Hyundai Sonata 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • martymermmartymerm Member Posts: 3
    Anyone notice water on the kickplates when you open your sonata doors after a rain?
    I just picked up my Sonata GLS last week. It rained and in the morning I had water under all four doors. I am going to the dealer tomorrow. Is this a problem and does the company have a fix
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    Take your car to a good Touchless carwash and listen to the water dripping when the machine is between cycles. You will hear it running down the door channels and bottoming out on the sills. I have always made wiping the door edges and bottoms as well as the sills part of my GLS post wash routine. Also, the trunk edge and the chrome trim ends take awhile to dry properly. The trim ends actually take in a good bit of water but this can be stopped with a little judicious silicone treatment.

    As long as the seals do their job there is no problem. Many manufacturers like Hyundai have taken to making the channel areas around the water seals quite large.
  • sonatavasonatava Member Posts: 75
    My left rear door's bottom plate is sometimes more wet than the others after I've washed the car, but I haven't really done anything with it so far.

    Keep in mind that cars are designed to drain the water through the door jam area, and as Astrol does, it's recommended to dry those areas after washing your car. Incidently, I usually don't.
  • sonatabeansonatabean Member Posts: 201
    I thought to thank y'all and to let you know the problem I had with the 2000 Sonata GLS (pk 13) appears to be fixed: seems the sensor giving the computer information for firing the ignition spark was faulty.

    So - I'm merrily back on the road and very pleased!

    BTW - for those within a reasonable drive; Hatfield Hyundai in Columbus, Ohio is really an *EXCELLENT* dealership in my experience: I'd not hesitate to recommend a friend use them because I feel confident that, after any Hatfield transaction, we'd still be friends!
  • martymermmartymerm Member Posts: 3
    Guys, My problem was not at the car wash but from normal rain. Are you seeing water on the sills after a rain?
  • satzsatz Member Posts: 15
    I brought a sonata ls 00 with package 11 and that is my only regret the dealer did not have a pk 13 and I never even saw till I went for my 6000m service and I knew I brought the wrong package This was my first car buying so i never researched but now i can say my only regrets are the tcs/abs other than that i am better off then the 4 camry i was considering .anyway i kind of like the underdog attitude as i park in between honda and toyota among my friends and almost all accept that the sonata is one hell of a car.
    by the way my roomate sold his 00 civic and got a 2001 sonata pk 13 (maybe i will get 2002 with everything added to it).
  • liljonsonliljonson Member Posts: 109
    yea! hon-DUH better watch out hyundai is winning people over quickly.
  • dougndodougndo Member Posts: 136
    I can affirm first hand the effect Hyundai is having on brand loyalty. I don't know exactly how many vehicles I've owned or leased over 34 years of driving, but the number must be 30 or more. Aside from a few Studebakers, Internationals, one Chevy, and one Ford, the majority of my vehicles were MOPARs, with a number of Nissans as well. In recent years, I've usually had a Dodge car or truck and a Nissan fun car (like the SE-R). When buying time came this year, I went to one Dodge and one Chrysler dealer, and didn't see anything that looked compelling, except for the ridiculously marked up PT Cruiser. I went to Nissan, and found no excitement either. Mitsubishi, Honda, Toyota: yawn. They were just as stuck in their ruts as the MOPAR dealers. Going to a Hyundai lot was like a revelation, because I found really nice cars at terrific prices.

    The place I finally bought my 2001 GLS was a Chrysler/Hyundai dealership. As I closed the deal, the finance manager moaned to the sales consultant, "This is the sixth Hyundai we've sold today. Don't we sell Chrylsers any more?" I said, "I've bought Chrysler products for over 30 years, but looking at the price, product, and protection factors I can compare side-by-side here, I'll never buy another one until Chrysler makes a believer out of me again. To do that, they'll have to beat Hyundai."

