Hyundai Sonata 2005 and earlier

pssonhnda1 · October 2001

What do you mean my slipping? I'm curious, I think my tranny shifts wierd, specially when it seems to prefer second gear at low speeds. It is hard for me to tell as I always felt auto trannies in any car and year is crap. I much prefer standard however the dealer here in Canada said they weren't getting any standards. So I loved the car so much I bought the auto version. Ah well...such is life.

Ian..

rhard49 · October 2001

My tranny slips on the 2-3 shift when cold for the first 4-5 miles, a small rise in rpms then the shift sometimes smooth othertimes abrupt ,and it hunts rather wierdly on the 3-2 downshift at low speeds. There are other posts with the same problem posted here and in the xg300 forums.
I'm trying to get my issue resolved now as when I went out for test drives in other 2002 sonata's this is not normal behavior, as the dealer claims. The Hyunai service page www.hmaservice.com web tech lists procedures for trouble shooting the problem which helped me explain what was wrong when I spoke to my dealer, as I was getting a lot of B/S about it being a new car and them not having repair info. The 2002 is the same engine fron the Santa fe.

pssonhnda1 · October 2001

Hmm, yeah mine shifted a bit funny from 2-3 as well this morning for the first few minutes. Got the extended warranty so I am not too worried about it. Although it is going in tomorrow to get the windows seals replaced (they cracked). So I might ask the service guy if he can take a look at the tranny for me while I am there. My main concern was the the problem of it dropping into 2nd gear almost as soon as it starts rolling. Will let you know what my dealer has to say about it. They are usually very good about making sure I leave happy...but time will tell.

Ian

misterjohnny · October 2001

I'm torn between the Sonata LX w/ABS and the 2001 XG300. Has anyone who has a Sonata driven the XG? What made you choose the Sonata? If it was price, how much more would you be willing to pay for the XG? Thanks.

diploid · October 2001

Both cars are great values, but the XG strikes me as a better value than the Sonata, despite being a bit more expensive.

rhard49 · October 2001

I went through the same comparisions, but thought the xg body looked dated compared to the Sonata.

pssonhnda1 · October 2001

I also chose the Sonata due to body styling...

Ian.

wyst · October 2001

We choose the Sonata over the XG300, not only because of looks, which it kills the XG300 in, but also we feel the Sonata is the better buy.

You really don't get much more for your money with the XG300.

Price played no part in our decision, other than the Sonata is a better value.

riez · October 2001

The XG300 is a bigger, heavier car. Loaded, esp. in L model. XG has more interior and trunk room. Interior was much nicer than 2001 Sonata.

Dealers are offering 0.0 percent financing on 2001 XG300s. That saves a huge bundle over 5 years. And they appear to be dealing on price as well.

jasblak · October 2001

None of the dealers in TX seem to have them. There are plenty of the other colors available, but no blue for some reason. Just wondering if they are available in other parts of the country.

theparallax · October 2001

I looked at a new 02 Sonata today, just got to sit in it, but I was pretty impressed! Hyundai has come a long way. Doors closed w/ a solid 'thunk', interior materials are high-quality, switchgear is great-feeling...I felt as if I were in a Toyota or VW. The one I sat in was a base model but it seemed to be a pretty good bargain for only $16K. Way to go Hyundai!

hdcse · October 2001

Has anyone tried to order a Hyundai from the factory? I was told that it is impossible. As it was explained, Hyundai USA orders vehicles equipped as most likely to sell in a specific region. My point is this - if you could get in touch with the person(s) that do the ordering and tell them exactly what you want, why wouldn't they be willing to configure such a car? Does anyone have information on who is doing the ordering? Surely there must be a way to order a car, particularly if you are willing to place a deposit when doing so.

misterjohnny · October 2001

I was looking for a Blue LX with ABS and they said there were only 2 blue LX's in California. One was a demo for a sales manager, the other didn't have ABS. Apparently blue is an unpopular color. I have a blue Miata now, and would like to replace it with a blue Sonata, but I may have to settle for a silver one.

mariners · October 2001

Apperently, most people don't like blue cars.

