[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”24″ el_class=”used-value-text”]For equipment and comfort, Sonata and its Optima compatriot are impressive values that came with generous warranties when new. No wonder both have drawn record sales. Steep depreciation and low resale values, as with most South Korean cars, help enhance their value on the used-car market. Overall, these two appeal as bargain-priced Toyota Camry alternatives, with little need for apology.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-overview-text” title=”Overview”]
Hyundai’s front-wheel-drive compact sedan got revised styling and a larger V6 engine for 2002. The Sonata shared its mechanical components with Kia’s Optima. Hyundai owns the Kia organization.
Sonatas came in base, GLS, and LX trim levels. Base models held a four-cylinder engine. GLS and LX sedans got a 181-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 engine, which replaced a 170-hp 2.5-liter. A manual transmission was standard with either engine, and a four-speed automatic was optional. The automatic transmission included a manual shift gate for selectable gear changes.
Once again, front side airbags were standard. GLS and LX sedans had standard four-wheel disc brakes, and antilocking was optional on all models. Optional traction control was limited to the GLS and LX.
Hyundai, like Kia, has been known for its long new-car warranty: 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage, plus a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Competitors included the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Mazda 626, and Volkswagen Passat.
2003 Sonata
Lighted power-window switches and a battery-saver feature topped the short list of 2003 additions to Hyundai’s compact sedan. GLS and LX models used a 170-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 engine.
2004 Sonata
Little changed for the 2004 Sonatas.
2005 Sonata
Heated front seats are newly available for Hyundai’s midsize sedan. Sonata continues in GL, GLS, and LX trim and, for 2005, adds a GLS Special Value version that is the only model with heated front seats. Also for ’05, a universal garage-door opener is new and included on the GLS Special Value and LX.
[/mk_table][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Engines”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text title=”Engines” disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-engine-section-head”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-powertrains”]transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”24″ el_class=”used-powertrain-text”]Sonata sedans came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 2.7-liter V-6. Each engine mated with a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. Published engine output ratings dropped after the 2002 model year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_table style=”style2″ el_class=”used-engine-specs”]
Sonata acceleration is modest but adequate in four-cylinder form, at about 10 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. V6 models are noticeably quicker: around 8.7 seconds with an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission is acceptably smooth, but is sometimes slow to downshift for passing and also too eager to upshift, making its manual shift gate more useful than usual.
In a mix of city/highway driving, a Sonata GLS V6/automatic averaged 19.7 mpg. With more highway driving, a GLS V6/automatic averaged 22.4 mpg. A Sonata LX/automatic logged a surprising 25.2 mpg in a combination of swift urban work and performance tests. Both engines use regular fuel.
The Sonata’s compliant suspension soaks up most bumps with ease, though these sedans float a bit over large dips and humps. Comfort-biased tires keep impact harshness pleasingly low.
Steering/handling is modest but predictable, despite marked body lean in fast corners. The GLS and LX are helped by 16-inch wheels, versus 15-inch on other Sonatas.
Brakes are a little touchy in routine use, and managed only a class-average showing in a simulated emergency stop–even with ABS. But the non-ABS system resists lockup and nosedive is well checked.
Road noise drowns out wind rush at highway speeds, but is not objectionable. Neither is engine noise, though both engines sound rather coarse and aren’t quite as smooth as rival Japanese units.
Both the Sonata and Optima have mostly large, well-placed gauges and controls. All power-window switches are illuminated. Materials are hard to fault for the price, but glossy woodgrain plastic trim on higher-line models cheapens the ambience and the available leather lacks richness.
Front occupants get ample head and leg room. Comfortable front seats offered manual or power height adjustment. They sit relatively high to windows, so outward vision is commanding.
The rear seat is wide enough for two adults who have decent headroom but must sit knees-up if front seats are pushed very far back. The rear cushion is somewhat low and a bit too soft for best support, but has a fold-down center armrest.