    My how times change.
  • giowagiowa Member Posts: 599
    Check out the July 2001 issue of Road & Track. Has a bizarre one-page first drive of Kia Optima. Never once does it mention Hyundai or the Sonata. As if they were trying to obsure its roots. I noted they write "Kia says that a larger-displacement V-6 is on the way for the 2002 model year." They also discuss the shiftronic: "Yes, sportscar enthusiasts, Tiptronic, as in Porsche Tiptronic, Kia having licensed the racy sequential shifting system from none other than Zuffenhausen itself."
  • dmichdmich Member Posts: 11
    I just saw an ad for a new 2001 Sonata 4cyl for $12,477, does this sound to good to be true?
  • giowagiowa Member Posts: 599
    You don't provide any info on options. Is it completely stripped? No options? Check the fine print. See if it includes transportation or if it requires any cash down.

    One ad in today's Omaha World-Herald Auto News section has Stan Olsen Hyundai selling "New 2001 Sonata automatic, power moonroof, PW/PL, cassette, alloy wheels, cruise, tilt sale price $13,650". Next to it is "new 2001 Sonata GLS automatic, V-6, PW/PL, CD, alloy wheels, cruise, tilt saled price $14,198". First is "discounted over $3,600", second "discounted over $4,200". both "after $800 coupon." No hail. Edwards-Archer Hyundai selling "2001 Sonata air, PW/PL, tilt, cruise, cass sale price $12,648". Footnote says "$Savings includes all rebates to dealer."
  • majorthomechomajorthomecho Member Posts: 1,331
    I know the Sonata and the Optima are the same car under the skin, but why did you find it weird that the article about the Optima did not mention Hyundai or the Sonata? After all, they were reviewing the Optima and not the Sonata.
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    I can't speak for Giowa but I would find it strange for a vehicle which was as completely based on another car's present and future running gear not to have this mentioned. But then, I have little use for the rag writers and their opinions anyway.
  • dmichdmich Member Posts: 11
    The new 2001 Sonata that was for $12,477 included
    auto, 4cyl, ac, pw, pl, etc. no options but auto was included.

    I have just seen a new 2001 Sonata V6 for $13,988 included auto, 6cyl, 4cyl, pw, pl, etc. no options added but auto was included.

    Where do you get the $800 coupon and can you get a good finance rate through the dealer also. I have seen eloan for 7.19%/60 mos. but can you get the low price and low financing?
  • giowagiowa Member Posts: 599
    1. price: Call the dealer and ask about rebates and cheaper Hyundai financing. Thinking there might be both. Know you can get 0.9 percent on XG300 in midwest.

    2. Optima Review: Astrol is absolutely correct. To write something about the "all new" Optima without mentioning that underneath it is essentially a Sonata and that Hyundai has a controlling interest in Kia Motors is strange. Made me wonder if the writer was even aware of this information. How many times do you see a review of a Pontiac/Buick/Olds or Mercury product that doesn't somewhere also mention its corporate brother over at Chevy or Ford?
  • majorthomechomajorthomecho Member Posts: 1,331
    Just wondering if Hyundai owners would feel differently if all those "rags" wrote glowing reviews of all the Hyundai products.
  • giowagiowa Member Posts: 599
    I think the automotive press has been pretty honest and fair with Hyundai and Kia since at least '99. Check out all the nice things being said about the XG, Sante Fe, Elantra, Optima, etc. today. Check out what C&D, Automobile, MT, etc. said in '99 for the then newly-released Sonata. Takes a couple years, but buyers' perceptions start to change. Notice how sales have skyrocketed over past 18 months.
  • majorthomechomajorthomecho Member Posts: 1,331
    I think that things have changed in terms of perception and sales because the cars have improved, the long haul warranty, and the cost when compared to other cars.

