Used 2001 Hyundai Sonata Sedan Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
300,000 miles
I bought my Sonata GLS new in the summer of 2001. I have a 43 mile one way commute to work. I change the oil every 3,000 miles. I replace the engine coolant and transmission fluid every 60,000 miles. I replace the timing belt and serpentine belt every 60,000 miles. My reward for taking care of my car is 300,800 miles so far. My car does not use any oil or leak any fluids. I've had work done on the AC system once and had it charged a second time. I replaced the front wheel bearings once and each of the front tie rods once. Eleven and on half years of reliable service sums up my satisfaction with Hyundai. btw, This is the first car that I have ever kept past 100,000 mile.
I LOVE IT even 200,000 miles later
I love this car. I bought it 2 years ago as my first car. It is getting me through college. It is the most reliable car ever. I am 2nd owner and 200,000 miles as of yesterday. the only problem I have had was a small leak in the power steering line. I get good miles and it is quite. I call it my dolphine because of the long nose and short tail. :). I do not regret getting this car.
- GLS SedanMSRP: $5,000499 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $2,300660 mi away
- GLS SedanMSRP: $3,9951,064 mi away
Very pleased
I purchased my 2001 v6 24 valve dohc from a lady who obviously had taken care of her car this car drives very well and is great on the highway when you need to pass not lacking in acceleration I owned a 1982 Toyota supra celica gts with the same size engine and this little sleeper runs just as good with the same performance with a little smoother ride I would recommend this car to anyone and as a bonus I picked it up for 2000 Canadian which was a steal she actually cried when I took it away from her lol my gain !
2001 Hyundai Sonata (4 cyl)
Purchased car new. The vehicle has 57,000 miles on it. Over the past ten years, I have only performed maintenance items on the vehicle. I have just had to service it for the first time. The AC compressor needed to be replaced. Purchased an extended bumper to bumper warranty so the it was covered. I recently passed the car onto my son. Out of all of the cars I have owned, this one has been the most reliable.
OUTSTANDING
What can I say....drives and looks great, I give it a 9 in comfort. Hallmark Hyundai is a great dealership and Skeeter (our salesman) was a pleasure to work with...A fantastic product at a killer price. We test drove 5 other cars, that were 2-3 grand more than the Sonata and wanted the Sonata, HANDS DOWN...
Decent Car
I got this car as a hand down from my parents when it was at about 55K miles. We bought it brand new in 2001 and had zero problems with the car until recently. After 50,000 miles the Engine had to be replaced. Though its been running great as long as I've had it, the only problem I see now is the auto-Tranny is lagging (at 65K Miles) but thanks to the 10year/100K mile warranty that wont be a problem. The power you get is surprising for a 4cyl. I have no problems passing people on freeways and it handles corners very well for a Sedan. I wouldn't recommend this car but its fairly reliable.. if your stuck with it, it'll get you from point A to B without many problems.
Reliable Hyundai
After doing much research, I found my Hyundai Sonata to be everything claimed. The six cylinder model is a very quiet, smooth ride. It accelerates when applied and the cruise control is amazing. Other than the big turning radius(which was disclosed), I have nothing but good things to say about it. It is a large roomy car so 20 mpg (in town) wasn't a bad statistic. As with all automobiles, regular maintenance is a must.
Say NO to Hyundai
Beware of chronic "check engine" warnings. Prepare to pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars for faulty sensors: input and output. Hyundai will capture the public with a low/reasonable price tag but the REAL cost of ownership begins the day you take it home from the dealer. NEVER, NEVER AGAIN hyundai!
