Faults:

I bought my 2002 Sonata GLS used with 17,000 miles.

Just recently had to replace the sub frame under the engine due to rust, but Hyundai covered it under a recall for that issue.

Just today my battery light started flickering and my windshield wipers seemed to slow down. After a few minutes the light went out, but when I got out of my car there was a real strong odor like something was burning. Actually I can't really describe it, because I have never experienced that odor before. After doing some online research, I'm thinking it might be the alternator???

Other than that, I now have almost 128,000 miles on it and have never had a major problem.

General Comments:

I always had SUV's in the past, and thought that going to a sedan might be better on gas and overall cost. The price of the car was definitely right, but the increase in mileage is not significant and I do not like how low I am to the ground. I will be going back to an SUV, and I will consider a Hyundai.

Faults:

Nothing special to say:

- Hyundai chrome trims are cheap, an exterior chrome trim ($50) and a door handle ($50) had to be changed. Door handle was really sharp; my girlfriend cut herself on the chipped chrome.

- The key cylinder of the trunk doesn't work either, I have to use the inside pop up button.

- Speakers are really great, but the radio unit is really cheap. Low power and broken when I bought the car.

General Comments:

It's a brilliant car that offerings high end feature for low price, the V6 version offering decent performance.

I had previously driven a 6 in-line Supra powered Cressida, and I found the same great performance in the Sonata (even better, top speed and acceleration).

This FWD car has a good balance between stiff handling and smooth ride. In case of a sporty ride, the car is really predictable. The Shift-Tronic system provides strong and precise shifting; in < drive > you've got a normal hesitating automatic transmission.

The interior is enough comfortable for long rides, and it’s well equipped. Power windows, power doors lock system, enough passenger lights and 2 well made cup holder in front. Fabric and mats are well made and quite resistant. The trunk is accessible and the spare tire is well placed for a big trunk capacity. The car is easy for basic maintenance $$$.

Faults:

Worn CV drive shaft.

Blown plenum gasket/plugs/wires 50,000 miles before tune up was required.

Replaced all struts and had numerous diagnostic checks for check engine light.

Constant electrical problems - power locks will not communicate with each other or with the remote.

Currently needs a new air bag computer and steering rack.

General Comments:

Looks can be deceiving.

Faults:

Fan for the climate control stopped working... turns out it was a loose wire under the "fuse box" in the engine bay... not an easy fix because it was hard to get at.

General Comments:

I loved this car... it handled well, and was very reliable for the short time we owned it.

The car was rear ended on the highway by a guy doing close to 200km/h (we were doing about 115km/hr)...the car was totalled front and back and we managed to walk away from it (back seat occupants may not have been so lucky... it was quite the impact)...anyway, Hyundai did something right. This car definitely saved my life.

I would recommend this car, and would buy another one.