rhard49 · October 2001

The first one I saw was a Blue one in NY. Its very metallic looking lot of the silver flecks, thought it looked great in certain lights a little odd in others. reminded me of a custom metallic paint job, you usually don't see those type of colors on production cars.

sreyem · October 2001

Hello,
I just purchased a new '02 Sonata GLS w/moon roof. My wife and I love it! Hyundai has certainly made some phenomenal quality improvements since I last looked (late '80s early '90s).
Anyway, we got ours (It looks sweet in Brilliant Silver) with the moon roof for $100 under the invoice price for the GLS w/out moon roof (a $500 option)!! Let me clarify... take the invoice price of a standard GLS, knock $100 off, and add a free moonroof! Don't ask me how they did it, or why for that matter, but it's the truth.
Of course, we did drive to Moreno Valley for it, but considering I had offered an Orange County dealer $400 over invoice (GLS no moonroof), which I thought was a fair price, it was definitely worth the drive!
Anyone in the So. California area, I'll be glad to tell you how to get there.

sreyem · October 2001

I saw a Blue LX out at the dealer in Moreno Valley. I don't remember if it had ABS or moon roof, but here is the phone number:
(909) 486-9288
Ask for Mike, and tell him Brian and Kristi sent you. He'll give you a screamin' deal!

claywaterfill · October 2001

I used to own a 1997 GLS with the V6. I traded it for a new van last spring when we had another child. We liked the car so much we will probably replace our 1995 Sephia with a 2002 Sonata next spring. My question is for anyone who has driven the base Sonata. Is the 4 cyl engine okay? It has 149 HP--only 1 less than my 97 with V6. The knock on them in Edmunds is the "noisy 4 cylinder engine." Noisy compared to what? A Mercedes? My thing is the car will be primarily a commuter as we have the new van for family trips. With the way they equip the Sonatas now, a basic one would be perfect for me. The only thing about them would be if I would regret the engine choice. I don't want to test drive them now because I'm a few months away from buying and I don't want a salesman hasseling me. Has anyone bought a 4 cyl and now wishes they had the 6?

hlcu2 · October 2001

I own a '02 4 cyl Sonata and the engine is as quiet as any 4cyl I've driven. The only time it puts out more decibels is when you push it but in normal aound-town or highway cruising, you can hardly hear the engine at all. I hope this helps.

erunit · October 2001

It is interesting to read the comments from people in the US about their '02 Sonata. The new Sonata was only released in Australia this month, Oct 2001 and very little has been said about it. The most complimentary review has been neutral. Once again we have biased motor vehicle journalist as they would rather spend more time on BMWs, Benz, etc.

Apparently, the Australian version offers less options than the ones in the US, Europe and South Africa. There is no optional package to upgrade to have leather interior and no sunroof. We get the dark charcoal interior trims but the engine size options are the same as around the world.

Has anyone in Australia bought a 2002 Sonata? I would be interested in hearing what you might have to say about its performance, ride and quietness. I am toying between the Grandeur XG 3000 and the 2002 Sonata GL V6. Perhaps someone might be able to shed some experience about their car.

Geoff

mariners · October 2001

How is Hyundai's image in Aussieland? Is is bad? Is it good?

erunit · October 2001

Hyundai is still perceived as a low cost vehicle and its attempt to reposition itself has gradually improved, mainly due to enhanceing its quality. The same apporach the Japanese did some 20 years ago.

However, sales for hyundai has been slipping and it is loosing market share with new models cming onto the market in Oz.

It will take some years before it will be recognised at the same perceived level as Toyota and Mitsubishi.

tb88 · October 2001

.
>>...Has anyone bought a 4 cyl and now wishes they had the 6...<<

Not once!
You get more than enough power with this 149 hp 4cyl. Plus the difference between the 4 and the 6 is only about 20hp.

