Hyundai Motor Company and its line of vehicles

Reliability of Hyndai Sonata

Hello,

I am considering buying a 2007 Hyundai Sonata (V6 engine). I have
never owned a Hyundai but read positive things about their cars.
Here’s my dilemma-
I would love to hear from owners about how a Hyndai Sonata performs
after it has a few years on it compared to how the car performed when
new.
I think most manufacturer’s cars today drive well when new, but some
age sooner compared to the Japanese cars (IMHO).

Ken

Comments (20)




20 Responses to “Reliability of Hyndai Sonata”

  1. admin says:

    I have a ’06 LX with 40,000. Had it for 27 months.  It has been stellar.
    Absolutely love this car. My only complaint is the leather is too light.
    Hard to keep it clean. My brakes are starting to have a slight squeak.

    "Ken" <raid…@yahoo.com> wrote in message

    news:1192552562.533504.214710@i38g2000prf.googlegroups.com…

    - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

    > Hello,

    > I am considering buying a 2007 Hyundai Sonata (V6 engine). I have
    > never owned a Hyundai but read positive things about their cars.
    > Here’s my dilemma-
    > I would love to hear from owners about how a Hyndai Sonata performs
    > after it has a few years on it compared to how the car performed when
    > new.
    > I think most manufacturer’s cars today drive well when new, but some
    > age sooner compared to the Japanese cars (IMHO).

    > Ken

  2. admin says:

    "Ken" <raid…@yahoo.com> wrote in message
    > Here’s my dilemma-
    > I would love to hear from owners about how a Hyndai Sonata performs
    > after it has a few years on it compared to how the car performed when
    > new.

    I  have an ’07 with 24,300 miles. Not a problem yet.  Never been back to the
    dealer.

    I used to switch between my two cars but since I’ve had the Sonata, I never
    take the Buick.

  3. admin says:

    Ken <raid…@yahoo.com> wrote in news:1192552562.533504.214710
    @i38g2000prf.googlegroups.com:

    > Hello,

    > I am considering buying a 2007 Hyundai Sonata (V6 engine). I have
    > never owned a Hyundai but read positive things about their cars.
    > Here’s my dilemma-
    > I would love to hear from owners about how a Hyndai Sonata performs
    > after it has a few years on it compared to how the car performed when
    > new.
    > I think most manufacturer’s cars today drive well when new, but some
    > age sooner compared to the Japanese cars (IMHO).

    > Ken

    2006 Sonata GLS V6.  I just turned 32,000 miles today.  Purchased on
    9/28/05.  I’ve had it to the dealer once for a TSB on the ATX for the
    downshift from 5-2.  Other than that, nothing really but oil changes.  I
    had the brake squeak before and that turned out to be a need for grease on
    the caliper bolts.  I have the squeak again and it is likely the same
    issue.  The pads are still fine.

    Simply put, so far it is the best car I personally have ever owned.

    Eric

  4. admin says:

    Ken wrote:
    > Hello,

    > I am considering buying a 2007 Hyundai Sonata (V6 engine). I have
    > never owned a Hyundai but read positive things about their cars.
    > Here’s my dilemma-
    > I would love to hear from owners about how a Hyndai Sonata performs
    > after it has a few years on it compared to how the car performed when
    > new.
    > I think most manufacturer’s cars today drive well when new, but some
    > age sooner compared to the Japanese cars (IMHO).

    > Ken

    I can’t speak to the V-6 as I have the four-banger, but overall the car
    has been very reliable.  I haven’t been back to the dealer yet for
    anything significant (I just rolled over 29,000 miles on my 06 Sonata).
      They tried to find the snapping noise in the cowl/windshield, but were
    unsuccessful.  So, other than that noise when the car is cold, it has
    been nearly flawless from a manufacturing perspective.

    It has some annoying design issues, but the assembly quality appears to
    be outstanding.  The car performs the same today as when new.

    Matt

  5. admin says:

    My ’06 LX has 56000 miles on it, and it drives like the day we bought it.
    Nice car.

  6. admin says:

    On Oct 16, 11:36 am, Ken <raid…@yahoo.com> wrote:

    - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

    > Hello,

    >I have an 06 LX with 39500 miles.  The only issue I’ve had is with the CD changer.  Had to be replaced twice.

  7. admin says:

    Ken <raid…@yahoo.com> wrote in news:1192552562.533504.214710
    @i38g2000prf.googlegroups.com:

    > I am considering buying a 2007 Hyundai Sonata (V6 engine). I have
    > never owned a Hyundai but read positive things about their cars.
    > Here’s my dilemma-
    > I would love to hear from owners about how a Hyndai Sonata performs
    > after it has a few years on it compared to how the car performed when
    > new.
    > I think most manufacturer’s cars today drive well when new, but some
    > age sooner compared to the Japanese cars (IMHO).

    I bought a used (by Hertz) 2005 V6 automatic Sonata. It had 17K miles on it
    when I bought it and I have put about 35K more (mostly highway). It has not
    needed anything other than regular oil changes.

