Noise: Wind noise at 55-70 mph is distracting and somewhat more than the 2007 Camry. Otherwise, engine, tire and ambient noise suppression are only a bit more than the Camry.
Fuel Economy: 24 city and 33-36 highway.
Automatic 4 speed transmission: This is my biggest complaint; there is a very loud, low pitch, humming noise when the vehicle stays in 4th gear while going a city speeds (25-45 mph). I believe that this is harmonic resonance, which causes the whole vehicle to vibrate and cause faster deterioration. I am trying to get the dealer to fix this -- perhaps the shift control system can be adjusted.
Sound system: Very good. CD player takes MP3 but not WMA.
Interior space: Driver's seat seems a bit small for me (5'10" and 190 lbs), but the electric controls are very good. Ample foot room, but the driver's knees are a bit cramped.
This was my first weekend with my new 08 sonata 4 cylinder and have the exact same problem with rumbling, vibration when RPMs go below 2 (approx) and it feels like it should be in 2 or 3 gear and its in 4 instead.
Dealer said it is problem Hyundai is aware of and corporation is working on solution with the software that tells the transmission when to shift gears. Fix is not immediate, however. One thing that might help in the interim is to use the clutchless manual shifter and shift gears at slightly higher RPMs.
I can't say I've experienced this problem in a Sonata because I've never driven one, but I do have a similar issue in my '97 Mercury Tracer. It holds 4th gear too long, as low as 34mph, which is only about 1600rpm in the Tracer. It causes a very low, deep, resonating tone and slight vibration. Totally not a big deal though and I got used to it quickly. Just a charactersitic of the way the car is designed. Stop complaining guys! If tiny characteristics like this are worth wasting time and money for going to the dealership, I can't imagine how you react when something actually breaks or stops working on your cars. These are not high dollar Lexus and BMW, so naturally they aren't going to have the highest levels of refinement. My experience in an '07 Optima was a very pleasant one. It was quiet and exceptionally smooth to drive and had a strong 4cyl. As long as reliability is there, these are excellent cars.
4 cyl Auto 2008 Sonata; Best buy out there for the money..
Very good mpg... has enough power for a 4 cyl...
All engines make a little noise; even my H3 makes noise, but with the radio on you don't hear it...
Heated rear view mirrors, even on base model..
Very good stereo...
I am 6'2" 260 lbs; plenty of room for me and very easy to get in and out of.
Only has mine 2 weeks so far no problems...
Getting 27 mpg.
So for my money it was a great buy, and keeps me out of the Hummer every day...
Actually, I'd be glad the revs stay low and the transmission DOESN'T downshift. Every gear the transmission drops down, the lower your fuel mileage. My 4.0 V-6 Mustang will easily cruise in town at 1100-1200 rpm; that's barely beyond a fast idle. At 1600 rpm, it is doing almost 60mph in top gear. Your Sonata is built for economy, and Hyundai is definitely a great car. They are currently rated better than Camry, and 2 Hyundai models are on several "best buy lists".
Actually to the above poster. You are wrong completely.
When a car downshifts it uses less engine torque and more cylinders, thereby letting it ride faster without all the backup effort when you are driving at highway speeds 60 >.
So if it stays at high rpms before shifting again, it is only hurting your mpg.
Good luck.
ps: Please don't compare Hyundai junk with the top class in reliability Camry. It is a joke of a comparison.
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