1999 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L

Summary:

The Sonata is a comfortable, reliable car for the money

Faults:

The only problems this car has had was a bad cam sensor that had to be replaced at 100,000 miles and the power window on the driver's door had to be replaced at 65,000 miles. Aside from those items, only regularly scheduled maintenance.

General Comments:

The 2.4L 4cyl doesn't have as much power as I would normally like, but it makes up for it in fuel economy. When driving for extended periods on the highway I average between 34-37 miles per gallon with this car.

The car is very comfortable overall. I has a surprising amount of leg room in the driver's seat and 6-way seat makes it very easy to find a position that is comfortable.

I have never had a car that was more reliable than this one. I travel quite often with this car and at 114,000 it is still running great. After selling my second vehicle I started putting approximately 47,000 miles per year on this car and truly believe I will be able to run it to 200,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2005

2nd Feb 2008, 17:06

I originally wrote this in 2005. FYI, it's 2/2/08 and I'm still driving this same car. This car has 160,000 miles on it and is still the best thing I have ever bought. My other vehicle is a Chevy Colorado that I've had 3 months and it's been back to the dealer 14 times, and now it's still not fixed. Take it from me, buy a Hyundai, keep the Hyundai, be thankful you don't own an American made vehicle.

1999 Hyundai Sonata 2.5L gas V6

Summary:

What a car should be

Faults:

Windshield washer fluid pump burnt out at 130000km.

Vapour release valve in the gas tank filler tube malfunctions occasionally, forcing me to pump gas into the tank very slowly.

Rear passenger side power window occasionally fails to operate.

General Comments:

With the 2.5 V6 engine, the Sonata is an excellent performer. Acceleration is almost neck-breaking, helped along by a surprisingly high red-line. As well, the auto transmission allows the engine to reach max speed before shifting while under heavy acceleration.

Braking ability is uninspiring, but sufficient.

Noise is well taken care of. Except under heavy acceleration, engine noise is almost nil, and road and environment noise is quieter than one would expect.

Visibility is excellent, due to the large windscreen, and long side windows in both front and back.

Fuel economy is decent, at about 32 mpg.

The entire interior is comfortable, in any seat. Long distance driving is rather enjoyable.

Cargo capacity is outstanding, due to a huge trunk that seems to go forever, as well as the 60/40 split rear foldable seats. With the seats folded down, one easily has enough room for almost anything.

It is exceptionally reliable, costing just $45 dollars for unexpected repairs in almost 2 years of ownership. Combined with the low price ($5000 in 2003), this Sonata has been an ideal car for the whole family.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th April, 2005

1999 Hyundai Sonata GXL

Summary:

I will never buy this brand of car

Faults:

My car kept stalling at intersections, and almost causing me and my son to be in an accident. I took the car to the dealership, and they said it was a sensor and replaced it. Months later the car is stalling again. I took the car back to the dealership and now their telling me it needs a new electrical harness which is 1200.00 not including the 800.00 for labor. I thought I would check online to see if there is a recall on the harness, and there IS. So, I'm writing this to everyone who owns a Hyundia in which your car is stalling to have it checked out, and to file a complaint with the DOT 1-888-dash2dot.

General Comments:

My Sonata is stalling almost getting me killed by being t-boned, and rear ended in a intersection in Las Vegas.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th October, 2004