    I really like it. I have not looked at the newer models but I am assuming
    they are no worse and the next time I am looking for a car, I will
    definitely check out Hyundai’s models first.

    Sinan


    A. Sinan Unur <1…@llenroc.ude.invalid>
    (remove .invalid and reverse each component for email address)

  8. admin says:

    I have a 2003 Sonata with 6cyl engine, 53,000 miles and had no problems at
    all – great car
    rr

  9. admin says:

     > GUEST wrote:

     > Hello,
     >
     > I am considering buying a 2007 Hyundai Sonata (V6 engine). I have
     > never owned a Hyundai but read positive things about their cars.
     > Here’s my dilemma-
     > I would love to hear from owners about how a Hyndai Sonata performs
     > after it has a few years on it compared to how the car performed
    when
     > new.
     > I think most manufacturer’s cars today drive well when new, but
    some
     > age sooner compared to the Japanese cars (IMHO).
     >
     > Ken

    Have a 2002 Sonata.  It has been a pretty good car.
    Have received better reliability and longevity from Honda.  They also
    have better feel to drive.  Hyundai America refused to repair my
    brakes under the bumper-to-bumber warranty even though the car was
    still covered.

    The positive is:  with 75,000 miles on the car it is still our main
    car and I hope to drive it 150,000 miles.  Expect it will be junk by
    then if it makes it.  Honda’s last 200,000 miles.

    The Hyundai’s are a little less expensive to purchase initially.
    Resale on Hyundai’s really sucks so do not total out the car and plan
    on driving it a long time.

    Next time I will buy Honda because I think the Hyundai’s are about the
    same quality as Ford and GM.  Also, they use oddball battery sizes and
    very expensive transmission fluid only available from the dealer.

    Good luck, it is a difficult decision.

  10. admin says:

    "southluke" <luke.l.tal…@boeing-dot-com.no-spam.invalid> wrote in message

    news:GPqdnaTgS-5F24ranZ2dnUVZ_sGvnZ2d@giganews.com…

    > Have a 2002 Sonata.  It has been a pretty good car.
    > Have received better reliability and longevity from Honda.  They also
    > have better feel to drive.  Hyundai America refused to repair my
    > brakes under the bumper-to-bumber warranty even though the car was
    > still covered.

    Interesting.  How could you have experienced better longevity from the Honda
    when you’re still driving the Hyundai?

    > The positive is:  with 75,000 miles on the car it is still our main
    > car and I hope to drive it 150,000 miles.  Expect it will be junk by
    > then if it makes it.  Honda’s last 200,000 miles.

    I’m not sure why you’d expect it to be junk by 150,000 miles.  There are
    plenty enough of them out there that aren’t.  Most every car today will go
    200,000 – that’s certainly nothing unique to Honda.

    > The Hyundai’s are a little less expensive to purchase initially.
    > Resale on Hyundai’s really sucks so do not total out the car and plan
    > on driving it a long time.

    Yup – a down side if either you total the car or are accustomed to trading
    regularly.  The hit is not as bad as it used to be, but the resale value is
    not as good as some might wish it were.

    > Next time I will buy Honda because I think the Hyundai’s are about the
    > same quality as Ford and GM.  Also, they use oddball battery sizes and
    > very expensive transmission fluid only available from the dealer.

    Agreed on the tranny fluid, but the battery is a common aftermarket item.

    -Mike-
    mmarlowREM…@alltel.net

  11. admin says:

    "southluke" <luke.l.tal…@boeing-dot-com.no-spam.invalid> wrote in message

    news:GPqdnaTgS-5F24ranZ2dnUVZ_sGvnZ2d@giganews.com…

    > Have a 2002 Sonata.  It has been a pretty good car.
    > Have received better reliability and longevity from Honda.  They also
    > have better feel to drive.  Hyundai America refused to repair my
    > brakes under the bumper-to-bumber warranty even though the car was
    > still covered.

    Did you read your waranty manual?

    Normal wear on brakes is rarely covered under any manufacturers’
    bumper-to-bumper warranty.

    The 2007 language (not unique to Hyundai or 2007) reads in part:

    "Normal maintenance items (#) are warranted in normal service, only when
    replacement is the result of a defect in material or factory workmanship,
    for 12 months from the date of original delivery or 12,000 miles, whichever
    occurs first. …..

    # – such as belts, brake pads and linings, clutch linings,……….."

    Again this is common across the industry.

  12. admin says:

    On Oct 17, 12:36 am, Ken <raid…@yahoo.com> wrote:

    > Hello,

    > I am considering buying a 2007 Hyundai Sonata (V6 engine). I have
    > never owned a Hyundai but read positive things about their cars.
    > Here’s my dilemma-
    > I would love to hear from owners about how a Hyndai Sonata performs
    > after it has a few years on it compared to how the car performed when
    > new.
    > I think most manufacturer’s cars today drive well when new, but some
    > age sooner compared to the Japanese cars (IMHO).

