2000 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6

Summary:

Annoying little problems

Faults:

Radio - it kept cutting out momentarily. The dealer replaced it twice while under original warranty, but only had it repaired under current extended warranty.

Passenger window - power unit went bad. The dealer replaced under orig. warranty.

Check engine light - has come on several times in the past year. First time, it went out after it back-fired. Subsequent times, according to the service dept., it was due to the gas cap not being put back on correctly. Now it has been on for about a month. I fill up about 2-3 times a week, so this SHOULD have reset, but it hasn't. Now I'm beginning to wonder if the gas cap wasn't really the problem.

General Comments:

Car is very comfortable, but seems to be designed for people with short legs and long arms. When I adjust the seat at a comfortable distance from the steering wheel, my knee hits the underside of the dash.

I'm still using the original tires and brakes at over 70k miles!! (Going to replace both before winter.)

Other than the problems listed above, I've had no major issues with the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st October, 2003

20th Dec 2005, 22:21

I have a 2000 Sonata GLS, V6, with 106K on the clock. Overall, my experience has been positive. The dealer service was less than satisfactory, though. Took them 3 times to properly fix my sunroof (fortunately under warranty). Had the stalling problem, fixed under warranty recall. Lost the left rear wheel bearing at about 70K, which I thought was premature, and it isn't a simple stub axle bearing that you can fix in your driveway, but one that must be pressed on. From reading the reviews here, it is a common problem, one which Hyundai should revisit engineering wise. My radio cuts on and off sporadically...I've learned to live with it. Damned good radio, by the way. I live in an exurban area, and it pulls everything that can be received here very clearly. My brakes lasted until 82K (front) and 88K (rear), which to me is normal. The driver's side window regulator (evidently another weak design) failed at about 76K; I removed it and had it rebuilt for $55. The Michelin tires are phenomenal! Still have two of them on the car, serviceable at 106K! The only time this car stuck me was when the transmission cooler coupling on the plastic radiator cracked, causing me to leak all my ATF on the freeway, and stranding me. Got a new radiator, refilled the transaxle... no further problems. Why are radiators freakin' plastic???

Overall, I'm pleased. Whether or not I'd buy another is open to question. The prices are creeping up to Honda/Toyota levels, and while decent, a Hyundai is no Toyota or Honda.

2000 Hyundai Sonata GL 2.4L 4 cylinder

Summary:

A great car for the money

Faults:

After 20,000kms the OEM tires were worn smooth.

The battery needed to be replaced at 53,000kms or 3 years of use.

General Comments:

The style of the car is great.

There could be more chrome trim on the exterior of the car.. this would make it look a little bit more classy.

The interior colors are drab.. there doesn't seem to be much contrast in colors to break up the monotony.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2003

2000 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.5 6 cylinder

Summary:

A decent, competitive family sedan with lots of features without a high price

Faults:

An engine sensor went bad before 20,000 miles.

Radio started cutting out, was bad switch and whole radio was replaced.

Headlight control stalk was replaced because sometimes headlights would not turn on.

Rear hubs/bearings went bad at 52,000 miles.

All four brake rotors are warped at 55,000 miles.

Plastic hook on front floor to hold down floor mat ripped out.

Original battery only lasted 2 years.

General Comments:

The warranty makes it worthwhile. All problems were covered by warranty except for the battery and the brake repairs (rotors and pads).

Why couldn't Hyundai include a headlights-on warning signal? My cars from decades before had this - even a cheap 1988 Mazda 323 had it.

The ride is Americanized - too cushy and rolling for my tastes. From what I hear, not like they are in the Korean market. Some riders feel a bit carsick, especially in the back.

Auto transmission is not very good at kick-downs.

Air conditioner does not get cold enough.

On the plus-side, it basically does its job well for providing comfort for several people over distances. I've taken it on long vacations and it's good for that.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th August, 2003

20th Feb 2008, 13:36

I'm the author of this review. Now that my Sonata has 122,000 miles on it, my review would be less enthusiastic. Crankshaft sensor went, and I think some other sensor went since my review. Engine mounts broke. A sparkplug and wireset change costs $450, I do it myself, and it's not fun, though now I have it down to an art. Wheel bearings went out again. On a long trip, the plastic wheel arch on the front broke off from where its leading edge attaches to the front underside of the car. I had to go buy some tin snips and just cut it off because it was dragging on the highway! The fake plastic chrome is peeling off the inside door release handles, and the paint on the outside mirror stalks (not the mirrors themselves) has completely flaked off. My Sonata is now out of the extended powertrain warranty, so I'll probably sell it this year - and I expect to get next to nothing for it. Oh well, $20,000 for 8 years of driving it (not including the extra maintenance/repair costs).