    That last thing seems to be a big point in all the reviews of Korean cars that I have seen recently.
  • giowagiowa Member Posts: 599
    Sure, cheap prices account for a lot. Can fool anyone into buying an Excel or Yugo once. And warranties are nice (but only if you really don't think you'll need it--'cause who wants to spend all their time in the shop on warranty work). But to really move cars over the long haul (no pun intended), ya gotta 'ave metal people want. The new Elantra is highly competitive in its segment. So is the Sonata. As is the Santa Fe and Accent. XG300 is hard to pin down, not sure what it really is competing against or who its target and actual buyers are. People are reading about these vehicles. They see them or hear about them. Talk to neighbors who own them. And they know the products are (finally) really competitive. The low relative price and warranty just make the buying decision that much easier.
  • martymermmartymerm Member Posts: 3
    I have my car 10 days and have been in the shop twice already. Yesterday the car shifted strangely and then stalled. The check engine light came on and did not shut off. With 85 miles on the car this is not a good sign. I hope I did'nt make a mistake buying the sonata and that reliability in the long run is better than this.
  • r_sonatar_sonata Member Posts: 8
    Just turned 8000 miles. 2000 Black Base Auto. 4cyl. Sonata runs great. Still using the Bosch Plat. +4 plugs notice better performance above 3500 rpm Going to pull the Plat.+4s at 10,000 miles just to inspect them. I constantly manually shift the Auto Trans. from 3rd to drive. Primarily drive around town in 3rd gear the performance is Great for a 4cyl. engine. Driving around town in Drive loads the engine to much.
    Re-installed the factory Air Filter duct the only difference I noticed without the Air Filter duct was a lot of noise. Feels like the performance is better with the factory air filter setup. Did notice K&N part# 33-2188 (4cyl. & 6cyl.) finally has a replacement air filter. Trying to get one locally but it is a new Part most local Auto parts stores don't have them in stock yet.

    Well I still drive the Sonata Fast and hard.
    If someone finds a web site or dealer that has the new K&N Air filter in stock please email me or Post here...
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    The last post there on the Sonata forum was 5/21. This has got to be a record for down-time. C'est la vie...
  • dougndodougndo Member Posts: 136
    That's bad news about martymerm's trouble at only 85 miles. I've crossed the 1000 mile mark without realizing how the miles accumulate. Since I normally do less than 1000 a month, I was surprised to see it go by. I guess I'm driving a bit more due to the sheer pleasure of new car ownership.

    I had no defects on delivery and have had no issues up to this point. Hopefully, martymerm's problem is quickly fixed and the rest is just pure driving pleasure.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    I hadn't forgotten about T-H-C but I had it neatly shoved into a nook and cranny well back. A lot of regulars are already back and posting. If you hadn't posted this I wouldn't have known. Donk-a-shey.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • dunn3dunn3 Member Posts: 29
    My car has been stalling (usually in the morning) once in a while when it is put in reverse. It has started doing so in drive as well (all at low speeds - stop signs and such). I took in my car and had them do the MAF recall BEFORE any problems ever started. I have taken the car back twice, and they say they can't find the problems. Does anyone have any ideas that can help. My wife also says that the car feels a little weaker that before (I tend to agree). It is a silver GLS (pckg 13) from 2000 with just over 14,000 miles. Other than this problem, I have been loving my car - please help
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    As you may know from following these posts, my '00 GLS also had the MAF work done but shortly afterwards began to stall when pre-recall it had not done so. The connector was re-serviced and everything has been A-OK since.

    You may well be having a problem with another sensor. A very recent post, #1004 by Sonatabean, had a different sensor replaced or serviced for his stalling problem. Check it out.

    Finally, I would take the car to a different dealership. I'm not saying anything against yours---they may be first rate---but sometimes it helps to get a second opinion.
  • kwonc71kwonc71 Member Posts: 245
    I have 2000 base sonata automatic.
    I have noticed same problem when I put in reverse on a tilted parking lot( When I press gas pedal before it completely shift gear in reverse) . It also does tends to stall in D mode too if it does in reverse. Wait, until tranny completely changes gear and see if it still does.
  • rd36mnmrd36mnm Member Posts: 3
    I had an earlier post (#755) regarding hard starting after fueling and both rear wheel bearings. Neglected to mention two burned out headlight bulbs and one entire headlight assrmbly replaced for moisture. Tomorrow I go in for my third wiper motor. What the hell is up with this car? Is anyone beginning to hate their Sonata and wonder if it is really a Chrysler product in disguise ?
  • dougndodougndo Member Posts: 136
    I've had lots of Chrysler products (maybe 20) over 34 years of driving. Some were flawless and some were flawed. On average, I had 2.3 problems per 100,000 vehicle miles. They were mostly things like water pumps, alternators, and minor electrical glitches. There was never anything major.

