2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS from North America - Comments

If you think that's a bad car, check out all the websites against Dodge/Chrysler and consumer complaints. Hell people pay more than twice as much as you paid all the time, for Mercedes Benz vehicles and have massive trouble with them.

I don't know any vehicle that offers you that much for the price along with one of the best warranties offered.

I drove two newer Sonatas and they all drove like a dream, ride wasn't rough at all. 4cyl engines in general are also never as smooth as 6cyls.

I see lots of people make the mistake of overinflating their tires or setting them to the "maximum possible inflation" the tire specifies, which is completely wrong. This will cause a harsh ride and increased suspension noise.

Be sure to use a digital tire gauge (mechanical pop up gauges are grossly inaccurate), set the pressure no more than maybe no more than 1 more pound that recommended on the recommendation placard. Also set the pressure when cold and after not driven.

Be sure to also have the tires professionally balanced properly every so often, which will help with a smoother overall ride, especially when going over bumps.

I bought a used 2006 sonata with 27,000 miles. Right now it has around 45k, I drive a lot cross country. So far this car has been good. Mine has not given many problems but from what i have heard it is not as reliable as a Honda or a Toyota but that is why they offer a better warranty. I have only gone to the dealership twice, one was for schedule maintenance and the other one because of the check engine light. They treated me nice and fixed the problem. I guess service varies wether you live in Kansas or New York. I do like the car, but lets not kid ourselves, this ain't a BMW so don't make silly comparisons. Decent car with minor faults, but overall is a great vehicle. Arguably better than Honda and Toyota but not it will never be a BMW or Mercedes Benz.

2006 3.3L Sonata

LX, All Options.

I have had my Sonata for over 1 year now and for the most part has been the pride in my eyes, only time will tell. I did in the beginning have some small "issues" regarding the Sonata...

1. Brake Lights burned out. Replace twice. But free both times.

2. Paint scratches easily. Did my own repair using Hyundai's paint pen $10.

Other than that, the Sonata is an awesome value!

1. Power!!! I've drag raced even a BMW and beat it. Use Premium gas in a couple of tank fulls.

2. Quiet. Pretty darn quiet

3. Soaks up bumps. No issues here.

5. Leather. I have never been able to afford a car with Leather, thanks to Hyundai my backside is super warm (seat warmers) and super comfortable.

So don't be a hater on Hyundai... Because why would you want to drive a car everyone else has ala Toyota Camry or Honda Accord??? Be different. Drive a Hyundai.

I love my 2006 sonata!!! GREAT CAR!

Dave, Philadelphia, PA.

I rented an '06 Sonata, drove it 1100+ miles in a week. I was very impressed with the car, it feels like a Honda Accord an costs about $5000 less. The engine (V6) is fast! The thing can spin the tires @30mph when you step on it.

My only concern... the car felt like a tin can. I'd hate to be in an accident with it. Of course most cars feel like tin cans today...

In Ecuador, where roads are full of holes, you can still see many Hyundai Accents, Elantras and Sonatas from the 1990s running around in very good shape. Over here, most taxis are Hyundais, as taxi drivers value this brand's impressive resilience and smooth ride.

A friend of mine had a 1992 Hyundai Excel, which she just sold, after driving more than 200 k miles without problems. Given her experience, her dad recently bought a Hyundai Terracan and her mom changed her beloved Honda Accord for a Hyundai Sonata.

In 2004, my brother bought a brand new Toyota Yaris, while I bought a Hyundai Elantra. His car was $2000 more expensive than mine. Granted: the Yaris gets more miles per gallon, due to its extremely light weight. However, the Yaris cannot compete with my Elantra in any possible way: interior room, seat comfort, noise reduction, drivability, engine power or body strenght. The Toyota's battery is dying and needs replacement, although that car has just half as many miles as my Hyundai.

A note to those that are noticing a "thunking" noise in the rear of the Sonata. This is caused by excess play in the rear shock unit attachment points. A service bulletin has been issued by Hyundai to correct this problem in the 2006 Sonatas. They will replace the strut bushings which fixes the play issue in the rear shocks.

Did you happen to check if the spare tire was properly screwed down? I'd venture to say it's not the suspension at all.

Reading a particular persons rubbishing of the New Sonata. I am beginning to wonder if he has the same type of vehicle that we have here in Australia.

Our Sonatas in the fleet spend the majority of time on rough bush back roads dodging wildlife pot holes and road trains.

Compared to the fords and Holden (gm vehicles) Honda's Camry's Mazda's The things are in comparison indestructible.

All vehicles average over 2000Km a week Nothing ever breaks the stick to the dirt roads like peanut butter to a blanket and are the most quiet and dust proof vehicles we have

Like the o p mentioned check that the spare and tools are properly secured (wheel the right way in the well etc)

Your experiences seem rather unique or change dealerships for service is my take on complaints about Sonata.

I owned a 2005 Sonata V6, after previously had an Elantra 01, and a Santa Fe Limited 02. I had no problem with any one of them, and I put a total of about 90 k miles on all three.

Currently I own the Azera limited, it is a pleasure to drive, it cost me 25k USD to buy it new.

With the Azera I had the first problem, minor though, the airbag light comes on for no reason.

I agree with other reviewers about the paint on the Elantra and Santa Fe, it chipped easily. Otherwise, solid cars.

Sonata was also a real treat, very quiet, fast, trouble free. Too bad I could not keep them all.