2013 Hyundai Sonata from North America
Summary:
Hyundai's improved reputation doesn't match the still cheap cars
Faults:
The stock tires are deathtraps in the snow. Same problem exists on Hyundai Genesis, so my number one advice to Hyundai shoppers, besides saying don't buy a Hyundai, is to suggest that you factor a new set of tires into the cost of the car unless you live in the south.
Oil leak after only two years. Dealership service dept claimed it was a perished seal on the oil plug. How does that go bad in a two year old car? When replaced, the car still leaked.
Battery dead after only two years. Not merely needing a charge; it no longer held a charge. Again, how does this happen after two years? No, I did not leave lights on or anything like that. In 20 years I only ever had a battery die on me one other time, and that was an almost 10 year old car.
General Comments:
Performance comes and goes. Sometimes you step on the gas and get a nice peppy response. Other times, I only get a gentle acceleration. As if it were in too high a gear, and wouldn't adjust no matter what I did.
The bottom hinge gas pedal forces my leg further forward in order to get my toes on the end of the lever. This is uncomfortable.
The seats are not particularly comfy.
There's a cheap plastic engine protector under the car that tore off on light contact with a curb.
Gas mileage doesn't come anywhere near advertised.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 18th October, 2015
9th Feb 2017, 23:32
I had to admit about the poor gas mileage - 16 MPG, strictly city, very gently driven, and the rather hard seats. As for the battery, no matter what the dealers/mechanics say, a battery must last a good 8 years. Remember, you can get an original cell phone battery that lasts long enough, or you can buy a Chinese copy that will last half that much. So yes, a battery that lasts two years, whatever they say, it was faulty unless the alternator had an issue.