    Compared to my Ford and Chevy experiences, the MOPARs were great. I replaced an engine and two transmissions in Fords, and let's just say the Chevy was the only car I've ever kicked out of frustration.

    Additionally, my Nissan experiences were average at best (average 3.6 problems per 100,000 vehicle miles) with brake, interior trim, and exploding electronics problems; meanwhile, my Renault (1 problem per 100,000 miles) and Honda (2.8 problems per 100,000) experiences were good.

    So often, the individual vehicle is somehow cursed rather than an entire product line. I'm sure Ford and Chevy lovers would find my lousy experiences to be unthinkable. Honda owners would expect a more glowing report. I've had six Nissans, and every one of them had a frustrating problem, but Nissan owners love their cars. No one is likely to believe the great service I got out of a couple of Renaults.

    So, I hope your luck improves. With only 1200 miles on my 2001 Sonata, everything looks good. If it started to exhibit some of the problems you've experienced, I might be tempted to exclaim, "Is this a Nissan in disguise!" But really what I'd be saying is, "Did I get a lemon?" In your case, maybe the answer is, "Yes" although with three wiper motors going out, I wonder if your New York snowfall is wreaking havoc. Here in SoCal, I have to reread the manual each winter to remember how to use the wipers when (if) it rains. ;-)
  • kwonc71kwonc71 Member Posts: 245
    Like I mentioned, my car(2000 base auto-16000 miles) has minor problems, but so far~ I love my car hell a lot more than wife's accord. I have noticed that some people wonder if Sonata uses Chrysler parts.Chrysler has nothing to do with Hyundai except they own some Hyundai stocks. Hyundai had to learn from Mitsu how to make a car. Even about 3 years ago they were using Mitsu v6 engine on Sonata, but ,now 95% of parts are made in Korea. I also want to say no car is perfect. Example? My wife's 95 Accord so far had 3 recalls,Leak power steering pump at 40000 miles( they wanted $575 to fix it), broken door catch, chrome coating fell off from door handle, Rubber fender protection fell off,Air blow directional plastic stuck,Air-con never been cold form the day she bought it....enough to convince you guys?
  • mauvasmauvas Member Posts: 18
    Hello to everybody. I was planning to buy the New El antra this month and It happened that I got connected to the Hyundai internet site in Korea (http://www.hmc.co.kr), and there is a display of the New Sonata, which I found so appealing I have decided to wait and also because I read somewhere else that probably it is arriving late this summer. Does anyone know something about it? I live in Vancouver, and always we get models here a little later than in the States.
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    I believe the '02 Sonata for North America will have the 2.7L V-6 from the Santa Fe. Power specs. will likely be the same as in the Santa Fe but I haven't been able to verify it. The current EF-B Sonata in Korea has nice touches like the trunk and hood struts, the reworked interior which was given to the Optima first, and the Tiptronic-style auto tranny. I agree the exterior is real eye candy. The US expects to see it around late August. Our GLS is just coming up on one year and my wife wants the '02. I personally don't like buying the first year run of any design, new or reworked.
    Don't feel too badly about delays. You Canadians get all the extra goodies like seat heaters and fogs, etc.
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    The June issue of the Brit mag CAR has a nice write-up on the Optima, called the Magentis in England. It is only a short take but they mention the excellent Shiftronic tranny, the smooth and quiet engine (the Brit Sonata V-6 has 160Hp and 170lb-ft of torque while the Magentis has 166Hp and 169lb-ft). The top speed of the Magentis with these specs is listed at 131mph but there was no 0-60mph offered. Their listed test data for the Sonata V-6 auto is 124mph top speed, 0-60mph 9.1 sec.

