Hyundai Sonata 2005 and earlier

drimple · January 2001

I go to Mermaid carwash, which doesn't use brushes, and I have no problems with nicks or scratches.

killerk · January 2001

Hey, guys!!!

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?

ohmar834 · January 2001

I know what you mean about scratches from carwashes. It happened to one of my previous
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.

astrol · January 2001

Sonatava---The touchless washes with the long tubular wand that travels around the car are the best. There is no chance of contact and the wheel guides are easy on your alloys.

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.

bluewinds · January 2001

2002 Sonata instrument panel

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!!!

tonykrapil · January 2001

First problem between the Sonata and it. Here is a paste of my note to the Elantra forum. Please check your Sonata's as the pumps look identical.

------------------------------
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

sonatafan · January 2001

My power steering pump has made a whining noise since new that gets louder in cold weather. But the dealership said it was normal. I remember even the regulars here told me to quit whining about it back then too!

sonatafan · January 2001

You will appreciate the cargo net when you have children and have to buy $100 worth of groceries every week! It works well to keep the eggs and bread happy on the way home. It also works well to keep small things (umbrella, kid's books, toys etc) from flying around in the trunk.

astrol · January 2001

I don't believe it! Our '00 GLS is starting to stall! Only in low speed idle conditions that require stop-start like moving in line up to a stop sign or light. And this after driving for 20-30 mins. and being well warmed up.
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.

darpin1 · January 2001

Feb. issue of Consumer Reports p.62 a recall for '99-00 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata.

Engine could stall suddenly at low speeds.

What to do: Have dealer reroute MAF (mass airflow) sensor-connector wiring harness.

bluewinds · January 2001

http://bbs1.adwars.com/read.php?table=mildbreeze&no=5

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!!

hyperseer · January 2001

Hi all... I am considering buying a Hyundai Sonata... after reading reviews and posts in this forum, I am convinced that the Sonata is an excellent buy!

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!

giowa · January 2001

There is one and only one way for you to find out. Take a good long test drive in both across the roads you normally drive. Get on interstate. Pass on two lanes. Go up steep hills. Use cruise control. Turn on A/C.

tonykrapil · January 2001

Good answer giowa. Actualy it is the ONLY answer.

Everyone is different and has different expectations.

I find the base model VERY QUIET, and loaded with plenty of power. It exceeds my expectations.

sonatava · January 2001

I test drove the base 4-cyl which is a very nice car for the money, and was the model I was going to buy. However, I was able to get the price down on a 6cyl to afford it.

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.

astrol · January 2001

Darpin1---if you re-read my post you will see that the car had already been in for the recall work...that was what I was bitching about...but Thanks for the thought.

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.

giowa · January 2001

Check out the current issue (2/01) of Consumer Reports. Comparison test of economy cars, including the Elantra GLS. GLS actually came in 2nd place. CR had great things to say about it. Honda Civic barely beat it out. But it beat out Toyota Corolla and Chevy Cavalier. Based on what I've read '01 Elantra owners say and price difference, a loaded Elantra might be a better overall deal than a base Sonata I-4. And you probably can get manual tranny easier in Elantra, if you so prefer.

tonykrapil · January 2001

I have one of each 01 Elantra and 00 Sonata... both have been fine. If I could do it over, I would have two Elantra's. The Elantra auto transmission seems soo refined compared to the Sonata, maybe thats why the tranny costs more as well.

Can't hardly go wrong with either model.

I agree with the manual tranny availability, local dealer had a pretty even mix of both.

giowa · January 2001

You'll have to read the CR report and comment on its accuracy. Was just plain nice to see them say great things about a Hyundai.

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.)

rammit2000 · January 2001

I subscribe to that magazine and not a bit like that definition. Im more like a childless, poor, under-educated, needs the bang for his buck, tree cutting, keep the women in her place kind of guy. I dont have the luxury of having an over-paid under-worked job and buying whatever comes on a whim. If it happens to turn out to be a piece of crap, throw it away and buy another, Hell NO! I think corporate greed and piss-poor products need to be policed in this trade deficit country.

THANK YOU CR!!! But please rate all the products and not just a few select brands.

giowa · January 2001

The focus in my joking portrayal of CR readers is on the "stereotypical average CR devotee". I don't consider you to be average. And I'm certainly more like how you describe yourself than my description of the CR stereotype. By definition, in the CR world, since we bought a Hyundai we aren't the average CR person.

