GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Car reviews - Hyundai - Sonata - sedan range

Our Opinion

We like
Space, comfort, practicality
Room for improvement
Below-par ride and handling, quality and durability questions, marques' cheap brand image

18 Jun 2003

HYUNDAI released a second range of cars in March, 1989, with the first generation Sonata.

The importers positioned it above the neat X1 series Excel, which had introduced Hyundai to Australian new car buyers three years earlier.

Slightly larger than the Toyota Camry, the medium-sized Sonata offered a low price and lots of space, but not much refinement or grace. It failed to make much of an impact.

At least the MK2 version of October, 1993, looked better. Its contemporary styling inside and out promised a Mazda 626-like package for less money but the appeal was skin deep.

The Sonata was again let down by excessive noise, a ride that was too soft, inferior dynamics and low quality interior.

A heavy-handed facelift in September, 1996, brought some worthwhile mechanical improvements along with a distinctly toothy grille.

Inside, the changes are minor. The plastics still seem low grade, with fit and finish to match. But this is offset by sensibly placed switchgear, good ventilation, plenty of oddments space and simple, clear instrumentation.

Interior space is adequate with room for five adults in reasonable comfort. The driver's chair has the bonus of a height adjuster but the shiny plastic steering wheel rim is slippery and unpleasant to hold.

The mechanical revisions improve the dynamics and refinement.

Noise/vibration/harshness reducing measures include hydraulic engine mounts and the addition of beam bearing caps to the crankshaft.

A thickened central floor area cuts road noise and the rear view mirrors have been reshaped to reduce wind rush.

The changes make this series Sonata a fairly relaxing car to be in, a first for the model. It is not a class leader by any means but a big improvement nevertheless.

Engine power and torque remain unchanged at a healthy 102kW at 5800rpm and 180Nm at 4000rpm. As you would expect from these figures, performance is good.

But think carefully about opting for the manual gearbox. The change is awful with long, vague throws that lack smoothness.

A Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0-litre V6 powers the more upmarket versions. While offering an extra dose of torque, the engine is not particularly refined, making the grunty four-cylinder the preferred choice, especially as the ride copes better with bumps because of the lighter engine weight over the front axle. The V6 also seems to suffer from more vague and woolly steering.

Handling is typical front-wheel drive understeer. Better quality tyres improve the overall grip and noise levels, so it is worth spending extra money on reputable rubber.

Central locking, power steering, mirrors and windows, and a driver airbag are standard Sonata GLE features. The automatic- only V6 GLS gains air-conditioning, cruise control and alloy wheels while anti-lock brakes, power seats, sunroof and leather trim distinguish the Levant as the range-topper.

Avoid thrashed or high kilometre examples as Hyundai quality was still not a strong point. Automatic gearboxes can fail while electrical problems have been known to occur. A mechanic's report is desirable.

In 1997 Hyundai recalled the Sonata to stop the possibility of unintentional airbag deployment. Make sure there is a dealer sticker to prove the problem has been addressed.

A well-maintained Sonata offers plenty of space for the money but most rivals are better all-rounders for the money.

Click to share

Click below to follow us on
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

GoAuto can help you buy a new Sonata

Customer Terms and Conditions – New Car Lead enquires

Agreement

This is an agreement between GoAutoMedia Pty Limited ACN 094 732 457 of PO Box 18, Beach Road, Sandringham, VIC, 3191 (“we/us”), the owner and operator of the GoAuto.com.au website (“the website”) and the person wanting GoAuto.com.au to provide them with a lead for the purchase of a new car (“you”).

By completing a New Car Lead Enquiry, you agree to the terms and conditions and disclaimers and acknowledge the policies set out below.

Terms and Conditions

  • In order for us to effect a lead you must you must complete a New Car Lead Enquiry (“Enquiry”).
  • We will call you as soon as possible after you complete the Enquiry and certainly no later than the next business day. When we call, we will discuss with you your new car requirements.
  • You consent to our passing on the Enquiry and your requirements to an appropriate authorised motor car dealer as a lead.
  • We will contact you again in approximately eight days following your initial enquiry to check on the progress of the Enquiry.
  • While we will provide the dealer with the Enquiry and details of your new car requirements, we take no responsibility for what happens after passing on that material as a lead.
  • You acknowledge that we are a new car information service providing new car editorial information, pictures and prices to our customers as a guide only. Any new car prices published on the website are the manufacturers’ recommended retail prices and do not include delivery charges and on-road costs. Any authorized motor car dealer to which we pass on your Enquiry as a lead will provide you with full details of the price at which the vehicle will be sold to you.
  • You acknowledge that we do not sell motor vehicles. Any sale of a new car to you by a dealer after we have passed on your Enquiry to that dealer as a lead, is a sale by that dealer not by us.

Privacy Policy– New Car Lead Enquires

  • We take privacy very seriously. We understand that you will only complete an Enquiry if you can trust us to protect your personal information and use it appropriately. Our policy is to ensure that the personal information collected when you make an Enquiry is only used for the purposes of connecting you with an authorised motor car dealer.
  • We do not on-sell information collected from you or any other customer.
  • From time to time, we may email you with information or promotions that may be relevant for car buyers. You will continue to receive communications from us unless you tell us that you do not want to receive any advertising or promotional information in the future by unsubscribing from these communications.
close
* Denotes required field
** Australian inquiries only

Sonata pricing

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here