2003 Hyundai Sonata Base 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

I hate it and will never buy another Hyundai!

Faults:

The transmission had to be replaced at 12,000 miles, after 4 times in the shop.

The washer blades had to be replaced at 8,000 miles.

There is a squealing noise, which still occurs after 4 times in the shop.

There is a pinging noise, which still occurs after 2 times in the shop.

The car hesitates on cold start and will not accelerate into traffic... major safety concern... still not resolved after 8 times in the shop.

General Comments:

My experience with Hyundai has been the worst experience of my life with any car I've ever owned. I did a lot of research before purchasing the car, and did so because of the warranty and the high ratings from Consumer Reports. Hyundai is giving me the runaround about fixing my current problem, and I'm in the very stressful process of seeking a buyback from Hyundai. Will most likely have to hire an attorney to get any results, since Hyundai shows no signs of doing the right thing. PLEASE think very hard and long before you purchase one of these cars, and check out the web for postings of problems with them... they are everywhere!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th August, 2004

4th Sep 2004, 12:55

My sympathies to this consumer because I'm experiencing the same thing with my 2000 Hyundai. It is a lemon, lemon, lemon; a nice looking lemon, but a lemon just the same. I thought how nice and sporty it looked just yesterday as the tow truck took it away to the dealership. I have thought of a buy-back, but my lease is almost up. Yes, I was dumb enough to lease this vehicle. I will tough it out, and take it as a valuable lesson learned. All you out there considering a Hyundai, you'd better think again. There are far better, more reliable cars out there than Hyundai. I suggest you disregard their great commercials touting that 10 year warranty! It isn't worth the trouble.

2003 Hyundai Sonata Base Automatic from North America

Summary:

A great value!

Faults:

The day after I purchased the car it would not start. It would turn over, but nothing else. Found out later it was a security cliche, but still frustrating for a new owner.

The car would shake at high speeds (over 50 mph). Dealership said it was a carbon build-up and that warranty did not cover it. Around $100 to clean. After some arguing they covered because I had just purchased the car from them.

General Comments:

I really have enjoyed my Sonata.

I think it is a great value for its price.

My one big complaint is the gas mileage. If I don't put 91 octane in it, I only get 18 mpg in the city. With 91 I get around 22 mpg. I am a very passive driver. It gets over 32 mpg on the freeway! So no complaint there!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 2004

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.7 from North America

Summary:

Great car with a lot of extras and great value for your dollar

Faults:

Just wore dealers tires out at 19,000, replaced them with an alignment and no problems since.

General Comments:

Kinda small when you have 3 kids, but a great car for the money. Love it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2004

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Absolutely awesome

Faults:

Nothing, runs like a champ.

General Comments:

This has been a wonderful car to own. I have had no problems with the car at all. My dealer service dept. has been wonderful as well. They even notify me of my scheduled oil changes, which they threw in for free for the 1st 3 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 2004

2003 Hyundai Sonata 4.7 from North America

Faults:

When stopped and idling the steering wheel vibrates. The longer you drive the car the more it vibrates when you stop (like a red light). It gets so bad at times it vibrates the seat. I have reported this to my dealer 14 times only to be told that this is the way a 4 cylinder engine acts. I do not buy that and I would appreciate anyone having the same problem to please E-Mail me at MScavone@cfl.rr.com.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th March, 2004

6th Apr 2004, 22:05

Seems like this is a problem you should have noticed on the test drive before you purchased the car.

Or didn't you test drive it?

22nd Apr 2004, 23:06

Thanks for your comment I did test drive the car, but the problem did not start until after about 3000mi was put on the car. The dealer and their service techs. all feel the vibration, but say this is the way a 4cylinder is suppose to be. I just got a letter from my State Attorney who has accepted my Lemon Law claim.