1st Hyundai but not my last
Ok... first I must let you know that I am 44 years old and have been driving for 30 years. I have driven over a million miles personal or for business. I have owned daily drivers ranging from 1970 to 2006 models years. Also I have not bought a brand new car since 1996. I learned then that a new car is not a great value. That said I have owned over 40 vehicles since I started driving and this is one of my favorites. I bought this car in October after finding myself lending or giving a few cars to family or friends. I found myself with only my 88 F150 left drive. I drive 35 miles round trip for work so I needed another car that was better on gas. I found this at a local public auction for $1050. Bar none the best value for a car I have bought in years. This thing has over 206,000 miles on it now and I bought it with 201k. Last month I have to replace the driver front window regulator, but that was my fault. We had an ice storm and I pushed it to hard to get the window down before it thawed(only $35 for the new part). Let me get to the good parts(That was the only negative by the way). Car drives like a dream which surprised me for small/midsize car. the road noise is lower than most any car i've owned. When you close the door is gives more of a thud then a tin can sound. I compare it to the Mercedes Thud(driven a few but never owned one). I was also extremely surprised at how responsive the little 2.5 v6 is. It accelerates smooth no matter what but when you need to give it some go to pass or merge on the highway it doesn't hesitate it just goes. It handles like a sport sedan not a budget sedan. As far as safety goes, I was surprised to see a 2001 Hyundai have side seat airbags but this one does not have antilock brakes or traction control. Oh Well. Most of the controls are simple but functional and all work well. A/C blows cold and Heat needs turned down on a 20 degree day. I am 6' and 200 lbs. and its comfortable for me and a midsize adult could still fit behind me in comfort. My wife drives a Volvo s60r. This car doesn't have all the bells and whistles or a 300HP turbo engine. But I could and would buy 5 of these for what her car is worth. Hope to drive this thing for several more years.... and find another when this one is ready to die.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Luxury you can afford
I love the car. It rides very smooth, classy look,spacy,affordable,sound system great. Negative Features: Cruise control button is placed in inconvenient location. Mirrors stick out a little too far. Front bumber always scrapes when parking(too low). A little wind noise when windy and at high speed. If you get a side wind the car rocks. Power steering is a little loud. Upset that I didn't know they were coming out with a new model the following year. Over all I would recomend the car. I have had no problems with it. If you have an opportunity, test drive, you will be blown away. It drives like a new Jag!
Love It!!!!!
I've had my car for a year now and it has been the best thing ever. It has gotten me back and forward to school, and the gas mileage is good. The car also has great handling and control. I've had minimal problems with the car. It holds up well when something is wrong though. I would suggest this car for any young driver.
Not safe.
I got in an accident with my sonata I had. Going about 15 mph, person decides last minute to turn, and I rear ended him. Front of car crunched up VERY far and was totaled. Other vehicle had a 'barely there' dent. I loved it, but I would never get another one unless it was built more solid. Oh, and I couldn't change spark plugs on my own. I couldn't get to them. Had to bring it to repair shop so they could do it, because special tools were needed. As far as speed, handling, good looking, the standard stereo was good too- I loved it. One more con- not easy to get in and out of if you have a bad back or bad knees.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Would never Buy again
Mom gave me this car and what a lemon.though it lasted me through college,cost me tons of money for repairing. Timing belt broke at 53000 miles out of nowhere, had to get a new engine at this time, luckily under warranty after showing massive proof of oil change records.had to get new breaks every year and a couple months later would squeal like a pig the minute i stepped on breaks. Terrible rotors or terrible work by mechanics i'll never know. Check engine light comes on intermittently. Luckily, i will never deal with this again as i'm now a college grad who'll be able to avoid a hyundai now and forever. Am very grateful to have had a car that got me from point a to b. So thanks.
Great Car
I was initially skeptical in buying a Hyundai, but I'm glad that I made the purchase. The warranty is great. I have only had a few minor problems that the dealer took care of with no questions. The price was very reasonable.
what brakes?
since we bought this vechicle, we have experienced very squeeky and fading brakes. also, very sluggish when a/c is on with unusual shifting. other than that we find the car very comfortable, quiet and very reliable
Hyundai Dependability?
My second hyundai. First was "99 Accent which was very dependable. Sonata was bought new, July "01. Car has 61130 mi. Battery replaced after 24 mos., Front rotors turned--47000mi. Front rotors and pads replaced @ 60000 mi--$ll8.00. Other than oilchnge every 5,000mi, repairs, bat&rotors, came to less thn $200. Car is quiet, smooth, roomy. Many good comments from friends on ride and performance. Owned around 30 cars in my life, my sonata is among the best I've owned, Major dislike: Steering is too light. I prefer more road feel.
