Awesome Car
Nothing Major has gone wrong.
The rear bumper peeled paint shortly after getting it. The bumper was completely repaired/repainted and a loaner car was provided.
This car has been awesome to drive and own. I would highly recommend this car to others looking to buy a affordable, comfortable car that has power.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd November, 2003
It is worth of giving a try!
Drum brakes on the rear side made noise after 8,000 miles. Replaced free after long disputes with the dealership service department.
Water goes into the engine from the bottom, when driving in rainy days. When water goes into the engine, the engine makes noise.
Battery failure which was found during oil change and standard diagnostic exam. It was around 20,000 miles. Warranty covered the cost of replacement.
I regret of buying I4 rather than V6. The engine lacks of torque in first gear. Surprisingly, 2nd gear to 4th gear are relatively better.
Also, the engine is very quiet from inside. It is quiet while driving.
It is very smooth on city or highway.
The back seats are about same as Accord or Camry. There is not enough rooms for adults to fit in. Though, it is relatively comfortable and relaxing.
The handling is very smooth on city or highway. Though, when the car is idle, the handling is confining.
Premium sounds.
Hard to open the trunk or the hood. Though, it is very safe than other cars in that price range.
Very relaxing while driving.
Tops 80 miles/Hr. easily, and capable of going up to 100 or higher without trouble. After all, it has 2.4 L engine.
The transmission is some what rough, but it may only be noticed to sensitive people.
Brakes are not too sensitive like Japanese cars, but not too rough like American cars.
A/C works great. Heater works great as well.
Some dealerships charge differently, but the dealership that I go to charge around 33.00 dollars for oil change. It cost around 14.00 dollars to rotate tires. I'm not pleased when I have to pay close to 50.00 dollars when I go change the oil.
Before I bought the car, I set my priority on warranties; but now, I rather not. Though, for some people who wish to drive their cars more than 7 years or more should set their priority on warranties. As you know, the Hyundai cars do not have good used car price.
Overall, I give the car 8 from 1 to 10, 10 being the best. This car is cheaper than other competitors and it is roomier with acceptable power.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th October, 2003
A BMW in Hyundai clothing?
The rear chrome trim on the trunk started pitting, and was replaced under warranty at 28000 km.
The Clarion radio has been replaced three times. I have been notified by Hyundai that Clarion had supposedly fixed this problem after the first radio was replaced.
Driven many cars in this class - like the Pontiac Grand Am, Alero, Impala, Accord, Camry. Choose Hyundai as it was cheaper than the competition and came with many more features. It is also quieter than the competition on the highway (but generally has less acceleration power).
Also did a lot of research on reliability before I purchased this car. Consumer reports ranked the Hyundai Sonata ahead of even the Toyota Camry this year (Hyundai had a predicted above average reliability and Toyota had an average reliability ranking).
I would strongly suggest this car to anyone thinking of purchasing one.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th October, 2003
Had the Sonata for 5 years now and it still drives like new. There is some minor lag on the shifting, but with 140km's on it I think its holding up quite well.
In total I replaced 7 car radios, the upgraded Clarion unit broke as well and so I purchased an Alpine. Haven't had any issues with it so far. The burning smell turned out to be the alternator, this was also replaced at that time.
Since then, the only other part I had to replace was the starter motor which was covered under an extended warranty.
My main complaint with the car now is that the paint is very cheap. It chips very easily and so the car is beginning to rust. The aluminum wheels, even though taken off for the winter, have completely corroded and look awful. The other complaint I have is with the brakes. The rotors are very thin and warp easily, and the brake pads do not last long. I ended up going to Midas at about 60k km's and the pads are still with me at 140k! However, I have had the front rotors machined once, then replaced twice and the rears replaced once.
Overall I am happy with the Sonata, knock on wood, hopefully most of the growing pains have passed and it will continue to be a reliable car.
Car now has 225,000km, only issue since my last update was the brakes always needing replacing. Also had to replace the struts on the car, which I found out is supposed to be done every 100k. Other than that, no other problems to complain about, the car still runs like new!
Excellent deal for a great car
I have only had the car about 6 weeks, so far nothing has gone wrong.
I love this car.
It is extremely comfortable and roomy.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th September, 2002
High luxury at a bargain price
Nothing has gone wrong.
I am very pleased with my Sonata. The motor and Sport shift transmission work very well together. It is extremely comfortable and handles like a much more expensive car.
What comes standard on the LX model seems endless, with a full leather package and automatic climate control just to name a few.
You just can't beat the warranty 10 years/100,000 miles power train, and 5 years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper with road side assistance. With the exception of Isuzu, no other can compare to Hyundai.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th May, 2002
17th Jan 2004, 12:40
I completed the review above.
Now at approx 40k km, the rear defrost has stopped working periodically, and the electrical problem light flickers. As well, there is a burning smell from the heater, it smells like burning plastic. I have to take the car in for this.
I am still pleased with this car, but am beginning to doubt its reliability.