1999-2001 Hyundai Sonata: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Hyundai redesigned its biggest sedan for the third time, for 1999. Dimensions changed little, but the midsize front-drive 4-door displayed new rounded styling and contained standard front side airbags. Most notable of the improvements, though, was the new warranty: 5-year/60,000-mile basic, plus 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Base models again used a 4-cylinder engine, but increased from 2.0 to 2.4 liters and added 12 horsepower--originally 149, but later downgraded to 138. GLS sedans abandoned the previous single-cam V6 in favor of a new twincam 2.5-liter with 170 horsepower. Both engines came with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. All-disc brakes were standard on the GLS, which could be equipped with such options as antilock braking, traction control, leather upholstery, and a power driver's seat. A power sunroof was optional on both versions. Base sedans stuck with 14-inch tires, with 15-inch for the GLS, but the suspension was revised. At midseason, Hyundai added cruise control and remote entry to the base model.