The Sonata has been Hyundai’s best selling model for the past few years. After a complete redesign in 1999, the Sonata sales increased by 300% the following year and for 2001 sales of this midsize sedan are still going strong. The 2001 Sonata is very well equipped and consumers have a choice of two models, the GL, the GLX. Both are excellent value although I think that GLX is a little overpriced.
THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
The interior: Entering the Sonata and after taken place behind the steering wheel, I felt a little cramped in. I am not very tall and there did not seem to have much space between my head and the top. I did not want to make too many changes to the seat setting. I know that it is mostly his wife that drives it she is short, so that could be the problem. The all around vision from the driver’s seat is excellent. The Sonata comes equipped with good size side-view mirrors that minimizes the blind spot. All the gages are easy to see and all the controls and buttons can also easily be reached by the driver. The car comes standard with an AM/FM radio plus a CD player. The quality of the sound coming out of the speakers is very good. Other standard equipment includes: Power windows, locks and mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control and rear window defrosts. The quality of the material used is very good and so is the quality of the workmanship.
The exterior: The 2001 Sonata is a very nice automobile to look at. All the parts are well assembled and the paint job is very good for a car in that price range. The trunk space at 13.2 cubic feet of volume is little small but again this is a midsize sedan.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Under the hood my neighbor’s Sonata is equipped with:
Engine: A 4-cylinder, 2.4-liters motor developing 149 horsepower. Transmission: 4-speed automatic.
Brakes: Front disc and rear drum.
Tires: 195/70R14.
Safety: Driver and passenger airbag. Child safety locks.
I did enjoy driving it a second time and this can make a nice car for a young family with children.