Used 1999 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews
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Good comfort, reliability, economics, value
jay_laz, 06/15/2012
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle in 2002 with 15,000 miles from the original owner's estate. It presently has about 50,000 miles, including 4 cross-country trips from SFO to ORD and back. Hyundai reported no warranty claims prior to my ownership, and I've had none. Owner 1 did only basic maintenence, according to Hyundai records, and I've done the same: oil and filter, coolant, trans and filter, battery, tires. It's a solid, comfortable, reliable, economical and completely practical car, and it's served me well for nearly 10 years. It's not as much fun to drive as my Miata, but I can't carry lumber on a roof rack of a Miata. I'll gladly purchase another Sonata, with even better value.
The Best Car I Ever Owned
Roger Barwise, 06/21/2016
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Don't be put off by age or styling but pay attention to the way the car has been cared for and maintained. I bought this car in 2013 and it's a 1999. I paid $2500 for it here in Korea where I'm living now. It was in mint condition and needed nothing. In the 2 1/2 years in which I have driven this wonderful car daily it has performed like a champ. It's only a 4-banger and I left a Ford Taurus V-6 24-valve OHC in LA before moving to Korea and I like this car better. It is so comfortable and gets great mileage. The 4-cylinder 16-Valve OHC engine really does perform. I can cruise at 160 Km/Hr all day long if need be. I have only had one problem in all the miles that I have put on this car: it needed a new head gasket (a relatively cheap job in Korea). After that all has been fine. The car had 90,000 Kilometers on it when I bought it and, despite the high mileage, I have never had a more comfortable or reliable car. I love this car and, after all these years, it still looks mint. One thing I particularly like is the cloth seats and cozy, comfortable interior. The air conditioner is powerful and cold and the heater will burn your ears off in the winter. I drive hard and fast and this car cooperates wonderfully with me. But one must maintain any car religiously with oil and filter changes and inspections. One of the virtues of this car is that it is long, wide and low with a low center of gravity and excellent road-holding qualities in curves and driving through the mountainous terrain of Korea. It hugs the road like nothing else I've ever driven. It is, far and away, the best handling car I have ever owned --and at 65 years old--this is my 29th car! No kidding. I've owned English, German, Swedish, American, and Japanese cars but this one does take the cake as the best overall, but I have always had a soft spot for well-performing 4-door sedans. I highly recommend this car to anyone and bear in mind I'm still driving this 17-year-old car daily!
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jb, 10/16/2006
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
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!
Sub-Frame Rust
Jeff Monroe, 07/15/2008
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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. .
Best car owned
Robert , 01/21/2021
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought it with 230000 miles and gonna eclipse 300000 this year. Sometimes I go a month over on oil changes. Last year I replaced the original waterpump and timing belt. Parts are cheap and hasn't giving me any big problems... yet. So far best car insurance ever had
Hyundai is junk
Hyundai hater, 08/02/2005
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I got this with 39K and I now think it was traded in initially for poor quality. Had a $500-$700 engine repair every 6 months or so. My trusteed mechanic said that parts were very expensive compared to more common makes. This was a very poor quality car and I will never go near Hyundai or KIA again. It was a little cheaper than Hondas and Toyotas but nowhere near the quality. Lesson learned. I simply couldn't stand owning this thing any longer.
Best car ever
harrelson marie, 01/05/2007
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
i love this vehicle this is by far the best vehicle that i have ever owned
Thinks It's a Porsche
greendemon, 04/19/2002
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have the '99 170hp V6 GLS. When I saw how much bigger the Sonata was than all the other Hyundais on the showroom floor, got in it, then found out it had a stick (not to mention the 100k powertrain warrantee and 20k price) I was sold. Fun to drive, suspension could be more firm for it's performance capability, but all in all, nice ride. Like hitting 120 mph in 5th occasionally. Car likes to go fast. I think 99/00 Body style is the best. I would buy another Sonata, if the prices and warrantee stay competitive, and especially if they come up with a V8! I think I will keep this car for as long as it runs, continually upgrading it... kind of like framing the 1st dollar. Go Hyundai!
Not A Bad Car For The MONEY
Bigkahunaxxxx, 05/08/2002
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wifes Sonota has been a great little car. She has the std. 4 cyl with automatic transmission. Great Fuel Milage - 30MPG on Highway Trips. Seats get uncomfortable on long trips, could use a couple more inches of head room. No Mechanical Problems after 3 years! Good Car For The Money
sub-frame rust
leon, 01/15/2008
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Sold ours for $500
chapchap70, 06/18/2009
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Sonata99
frankrd , 06/11/2002
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was the need for a new vehicle soon, and the new warranty that seemed too good to pass up that led me to Hyundai. It was the styling, and all that was included that confirmed my purchase. There have been no real problems with the vehicle. Air bag light, keyless entry and stereo have all been fixed or replaced under warranty.
Sell/Trade after 6-7 years
sarah, 09/28/2009
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!!
