Hyundai Sonata -- pros/cons?

[Anonymous]

DH and I are considering buying the Sonata would appreciate any feedback from owners about their experiences with this car. We probably would buy new, if can find a good deal. Thanks! ...

[Anonymous]

(... and we would appreciate ...)

[Anonymous]

We rented one for about a month last year. I thought it was a decent car. The only thing I didn't like (and this is weird) was the seat belts. they were really thin material and for whatever reason, my kids had a hard time buckling them.

[Anonymous]

I rented one for a week when my car was in the shop. Nice car but not great on gas.

[jsteele]

The 2011 is totally new. So you better specify which year you are considering.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, good point ... We'd probably go with something that's been reviewed, to be safe, so likely the 2010 ... But, it's not yet decided. Again, any input from owners/others is much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

My Dad has an old one with over 250k thousand miles on it. He bought it new and said he would drive that car until it died and it's just not dying.

I have been driving Hyundai/Kia cars for ten years and I haven't had any complaints. They include road side assistance and it will send someone out to bring you gas, change a flat, give you a jump, or a tow. It's great because you don't have to purchase AAA or any other type of plan.

Also check out the Kia models. Often they are the same car with a different name. This is why the Hyundai minivan didn't do well. It was the same as the Kia van but it cost more.

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

my dh bought a 2010 in May. He loves it. He had been driving a Toyota Camry for years and we think it is a great commuter car. We don't use it much with the two car seats but both can fit in.

[Anonymous]

We have a 2008 Sonata 4-cylinder which we bought to replace a 2006 Sonata after an idiot smashed into us. Both were bought new from Fitzgerald's in Gaithersburg, which I really recommend if you want a no-BS, no-haggling experience. In my experience, their prices were as good as we negotiated down to elsewhere.

Mileage-wise, I think we average 28 mpg for our regular driving (mostly highway commute, then shorter trips on the weekend) but can get up to 38 on pure highway driving if we keep the speed moderate.

Our only mechanical problem thus far has been minor but annoying - both front visors have broken and required replacement. From searching online, sounds like the 2008 model year had bad visors, hopefully they've changed the design.

The ride is comfortable and the trunk is huge. I don't think the handling is super-tight and there's some lean on turns, but, well, no one said this was a sports car.

[Anonymous]

(OP here..) These are really helpful, thanks to all who are commenting ...

[Anonymous]

I have a 2009 Hyundai Sonata; so far so good. It's got a 14 gallon gas tank and has a respectable MPG. No problems in the 20 months we've had it. It also has one of the best warranties in the industry (look it up for specifics). Huge trunk space (fits our stroller w/ room for other things). Lots of leg room. We bought it because we were looking for a safe and reliable car for our new baby.

Here's one small thing I don't like about the 2009 model - it's neither cool nor sleek looking. It's just sort of big and round and bulky. Sometimes I see my car in the parking lot and think to myself, "Ugh, is that really my car?" Honestly, it doesn't matter because function is more important than fashion at this point in my life, but I do remember those days when I felt so young and hip driving around in my uber cool car. The good news - my husband told me that the 2011 models are out and they look nothing like the older models. Overall, I think you will be very pleased, regardless of the year you choose.

[Anonymous]

Again, really helpful, thanks everyone ... It sounds like the Sonata is indeed a contender, and it's encouraging to read such great feedback.