with the factory limitations on components this system has great sound.
    2.) Sonata seating has always seemed rather 'chair-like' (meaning high) but I find the '99-on platform to be a good compromise. It doesn't feel anywhere near as high as my '95 Sonata, which coincidentally has always given me a headroom problem when seated in the sweet spot. And it has no sunroof unlike the '00 which even with sunroof has a good bit of clearance, at least for me. As to climbing into an SUV, I'd say anything different will feel like falling into your seat. It's just a matter of degree.
  • jveliejvelie Member Posts: 9
    I did not realize until today that you can actually get a V6 Sonata that is not a GLS or a LX model.The one I saw in Pearl White did not have the 16 in wheels.It ahad drum breaks in the back.It actually came with Mats no Moon Roof which does not matter to me.If it had disc brakes in the back I would be interested.
  • acelinkacelink Member Posts: 106
    Several months ago, my mother's '99 Sonata (V4, about 18,000 miles) automatic had erratic shifts when shifted from Drive to Reverse; It wouldn't shift immediately and would shift after a delay of 4 or 5 seconds with a grinding sensation. It didn't always happen and I haven't seen it happen again for some considerable time now.

    However, just to make sure nothing is wrong, I left the car with a Hyundai technician several days ago, so he could take a look at the transmission.

    The technician called me to say that although the transmission showed some signs of damage, they weren't sufficient enough to warrant the factory warranty work. He goes on to say that I should come back later when the transmission is "more" damaged or something.

    I was disappointed in that I got such a bland answer. Now, the transmission warranty in Korea is ONLY 3 years, which means the car is covered till Year 2002. Am I suppose to hope for a transmission failure before this or what? What would you do if you were in my situation?
  • bluewindsbluewinds Member Posts: 100
    Do you speak Korean?
    And What service center have you visited?
    Are you in metropolitan Seoul area?

    I think that I may help you to get your warranty service.
    Please let me know.....

    bluewinds
  • acelinkacelink Member Posts: 106
    Well, I took the car to a Hyundai Green Service center near Seoul. It would be great if you could assist me, because something is not quite right with the transmission. Please email me at popyoureyesout@yahoo.com. Thanks.
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    Other than minor or isolated incidents, are most of you satisfied with your dealer so far when it comes to servicing your vehicle?
  • bluewindsbluewinds Member Posts: 100
    Please check your E-mail.... :)
  • jveliejvelie Member Posts: 9
    Bluewinds to say it bluntly he flat out loved the car!
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    Great news for Hyundai!
  • alharalhar Member Posts: 11
    Best article I've read on the Sonata. Wonder how he would feel about the Kia Optima!!! Since there are many similarities he should like that too.
    I'm interested in the Sonata but the wife likes the Optima. Wonder if there were many Sonatas at "The Swamp" last Saturday.
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    I did not see any at all actually. As a matter a fact I have only seen a total of about five on the road. I guess they are still edging there way into the market.
  • lsperry1lsperry1 Member Posts: 2
    I bought my Sonata two weeks ago this saturday. It is Ebony Black, with black interior. Beautiful car, but it shows dirt really bad. maybe I should have gone with the Silver Sonata.
    The dealer had my black one, and a silver one side by side. i literally stood there for 10 minutes trying to decide which one I wanted. They were two of the three choices of colors on my mind.
    I flipped a coin, and said if it rode well on a test drive, then the black one would be it. It ran beautifully.
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    It's hard to beat a blak car for beauty--when its clean. The trick is keeping it clean!
  • ufgatorsufgators Member Posts: 58
    There ratings for Hyundai Sonata were overall average with a few ratings of good and a couple ratings of marginal (http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/99003.htm). However, the years tested are 1999-2002. I thought the new sonata has safety advancements that the earlier models did not, thus making it safer. Any insight?
  • dougndodougndo Member Posts: 136
    Since it's Thanksgiving Day, I wanted to put in my gratitude for having such a great car as my Ebony Black 2001 Sonata GLS Leather. For the price (around $18,100+ttl) and the interest rate (0.9%), it's the most dollar value I've gotten out of any vehicle. I can't believe I've had it for over six months. It's been entirely problem free. So, thank you Hyundai for making it possible for me to have such a fully featured, dependable, fun to drive vehicle at a price I could afford.

    For those of you looking at 2002 Sonatas, which is an improved, restyled version of the 1999-2001 Sonata, I think you'll get even more value with the myriad improvements that have been made. I've had many other new and nearly new cars over the years, and none has been as trouble free as the Sonata or as uniquely attractive.

    Also, I know black is tough to keep clean, but it's the sexiest color by far. At my age, I'm used to working hard to look good anyway, so I'm not complaining about my black car at all.
  • hyundaimahyundaima Member Posts: 197
    If you go to this NHTSA crash-test info page, http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/NCAP/Cars/2002MidS.html, you'll notice the 2000 Sonata test results do not carry over to 2002 MY Sonata. Unfortunately, 2002 Sonata is not on the list of MY 2002 vehicles to be rated.

    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/announce/press/pressdisplay.cfm?year=2001&filename=pr59-01.html
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