Faults:

The "check engine" light came on at about 41,000 miles; replacement of spark plugs fixed this problem.

The "check engine" light came on intermittently at 51,000; oxygen sensors need to be replaced.

The body seems to dent easily.

General Comments:

The 1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS has proved to be a decent, reliable vehicle. Most of the money I have spent on this car is related to normal maintenance. My Hyundai has spent far less time in the shop than my previous car, the more expensive Acura Integra. I have to park my vehicle on the street outside my house; consequently, I have a lot of dings and scratches, and the body looks worn. Even so, I have found this car to be a dependable means of transportation, and would certainly consider buying another one.

Faults:

The brake fluid was leaking, but the dealer later fixed it.

The airbag light came on a couple of times so the car had to be taken to the dealership. After a whole day at the dealership it still wasn't fixed, but later it fixed by itself. The second time the light came on, the dealer fixed it.

Sometimes it won't start in the morning when it's cold.

The check engine light came on, but was fixed. The spark plugs had to be changed. One time when the light was on the engine was shaking and vibrating, but it was fixed.

The battery had to be replaced.

The tires wear very quickly.

The bulb in the right headlight blew out twice.

General Comments:

Good horsepower.

A lot of safety features, front driver & passenger airbags and side airbags for both the driver and passenger.

Good warranty.

Faults:

The check engine light came on occasionally at around 60,000 miles and the problem turned out to be the cam sensor.

General Comments:

This car has been a pleasure to own. There are absolutely no squeaks or rattles present. The Michelin tires are the original set and are still wearing very well.

My fuel economy is about 23 MPG in town and 30 MPG on the highway with the 5-speed manual.

This car was a real surprise to me when I test drove it and it hasn't disappointed me in almost 4 years.

Faults:

The transmission began behaving strangely almost immediately after I purchased the car. I took it to the dealer, and they recommended that I have a transmission service done on the vehicle. At 140,000 kilometers, the transmission began to "slip". After spending nearly a week in a transmission shop, I took it to the local Hyundai dealer. They diagnosed the problem as a wiring harness. The cost to repair was $850.00; better than the $2,300.00 to replace the transmission, which was the first recommendation of the Hyundai dealership. Now at 154,000, I have been advised that my catalytic converter is "dead". A mechanic had told me that the converter was not functioning at 116,000 kilometers, but Hyundai disputed this, and did not replace the converter. It would have been warranted had they done so at the time. Now the dealer refuses to cover the cost of the catalytic converter ($1,600) because the car is too far out of warranty (Canada).

I bought the Hyundai because it was the most reasonably priced vehicle in its class, and had an incredible ride. However, I am very disappointed in the failure of these expensive components, and am equally concerned about the poor resale of this vehicle. Most disappointing is the way the local dealership has refused to even consider this warranty issue. I have taken my case to Hyundai Canada (1-800-461-8242) for appeal of the decision.

General Comments:

I would not purchase another Hyundai. This company needs to build higher quality vehicles if they want to truly compete with other imported and domestic vehicles.