Pros and Cons but overall, decent value
FB, 01/08/2010
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Sonata99
Ba1976, 06/30/2002
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Sonata for a little over a year and for the most part its been a decent car however within the last 3 months I have had the O2 sensors reaplaced and the spark plug wires replaced twice as well as the transmission going out. Also my locks started locking when I start the car and unlock when I turn it off but my keyless entry quit working.Hey Lose a feature gain another.Think ill buy an acura next
Unhappy
unhappy1999, 08/08/2002
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Took car back to dealer 13 times during one year for the same problem. Bad elctrical system. Faulty door locks and stero system. Car does not hold any resale value. I will never buy another one.
sonata - great car
michele, 08/29/2002
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very Positive. Great warranty, even though not needed because nothing has gone wrong
This is my 4th Hyundai
rickb, 09/05/2002
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has the most comfortable ride of the four Hyundai's I've owned ('88 Excel, '90 Sonata, '94 Elantra, '99 Sonata). I've had to return it to the dealer a couple of times (02 sensors((4 of them on the 2.5L!));and a recall, that I read about in "Consumers Report". I currently have a problem with the paint peeling off the passenger outside mirror mount. Very solid and quiet vehicle. In five years, Hyundai will be the benchmark of the Asian automotive industry in the U.S.
1999 Sonata - Excellent Value
Canon, 11/07/2002
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, an excellent vehicle considering the initial investment. No problems at all to report. Fun to drive and handling is above average for a 4-door sedan. Performance was enhanced by the addition of a K&N air filter (highly recommended) with 0-60 times cut by 1 second. This engine wants more air! Interior comfort only compromised by the inclusion of the cup (?) holders. Don't use them! The quietest ride this side of an SEL 500. Watch the speedo on the highway - at 140KM/h you'll be wondering why it's so quiet. Biggest complaint - it dints easily. Soft outer skin.
Superior Performance Sedan
inkslinger, 10/16/2002
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I sell new Hondas and all sorts of used cars...and would never switch from Hyundai! This is one high quality sedan. Includes everything the '02 Accord LX sedan has for thousands less and a longer warranty. In fact, this is one of the best warranties in the bussiness, but I've never had to use it, since this car has never caused me ANY problems!!
Good Car
Akulakat, 11/26/2002
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Warranty brought me to even look at the Hyundai. Price brought me back to the dealership when it was time to buy. I have had no major problems with this car in my 70,000 miles of driving. I've done nothing to it except change the oil and wiper fluid. Only once did I have to take it to the dealer for a recall on an air bag sensor. The car (4 cyl. Manual trans.) has plenty of pep and decent gas mileage. Long trips give you leg cramps as the seats don't support my leg very well (Seat too low or floor too high. LOL.) Cruise control is awkward as you have to activate it every time before you use it. Interior lighting...is dismal.
Don't Do It
Can win for losing, 01/07/2003
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Hyundai in December of 2001. By January it was in the shop because my transmission fell out. I got my car back in February because the dealership had to call in a specialist to fix the car. We took a trip from Indianapolis to Detroit that following May and got stranded. I replaced the battery, but by June we were in the shop again. For the next 6 months my car would sit in the dealership. I would get in back a few days at a time only for it to self destruct in a matter of hours. I'm getting it back tomorrow for the last time. STAY AWAY!
Dont Buy!!!!!
hanger1111, 01/28/2003
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Replaced Ing. Coil 2 times Crankshaft. senseing unit. Crank Belt... Alternator 2 times.. Wont buy Hyundia Again...You get what you payfor I guess
Correct
Marie Jocelyne Lundi, 02/24/2008
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The driving of this car has been normal.It has been reliable wherever I wanted to go with.
A loser
Ray Wilson, 08/04/2003
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car with 38K on it (a major mistake). Hyundai's warranty is good but car has recurring problems. When warranty expires (60K) or 5 yrs) the car starts to literally fall apart. virtually everything but the motor will need to be re-placed. Even stuff fixed under warranty is only good for 12 month period. Don't keep this car after warranty expires, you will be SORRY.
Not a bad car
Shane Crook, 01/30/2005
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our Sonata with 24,000 miles on it. The main problems we have had is electrical such as sensors, spark plug wires, etc. The transmission has always shifted strangely, but I have had this checked out several times and have never found anything wrong. For the warranty and price, it is hard to beat. The resale value isn't the best.
actually reliable
karmafarma, 11/01/2003
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 99 sonata is my second Hyundai(the first being a 2000 elantra) and once again I am amazed by how much I like these cars. Contrary to popular opinion regarding the old Hyundai reputation from 1990, my sonata gls has been a delight. The v6 really performs nicely even from a dead stop and still maintains decent mileage overall. A huge leap forward for Hyundai in their struggle to overcome a negative stereotype. Personally, I would buy another one of these in a heartbeat.
