1999 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews

Pros and Cons but overall, decent value

Vehicle

1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan

Review

I bought new in 1999 at only 84 miles. Now in 2010, I'm at 149,000. 4-cylinder is decent during daily commute and actually smooth and quiet during highway cruising but don't even think about fast lane changes or quick acceleration on entrance ramps. Fuel pump and Tranny were problems during first 50,000 but warranty was in effect. Timing belt replaced after 80,000. Car groans over speed bumps, brakes have always squealed, and paint is chipping now, but other than regular oil changes every 3k, she's had no major repairs in her old age. Still averaging an impressive 28mpg highway today. I'm finally getting another car but this one's lasted longer than I expected.
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Sell/Trade after 6-7 years

Vehicle

1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan

Review

Was happy with my purchase, even though I had a lot of warranty work done on it during the first 5 years. Beginning in the 7th yr., I've dished out more money for repairs than I care to remember, every six months or so. Nothing less than $200 each trip to the service dept! Now, for the past 2 yrs., I'm paying for repairs every other month, in the neighborhood of $700-900 per visit. I've owned other Brands that didn't have the problems I'm having with this Sonato! It drives like a dream, but these costly repairs are a nightmare. Don't think I'll buy another Hyundai. I normally keep a vehicle 10-12 yrs, before buying a new one, but don't think I can put up with these problems much longer!!
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Sold ours for $500

Vehicle

1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan

Review

We bought the car when it had about 60,000 miles on it. My wife drove it basically around town. At about 90,000 miles I thought it needed the wheels aligned but our mechanic said the cradle bolt (sub frame) was rotting out and it was unsafe to drive. The part from the dealers cost $1500. We checked availability from junk yards and the common response was laughter. Since we were not the original owners, Hyundai did not offer any recourse. We sold it to a mechanic who said he would take a chance on it.
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Sub-Frame Rust

Vehicle

1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan

Review

I was surprised to see the review by leon written 1/15/2008. I have just experienced the exact same failure on my Hyundais' front passenger side wheel collapsing. My local dealership also refused to repair my sub-frame rusting under warranty. This seems to be a wide-spread problem. And I too believe this should be repaired under their 10 yr bumper-bumper warranty. The Sonata is a fun, sleek and enjoyable car, but Hyundai often waffles on their warranty coverage; which was one of the major selling points that impacted my purchasing decision. .
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Rusted Frame

Vehicle

1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan

Review

The car seemed well designed and reliable so I gave it to my daughter. She had a fender bender due to black ice and the repair shop found the engine cradle frame on the right side was almost rusted into. I'm sure it will cost more to fix then the car is worth. I'm sending this as a warning for owners to check out their frames as soon as possible.
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Correct

Vehicle

1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan

Review

The driving of this car has been normal.It has been reliable wherever I wanted to go with.
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sub-frame rust

Vehicle

1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan

Review

within first 18 months, had transmision problems which took 7 months to correct under warrenty. sfter 96000 miles, 8yrs old, entire sub-frame rusted out. refused to cover under warranty, even though cause of rusting is due to manufacture defect.tatally unsafe, when rusting of sub-frame appears, control and steering of vehicle is next to impossible. someone will be killed before Hyundai opens it' eyes.
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Car is as good as you take care of it

Vehicle

1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan

Review

I bought this car 4 years ago. I use it to go to and from work. I've had 1 problem (sensor) in 4 years, 50K miles. The person who owned it before me regularly seviced the vehicle, I have done the same. I did not expect a lot out of this car given its history. I can't believe it's still around. Sensors go in any car w/age. You can buy this car now for <$3K. If you know the car has been maintained, I'd give it a try. I took the risk and still have it several years later.
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Best car ever

Vehicle

1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan

Review

i love this vehicle this is by far the best vehicle that i have ever owned
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stay away!

Vehicle

1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan

Review

Acquired in 2000 with <13000 miles. Fuel & crankshaft sensors shot in 6 mos. Then, out of the blue, it wouldn't start! A loaner was never available. Stalled at a city intersection - $400 to fix. Was told a new timing belt would be necessary soon with only 38000 mi on it! $1000 later, I had paid off the loan but couldn't afford a newer car payment. The decision was made for me 3 wks ago, when I was in a car accident. Front driver's side crushed like a soda can when impacted by a vehicle at only 30 mi/hr. I now know why the car needs side airbags! Got a check, since repairing cost more than resale value. For a car driven approx 5000 mi/yr, there is no excuse! I'll never buy another Hyundai!
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