Great little car
For a high mileage driver you can't beat this deal. The car came with everything in it, no options; (I think that has changed) it is comfortable, gets 30 miles to the gallon (on the road) and is one of the peppiest cars we have driven. We hope to keep it for five years and will amortize the price out at under 3500 per year including maintenance costs.
Hyundai Wonder
This ebony black GLS Leather sedan has been a very good vehicle. In 40k+ miles, I've had a total of two days lost to service for four nonessential in warranty repairs, and I've spent $30 on one prorated repair. Otherwise, the car's been flawless. It's great to have a car paid off with two years left on the bumper to bumper warranty and seven years on the powertrain. I'll likely sell it before either runs out, but what a deal in the meantime! I saved thousands by choosing this over its competition, and I continue to save money every month. In this case, I will agree with Hyundai: I bought their car and I win.
give it a shot
I have a loaded 2001 GLS with 33,000 miles. Had two problems, driver door window that was fixed at no charge and at 28 months a battery was needed. The dealer pro-rated the battery at 60% off retail. Its just a great car, performance,comfort,style how can you go wrong. And for under $20,000. You have to take it for a ride and see for yourself
Great Warranty, but needed it too often!
I bought this car because of the price and the warranty and those were the reasons I liked it. Until sensor's started going out, the airbag light was on, rotors went bad, and I had to have it hauled to the dealer too often for my liking. Dealer was great, they repaired it nicely and really stood by the car, but it hasn't been as reliable as I need a car to be. It's at the dealer now. ANOTHER sensor went out at 53,000 miles. This is the last time I'm doing this. As soon as I get it back from the repair shop I'm trading in before the warranty expires because this particular car really needed the warranty to make it worth keeping.
Great car!
I bought this car used 3 months ago and I took it on a 1300 miles trip on the very next day. GLS Leather is very comfortable and roomy inside. It is also a beauty: I have had quite a few good comments from my friends. It proofed itself as very dependable vehicle in the extreme upper Michigan weather conditions. Definitely will consider buying Sonata again!
Sonata is a great car
I had an Excel before which was great, but the quality and value of the Sonata is outstanding. I use it for short commutes and long trips with the family and it does the job really well. I have had one problem with the power windows which was fixed under warrantee.
HYUNDAI
I purchased a used Hyundai last year after my Ford Explorer gave out on me. I was skeptical at first because I didn't know much about Hyundai; after my test drive, I was sold. The power and the sleekness of this car has really been worth the remarkably low price I paid for the car (9,000 with a 4 year 75,000 mile total warranty). I am very pleased with my car I just wish I could have found one with a sun roof at the dealership! :)
One of the Worst
This car is loud and had tons of work on it. WHile it was under warrenty, it had many parts replaced. THen 2000 miles after warrenty was expired, the trans had to be replaced. It is loud, rattly, and it drives like it is ten years old. It has been driving this way for the last 50,000. Gave this to my sister and bought a honda, much happier.
Take care of it, and it can last
I bought the car for the the reliabillity of it's engine, which has proven to be reliable beyond 130,000 and still going. As with ALL cars things WILL go over time, none of them major. Taking care of it and replacing the transmission mount at 100k (which is the cause of uncontrolled reving, and gear slip) Gear slip is also caused by finicky INPUT and OUTPUT speed sensors. In either case the problem goes away when fixed.
unhappy camper
This car had more problems than can be explained in 700 words. Briefly, the air conditioner compresser gutted at about 8,000 miles, the engine would die and not restart, (a sensor they said), the engine jumped time and when it was returned, died the nest day. It was towed 9 times and spent as much time in the shop as on the road. At 36,000 miles the engind jumped time again and would not run, the dealer would not fix the problem, and I returned the car to them. I was out down payment and year and half of payments on a car that was at best a piece of junk. No more Hyundais for me.
No!
