2001 Hyundai Sonata review from North America
"Research the resale value... That should convince you that you're buying junk!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
No oil cap when I drove the car off the lot.
Air-bag light on every 50 or so miles. Explained by poorly placed wires under the driver's seat.
Battery died after 2 weeks.
Rear driver's side window motor is dead.
Driver's side window has slipped 8 times!
Engine light after engine light after engine light!
Replaced alternator (dealer price was almost twice as high as a local reputable repair shop)!
Most repairs we needed were not covered by "America's Best Warranty" even during the warranty period.
Transmission is slipping.
A/C went out at 75,000 miles. A/C specialty shop fixed it twice and is baffled!
Check engine light is on again and EVERY mechanic is baffled. Every single repair shop (4 in total) recommended taking the car back to the dealership's service department as they are clueless to the meaning of the engine light.
General comments?
The service department where I purchased my Sonata has been less than helpful. Less than a week after buying the car, I went back to the dealer as I noticed there was NO OIL CAP! The service MANAGER blamed me for that. Why would I shell out $18,000 over the course of 5 years just to yank an oil cap out at mile number 15???
We have spent countless hours in the "waiting room" as they examined our car and came back with a ridiculously high repair price. Every time we've been in there, we've been made to feel like WE were inconvieniencing THEM! After the 5th or 6th repair I asked for a "loaner car" and they looked at me as if I asked for the moon. "We only have 3", I was told. After a lengthy conversation they magically found a fourth.
We've received surveys in the mail and answered them honestly about how disappointed we were. The SERVICE MANAGER actually called my house and DEMANDED we give her better marks on the survey!!! How's that for service?
I will NEVER buy another Hyundai. I will never shop at my local Hyundai dealership again. I don't get my car repaired at my local dealership anymore. I recommend NONE of my friends provide any business to the local dealership.
I believe "Hyundai" is Korean for "Money Pit".
I had a Dodge that caught on fire while I was driving it... and I still like it better than my Hyundai!
Recommended Reviews:
  | Classy, affordable, and stylish mid-size sedan |
| Not worth the money or warranty |
All 2001 Hyundai Sonata reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 12 miles |
| Most recent distance | 112000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Accord |
| Date of Entry | 2nd July, 2006 |