Hyundai’s flat-floor trunk has a smallish opening, but good volume. Compact hinges don’t dip into the load area. The seatback folds easily but not quite flat, and the pass-through isn’t full-width. Interior storage space is generous.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_content_box icon=”icon-road” heading=”Ratings” el_class=”ratings-box”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″]Model Tested: 2002 Hyundai Sonata GLS[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″ el_class=”review-slideshow-caption”]Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-performance-ratings” title=”Performance”][mk_skill_meter title=”Acceleration – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Fuel Economy – 6″ percent=”60″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Ride Quality – 6″ percent=”60″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Steering/Handling – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Quietness – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Accommodations” el_class=”used-accomodations-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Controls/Materials – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Front – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Rear – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Cargo Room – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Other” el_class=”used-other-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Value – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-ratings-total”]
Automatic transmission
Description: Numerous automatic transmission problems including shift flares, erratic shifting, delayed engagement and harsh shifts due to numerous glitches including a bad fluid temperature sensor, improper shift solenoid operation, low or worn out fluid, blown fuses, etc. (2002-03)
Climate control
Description: The climate control may blow warm air when cold is desired or cold air when warm is desired because the aspirator hose (for the sensor) comes off the vent. (2002)
Engine noise
Description: Ticking noises from the engine are from the hydraulic lifters and revised lifters are available. (1999-02)
None
Description: Squeaking and squawking noises from the front and/or rear require revised anti-sway bar bushings. (2002)
2002
Description: The side impact air bag sensors may be too sensitive, and bag may deploy when door is slammed. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002-03
Description: If the spare tire is installed in the front position on some vehicles, it may inadvertently set the traction control system into motion, causing overheating and a loss of speed. Dealers will replace with a larger spare tire.
2002-03
Description: Fuel tank assembly vales on some vehicles may not close properly, causing possible spillage. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002-03
Description: Repeated use of the interior door handle may cause wear of the chrome plate. The worn chrome plating may result in a crack between the chrome plating on the inboard and outboard surfaces of the handle, which may form a sharp edge. Dealers will repair the chrome plated interior door handle free of charge.
2002-04
Description: (vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.) Road salt applied during the winter months may result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front sub-frame, and may result in thinning or perforation of the sub-frame steel. The corrosion is frequently visible and often discovered during inspection or routine maintenance, and owners may also hear noises or notice tire misalignment and steering pull. Dealers will measure the thickness of the front sub-frame and inspect the front sub-frame for corrosion damage and, if necessary, the front sub-frame will be replaced with a new sub-frame that incorporates additional holes in the upper and lower panels.
[/mk_table][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Equipment” visibility=”hidden-sm”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_accordions style=”fancy-style” action_style=”accordion-action” open_toggle=”0″ container_bg_color=”#fff”][vc_accordion_tab title=”Equipment Lists”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Click on year to see equipment lists for all models offered for that model year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2002″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]
2002 Hyundai Sonata
Pricing Effective: 10/08/2001
Model Pricing
Retail Price
Dealer Price
Destination
Base 4-door sedan, manual
$ 15,499
$ 14,104
$ 495
Base 4-door sedan, automatic
15,999
14,603
495
GLS 4-door sedan, manual
16,999
15,381
495
GLS 4-door sedan, automatic
17,499
15,880
495
LX 4-door sedan, manual
18,324
16,484
495
LX 4-door sedan, automatic
18,824
16,983
495
Price Note:
Standard Equipment
Base : 2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, dual front airbags, front side airbags, air conditioning, variable-assist power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, driver-side visor mirror, illuminated passenger-side visor mirror, remote fuel-door and decklid releases, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, fog lights, 205/60R15 tires, wheel covers
Base 4 cylinder/V6 : 2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine or 2.7-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, dual front airbags, front side airbags, air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, driver-side illuminated visor mirror, remote fuel-door and decklid releases, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, fog lights, 205/60R15 tires, wheel covers
GLS Special Value adds: automatic climate control, heated front seats, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener
LX adds: leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, (Deletes heated front seats)
Optional Equipment
Option Note: Postproduction options also available.
Major Packages
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Accessory Group 2
GL 4-cylinder manual, GLS, GLS Special Value, LX
$595
$571
Antilock brakes.
Accessory Group 3
795
708
Power sunroof. NA GL 4-cylinder w/manual transmission.
Accessory Group 4
GL 4-cylinder automatic, GL V6
1390
1279
Antilock brakes, power sunroof.
Accessory Group 5
GLS, GLS Special Value, LX
1535
1402
Traction control, antilock brakes, power sunroof.
Comfort & Convenience Features
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Floormats
GL 4 cylinder
85
58
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Mudguards
75
45
[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordions][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Equipment” visibility=”visible-sm”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Equipment Lists”]Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Pricing”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-pricing-text” title=”Pricing”]Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]
