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 31 through 40 of 162.00

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  Rate My Ride - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Louise A. Carasone - August 5 - 4:09 pm

  I have been driving my Sonata for 6 years and have little or no trouble with it. I have been keeping up the maintenance schedule and only taking it to the dealer for my service work. I now have approximately 58,000 miles on my car and the timing chain went and am now faced with rebuilding the engine, at a cost of $1,500.00, Hyundai is going to pick up the rest as a good faith gesture. I would not suggest that you keep this car past 50,000 miles. They say in the warranty 10 years or 100,000 miles. Im not sure this car is designed to last that long. Really Bummed in Connecticut.

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  Worth every dime. Best value. - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dennis - July 29 - 11:42 am

  Paid $17,500 for it while competition was going for 19 to 22,000. Bang for the buck could not be beat. Very, very good car.

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  My Wifes New Sonata - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By jimpimms - July 8 - 12:26 am

  It would be difficult to find a better car for the price, or even a few thousand more. Even though I dislike the mushy suspension, its a very comfortable and substantial highway cruiser, and has enough power -- even with the 4-cyl -- for the average driver. Nice touches, like Shiftronic transmission, Michelin MXV4 Energy Plus tires, illuminated window controls, strut supported hood and trunk lid, over-center trunk lid hinges, fog lamps, big radio/CD buttons, extra power outlets. Theres plenty of interior space for four large adults. All in all, its an extremely good car, and affordable, too.

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  Warranty not what they claim - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jeann - April 18 - 3:20 pm

  I absolutely loved my car. A few minor flaws, such as the interior handles needing to be replaced several times, and the armrest wasnt the most comfortable. Other than that a fantastic car. However, I now have 30,550 miles on my car and the fuel door doesnt open. (Not covered under the extend warranty that I purchased for an additional $1265.)Now the car is also due for 30,000. mi maintenance - $400., and drive belt (required) $600. Yet the car is only worth $4500-$5000. You do the math. I wont buy another!!

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  Affraid to get a different car - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Robert - April 18 - 10:24 am

  The 2002 Sonata was the first new car I ever bought. Ive been driving it now for close to 7 years and put 137,000 miles on it. At 100,000 my brakes begin to wear out. This is the only time Ive had to take it in for major work, but new brakes at 100,000 miles is normal. My Sonata drives today at 137,000 as well as it did when I drove it off the lot with 12 miles on it. I believe that in order to get any car as good as the Sonata, I will have to either get another Sonata or a BMW, Mercedes, or Audi to get the same quality that Ive gotten from the 2002 Sonata. It has been nothing less than superior in all areas of performance and reliability. I Will have a very hard time replacing it.

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  Great car for the price - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By VerySurprised - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My previous car ,a 95 Altima, was paid off (at least the loan was) but I found myself in the repair shop almost every month with bills more than a car payment would be. So I decided to look for a new car. I test drove different cars from the leading manufacturers. Since my previous perception of Hyundai was not very good, Hyundai was not even in my radar until I saw an article online about the redesigned Sonata. I was presently surprised when I went to my local Hyundai dealership, saw and drove the new Sonata. I have driven 7500 miles so far with no problems. So far I am very impressed with the 2002 Hyundai Sonata.

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  2001hyundia - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Alexmyman - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought for value with features? Was leary at first? After one year of driving it and with a few long trips under its belt I fell in love with it. I have a trailer hitch attached and found it quite capable of pulling a decent size load. Gas mileage city around 23 mpg (imperial) highway average is around 35 mpg (imperial) Only problem I had is when getting gas filled up If the gas cap isnt turned tight enough the check engine light comes on and Its a trip to the dealer to fix it.Dealer excellent!!!

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  Impressive - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Andrew R - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the LX with every option for $18700 at local dealer. Received it with 50 miles, about 25 I put on myself test driving. Had a Chevy Malibu and this car hands down is much better in terms of ride, features and warranty. Almost impossible to find in my area a black LX let alone a Sonata LX, dealer only had 3 in stock and Hyundai (or maybe dealer) said it would cost $500 to get another I wanted. Dealer delivery was satisfactory. Had a minor problem with the remote door openers, fixed in two seconds before I left the dealership. Overall, the car has smooth acceleration, a little bit of a hiccup at the lower end, very little road noise, stereo is adequate.

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  (Sadly) Owning is Believing - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By patchman - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Good first impressions of the car. It rides very comfortably and quietly. Alot of car for the money. BUT be prepared to know your service writer on a first name basis. Mine proved to be very problematic. Brakes (front and rear) power windows (both front windows, twice) various rattles etc. Worst, I had a continuing engine cutout problem that finally caused me to file for the "lemon law" in my state. Hyundai Motor America was not helpful in any way. BEWARE!! You DO get what you pay for. Mine is now gone at 22000 miles.

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  my 2002 sonata experience - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By rashaun - October 18 - 11:34 pm

  I have owned the car for 5 years. First let me tell you for the first 60,000 miles zero problems as long as a kept up the maint. After tho power steering pressure hose burst 560.00, ignition crank sensor failed 600.00. During this time many interior and exterior pieces started coming loose and generally looking bad. struts now bad too. 75,000 miles the timing belt fails and destroys the engine to the point where it needs a rebuild. Id ditch the car after 60k, its resale value is so low its not worth the repairs. now have a year old toyota and a six thousand dollar paper weight.