2005 Hyundai Sonata LX from North America - Comments

Windshield wiper went out at 700miles.

Power sunroof stopped working at 1,475miles.

Steering wheel cover came off at 1,975miles, and it was never touched.

The power seats stopped reclining at 2,500miles.

Engine vibration is getting worse, started appearing at about 2,725miles.

This car is not pleasent. As you can see, lots of problems went wrong with it, some of it fixed, some of it still existant. The problems have been ongoing.

The interior is mainly comfortable, but feels a bit cheaper than the competetors.

The ride starts to get rough around highway speeds. It feels like it's floating or something. Otherwise, it's a comfortable ride.

I suggest you check out your states lemon laws. I've never heard of a Sonata as bad as you are describing. Occasionally a bad one pops up I guess. With the problems you've had, I think Hyundai and the Lemon Laws can provide you with a different vehicle.

Regarding the vibration of your car, I'm having the same problem and it is also getting worse. My 2005 has less than 1,000 miles and have been told this is a natural characteristic. I believe, like yours, it is getting worse. Have you been able to resolve this issue with manufacturer?

Just doing research. This is from the midsize sedan that ranked #1 in quality for 2004? I will continue my research elsewhere to ascertain the validity of your assertins.

The J.D. Powers Associates #1 quality claim for the Hyundai models are for **initial quality**. In other words, the feel of quality when you first get the car. The long run is never mentioned.

However, it should be noted that Hyundai has achieved great strides in improving their quality control to the point where they may have matched, if not already surpassed, in the criteria of overall quality when compared to American brands. I believe that they are approaching the level of quality that Japanese brands have enjoyed.

It seems that Asian brands of automobiles, particularly Japanese and South Korean, are really starting to dominate the automotive world, taking more and more marketshare away from American and European manufacturers. - Reinhart.

Yeah, I have to agree. My family bought at 1986 Hyundai Excel when they first came out and so much went wrong with the car that my sister gave it to charity rather than risk tons of trouble selling it to an unsuspecting individual.

Anyway, fast forward to 2005. I told a friend of mine about the new Sonata (2006 model) and we test drove it. While I know a new model from a totally new plant (in Alabama) has unknown reliability, this Sonata was light years ahead of the Camry and Accord we also tested. It had a cheaper price, felt more solid, and had a ton more features - in fact, the comparably-priced Accord didn't even have air conditioning! Only thing I didn't like was the Hyundai's tacky cloth seats.

My friend ended up buying the car and loves it, and has had no problems so far. Will it be as reliable as a Toyota or Honda? Only time will tell, although the long warranty is some comfort.

I must also say she went through an autobroker I recommended as the dealer was incredibly sleazy. Seems the fact she was a single woman buying a car meant that she was an idiot and would pay anything in their minds. Very insulting.

The Koreans have finally realized that quality surpasses cheap prices every time and in the long run. You will start to see Chinese cars on these shores very soon (Geely, Chery, Brilliant) and they will be the new "Koreans" for the next decade - cheap prices and horrible quality.

However the engine vibration is a common malfunction in models 2005 that does not exist with 2006 models.

My 2005 Sonata also feels like it is "floating or something" but that is because it is the smoothest ride of any car I've owned. I love my Sonata (now at 20,000 miles and never needed service). It is definitely has the feel of a luxury vehicle. If you don't like the "cheap" cloth seats, spring for leather. It holds up nicely.

My GLS model: Sun roof lining has rotted out, antenna has been replace three times, the rear tail light was cracked on the inside which caused the trunk to fill up with water. The dealer had the car for five weeks to fix these problems!

I will never buy anything, but toyota again. Now, I owe 19,000 on a car that is only worth 10,000.