2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited 3.3 V6 from North America

Summary:

Never want to part with it!

Faults:

Carpet replaced shortly after purchase due to separation from backing; looks like a bad batch of carpet at the factory. Dealer completed the job without issue.

Other than that, normal wear & tear, nothing unusual.

General Comments:

We've owned this car since it was new in 2009, and couldn't be happier. Purchased it as a demo (hence the 3300 miles at purchase) and it has been utterly reliable and comfortable.

It is my wife's car, but has racked up most of its miles on long trips of 500-1000 miles round-trip. No mechanical issues to report, and we recorded 31+ MPG on a recent 1200 mile trip from SC to northern MD through the mountains.

Seats are comfortable, ergonomics are great. Transmission shifts smoothly and quietly. The trunk is huge; so big that my 4'11" wife cannot possibly reach the back of it.

I read other reviews regarding the headlights, and folks, they're projectors. The Europeans have been using them for years without issues. Use your high beams if necessary, or slow down. I do wish the fog lights were more than decorative (i.e. had a usable forward pattern instead of lighting only 4' in front of the vehicle), but the low beams do an excellent job in fog (perhaps that sharp cut-off has a purpose?).

Can't speak to the nav system issue, because we opted for the 6 CD changer and kept our trusty Garmin.

Would I buy one again? In a heartbeat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th October, 2012

2009 Hyundai Sonata GL 2.4 from North America

Faults:

Check engine light - faulty sensor - covered.

Check engine light comes on and off - won't take it in anymore.

Struts need replacement (right one has a slow leak I was told by a Hyundai tech), left one is weak - covered under warranty.

Steering wheel is making a funny noise when turning (???)

Seats stain easily and are hard to wash.

Engine revs up up to 3000rpm's or higher when started (happens once or twice a month - dealer said it's not normal, but won't bother fixing as I bought another car, and will be trading this one in in 2 days.

General Comments:

Nice looking car, comes with heated seats, keyless entry and remote trunk release, nice sound system, good looking interior, spacious, aux outlet, USB connection, 2 12V outlets.

Paid 15000 with taxes and everything. Bought it used with 52000kms. It now has 70000, but with the problems I had, I do not think it will last. A lot of rattles coming from the suspension. Nice interior and good quality, but mechanically still needs work.

Went today and bought a 2009 Camry. Toyota's quality has dropped, but it is still better than Hyundai's.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st January, 2011

2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Awesome ride for your buck

Faults:

Nothing so far, other than a malfunctioning stereo, but the warranty took care of that issue worry-free. Everything is great so far.

General Comments:

Well this car is one great family mid-sized sedan, although it feels like a large car.

The car has great gas mileage! Although the engine had to be broken in for long period of time, if I drive gently, I get about 6.8L per 100km in the city. That's something for a car this size.

The seats are comfy, and the Infinity sound system is just AMAZING, however the suspension is a bit soft for me.

All the features on the car work well. The car stops great, and drives marvelously without hassle.

Great ride for your buck, although I'd suggest you wait to get a 2011 Sonata. Love that design; more sporty, but however if you like a conservative looking car, this is the car for you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2010

2009 Hyundai Sonata CRDi 2.0 diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Comfortable and economical mile eater, but won't win any races

Faults:

What I thought was a fault is in fact a characteristic of a diesel. This is the first one I've driven.

Pulling off in traffic slowly caused a stutter and surge.

The dealer explained it was the common rail diesel operating before the turbo kicked in.

A little more gas pedal when moving off solved the problem.

General Comments:

Bit like driving round sitting on your lounge sofa!

Soft ride, very comfortable. Not a driver's car.

Some suspension kick back when pressed though corners.

Excellent economy. 6 litres / 100km easily achievable.

Lots of cabin space and room in the boot.

Good stereo.

Cruise control not accurate enough, and spoils the fuel economy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2010