2002 Hyundai Sonata Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

If you're willing to take a gamble on a non-cachet brand name for your midsize sedan, the Sonata just may pluck at your heartstrings.

Pros

Excellent warranty, stylish sheetmetal, lots of bang for your family-sedan buck.

Cons

Noisy four-cylinder engine, some cheap interior bits.

What's New for 2002

The 2002 Sonata receives a new look, a refined suspension and an available automanual transmission. The standard features list is lengthened to include such niceties as remote keyless entry and, on GLS and new-for-2002 LX models, 16-inch wheels. In September 2002, Hyundai announced that it had misstated the horsepower ratings for all of the models in its lineup -- the Sonata's 2.4-liter four-cylinder is now rated for 138 hp, while the V6 is now at 170, the previously advertised 2002 power upgrade (11 horsepower) apparently notwithstanding. To compensate, the company is offering owners (of 2000 models and newer) three options: 10 years of roadside assistance, 6-year/72,000-mile basic warranty coverage or 12-year/120,000-mile powertrain coverage.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

New Transmission at 87,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Written by: unhappysonataowner on 09/04/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	3	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	2
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	5	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	5

Vehicle

2002 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This is the first Hyundai I have owned. It is an '02 w/87,000 miles. It needs a entire new transmission, which the dealer said would cost $2800. I have owned Ford, Chrysler and Jeep vehicle and never had a problem of this magnitude. The ford even has 223,00o miles. When I took it to the dealer the first time the check engine light came on AutoZOne told me it was a Shift Control Solenoid code.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

It is advertised as 10 yrs/100,000 miles powertrain warranty. What they don't advertise is it is only for the original owner. WHAT?????????? Be careful when buying based on warranty. Look at the fine print.

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Good Vehicle

Written by: lawman910 on 04/10/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	6	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	7

I have been driving the car for 7 years and have almost 70K. So far no major problems, brakes and tires, kept up with the Maintenance schedule. Little things like the clock has been replaced and still does not work right, drivers side wiper keeps coming loose and have to carry wrench to tighten. Had to replace the antenna would not work in freezing temps. The car has lots of power and can keep with the best of them. I average about 20 around town and to be honest never checked it on a trip. I would buy another hyundai without any hesitation, but now looking at at Acura, want to upgrade a little. Seats and interior all has held up well

power, comfort, style and over all reliability of the car

Better wiper arms and antennas

My first car in this country

Written by: Adi on 02/18/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	7
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	8

2002 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

I bought this car from a dealer when the Odometer reading was about 72K. Since then I have driven less than 3K. Like the car's style and pickup on the signals. It leaves almost every car in the rear view! I have tried that with cars like Lexus, BMW, Toyota and Honda and my Sonata picks up faster than all of them! The maintenance is costly for this car and I have changed the Alternator (about $500), Power Steering Pressure Hose (about $450) and general maintenance. The car's engine gives some noise which a mechanic couldn't figure out why. I need to take that to dealership (again $$$). Also the Air bag signal has turned Red which only dealer can see ($$$). So expensive drive for 3K travel.

Pickup, Looks, Sound system (yes it's great!)

Parts should be more reliable. More fuel economy. Less noisy engine compartment.

Great Car

Written by: Jay J on 09/28/2008


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

I bought this car off the showroom floor and it has been the most reliable car that I have owned. I have owned a Chevrolet, an Oldsmobile, a Ford, and a Mitsubushi. The only I have done on my Sonata is oil changes, a new set of brakes and two sets of tires. I have 125,000 miles now on my car and I plan on buying a new Sonata in the near future. The only issues I have had is a "phantom" stereo. The CD player died at 100,000 and I cannot turn the radio off. There has been little paint peeling on the roof.

The Shifomatic tranny. The interior wood trim.

More power and better fuel economy.

Great car. I would buy another one

Written by: Milwaukee, Wi on 09/17/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

We bought car with 11,000. We have 98,000 miles and only minor repairs. Runs great and gets great mpg. Rides great, shifts smooth. Not a lot of horsepower ( 4 cylinder , 140 hp) but I love the idea of 30 mpg in a mid-size car. I will run this on into the ground. No reason to sell it.

Sunroof

2002 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Ratings & Reviews