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!!!

jkidd2 · January 2001

I am a Honda guy myself, but I did want to say that I think the current Sonata is the most handsome of the current pack of mid-size cars. I am still not convinced that Hyundai has the quality "thing" down yet. I know a couple of people with 2000 model Hyundai's (a Sonata and a Elantra) that have had nothing but mechanical problems. Then, I know another person with a 2000 Elantra that loves it and has had no problems
@ 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.

giowa · January 2001

All of the published USA automotive results I've seen show braking distances for Sonatas without ABS. C&D, MT, and others have commented negatively on base brakes and recommend ABS. It can be hard to find an ABS-equipped Sonata. You have to go to the expensive Pkg 13 which adds about everything. ABS also brings with it TCS on Sonata. New Kia Optima, Kia's sister to Sonata, reportedly allows ABS as a standalone option to the V-6 Optimas.

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.

rammit2000 · January 2001

Getting insurance quotes is one of the most time consuming things we need to do besides taxes. I suggest making a list of EVERYTHING the first company asks and then mailing the list of information to the others. If not you will have to answer the questions over and over(which is what I did).
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

rammit2000 · January 2001

Believe it or not I bought my Sonata even after reading CR 2000 buying guide. Basically, I was looking at price range when I picked out the Sonata. I have never owned a new car and I was looking at the Kia Sportage. After reading countless negative reviews I decided against it and looked towards the Sonata. CR of course didn't have anything to say about it really. So no news is good news at least in OH. Edmunds on the other hand had a review but it said something like "Hyundai's quality has improved over the last several years and the price reflects that".
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.

giowa · January 2001

You should try to get a quote from USAA. Unfortunately, to qualify you have to be military officer, dependent, enlisted, or in a few other select groups. Great reputation and great rates. If you can, join. You won't regret it! I've had them since '89, when I switched from State Farm. No one has ever beaten USAA's quotes. When a company calls me I tell them I have USAA and half the time they say, "We can't beat them." My rates are also great because I have my house and life insurance through them as well as all 3 cars.

bluewinds · January 2001

Well... it is very interesting photo...

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...

volfy · January 2001

Funny how that link you posted above has pictures of the Jaguar S-type right next to the restyled Sonata. Not sure about looking like BMWs, I rather think Sonata's rear end looks a whole lot like the S-type'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.

herne · January 2001

With 15000 elm on my 00 Sonata it is now going in to the dealer to have `revised 2nd and 3rd gear synchronizers' fitted to the manual gearbox.
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

bluewinds · January 2001

I absolutely agree with you.

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.

giowa · January 2001

Are they doing this work under warranty? As a recall? TSB? Adjustment? I've got an early build '00 Sonata GLS V-6 manual. Built 8/99. Now has about 13,000 miles on it. I've mentioned tranny notchiness a couple times, though it has improved a bit. Is noticeable in cold weather. (I live in midwest USA where it can get very cold.)

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.

r_sonata · January 2001

Just wanted to Boast! Odometer just passed 1000 miles changed spark plugs at 550 miles to the new Bosch Platinum +4 spark plugs and the little 4 cyl. has more get up and go... Very pleased with performance, styling, Appearance ...

astrol · January 2001

I just got through reading some of the sedan discussions on other vehicles I was considering last year before I bought the Sonata GLS. I tell you, anytime I get to feeling any angst about the niggling things (very few) that crop up with this car (my wifes'), all I have to do is read some of the postings from those other discussions (Nissan Altima, Olds Alero, Mitsu Galant, Chevy Malibu, etc.) and I feel right as rain.
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.

herne · January 2001

Hello giowa,
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.

gallaria · January 2001

Hyundai's new Sonata models just came out in the Korean market about a month ago. Seems like a facelift rather than a full model change, but one of the notable things is that they now come out with standard ABS on all models.