    They much prefer it (the Magentis) to the '99+ Sonata which bodes well for both the Optima and the '02 Sonata, from which most of the current Optima is derived. It will be nice to see what the coming 2.7L V-6 will do for overall responsiveness and drivability in both cars in the N.A. market.
  • giowagiowa Member Posts: 599
    Or is Hyundai giving up on V-6 manual combo in US and Canada?
  • mauvasmauvas Member Posts: 18
    Thank you very much for the information Astrol. I agree with you that always is preferable avoid buying first versions. But I got no option, since probably I can not afford to wait one more year. Probably I will take the risk of trying this new version, and I will let you know if this was a mistake or not. They have stocks here of the Sonata 2001, and there is a good discount (1.000 Canadian for the AL version -AS plus disk brakes in the four wheels plus all the other amenities) But the 2002 really impressed me. Since most of the basic mechanic components have been tested with the via Magentas and the actual Sonata -and some parts also will be coming from the SantaFe-, I think it will give me some peace of mind. However I agree with you that being the first in the line is not good. However, I have been thru most of the forum about the SantaFe, and there, first time buyers did not give any complaints related with being just the new owners. I do believe that in these days, in the case of Hyundai, it seems that Quality is really becoming job number 1.

    By the way, in the CarandDrive magazine they say that dimensions for the 2002 Sonata are almost exactly like the BMW serie 5 and according to them, the front is very similar to the M-class C.
  • bluewindsbluewinds Member Posts: 100
    giowa : I have one friend who is an entuhsiast of sonata v6- manual. We can't buy this model in Korea and he personally imported used v6 sonata which has M/T from U.S and he drives it thesedays.
    I don't know if Hyundai keeps manufacturing V6 M/T Sonata or not.
    If you don't mind Hyundai coupe, I can tell you there is a Tuscany. It has V6 2.7 engine and has 6-speed M/T and 5-speed A/T.

    mauvas.
    The dimension of 2K2 SONATA is almost as same as that of 2K2 SONATA. I drove 2K2 Sonata a few times but I couldn't find any difference between 2K2 Sonata and Optima except sheet metal.

    If you want to see the pics of Tuscany and 2K2 SONATA. Just click here and go "2k1 New car" (photos)

    http://myhome.naver.com/mildbreeze/menu2.html
  • killerkkillerk Member Posts: 55
    Racked up 11,000 miles in 6 months w/o any problems. Did get rearended couple of times though. Got scratches on the bumper but it held up pretty well.

    My concern now is that my dealer just sent me a letter reminding me of 11,500 mile service. They made it sound as if the service is required to keep my warranty. Is this correct or are they trying to get some $$ off me???

    Sorry to hear that some of you're experiencing problems. I've had '97 Elantra & it was not fun taking it into the dealership every 6 months...
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    No, there is no 11.5K service. The nearest service by mileage is 15K. I would advise having it done but shop it around. My dealer wants $200 for the 15K's and roughly $400 for the 30K's. There are other service shops which will do the required maintenance schedules for less. But you have to make sure they use proper Hyundai parts.
  • majorthomechomajorthomecho Member Posts: 1,331
    When was the last time you had your oil changed? If your dealer is like mine, than it prints out a service reminder when it thinks that 3k has gone by since the last oil change or service work.
  • killerkkillerk Member Posts: 55
    Thanks for your response, guys. Wow, my dealer(Rt.4 Automalls of Paramus, NJ) told me $390 for 15K service. However, the price includes the following in addition to the required services:
    1. Lubrication
    2. Inspect coolant level
    3. Check P/S fluid
    4. Check tire pressure (ha, ha) & rotate tires
    5. Front end wheel alignment
    6. Replace air filter
    7. Set timing & adjust idle
    8. Replace spark plugs (non-platinum)>> Should they be changed @ 15K???

