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 1 through 10 of 162.00

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  Excellent value when new, even better as preowned - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By papacito - May 13 - 1:35 am

  I bought my 2002 Hyundai Sonata new, driving 100 miles from my home to the dealer who had the color and options I wanted. Overall, this car has been excellent. It now has 190,000 miles on it and I can honestly say the problems that I have had have been minimal. Those issues include a bad oxygen sensor, a power steering leak and the starter replaced, all of these things after 120,000 miles. I will admit that I have not been as maintenance conscious as I should have been, but despite that, she continues to run like a champ.

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  Best car Ive owned in my 39 years! - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By greywethr - June 16 - 6:37 pm

  I bought one for $10,000 w/29k miles. I wrecked it at 142k miles. At 40mph, I T-boned an SUV, and it still started, but Esurance totaled it. :( The water pump died at around 80k, covered. Between 100k & 142k, I replaced the front wheel bearings in 2011 (I drove offroad a few times), battery, alternator, rear brake calipers. Thats it, nothing else major went wrong. Minor things the past year or two, tape deck died, radio display flickers (I have Sirius, so that doesnt matter), antenna only goes half-way up.

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  Solid Car - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brandon - November 13 - 2:00 am

  My Sonata now has 130,000 miles on it and repairs are starting to add up. I bought it brand new and have to say up until now, it has been a good purchase. My O2 sensor went out a few times, but was covered by the warranty. The power antennae broke but covered by warranty. The interior door handles also started to peel, but was covered by a recall. At about 75,000 the paint started to bubble on the roof of the car, and at 120,000, the power steering line started to leak, which cost around $300 to fix. The speedometer and cruise control just went out at 130,000, so who knows how much that will be. The car does ride nice and handles beautiful though, maintenance is expensive but would buy again.

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  2002 Sonata - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Andy - August 23 - 4:33 pm

  Good commuter car, not so great mpg but manageable. Some issues were fixed under warranty water pump, front window motor replaced and complete instrument panel replaced because of a broken fuel gauge, so reflected mileage is actually less than actual. The cons: front right brakes were replaces but always squeaks, timing belt jumped and damaged the timing sensor before 60k miles and transmission speed sensor went out at 64k mi which cost me $950 and $350 respectively. Dealer said it was not covered under drivetrain warranty, would have wanted to keep this car but problems are starting to pop out.

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  Good Car - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By 02Guy - June 20 - 6:59 pm

  I purchased my car brand new back in 2002. It now has 123,000 miles on it and Im now just experiencing a few problems. The power steering line is leaking power steering fluid. From other reviews, it seems like this is a common problem and should possibly be a recall because of a poor design flaw. The paint is also peeling on my roof. A few other minor complaints were the antennae broke, but it was still under warranty, the O2 sensor went out a few times and chrome inside door handles peeled, all covered by a recall. Also, the maintenance is a bit pricey. Now for the good. It handles great and has such a smooth ride. No major problems the first 7 years of ownership. Ill buy a Hyundai again.

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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 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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  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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  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!!