2007 Hyundai Sonata SE review from North America
"Worth every dollar"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
At about 7k miles before I was embarking on a trip, I checked all fluids and noticed the fluid in the coolant reservoir was low. This was the 3rd time I had topped it off, so I took it to the dealer and was told there was a small leak from a drain plug in the engine block. It was taken care of. I still top off the reservoir every time I change the oil, every 5k miles.
Next time it goes to the dealer I will have them check the cooling system. Hasn't overheated, but it should not require a refill at this stage of the game.
Also, the check engine light went on about 1 month ago. Was told by an auto parts store it was an oxygen sensor. The light went out 2 days later. The vehicle runs fine.
General comments?
This is the first new car I have purchased, and though I think of a car as 4 wheels and an engine to go from point A to point B, I did do my homework.
I did test drive a Camry, Accord, and an Altima, and those are all fine cars. However, for the money and all that this car has, I chose the Sonata. I believe I got a really good deal from the dealership on this car.
The prior comments regarding the gas tank noise and rear suspension noise are true. At this point, I just turn the radio louder. It's not really a big deal to me.
The driver seat is not well padded and it could use lumbar support.
So far I have averaged 25.5 mpg overall. The vehicle is rated at 20 city/30 highway, so it's right on track.
The exterior looks like a Camry, but thousands less, and it has a lot more features than the aforementioned vehicles. And the warranty isn't bad, either.
Summing up, I have no major complaints. It gets me where I want to to, it's roomy and comfortable. Anyone in the market for a mid-size vehicle should at least give the Sonata a look.
Recommended reviews
| Great value and performance |
| Nice vehicle for the money |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2007 |
| Year of manufacture | 2006 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.3L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 28 miles |
| Most recent distance | 16500 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Intrepid |
| Date of Entry | 16th February, 2008 |