Hyundai Sonata (2010 and older) Midsize | Compact

Hyundai Sonata (2010 and older) Midsize | Compact 

DESCRIPTION

The Hyundai Sonata is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in 6 trims, ranging from the GLS Manual to the Limited Auto PZEV.

The GLS Manual is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 198-horsepower engine. The Limited Auto PZEV is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 190-horsepower engine that achieves 23-mpg in the city and 35-mpg on the highway.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 41-50 of 163  
[Jun 06, 2003]
Steve
Model Reviewed: Hyundai Sonata GLS

Strength:

Body style initially sold us, but the interior is beautiful as well. The ride is firm but comfortable and the car handles great. Trunk space is nice with a nice rear hatch opening for fitting in things like strollers. A big plus for at the moment since we have a one year old. Standard side impact airbags. Stereo/climate controls are easy to use and easy to reach.

Weakness:

The 2.7 V6 is a bit enemic as others have stated, but overall I have had no difficulties with getting the car to move when I need it to. The Shiftronic transmission can help overcome acceleration issues. Cupholders are a bit whimpy and the on/off for the cruise control is on the lower left dash instead of the steering column. ABS is not standard.

After much searching and researching, my wife and I opted for the Sonata over other cars in its class. The price for what you get is amazing. We've had the car for only a month but have had not trouble to date. I do a lot of highway driving and this car is a pleasure to drive. Our dealership worked well with us, but we came prepared to 'deal' with them. We negotiated price, length of the loan and the intrest rate.

Similar Products Used:

none. I been driving SUVs for the last decade.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[May 01, 2003]
M Santa

Strength:

Quality of workmanship shows through and through. Although it may be a step or so behind the Japanese imports, it can sure hold it's ownwith american cars. Accessories seem to be well thought out and the exterior and interior finish seem to be durable.

Weakness:

Gas Mileage is a little less than I expected. Somewhere around 17city and 22 highway with the V6.

Overall the car is a great value. Since the car is only but a month old, the true value is yet to be determined. The way the car is set up, I would have easily paid $3,000 or more elsewhere.

Similar Products Used:

Test drove the 2003 Mazda6.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Mar 13, 2003]
bcntx1959

Strength:

Everything, especially the engine, the V-6. Used to be, as this relates to Rolls Royce, the only thing you could hear in a Rolls Royce was the analog clock ticking. Well Rolls Royce, move over, and how did Hyundai do that? With a V-6?! I have never driven anything, with a V-6 engine so smooth, quiet, balanced, and flawless, if you have the windows rolled up and the radio on you are totally unaware the car has even started! The engine is responsive with out a fault, and would most likely be the ultimate in flawless prefection if connected to a rear wheel drive platform. The front wheel drive, and this engine, is beyond reproach for legal operation in the United States, and the type of body and style it is married to. It is a very refined dignified 4 door sedan, not a pocket rocket or Corvette. It does have a lot of punch, in its puncher, though, should the need arise. Full frame chasis, not a uni-body car. Strength, integrety, sturdy security in an accident. Value, a solid, thus far, seemingly well build car for way, way, way, less than other car lines. Value and price that is so far, kind of too good to be true.

Weakness:

The hooter, the horn, too halarious. Weak, whimpy, Road Runner/Cyote beep beep, on a car of this calibur, but amusing none the less. Front Wheel Drive, this is a total matter of personal choice. Front wheel drive results in heavy steering feel, and more noticeable transmission shifts, it would be a real hoot to see how this would work on a rear wheel drive platform. However, on the down side of rear wheel drive, in this situation, and regarding the shocking, smooth, V-6 you would probably fall asleep driving it. Cruse controll, they only got half of this right, can we have all the buttons on the steering wheel, including the on off switch, that button to turn it on down by the left knee is really distracting, dysfunctional, and annoying. Fog Lamps, they do not light up the left and right side of the road as compaired to those on a BMW, and they should not only operate with the headlamps on, but with the headlamps off and only the parking lamps on, this would make them much more effective for driving in not only fog, but also snow.

