Hyundai Sonata reviews

2002 Hyundai Sonata Driving Impressions

The Sonata GLS drives like a midsize family sedan. The V6 idles quietly but with sufficient vibration that one won't be tempted to start an already running engine. There's enough torque from this engine for a quick getaway, and the Sonata accelerates smoothly and without great drama. There are times when you'll want more power than the 2.7-liter V6 can deliver, such as merging into fast-moving traffic from a standstill. With 181 horsepower, however, it's in the same ballpark with the Toyota Camry V6; actually the Hyundai V6 produces more power per liter. The Sonata weighs approximately the same as the Camry. The net result is that a Sonata GLS will lose drag races against a V6-powered Camry, if that matters.

The automatic transmission really matters more, and it is actually quite sophisticated. Using fuzzy logic, the transmission's electronic controller automatically adapts to the driver's style and minimizes hunting when climbing hills. Shifts are smooth, and the best thing one can say about it is that it isn't noticeable, which is how an automatic should behave. It does such a good job in the automatic mode that it makes using the Shiftronic feature superfluous. With Shiftronic, the driver may move the shiftlever to a second slot, and once there move the lever fore and aft to shift up and down on gear, the transmission then holding the selected gear rather than shifting automatically. Those who live in a hilly area might find it useful for engine braking on long and steep downgrades.

Everyday driving yields a benign demeanor. The ride is freeway smooth, thanks to a fully independent suspension, soaking up everything from tar strips to potholes with equanimity. Some popping over seams can be heard, and at speed there's a tendency for the Sonata to drift within its lane. However, the Sonata glides effortlessly on the Interstate at 75 mph with only a ruffle of wind noise and the slightest amount of tire noise interceding. One can enjoy even the pianissimo sections of classical music coming from the CD player.

On the other hand, as noted, the Sonata is not a sports car, and pressuring it to do something in a corner that one shouldn't ask yields a classical exposition of understeer (the front end pushing or plowing) that one would expect from a family sedan. It's safe and predictable, and even if it won't corner like a Formula 1 racer, at least it won't give its driver any nasty surprises in the twisty bits.

Braking is solid with the four-wheel discs that come with the V6. Our Sonata, however, did not have the optional ABS/sunroof package.