300k+ miles
fansh, 12/23/2003
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Now @ 301,000 miles. Motor just started to make noise. Trans just started slipping between gears. All orig equip. but for: tune-up/filters, a/c compressor, a/c block, inside fan motor (x3), rad., alt.,on 1st replacement rotors (1st brake job @ dealer @ 80k miles). Still on orig suspension. No motor nor trans work except normal maintenance. Some oil changes @ 10k miles. Remarkable auto to keep up with me.
Forget it
dchick, 12/23/2003
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The worst car I've ever owned. The problems are so numerous. Replaced timing belt sensor, timing belt, power- window cable, THREE wheel bearings, engine mount bolts. And all of these were not under warranty because of mileage. My car literally fell apart after 60,000 miles. Never again.
Got What I Wanted.
movalncal, 02/03/2004
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drove the 4 banger 1999 Sonata and decided to buy the 1999 GLS V6. It's quirky, reliable, and still fun to drive some 5 years later. EARLY in life it did go back to the dealer for warranty repairs (including a replacement transmission shipped in from Korea in 2000) but it's still going. The only negative experience was with the dealer --what some dealers want for the car makes it more than lesser Accords. Play hardball.
AVOID
sebski, 04/21/2004
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had GLS V6 for almost two years now. It had 60K, now 80K. I got screwed because dealer does not honor warranty for second onwer. I replaced: timing belt, all brakes including rotors, battery, tires (which all were a part of a normal maintenance) but spark plugs, wires, sensors, more spark plugs and more wires and all this crap brings only one conclusion: Hyundai is still a terrible quality. I will never buy one anymore. I'll stick with Japanese. Take my advise: don't buy Hyundai. The dealer is very nice, especially when it comes to paying. And they are money suckers!
A damn good car to buy
Jayakumar, 06/14/2004
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had an overall very pleasant experience with this car (GLS V6 DOHC). Other than the normal wear and tear associated with a 60+ K car, the car never gave me any other problem. I drive it everyday 12 miles to and fro from work. Not a single serious problem so far. The suspensions are still more comfortable than some new cars I have ridden and the driver seat is just great to drive long distances. I have gone on long drives to other states too. never failed me so far. I love this car.
Pretty, but not reliable.
crundq, 06/15/2004
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not reliable. Even though it has a good warranty, I had to service it 6 times per year. Too much of a hassle.
44000 miles and no problems
EDISON, 06/19/2004
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a wonderful car... I have owned more than 18 cars in my lifetime,and I have really enjoyed this one. Not one problem with this car (2000 GLS V-6) I enjoy the sunroof and the feel of the leather seats ... the quiet and smooth ride have been a real pleasure on road trips... just a few months ago we drove more than 3000 miles on a road trip and my car achieved 27-28 mpg - with the Air on and driving between 60- 80 mph. I receive positive comments on the looks of the car quite often (silver w/gray leather). I have placed 16 inch chrome wheels in place of the stock wheels.
Not bad after awhile....
kb9mnm, 10/19/2004
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I bought the GLSv6 w/50+k on it. After 4 trips to get known problems fixed, all seems to be well. I now have put over 20k more miles on it, have not been a regular oil changer, but it seems to be going well. Front suspension seems to be getting softer, lots of "clunks" over bumps.Lots of body lean. Did have both rr whl bearings replaced after finding one that was very loose while taking a break during a road trip. That would have been very disasterous! Hyundai paid for everyting. No deductible required.
Better be original owner
mavasauris, 03/12/2003
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Warning Hyundai does not honor the 100k "America's Best Warranty" If you are not the original owner even if they are problems that have been listed in TSB and are known defects.
JUNK!!!!!!!
md, 03/13/2005
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you like taking it to the dealer 'buy one".... If not leave. The first year I owned it I took it to the dealer around 10-15 times. recalls, peeling paint, wheel bearings in rear, crankshaft sensor, burnt wiring in transmission, carpet falling apart, airbag sensors, and a few other things. The sensors went after the warranty. Not cheap to replace. Overall 'JUNK'. I have been letting it sit till I pay it down some because trade-in value sucks. Been driving a Honda with 152,000 miles with no major problems. Oh!, the dealer I got it at 95% of the time didn't have a loaner car. They wanted you to sit for four to five hours. A big waist of time. Got loaner twice and a Accent as that.
great car
bill monahon, 05/25/2005
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
excellent car for the money. engine has plenty of power(I had the v6).
It's Cheap and It Runs...
House, 05/02/2006
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in August 2005 with only 40K miles. I've had it for 6 months now with no problems whatsoever. So far, it's been good, cheap, reliable transportation. Not sporty, not luxurious, and I wouldn't enjoy it on a long trip, but for my 10 mile daily commute -- it fits the bill.
Car is as good as you take care of it
Chris B., 07/29/2007
1999 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great Car
nortonian, 05/09/2003
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Driving is definitely believing. Test drove all cars in class and this one by far, for value, performance, comfort, and standard equipment outshines them all.
Rusted Frame
Bucknaked, 04/02/2008
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great car
Scott, 10/09/2005
1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for 5 years now (>120k miles) and other than a wheel bearing replacement, have had no significant problems. The car is comfortable and most importantly, reliable.