I have driven a lot of vehicles, hundereds of thousands of miles from Kenworth heavy trucks, to Fiat 128's and everything in between, including a 1975 Rolls Royce, now I have bought this thing, and I did not want to, this web site helped me with my decision. Following is an excerpt from an email to a friend regarding this car line, and my, new life to date with same. "Naturally, along with the stress of the move, and acquiring a home, my old Lincoln died, and just when I felt I was ahead of the game. This also had to happen over this passed weekend, with the stuff in storage sitting in the driveway, and mom and Jim both insisting I bury the old car and fix the problem with something else. Since I knew the death of the old Lincoln was long overdue, I had been looking into a replacement, sometime in the year 2008! I think I am the only person in the world who has not only pissed off the new car sales person, but also got chewed out by him! An hour and a half after me showing up at the dealership, to buy a new car, something I have not done in 23 years, and did not want to do now, the old sales coot, told me to shut up, let him do his job, and there is a blue Korean Rolls Royce sitting in the driveway now with a 5 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, a hundred K if I want to go that route by 24 thousand miles, yup, tightwad I am, I bought a demonstrator, and I am laughing all the way to the bank over it. I am still awaiting the super glue to come unstuck, and the whole thing falls apart in the driveway, so far that has not happened. How this car line is making money over these things is totally beyond me! It looks like a Jaguar, drives like a dream, has the fit, finish, and attention to detail of a Mercedes, BMW, or Rolls Royce, all the prissy stuff my old Lincoln had, a stereo which goes totally beyond the sound quality of the Myerson concert hall in Dallas, and a few things it did not have, like the gas bill. All this for 15K and a no brainier simple interest loan to finance it with. The jury is going to be out for the next couple of years with regard to this thing, we shall see how I really feel about it then. For now I laugh on the way to work at the people who drive Lexus, Cadillac, Mercedes, Lincoln, Jaguar, Acura, Honda, and Toyota, if they only knew. I have to leave Ford, Chevrolet, Chrysler, and Pontiac out of the equation for now, as they do try and sell affordable cars, however, with less than half the stuff this thing has, for several thousand dollars more."

Similar Products Used:

77 Town Coupe, 87 Town Car, 84 BMW 528E, 86 Mercury Cougar, 97 Escort, 99,00,01 Town Car, 84 Mercedes, 75 Rolls Royce.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 08, 2003]
Wendy L
Model Reviewed: Hyundai Sonata

Strength:

You can't beat that 10-year warranty!

Weakness:

Only had a problem with the pully system around belt. Made a ticking noise. Was fixed within the day and never had another problem since.

You're going to love this car! I used to own a SUV before I bought this car. I really didn't think I would be able to go back to a car after driving such a large vehicle. If you love spending lots of money on gas and upkeep, then SUV's are the way to go. If you're looking for an affordable, reliable, beautiful vehicle that is GREAT on pickup speed, then you will LOVE this car!!! I highly recommend this sporty car for anyone. Have fun driving!

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 29, 2003]
Keith Watkins
Model Reviewed: GLS

Strength:

Warranty / roadside assistance progam Comfortable and roomy very stylish visibility is excellent (I love being able to see down the hood, and not have a high rear.) Shiftronic system Quiet ride Dash controls are well placed

Weakness:

V6 feels underpowered, depending on acceleration speed. The factory CD player display is pretty lame....no minutes:seconds display Basic trip meter (there should be full features on this thing, but apparently the computer chip doesn't support it.) Lower gas mileage than I expected.