    Obviously, if I get all these done, it'll be good for the car, but is this a worthwhile deal or should I just stick to the required service for a less fee. The car's doing great. BTW. Sorry to take up so much space. Thankx.
  • majorthomechomajorthomecho Member Posts: 1,331
    The way I look at it is that the money spent now on routine maintenance may extend the life of your car down the road.

    Some of that stuff I consider ridiculous though. You can check the tire pressure yourself as well as checking the coolant level.

    Even though we have different cars, your post made me curious as to what maintenance needs to be done on my car at 15k and compared to my maintenance book list, what your dealer wants to do seems excessive. Have you checked the list they gave you with what Hyundai recommends in your book? On my Ford, the dealer wanted to perform (and charge me for) service work that went beyond what Ford recommended. If your dealer is the same way, I would demand that he justify the extra work.

    Don't worry about the length of your post. Compared to some of mine, it was brief.
  • kwonc71kwonc71 Member Posts: 245
    My co-worker just bought 99 300M with 30000 miles on it. Just for a fun, we had 0-100 mph race after the work(We work swing shift 4pm-12am, so there are very few cars on the road). What's result? Surely, I my 2000 base SONATA AT lost. However,It was only about 30 feet behind of the 300M when my car hit 100mph@4500rpm on I-205 uphill bridge between Washington and Oregon. Compare his 3.8 liter engine to my 2.4 liter engine, I am very happy with the result. Maybe V6 manual SONATA will beat 300M. About 3 years later, I will buy v6 SONATA, or SANTA-FE...For now, I will love my car just like you guys do.
  • coastalcoastal Member Posts: 1
    I'm new to the list. What is considered good out the door (less taxes, tag) for a base Sonata, auto, mats. Thanks in advance.
  • killerkkillerk Member Posts: 55
    Hey, kwonc71!

    The idea of racing a Hyundai Sonata never occurred to me. BTW, I'm a Kwon, too. And I also work 2nd shift as well. But there's traffic in NYC even at late evenings.

    I also had to put up a fight w/ my wife to get my Sonata. But she's now a believer. See ya.
  • 2000glsv62000glsv6 Member Posts: 16
    I have seen one of these in person at a resturant here in Washington State. It is very stylish and good looking. If it weren't for it saying Sonata on the trunk I would not have realized it was. I didn't think these were on sale here yet but I guess they are. It had wood trim inside that looked nice from what I could see. I also noticed the rear speakers have a tweeter next to them. Might have to upgrade to a 2K2 in a year or two.
  • bluewindsbluewinds Member Posts: 100
    The First generation 1985 SONATA had the rear powerseat as a standard features.


    Well, you can see 1985 Sonata movie (asf) file.


    Also you can see 1992 Sonata gold version.


    http://myhome.naver.com/mildbreeze/menu2.html

  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    Took the GLS in for the 15K service at 19.5K. Dealer charges $200 but that does include valve adjustment, transmission fluid and service, along with the usual LOF and tire rotation. Also had a 4 wheel alignment done and a 4 wheel machine balance. Along with having new brakes, the buggy is back in tip-top form.

    I am finally going through the Hyundai customer service routine for reimbursement of the rotor work. I expect a callback soon.

    When I went to get in after service, I saw grease on the drivers' seat so I had them clean the entire interior with Lexol Cleaner and Conditioner. I believe this will be the last time I use this dealership for anything except will-call parts pickup. Later.
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    You've been gone a long time. It's good to have you back. A while back you were posting on the Leganza topic about the Aisin trannys used in the Leganza. Who manufactures the trannys for the Sonata, both the current N.A. 4 spd. and the new Shiftronic? Are they Aisin as well?
  • djcunnindjcunnin Member Posts: 8
    I haven't heard a thing about it until I came here. What's new about it...is it all new, or just a little freshening?
  • majorthomechomajorthomecho Member Posts: 1,331
    I got to see this car at March's KC Auto Show. Made me think of a cross between a Jag and a Mercedes.
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