2004 Hyundai Sonata Reviews

I have not had any problems with the car at all. The only thing I have had to replace were the front brake pads at 21000 miles. I did that myself and it was a pretty simple job. Even the light bulbs are original.

The performance is fine for what the car is, a modest mid-size sedan.

The seats could use a bit more padding, and I could use a bit more legroom, but long drives are not a problem.

The car came with all the options I would want. The only extra option was the moonroof.

Water leaked into the trunk because the seals were faulty.

Relay switch failed on electric windows.

Windshield rubber seal is separating.

Headlight bulbs burned out.

A very good and reliable car. Cost me $16,800 in 2004 with all options except sunroof, traction control, anti-lock (why is this an option?), and leather.

More power than is really necessary.

Disappointing fuel mileage (especially with teenage daughter driving); around 18MPG city, 26MPG highway.

Bad seals around trunk allowed water to accumulate in spare tire wheel well; eventually I just decided to leave the drain plug out (thanks Hyundai for anticipating this problem!).

Now the windshield lower rubber seal is separating.

Throttle difficult to modulate from stationary position.

Rear suspension has difficulty on washboard bumps. BUT, comfortable, very quiet at speed, fast, and stable.

The strong warranty gives peace of mind (but doesn't make US dealers any more honest).

I would definitely buy another; I wonder if Hyundai is contemplating stuffing a diesel into this model?

My car suddenly accelerated and crashed into a wall. My car had accelerated twice prior to this when I was driving.

I had no serious problems with my car prior to the acceleration issue. After this happened, several Sonata owners explained that they experienced the same. (sudden acceleration)

It has had four emissions systems repairs under warranty (next time won't be as all, but the powertrain warranty end at 60K miles) and an expensive fuel system repair (out of warranty). It also has a strange noise occasionally on turns and bumps (from body flex) seeming to come from the seals of the windshield which the dealer can't/won't do anything about. Occasionally the engine/transmission seem to temporarily lose power, but no one seems to know why (and if the dealer doesn't find anything they charge nearly $100 for looking at the car even when it is under warranty).

It's acceleration is acceptable, not terrible, but not particularly good. It is very comfortable, roomy, and reasonably quiet. I do like the car, but because of disappointing reliability and disappointing gas mileage (a typical tank gives me 22-24mpg with the 4cyl and I drive about 30K miles a year) I am thinking seriously about replacing it within a year or less. It is definitely a disappointment when compared to a friend's 6cyl 2004 Sonata which is everything mine is not- it is reliable, he drives more aggressively than I do and has the 6cyl yet he gets better gas mileage, and since he has the V6 instead of my 4cyl he gets much better performance.