I've only had my Sonata for just over a month. So far, so good. Being my first new car, I researched the Sonata very heavily for 2 weeks. My first turn-on about this car was the extensive warranty. (After having a 91 Acura for 4 years, the costly repairs were becoming more frequent.) The second thing I liked was the luxurious styling on from the hood to the rear....Mercedes-style lights and grill, and a Jaguar-like rear. It is extremely roomy on the inside, with leg-room for all. The third was the price within its class....I was dead-focused on Honda/Toyota from the start of my vehicle searches, but then shyed away from that when comparing their higher prices/shorter warranties to the Hyundai line. I only made 2 trips to the dealer. The first was to just see one up close. I wasn't sure on a trim style yet. I sat in the base model and a GLS.....the GLS included things such as reading lights, and rear cupholders. Not to mention the engine upgrade to a V6. The salesman did not want me to leave without the car (obviously) but I was still wanting to do more research on this car. I spent the next 2 weeks comparing the Sonata with other cars, and looking at specs, safety, and mainly, other reviews. I returned to the dealer, found my salesman, and took it for another drive. I'd like to point out that I was very pleased to have the Shiftronic system.....allows me to continue with my manual-drive preference. I was convinced by the time I returned to the dealer. I bought it that evening. I drove it 350 miles to Ohio for the holidays, and loved it every mile. The seats were comfortable. (very important....nothing worse than a stiff back)

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Dec 23, 2002]
haefr2000
Model Reviewed: Sonata

Strength:

- Styling: tasteful hints of contemporary Mercedes-Benz in front, and Jaguar at the rear without being obvious and cheap knockoffs. The projector-type headlamps add a rich and useful touch, too - Build quality - Warranty and 5 year roadside assistance - Good ergonomics - Comfortable ride quality - Standard rear disc brakes - Standard front side airbags - Reasonable performance with the 2.7 liter V-6 motor

Weakness:

- Lack of lumbar support adjustment in the base Sonata - It might have been nice to have a 3 liter, more powerful motor. But this IS a minor personal quibble. The 2.7 liter motor is entirely adequate for my needs. - Hyundai could do much to accentuate the 2.7 liter motor's strengths with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

This car replaced a 1996 Honda totaled in an accident. It's no Honda, but it is an honest, well-built machine with every indication that Honda quality was Hyundai's design target. (Inclusion of Michilin touring tires was a nice touch, too!) New this year is standard rear wheel disc braking on ALL trim levels. The interior, even on the base model, is thoughtfully and tastefully rendered. The fabric used does not assault the eyes, and is a pleasant-to-the-touch velour. Plastics abound everywhere, yet the fit and finish are above reproach, and the light, airy tones do much to quell any closed-in feeling. Because of Sonata's extensive standard equipment list, I opted for the personal necessity of Hyundai's very smooth shifting 4-speed automatic transmission, and a purely personal indulgence of the 2.7 liter V-6 motor. The V-6 option only adds $600.00 to the bottom line, a bargain in my opinion. (If you like sticker shock, try pricing the V-6 option from Honda, Camry and Altima!) This engine is not as powerful as the V-6 engines of the Accord, Camry, and Altima competition, but it is reasonably peppy - certainly fast enough for this ol' boy to get a speeding ticket without trying hard. (Thankfully, cruise control is also standard...) While the above competion has 4 cylinder motors approaching the power output of the Hyundai-designed V-6, there IS something about the refinement in smoothness, the stronger midrange torque, and the quiet, but unmistakable, V-6 burble during acceleration that makes this motor a more satisfying experience. Ironically, vaunted Mercedes-Benz engine technology in the guise of the "C-Class" 2.6 liter V-6 motor is close to the same displacement of the Hyundai 2.7 liter V-6 motor (actual displacement difference of only 59 cc favoring the Hyundai) yet produces no increase in power or torque and necessitates the use of premium unleaded fuel. (The Hyundai V-6 motor happily sips unleaded regular without protest.) Surprisingly on my second tank of fuel, with about equal city and highway driving, my Hyundai motor delivered just under 26 mpg. This was very surprising since it's still breaking in. The Sonata drives predictably, has good control over irregular surfaces, and it takes a large bump to upset its tranquility - and then only briefly. The brakes modulate well, with good pedal feel. I appreciate the manual height adjustment of the driver's seat, but wish Hyundai would have also included the lumbar support adjustment in the base model. A quick perusal underneath the car yesterday at my self-imposed 500 mile 1st oil change (I'm fussy...) showed that Sonata's target of Honda quality extends more than skin deep. Hyundai opted to nearly duplicate Honda Accord's highly regarded double wishbone four wheel independent suspension setup on the Sonata. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Honda should feel very flattered (and nervous). This car seems Honda-tight in the body department, too. Pleasingly quiet and rattle free. Only time will tell if it will remain that way, but early indictions are that it will. In conclusion, if you're looking for excitement or state-of-the-art, bleeding-edge technology, go elsewhere. If you're looking for a safe, competent family purveyor, that's well built and stakes its dependability on the best warranty in the industry, the Hyundai line, and the Sonata in particular, rate a close examination. (But, bring your checkbook to avoid the disappointment of making an unnecessary return trip...) If there's a downside to owning the current Sonata it has to be hearing friends marveling, "This is a Hyundai?" when they ride in it the first time.