.

claywaterfill · October 2001

I had a feeling the 4 cylinder would be okay. It is probably the one I will go with. Are there any dissenting opinions? As far as perceived quality in Australia--if they are new there, then of course they will get lukewarm reviews at best. Everyone loves to hate Hyundai--but after a while they understand that the quality is there, you're just paying less for it. Anyone over 30 probably remembers how people used to laugh at Honda and Toyota. The same will hold true for Hyundai.

sreyem · October 2001

The 4cyl does have 149hp, but the V6 now has 181 (up 11 from last year), and 177 ft-lbs of torque.

lelandc · October 2001

Has anyone here driven or better yet does anyone here own a 2002 Sonata with the V-6 and 5 speed manual transmission? Any impressions about the car? Seems like a heck of a deal for around $16K although I haven't driven one yet....

Leland

astrol · October 2001

Here is a link to an Australian review.

http://drive.fairfax.com.au/content/20011016/reviews/review1.html

sreyem · October 2001

but Hyundai corporate said that California's allotment was ALL automatics. I confirmed that through a dealer who searched all dealers in CA and found none. I was bummed, but it's still quite enjoyable as an automatic.

I think that answers a previous question posted. You cannot order a vehicle from Hyundai. You can ask your dealer to request one, but all that does is show up as a consumer comment on some list at corporate. They do not fill custom orders.

ufgators · November 2001

Are the '02 Sonata power window,power mirror, and cruise control buttons lit at night? Also, on hyundai.com, they claimed the sonata has xenon headlights and speed sensitive windshield wipers, I didn't think that was true, is it? I would appreciate any insight!

astrol · November 2001

The info you saw was for Korean Sonatas, not US. They routinely get things we never see.

As to the interior lighting, all window switches are now lit. '99-'01 only drivers window was lit.
The main cruise control switch on the left dash is lit but not the steering wheel controls. The mirror control remains unlit, I believe.

ufgators · November 2001

What type of "cheap interior bits" is edmunds referring to as a "CON" for the '02 sonata? Do '02 owners agree? Also, is the fuel filler door released with the key fob (keyless entry remote), as well as the button inside the car?

claywaterfill · November 2001

I think the "cheap interior bits" are the result of a subjective review. People love to hate Hyundais and they criticize them more than any other car I've ever seen. My least trusted source, Consumer Reports, is the world's worst. They hate Hyundais more than anyone--and the sad part is they have no reason to. If you look at their Winter 2002 New Car Preview, on page 77 you will see their review of the new Sonata. They rate reliability as poor. The only year they bother to post history for is 2000. The 2000 Sonata does not receive any rating in any area worse than average, and it received an excellent rating in three areas. Somehow, they decide this history is worthy of "Poor." I don't understand. Santa Fe owners should be really mad. The Santa Fe received history ratings of "excellent" in every category but three--where it received "very good." That actual history was good enough to receive a predicted reliability of "Below Average." To put in perspective, the Honda Civic had four areas rated below excellent--including one of only average--and it is labeled "Recommended." Long story short...there probably are no cheap interior bits (I've never sat in one), but people just love to rip Hyundai for some reason.

sreyem · November 2001

I own a 2002, and I don't know what they are referring to. IMO, the interior is top notch- especially (but not solely) considering it's price point. I recently read a review that said that the interior can hold its own in fit and finish to the best Japanese interiors on the market (Acura, Infinity, Lexus?). So, I can't see what they're talking about. I even like the fake wood-grain trim (and I usually hate the faux stuff).

And, no, the key fob only locks/unlocks the doors (arms/disarms the alarm) and opens the trunk.

lmd724s · November 2001

I am looking to buy a 2002 Sonata GLS but don't know exactly what options to get. I don't know if I want a 4 or 6 cylinder becauset there is a few thousand dollar price difference. I am also debating the ABS and traction control option. Any ideas or suggestions on these and anything else I should be aware of?

