1997 Hyundai Sonata 2.0 DOHC

Summary:

Don't waste your money

Faults:

This was first car I ever bought, I'm sad to say. 15 days after I bought it, the exhaust got a huge hole in it, then a few months later the tranny died, then a few months later, the tranny died again.

The funniest part about this is tons of reviews for it say at 100k miles they are no good; when I hit 100,003, the timing belt just snapped.

General Comments:

It's comfy and rides smooth, but that's all it's got going for it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th March, 2008

8th Nov 2012, 19:59

Timing belts need to be changed at 60k. Expect them to snap otherwise. Mufflers get holes in them. Normal wear item.

1997 Hyundai Sonata GLS 3.0 V6

Summary:

Good car, look for lower mileage if buying one

Faults:

Rear brake calipers replaced at 110K.

Drivers door power window switch broke.

Drivers door handle spring broke, couldn't open door from inside or outside. Very frustrating to replace spring.

Replaced battery at 95K.

Alternator replaced at 180K.

Upper Rad hose replaced at 185K.

Cd player useless, hardly plays anything at all.

General Comments:

Despite many little annoying problems, (Cd player and door switches and locking) I was generally happy with the overall mechanical reliability.

Keep up on the scheduled maintenance and this car should last a long time!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th May, 2006

1997 Hyundai Sonata GL

Summary:

Baffling array of problems

Faults:

Occasionally, the automatic locks would activate by themselves.

My crank pulley literally flew off for no apparent reason. After repaired, there was a high pitched squealing noise whenever the car was running.

This continued into chronic charging problems. The alternator was replaced three times. The battery twice replaced. (all ground wires checked and repaired/replaced as needed) (still no luck)

Horse power overstated by at least7%

-notified of class action settlement-

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th May, 2004

27th Apr 2009, 14:45

I had a similar problem with my Sonata in South Africa with the crank pulley falling off.

The car locks itself, even when trying to open the door with the key. The switch for the central locking system broke as did the release latch for the boot. Back brake calipers binding caused endless problems. Recently a front shock snapped. In SA, servicing is very expensive.

1997 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.0

Summary:

Junk

Faults:

The water pump went out after 2 months.

The engine bolts broke off. (all 4)

The car stalls when going less than 15 miles an hour and when you stop and take off again it has no power and then jolts into gear.

General Comments:

I have had nothing but problems with this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th November, 2002

26th Nov 2002, 18:42

I have to agree completely with this opinion. I have owned my 2001 Sonata since Feb 02 and have had nothing but problems. It has been in the shop 5 times for the following:

1) Loss of power on acceleration

2) Rough shifting

3) Stalling at low speeds

4) Unexplained vibration on idle.

To top it off, I received a letter dated Nov. 15, 2002 from Finbarr O'Neill, CEO of Hyundai informing me they "made an error in the information they published about the horsepower of the engine... the horsepower rating was published as 149, when it is actually 138."

Would I buy another one... no way!

1997 Hyundai Sonata 4.0

Summary:

Junk on wheels

Faults:

The driver side door handle broke.

The windshield wipers quit.

The speedometer/odometer quit.

Transmission is slipping.

Leaking oil.

General Comments:

This is the worst car that I have ever owned. I would never recommend another person buy one of these cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th September, 2001

18th Jun 2002, 21:42

I have a 1997 Hyundai Sonata that has been in the shop for 4 months now. The transmission had gone out. It was taken to the best transmission shop in my area. The first transmission they installed went bad on them, and they had to install yet, another. They said it will run okay, but, as soon as they turn the car off and then back on again, it starts trying to take off in what would be "third gear" on a clutch. I love the look of my Hyundai, but, It is a piece of junk on wheels.

10th May 2004, 09:01

I have a 1997 Hyundai Sonata and it is doing very well. I have 65,000 miles and no problems. The only problem I ever had with the vehicle was an ERG valve problem when it was new. It rides great and was also totaled in a front end collision. I plan on keeping it another five years.