2002 Hyundai Sonata Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996

Crash Test Rating

Source NHTSA

MPG (up to)

20 City / 27 -28 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

149 -181

Seats

Positive Owner Reviews

Jack M

Hyundai Sonata; The perfect starter sedan

The Hyundai sonata that I own is fantastic. I bought one in 2002 and it's been loyal to me ever since. Only change the oil and timing belt and reloaded the freon in the AC. The car has a very quiet ride that has stayed quiet ever since I bought it. The ride feels smooth and cushy enough. The LX version comes equipped with a sunroof that keeps it relaxing and the stereo system has been perfect.

Kristen F

My vehicle is a 2002 Hyundai sonata with over 250,000 miles. I feel it has been a very reliable car. Has a few repairs such as the o2 sensor and an alternator as well as other regular maintenance. The performance is outstanding in my opinion to be such an old car.

The reliability and dependability no matter how old or how many miles as long as you take care of the car.

Maureen R

The safety figures in a Hyundai.

My Hyundai sonata is wonderful, it drives like a dream even now that it is old it still runs like a fine oiled machine. It is comfortable and dependable. The trunk has a lot of space to. All of the buttons for the lights, the gas door opener are all very well marked and in easy to get to places, I have dual airbags which I feel is a great feature and makes me feel safe. I feel the looks of the Hyundai is very pleasing to the eye. My overall impression and proud owner of a Hyundai is one of the best cars on the market.

Beverley C

Reliable. 150, 000 miles and still running.

Reliable. Has been a good car. Over 150, 000 miles. Very minimum repairs over the year. Good gas mileage.

Patricia B

The Hyundai has a turbo engine, it is a V6 and runs great.

When I bought my Hyundai Sonata they gave me a 10 year 100,000 mile warranty whichever came first, that was the reason I bought my auto. It still runs great it is very comfortable to drive.

Karen K

The car has a Good warranty for peace of mind

I have had it for years and it still runs well.

Jessica D

My car drives very comfortable.

It is an old car so it requires a lot of work and maintenance. The leather seats get really hot during summer and it feels like you are burning. However, I love how long it lasts. It is definitely a ride-or-die car!.

Kismet G

My Hyundai Sonata, a great car.

This car was a gift from my mother-in-law. She drove it faithfully in all kinds of weather. We have done the same. It is a very reliable vehicle. We have had no major problems with it, just normal maintenance -tires, brakes, oil changes, etc. We have put lots of mileage on it in the last 4 years and we just love it!

Negative Owner Reviews

Kent M

It is still running great at 200,000+ miles.

It is fairly reliable but does not have the amenities of my previous vehicle, an 02 grand prix. The gas mileage is good and handles well on the road.

Amanda S

Stuttering and stalling out.

It is bouncy and sways a lot. It also has problems that makes it feel like it's going to die while driving. Kind of like a putter. Seems like it has a very hard time getting gas to the engine. And sounds and acts as if it's going to stall out while driving.

viola c

Being it's a korean car made in america,it's still a good car.

It`s fuel effect with it`s v-6.but its showing its age.

Jason C

It's a good car. Very good car.

Ignition switch and alternator. Rest of the car runs perfectly. Clean, new battery and alternator...

Katie J

It's really reliable, having been driven for over 120,000 already.

We've had to replace the timing belt on the car and fix the oil gauge. The car is pretty reliable, and has over 120,000 miles on it. In its old age, the car shakes and rattles more than it used to, but still runs really well. The ceiling is starting to become unattached from the roof from old age and rubs against the heads of taller people.

Kent M

Basic transportation, nothing fancy, but it's generally reliable

Semi-reliable but not as many bells & whistles as my 02 Grand Prix

Marie I

Nice midsize car at a good value.

I have had this car for a long time and it has been a very reliable car, it is a good size for me with 4 doors. I have two car seats in the back and can still have another child in the middle. Gas mileage is good and I would consider this car again.

Cherie C

Gets me where I want to go.

Pretty reliable and economical. I have had an issue where the check engine light is on for an evap leak and my mechanic has changed every part in the evac system and the light still will not go off. This is an ongoing issue. The only other issue is that the car goes through light bulbs faster than gas (exaggeration, but not much). Other than that, I do regular maintenance and the car has always started when I want to go and has gotten me there and back safely.

Hyundai Sonata Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

Base

149 HP 24-24 MPG 5 Seats

GLS

181 HP 24-24 MPG 5 Seats

Photos may not match model

2002 Hyundai Sonata Owner Reviews

3.93

45 Reviews

Write Review

5 stars

20%

4 stars

56%

3 stars

22%

2 stars

1 star

Emma D on March 9, 2021

It is a safe and reliable car. It will hold up well for a really long time

Cold air has stopped working and won't come out of the vents. It's just a regular car it doesn't have any special features just a radio and a light for the back seat

Gary P on January 23, 2021

It is very dependable and lasting if you take care of it.

I like the mileage. The good engine (188,000 mi). It sits too low to the ground.

View All Reviews (45)

Ranks #9 Midsize Cars by Owners

The 2002 Hyundai Sonata has an average owner rating of 4.01 out of 5 which ranks it #9 of 15 other Midsize Cars.

Tie

2002 Honda Accord

4.26

Tie

2002 Toyota Camry

4.26

2002 Hyundai Sonata

3.93

Ranks #4 Midsize Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2002 Hyundai Sonata has a combined MPG of 29 which ranks it #4 of 15 other Midsize Cars.

2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

32 MPG

2002 Honda Accord

30 MPG

Tie

2002 Hyundai Sonata

28 MPG

Is The 2002 Hyundai Sonata A Good Car?

Yes, it is a good vehicle. Although it is old, it gets me where I need to go. I have never had any major issues with this vehicle.

Jay P.

How Reliable Is The 2002 Hyundai Sonata?

Yes it is reliable. I have never had any problems with it. When I purchased the car, the previous owners even equipped it with a brand new battery!

Courtney H.

Is The 2002 Hyundai Sonata A Good Value?

I only paid $2,100 for my vehicle. It was from a listing on craigslist. This was a phenomenal value for the car.

Emily L.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2002 Hyundai Sonata obd location?

Answer: The 2002 Hyundai Sonata OBD port location is on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel. The OBD is an onboard computer that monitors emissions, mileage, speed, and other data about Your car. It's...

2002 Hyundai Sonata: What is the oil type and capacity?

Answer: The type of oil You should use on Your 2002 Hyundai Sonata depends on the type of climate You're living in. If You're living in an area where it's very hot (32F or higher) then You can use SAE 20W-40, or...

See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front