claywaterfill · November 2001

If you buy a GLS, the 181 HP V6 is your only engine choice. I also know that you can not special order a Hyundai, so you have to pick from what they have on the lot. Your dealer may be able to call around and find one like you like, but it is not always the case. From what I understand, they pretty much only put ABS on the LX models, so you may not be able to get it that way--but I've been wrong before! I know it shows the option packages, but I understand Hyundai sends cars equipped certain ways to certain parts of the country, and that way may not be readily available where you live. The GLS does have the upgrade to the 4 wheel disc brakes, so if you can't get ABS, you still get brakes updated over the base model. What do Sonatas cost where you live? I don't know what GLS models go for here, but Hyundai dealers in Atlanta advertise base Sonatas with automatic for about $13,900. What is like elsewhere?

alc4 · November 2001

HELP ! I have lost the web site of an aftermarket supplier who had the Chrome accent trip strips for the '99-'01 Sonata GLS tail lights ..They looked great on the car in the picture..Can someone help me out with an address for a supplier..You can post it here or E-mail mail it to me at al2flo@yahoo.com .. Prefer E-mail as I would like to order them ASAP

ufgators · November 2001

Is there anything on the '02 Sonata (other than the sticker on the window) that shows that the car has the ABS option?

alc4 · November 2001

You can't go by window stickers..All cars if equipt with ABS braking,will have a yellow lit "ABS" symbol some where on the instriment panel which goes on when the key switch is turned on and goes out about 4 sec. after the engine starts

rhard49 · November 2001

ABS & Traction control go hand in hand can't get one without the other. It provides a yellow TCS light on the dash when you start it and there is a switch next to the cruise control to turn the TCS off if you like. I'm plesently surprised the V6 is pretty damm quick off the line with a rather long 2nd gear.

ufgators · November 2001

I am sorry for asking small materialistic questions about the '02 Sonata, but I am trying to learn about small features that the salesman doesn't tell you and that you can't identify during a test drive. I have found this post to be more helpful than any dealer! I wanted to know if the dome light fades to off or just shuts off when the last door is shut? Also, what does everyone think about the sound system? I appreciate you help.

claywaterfill · November 2001

I don't know if the new ones fade down or not, but our 97 Sonata did, so I'll bet the new ones do as well.

tb88 · November 2001

.
>>...wanted to know if the dome light fades...>>>

yes, it does!

.

green101 · November 2001

HELLO EVERYONE
I am wondering if anyone has ever sold a car over the internet and if so did it work out OK?
We are thinking about listing our Sonota with "AutoTrader.com" does anyone have any advice?
Thank you

bluewinds · November 2001

http://bbs1.adwars.com/read.php?table=mildbreeze&no=197

smibrad · November 2001

I'm looking at a used 1998 Sonata for a family member. I didn't want to spend a lot, so I thought a Hyundai would be a good choice since they have a very high depreciation rate. Figured I could get a used one cheap. And from what I have found, that has proven true. But my concern is how reliable they are. I want a cheap car, but don't want to spend all my time at the garage.
Has anyone had a 1998? Any major problems to look out for?

hyundaima · November 2001

http://carpoint.msn.com/vip/UsedRelOver/Hyundai/Sonata/Used.asp

acelink · November 2001

spiritz · November 2001

As a Korean,

I would not recommend 4-year-old '98 Sonata to anyone who knows me.

As you know, there is a great gap between '00 on and before '00 model, in both initial quality and reliability. It seems to me, that '00 Sonata was one great milestone for Hyundai.

I drove '96 Camry when I was in Virginia.
I'd say '98 Sonata falls far behind '96 Camry.
(If it does not, why do you think did I pay more for more used car?)

But as of '00 Sonata and '96 Camry, I can't tell which one is better(Compared in both new or both equally used condition).

I'd choose without hesitation '02 Sonanta over '96 Camry (Even if both of them are just released in new condition for me to choose).

Yeah, sadly enough,
the gap between '00 and '98, is significant.

I'd like to recommend you to buy used '00 Sonata,if you really want to buy used one.

Like I did some 3 years ago, I hope you to think twice.

Good luck for your purchasing!
And forgive me my poor grammar.

-Spiritz-

csandste · November 2001

You mean the first year of the new platform had problems which weren't fixed until 2000?

claywaterfill · November 2001

The Sonata body style did change in 1999. I had a 1997 and that style only lasted two years.

Hyundai Sonata 2005 and earlier

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