Overview & Reviews

Hyundai's Sonata is completely new and much improved for 1999.

• New powertrains, more safety features, excellent warranty.

• Noisy four-cylinder engine, breathless V6 engine.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 42.00

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  Good comfort, reliability, economics, value - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By jay_laz - June 14 - 8:25 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in 2002 with 15,000 miles from the original owners estate. It presently has about 50,000 miles, including 4 cross-country trips from SFO to ORD and back. Hyundai reported no warranty claims prior to my ownership, and Ive had none. Owner 1 did only basic maintenence, according to Hyundai records, and Ive done the same: oil and filter, coolant, trans and filter, battery, tires. Its a solid, comfortable, reliable, economical and completely practical car, and its served me well for nearly 10 years. Its not as much fun to drive as my Miata, but I cant carry lumber on a roof rack of a Miata. Ill gladly purchase another Sonata, with even better value.

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  Sell/Trade after 6-7 years - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By sarah - September 28 - 6:11 pm

  Was happy with my purchase, even though I had a lot of warranty work done on it during the first 5 years. Beginning in the 7th yr., Ive dished out more money for repairs than I care to remember, every six months or so. Nothing less than $200 each trip to the service dept! Now, for the past 2 yrs., Im paying for repairs every other month, in the neighborhood of $700-900 per visit. Ive owned other Brands that didnt have the problems Im having with this Sonato! It drives like a dream, but these costly repairs are a nightmare. Dont think Ill buy another Hyundai. I normally keep a vehicle 10-12 yrs, before buying a new one, but dont think I can put up with these problems much longer!!

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  Sub-Frame Rust - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jeff Monroe - July 15 - 12:25 am

  I was surprised to see the review by leon written 1/15/2008. I have just experienced the exact same failure on my Hyundais front passenger side wheel collapsing. My local dealership also refused to repair my sub-frame rusting under warranty. This seems to be a wide-spread problem. And I too believe this should be repaired under their 10 yr bumper-bumper warranty. The Sonata is a fun, sleek and enjoyable car, but Hyundai often waffles on their warranty coverage which was one of the major selling points that impacted my purchasing decision. .

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  Rusted Frame - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bucknaked - April 1 - 9:55 pm

  The car seemed well designed and reliable so I gave it to my daughter. She had a fender bender due to black ice and the repair shop found the engine cradle frame on the right side was almost rusted into. Im sure it will cost more to fix then the car is worth. Im sending this as a warning for owners to check out their frames as soon as possible.

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  Car is as good as you take care of it - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chris B. - July 28 - 7:18 pm

  I bought this car 4 years ago. I use it to go to and from work. Ive had 1 problem (sensor) in 4 years, 50K miles. The person who owned it before me regularly seviced the vehicle, I have done the same. I did not expect a lot out of this car given its history. I cant believe its still around. Sensors go in any car w/age. You can buy this car now for <$3K. If you know the car has been maintained, Id give it a try. I took the risk and still have it several years later.

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  Its Cheap and It Runs... - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By House - May 2 - 12:10 am

  I bought this car in August 2005 with only 40K miles. Ive had it for 6 months now with no problems whatsoever. So far, its been good, cheap, reliable transportation. Not sporty, not luxurious, and I wouldnt enjoy it on a long trip, but for my 10 mile daily commute -- it fits the bill.

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  Not a bad car - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Shane Crook - January 30 - 3:36 pm

  We bought our Sonata with 24,000 miles on it. The main problems we have had is electrical such as sensors, spark plug wires, etc. The transmission has always shifted strangely, but I have had this checked out several times and have never found anything wrong. For the warranty and price, it is hard to beat. The resale value isnt the best.

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  Pretty, but not reliable. - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By crundq - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Not reliable. Even though it has a good warranty, I had to service it 6 times per year. Too much of a hassle.

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  actually reliable - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By karmafarma - November 1 - 2:00 am

  The 99 sonata is my second Hyundai(the first being a 2000 elantra) and once again I am amazed by how much I like these cars. Contrary to popular opinion regarding the old Hyundai reputation from 1990, my sonata gls has been a delight. The v6 really performs nicely even from a dead stop and still maintains decent mileage overall. A huge leap forward for Hyundai in their struggle to overcome a negative stereotype. Personally, I would buy another one of these in a heartbeat.

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  Good Car - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Akulakat - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Warranty brought me to even look at the Hyundai. Price brought me back to the dealership when it was time to buy. I have had no major problems with this car in my 70,000 miles of driving. Ive done nothing to it except change the oil and wiper fluid. Only once did I have to take it to the dealer for a recall on an air bag sensor. The car (4 cyl. Manual trans.) has plenty of pep and decent gas mileage. Long trips give you leg cramps as the seats dont support my leg very well (Seat too low or floor too high. LOL.) Cruise control is awkward as you have to activate it every time before you use it. Interior lighting...is dismal.