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.

petec · January 2001

Sometimes, not all the time, when the radio is playing and the front door is opened there is a disturbing scraping noise around the door speaker area. I thought there was a White Paper? on this problem as I read about this last year on the Sonata site. Does anyone know what to do? Took it to the dealer and they couldn't get it to make the scraping noise. Thanks in advance.

sonatava · January 2001

I don't know about noise coming through the radio, but I have noticed that if I'm playing a CD that's a little dirty, there will be a clicking or "whisping" sort of noise, almost like someone shaking a moracca occasionally through a song. Same thing happens if the CD has a little condensation on it from being in a cold car.

astrol · January 2001

It's baaaack! After it's usual monthly 10 day disappearing act. What the hell gives!

nod4rog · January 2001

My 00 Sonata was purchased April 2000, pearl white, automatic, pack #13, has just logged 21,150 miles. Bought it in Los Angeles for mostly city driving. Insisted on having TCS, and it was a [non-permissible content removed] finding a Sonata with TCS in L.A. Very glad that I got TCS because I'm now in Chicago, again, mostly city driving. The high mileage? This car has been to San Francisco, Niagara Falls, Tampa Bay, and most of the national parks in the Southwest U.S. and driven on unpaved roads in the parks for several days. No problem with the car except for dead battery (left the lights on) a couple of times. Both times jump started it right back to life. Very happy with the leather seats for the long distance drives. The best thing about this car? It's the TCS. My other car, a Honda Prelude, stick shift, gives me heart attacks every time it goes faster than 20 MPH in the snow. With the Sonata, I'd drive with confidence at speeds in excess of 35 MPH in the snow. It should already have all the appropriate maintenance work performed, I think. Gas mileage? Didn't really keep track, but didn't notice it being very good or bad. Didn't get any recall notice in the mail, so I have not bothered contacting the dealer. Wish what this car should have? Reading lights for rear passengers, wireless trunk opener (I have the dealer-installed door opener).
Thanks to all who've posted with wonderful info for new buyers and owners.
Happy motoring!

alc4 · January 2001

I was suprised to hear the performance inprovement with the installation of the Bosch platinum+4 plugs..Are they available for the 2.5 V-6 ?

tonykrapil · January 2001

I am sure they are, BUT check and see if you think you can remove ALL of the plugs without a major effort.

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.

sonatava · January 2001

Check out www.boschusa.com for the right part number for the platinum 4's for the Sonata. I think I read somewhere that there's a rebate in effect until June, but check their website or your local autoparts store for details.

Dantooine · January 2001

My '00 Sonata that I bought in Feb '00 now has about 10,000 miles and started making clicking noises about a week ago. The higher the fan speed the more rapid the clicking. It goes away if I turn the fan off. Anybody have a cure for this ailment? BTW I live where the lows are in the 30's. Not a huge problem but it drives me crazy.

tonykrapil · January 2001

My kid one time had taken candy wrappers and put them in the AC vents. This made a lot of noise till I got em all out.

BUT, I have had leaves work there way into the blower area through the cowling in front of windshield.

Just a thouht.

Tony

herne · January 2001

Just picked up my manual 00 Sonata after having revised synchronizers fitted to rectify a notch gear change.
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.

alc4 · February 2001

Anyone know of a replacement muffler for the '01 sonata GLS ? It's acrying shame Hyundai doesn't offer a decent looking exhuast trim with the sharpe looking rear design on the '99 - '01 sonata's. That junky looking turned down future rust tube just won't cut it !..Geesh ! Even the 1998 base sonata 4 cyl.had a nice chrome dual tipped outlet..Com'on Hyundai,get with it !

alc4 · February 2001

Thanks for the information on the Bosch P+4 plugs Checked their web site and found that both te 2.4 and the 2.5 are the same plug..You were right about installation on the 2.5 v-6,it's looks like a nightmare..I wonder if the dealer would install for me,and if changing the OEM plugs would effect the warranty

tonykrapil · February 2001

Alc4,

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

ryan41 · February 2001

Just had my 00 Sonata towed to dealer. The car was there for two days, before I was told that it needed a new tranny. The car has 18k miles, thinking of getting rid of it soon as I get it back. The car was running fine and one day it just stopped shifting. Anybody have the same problem?

alc4 · February 2001

Thanx for the input.You may be right about the dealer not liking the idea,after all,they want to sell you spark plugs And are not really to thrilled about after market parts on cars still under warranty..But I am still not sure if the plug change over would void the warranty..I think I will go to another dealer and ask about the change of plugs..If he says no problem as far as warranty,I will go to a local mechanic and swap out the plugs..I figure if a Hyundai dealer says it's O K ,and I can get that in writing it will be worth the effort..

Hyundai Sonata 2005 and earlier

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