Overview & Reviews

The 2002 Sonata receives a new look, a refined suspension and an available automanual transmission. The standard features list is lengthened to include such niceties as remote keyless entry and, on GLS and new-for-2002 LX models, 16-inch wheels. In September 2002, Hyundai announced that it had misstated the horsepower ratings for all of the models in its lineup -- the Sonata's 2.4-liter four-cylinder is now rated for 138 hp, while the V6 is now at 170, the previously advertised 2002 power upgrade (11 horsepower) apparently notwithstanding. To compensate, the company is offering owners (of 2000 models and newer) three options: 10 years of roadside assistance, 6-year/72,000-mile basic warranty coverage or 12-year/120,000-mile powertrain coverage.

• Excellent warranty, stylish sheetmetal, lots of bang for your family-sedan buck.

• Noisy four-cylinder engine, some cheap interior bits.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 162.00

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  New Transmission at 87,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By unhappysonataowner - September 4 - 12:18 pm

  This is the first Hyundai I have owned. It is an 02 w/87,000 miles. It needs a entire new transmission, which the dealer said would cost $2800. I have owned Ford, Chrysler and Jeep vehicle and never had a problem of this magnitude. The ford even has 223,00o miles. When I took it to the dealer the first time the check engine light came on AutoZOne told me it was a Shift Control Solenoid code.

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  Great Buy - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By So Far So Good - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I was a bit hesitant to buy a Hyundai after years of hearing of their shoddy quality, but the warranty soothed my fears. Went looking at Accords and Camrys, and was talked into taking the Sonata for a test drive. I liked it much better than the other two, and the styling has them beat hands down. You absolutely cannot beat the value of this car. Same features in a Honda or Toyota will run you $5k more. Very pleased with this purchase.

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  Good Vehicle - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By lawman910 - April 10 - 10:05 pm

  I have been driving the car for 7 years and have almost 70K. So far no major problems, brakes and tires, kept up with the Maintenance schedule. Little things like the clock has been replaced and still does not work right, drivers side wiper keeps coming loose and have to carry wrench to tighten. Had to replace the antenna would not work in freezing temps. The car has lots of power and can keep with the best of them. I average about 20 around town and to be honest never checked it on a trip. I would buy another hyundai without any hesitation, but now looking at at Acura, want to upgrade a little. Seats and interior all has held up well

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  My first car in this country - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Adi - February 18 - 3:44 pm

  I bought this car from a dealer when the Odometer reading was about 72K. Since then I have driven less than 3K. Like the cars style and pickup on the signals. It leaves almost every car in the rear view! I have tried that with cars like Lexus, BMW, Toyota and Honda and my Sonata picks up faster than all of them! The maintenance is costly for this car and I have changed the Alternator (about $500), Power Steering Pressure Hose (about $450) and general maintenance. The cars engine gives some noise which a mechanic couldnt figure out why. I need to take that to dealership (again $$$). Also the Air bag signal has turned Red which only dealer can see ($$$). So expensive drive for 3K travel.

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  GREAT - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By SMITH - January 19 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT VEHICLE IN AND OUT WITH GREAT PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING. THE CHANGES THEY MADE WERE EXCELLENT.

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  Glad I did it - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By sonataman - January 14 - 10:00 am

  My last vehicle was a Toyota Camry. I was a little skeptical of "buying down" to a less expensive car like the Sonata, but am more than pleased I did. It is a slick looking car, and has plenty of room, power, and comfort - great value for my dollars. The only minor annoyance so far has been the "check engine" light coming on because I did not tighten the gas cap on a recent fill up. If the car performs in the long run like it has so far, I will not hesitate to buy another one.

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  Great Car - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jay J - September 28 - 9:04 pm

  I bought this car off the showroom floor and it has been the most reliable car that I have owned. I have owned a Chevrolet, an Oldsmobile, a Ford, and a Mitsubushi. The only I have done on my Sonata is oil changes, a new set of brakes and two sets of tires. I have 125,000 miles now on my car and I plan on buying a new Sonata in the near future. The only issues I have had is a "phantom" stereo. The CD player died at 100,000 and I cannot turn the radio off. There has been little paint peeling on the roof.

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  Great car. I would buy another one - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Milwaukee, Wi - September 17 - 10:52 am

  We bought car with 11,000. We have 98,000 miles and only minor repairs. Runs great and gets great mpg. Rides great, shifts smooth. Not a lot of horsepower ( 4 cylinder , 140 hp) but I love the idea of 30 mpg in a mid-size car. I will run this on into the ground. No reason to sell it.

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  Cheap Parts! - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Shirlene - September 15 - 8:47 pm

  We bought the car because we loved the styling and we liked the fuel economy. And while I still like both, I have been faced with costly services ever since! Most annoying is that my drivers side power window keeps malfunctioning. I soon will have replaced it twice in 1 year and 1 month! Also, I had always been pleased with the "ride" of this car locally. However, when my daughter moved to a location 7 hours away and I started driving that distance, I found it almost unbearable. Im not alone, everyone who has ridden with me at that distance is in pain. We cannot ride without pillows to prevent numbness! And that is true for people ranging in age from 35 to 70. Cute, not great!

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  Dont buy this car - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Caroline - August 23 - 12:20 pm

  I would not recommend this car to anyone. It caused me nothing but problems and was a black hole to my bank account. Every time something was fixed, something else broke or needed repairs. I will never buy another Korean vehicle again because of the cheap quality of this car. I should have known better.