Get something else. Not reliable - needed new door locks TWICE, water pump, exhaust. Now the mechanic says it needs a new engine. I have no pressure in one of the cylinders. Airbag light is on, dealer can't fix it. Cruise control doesn't work. Stock CD player wouldn't eject anymore and had to be replaced. Transmission searches for correct gear on the slightest of hills. Headlights burn out every 2 months (yes, I am installing them correctly without touching the glass). Car now has a very loud squealing noise when turning the wheel in a parking lot. Traded it in for a Civic today.
Good style
Good quality, excellent service
Reliable and Nice Ride
This car is great! It gets up to speed quickly which is important for merging in California. :-) The ride is comfortable, and the stock stereo is pretty decent. Comes with so much more than the Camry I was looking at, and affected my wallet a lot less as well! Would definitely buy another Hyundai.
Sonata 2002 GLS
Surprice... Buying this car for under 20000 $ with all that extras and V6 engine is really best decision u can do...
excellent value
This GLS v6 is just about the nicest car I've owned. It's coming up on 50K and I've had no troubles whatsoever. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.
Buy this car!
If you want a car that is going to do what a car is suppose to do and more, buy a Sonata! I bought one and been happy ever since. I am 6'5 and 300 pounds. The Sonata, unlike many other car, makes a person my size feel comfortable. To to meation, it is sporty for a bachelor and upscale to fit in any event. I receive VIP service every time I take my car to the dealer. I love my Sonata and I love Hyundai. Though I will be trading it in for a SUV, I am sticking to Hyundai for a Santa Fe.
Very Surprised
2001 Sonata gls,xlnt value,no major problems,comfortable,gobs of power,negative: front end is very low to ground and received numerous road chips in paint,so buy a bra. Had to buy a new battery at 20 months.
Extremely Pleased !!!!
I love my car. Everyone who has ever ridden in my car says it's a smooth, quiet, roomy and comfortable ride.
Cheap, but well equipped transportation
I just bought this Hyundai used. I bought it after reading the Consumer Reports evaluation of the new Hyundai Sonatas. The new Hyundais are rated as above average in reliability. This 2001 is a four cylinder, but has good acceleration and handles well. It cruises at highway speeds easily. It is quiet, comfortable and fun to drive. I like the power moonroof and the cd player.
I'm cheap and this was worth it!
I think $ for $, its the best car Ive ever owned. I wasn't eager to spend $19k, but 34k miles later Im relieved to have a great, fully loaded GLS V-6. The car has plenty of room (I'm 5'9" 290lbs at heaviest). Ive been able to squeeze out 24/32mpg that's not always, but I can bet on at least 21/29mpg in every tank. The only problem Ive had is with the driver's side auto window. But that 10yr/100k warranty got me a smile, a new regulator, and NO BILL! Routine maintenance has only cost about $400. It may not race like a mustang, but it will do 75 with little noise and lots of comfort.
2001 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 gold package
I purchased the gold trim package, V6 Sonata GLS.I have been very pleased with this vehicle since the purchase date and I have never recieved so many complements from my co-workers and friends about a vehicle. It's just like the 2003 model except for the different grill. I don't know why the 2003 model supposedly gets 1 less mile to the gallon. Maybe because of it's automatic climate control feature. Look out Toyota, there's another quality import in town now.
Put $$$ wher their mouth was
I bought a 2001 demo model with am/fm cd player,4 speed automatic,power moon- roof & 11335 miles for $11995.After 1.5 hrs at dealer I drove home with vehicle Highly impressed with pep & performance Rides like it's on rails at higher speeds(above 70 mph)and is very smooth below 70 mph & brakes on a dime.Several people have commented it looks Jaguarish Fantastic warranty will take care of any snafu's. Fuel economy is lower than manufacturers quote(20 mpg avg.)but I drive mostly city miles with a lead foot.Stock am/fm cd player & speakers thump pretty well.Overall,I don't think you can get better quality&performance for the buck.
AWESOME CAR!!!
