2002-2005 Hyundai Sonata: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Hyundai's front-wheel-drive compact sedan got revised styling and a larger V6 engine for 2002. The Sonata shared its mechanical components with Kia's Optima. Hyundai owns the Kia organization. Sonatas came in base, GLS, and LX trim levels. Base models held a four-cylinder engine. GLS and LX sedans got a 181-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 engine, which replaced a 170-hp 2.5-liter. A manual transmission was standard with either engine, and a four-speed automatic was optional. The automatic transmission included a manual shift gate for selectable gear changes. Once again, front side airbags were standard. GLS and LX sedans had standard four-wheel disc brakes, and antilocking was optional on all models. Optional traction control was limited to the GLS and LX. Hyundai, like Kia, has been known for its long new-car warranty: 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage, plus a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Competitors included the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Mazda 626, and Volkswagen Passat.