Similar Products Used:

1996 Honda Accord that died saving my butt.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 13, 2002]
homer3d
Model Reviewed: Hyundai Sonata LX

Strength:

Price - can get top of the line model with all the options for $20k Exterior - People will think you bought a Mercedes or Jaguar. Ride Comfort - Smooth and quite

Weakness:

Price - can get top of the line model with all the options for $20k Exterior - People will think you bought a Mercedes or Jaguar. Interior - Leather (LX model), climate control (LX model), wood trim (GLS, LX) Ride Comfort - Smooth and quite

I saw the 2002 Hyundai Sonata at a car show and was quite surprised. I couldn't believe this was Hyundai. I first glance, it looked like a crossbreed between a Mercedes and a Jaguar. The styling of the car was beautiful, but you don't buy a car on looks alone. Since the release of the Hyundai Excel many years ago, Hyundai has not had the best reputation in the US, so I made it a point to make sure to test drive the Hyundai Sonata. "Driving in believing" is the slogan Hyundai uses, and I am now a believer. The Hyundai Sonata is smooth and quite. With all the amenities that come with the Hyundai Sonata, it rivals most cars twice the price. The limited 10 year/100k mile warranty doesn't hurt either. For a V6, the Hyundai Sonata is not as "peppy" as most v6 models out there, but still has enough power to take you were you need to go. Overall, the Hyundai Sonata is a great mid-sized sedan at an extremely affordable price.

Similar Products Used:

Power - V6 model not as "peppy" as other V6 cars in it's class Cornering - car seems a little high which produces more body roll when turning at moderate speeds than I am use to. But then again, this

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 27, 2002]
Rod Washingtron

Strength:

> V6 is better than competition in its class > Sales has recieved a pick-up since '99 due to redesign > The best relaxation level

Weakness:

> Poor cost of parts; hurts tade-in value due to high parts > Leather seats isn't as nice as the competition > Better power outlets please?

Well, the car has a pretty good warranty but, the Hyundai doesn't have the room as a Ford Taurus has. The car overall is a best buy over the Chevy Impala, which is $7500 more for less value than the Sonata. Then the car is overall; Must buy

Similar Products Used:

Ford Taurus SE 24V Nissan Altima 3.5L SE Toyota Camry XLE V6

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Nov 24, 2002]
Virginia Nugent
Model Reviewed: LX

My brother made a request, try a Hyundai before you buy a Toyota again. The last 3 cars were Camry's LE 4 cyl.I was impressed by the style and handling.My car had only 11k and in perfect condition. My sister bought a Hyundai Elanta GL.I told them to get me more for my car and would consider buying. They did and I did.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 23, 2002]
Rodney McQueen
Model Reviewed: Sonata

Strength:

nice body. Engine very quiet, stereo sounds great. inside real nice.just a real nice car.

Weakness:

none

we love it, i have 4000 miles on it. no problems at all. engine has plenty of pep, smooth rideing, nice stereo, plenty of room in trunk.Real nice car. mine also came with sun roof. works great

Similar Products Used:

2001 GMC Safari. 2000 Hyundia accent. 1988 Toyota 4-4

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 41-50 of 163  

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