I really love this car. My Fiancee bought me the car as a present to replace my old Nissan Altima. It has plenty of room for our kids. Is great on mileage and the sun roof is a lot of fun on sunny days in Florida. I would recommend the car to anyone!
My Hyundai Sonata
I have found this to be a very fine vehicle. I purchased it with 26,000 miles on it and now have over 108,000 and with the exception of new tires and a recent brake job I have done nothing other that routine oil changes and maintenance. I also get about 33 mpg so it is economical to run. The back seat folds down so I have been able to cargo almost everything I've had need to.
Great car...if you keep it forever!!
The car looks good and drives good. I had to replace the battery after almost 3 yrs., and the warranty lived up to itself. My main complaint is the resale value. If you are going to buy one, buy it used. We are getting ready to trade it in, and we are extremely disappointed in the trade in value.
Good alernative to Honda
I was very sceptical at first when looking at Hyundai to purchase a family size car, we looked at Honda, Toyota & they were out of our price range. The Hyundai Sonata was definitely the right price, & the great warranty was a factor in deciding on the Hyundai. I've owned this car almost 3 years & have not had a major mechical breakdown, with a few minor exceptions, the car is very reliable. The Sonata drives like a Camry & feels very comfortable driving, although it's not a performance sedan, it could use a little more horsepower out of the 2.4 liter engine, but you could always opt for the V6. Overall I rate this car outstanding.
2001 Sonata review
The Sonata is a great value. The car looks good, has the best warranty available, and is loaded. This would make a great reliable car for anyone, especially a family. My only complaint is the lack of power.
Great savings but it's been troublesome
A beautiful and fun car with a pretty good design and the warranty - awesome. But I've used the warranty way too many times. It's been in the shop no less than 10 times: replaced sensors 3 times, replaced dead battery twice, fixed airbag sensors twice, fixed window motors three times, and of course they found a multitude of problems during the 30K mileage tune-up. I like this car, but I wish it was more reliable!
Wow! So this is a Hyundai????
2 years ago, I wouldn't have even looked at one!!! Good marketing raised my curiosity. All I can say is WOW!!! Test drive revealed a well made, quiet and peppy vehicle. I bought the 4 cylinder and took it to Florida. 33MPG??? I'm in heaven. Only flaw was a distorted side view mirror. One trip to the dealer and it was fixed- free!! Every time I drive it (wife's car), I marvel "I can't believe this is a Hyundai. Now have 13,000 miles and it's still as tight and quiet as the day I bought it.
Pleasantly surprised
Was forced to buy the Sonata due to constraints set by the bank and my budget. It turned out it is a great car for the money. Fun to drive on the highway, handles like a dream and has lots of pep. Plenty of room inside and in the trunk. Nicely styled too. The stereo cranks except the CD player skips sometimes. Some of the paint is peeling off a door handle. It's a 5 speed. The shifter is horrible, hard to find 3rd gear sometimes and have to be at a complete stop to go into 1st. All in all I would recommend to a friend to buy a Sonata anytime.
I've driven better
I have a 6 cylinder Sonata and for the first 30,000 mile was great. After a tune up, it was down hill. The disc brakes keep making noise, it has a bad sensor that I spend too much money on, the transmission keep slipping, and when the power windows need repairs, only Hyundai can replace it, with a cheap plastic piece to draw it up and down. I may have drive the crap out of the car, but the reliability is bad. It also revs up to 4000 rpms after I start it up. I'll stick with my Ford Tempo which out last the Sonata so far out of the two cars I have.
loved my sonata :)
Until someone smashed into mine last week :-( I loved my Sonata. I just got it back in February. I would definitely recommend it to others. Never had any problems (I know I only had it a short time). Basic maintenance. I loved having the V6 engine, it handled well, good brakes, very comfortable. The only thing I didn't like was the cupholders. They were in an awkward place. But overall, I miss my car and want another one just like it!!
Best car owned to date
I've owned the car for two weeks. So far I can't find anything wrong with it. If I ever do my 100,000 mile warrenty should cover it.
2001 Sonata
No hastle ownership good performance with 5 speed man.