Overview & Reviews

Sheet metal is all new, and gives Sonata a more substantial look despite somewhat controversial retro-style front fascia and grille. Flush-fitting doors and restyled exterior mirrors help quiet the ride, while horn activation switches from spoke button to center steering wheel pad.

• Large and comfortable interior, bargain compared to Ford Taurus and Toyota Camry, interesting front styling

• Not so much a bargain compared to Nissan Altima and Honda Accord, interesting front styling

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 9 of 9.00

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  Too many repairs! - 1997 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lindsay - August 21 - 9:36 pm

  I bought my car used five years ago. It had 59,000 miles on it, two owners before me, and looked to be in great shape. I LOVED it. It served me very well driving long-distance back and forth from college. The V6 engine gives it great acceleration (though at the expensive of very low gas mileage) and everything about it started out smooth. It was affordable and a very attractive car. Well, after about a year the paint started coming off. My roof is now completely bald five years later and the lovely red paint is not perfect anywhere except maybe the doors. (Of course Ive never parked it in a garage and we have harsh winters.) Then about two years in my entire transmission gave out and had to be replaced - VERY expensive. Almost cost as much as the car itself. Then it was the door handle, then the electric window buttons, then the alternator, then all four brakes at the same time. This is spread out over five years, but Ive spent well over $4,000 (what I paid for it) in repairs. And it only has 75,000 miles! Today I found out the spark plugs are in wrong so I have to replace them and some other parts. The engine is really loud and clicks when I drive. The transmission can still be a little rough, and when I have the air conditioning on, my car rocks quite a lot. The passenger window is slow to go up. It seems like from the reviews Ive been reading, most people have gotten more miles out of their Sonata, but maybe mine was driven hard before me or just wasnt a good one. Im very attached to it, and its served me well, but be wary of all the problems that may come along the road!