    > Ken

    We have two 2007 NF Elites in our fleet
    I prefer the 4   as it is averaging 7.7 litres per 100 kM  now is
    coming into our hot weather here in AU
    and consumtion up to about 8.9 per 100 KM

    80% of driving on dirt roads

    The car is the most dust proof vehicle I have ever driven Much better
    than BMW & Honda
    Given that it "flies" over heavily rutted roads at average of 100 KMPH
    last month has 41000 KM on it since March 23 2007

    Have tried hard but can not fault this vehicle  the NF is a far nicer
    car than any previous Hyundai  all round.
    Can not reccomend this vehicle highly enough .
    The boss cleaned up a roo in His Holden Statesman at about 90KMPH
    result $13000 damage  ( no the airbags diid not deploy so the cost was
    all panel & paint)

    I had a "coming together" with an Even Bigger male red roo   on dirt
    road at about 115 Kmph on a sweeper bend with ore truck coming other
    way  so was a bit of a white knuckle change the undies moment .
     Awful loud bang and CRUNCH sound
     though oh here we go another 10+K off the budget ———

    Can send the pics of the Damage !!! $85.00 for crack repair to the
    griill and under pan cracked so body repair just plastic welded it and
    replaced reatining clips .

    Truly AMAZING Vehicle

    Only fault was on delivery day CD changer failed and they replaced at
    first service and flew part to the bush ——- Hyundai Australia head
    office followed up and even sent $ to replace chewed up disk !!!!
    If you send mail to spamlister at gmail dot com happy to supply pics

    I have yet to receive such excellent service from any other
    manufacture of anything ( Intel and HP take note )

    One complaint I do have is the fitment of OEM tyres to Australian
    vehicles Dunlop SP 270 Series 225/50/17  European silica compound
    They drive superb  But wear like blazes  front set chewed out at 18000
    Kms  (Australian dirt roads and tarmac temps of high 70 c ) test any
    tyre
    Replaced them with Kuhmos and Hankooks now no more Problems .

    This Korean gear   is as we say here " is the ducks Guts " Means in
    Aussie speak  top of the line .
    Mate if you are unhappy with a 07 Sonata  reckon you are bloody hard
    to please :)

    Strangely there are still those who knock Sonatas  maybe bad
    experiences or bias towards previous models (some of it deservedly so
    _ )

    Our fleet  consists of Big Holdens Hyundais Mistubishi (yuk) many
    Toyotas  a couple of Volvos and  Fords (called falcons here) and the
    Sonata’s running costs are the cheapest in the fleet .
    The drivers (who when heard they were being put into them including
    myself said dont want any of that Korean Crap ) well now apologise to
    the make as they are truly OUTSTANDING  given what we do to them and
    driving conditions .

    Common sense and  company rules is that we check and blow out the dust
    from the air filters end of each week is about the only non scheduled
    service performed on the whole fleet ( red dust here is full of FE and
    tests show 60.9 FE content of the dust) basicly powdered Iron  and
    more than one local has paid the price for being slack and ended up
    dusting engines (stupid noddy some how put the air filter in arse up
    and allowed unfiltered air straight into the engine = oops ! )

    IMO you should have  trouble free and very comfortable and safe
    driving experience . The vehicles on these dirt roads get driven hard
    and quick and are as sure footed as one could wish for (apart from
    constant 4wd subi’s)

    Polen filters in air conditioning DO WORK  and the seals etc keep all
    the hot air and dust and other nasties out .

    Windscreens here get broken regularly  due to opposing traffic
    throwing up rocks etc —– either by luck or strength  having copped
    more than my fair share of rocks have not done one it yet  only cars
    witjout a history of screens are the 3 Hyundais —we are still trying
    to work out why this blip in the stats but not complaining

    At night (here looking to find fault)  the lights  run out of road :)
    so we slow down to 100 Ks ( wild life considerations) .
    The ABS and dynamics of the suspension and handling  mean that if you
    prang one you have been driving like a clot . They handle far better
    than they should for the price  even in the rare instance of rain on
    greasy muddy roads chewed up by road trains  (see –
    http://www.kimberleyaustralia.com/image-files/gibb-river-road-picture...
    &  http://www.framecraft.com.au/images/october/9b.jpg
    & http://www.framecraft.com.au/images/october/31b.jpg) for what a
    Aussie road train is  you may begin to appreciate  just how we punish
    our vehicles here.

    The cars are so good  for the first time when we turn these over (at
    75000) I shall buy the one I am currently in for the wife  ———
    they ARE THAT GOOD .

    And I have noting to do with Hyundai I just drive the buggers into the
    ground but heck they are hard to kill these things :)
    Enjoy  happy and above all safe motoring with one if you eventually
    choose one

    Cheers From Australia

  13. admin says:

    "southluke" <luke.l.tal…@boeing-dot-com.no-spam.invalid> wrote in message
    >   Honda’s last 200,000 miles.

    Every single one of them?

  14. admin says:

    Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
    > "southluke" <luke.l.tal…@boeing-dot-com.no-spam.invalid> wrote in message
    >>   Honda’s last 200,000 miles.

    > Every single one of them?

    My 84 Accord didn’t even make 80,000 miles before the engine had to have
    a top-end replacement.

    Matt

  15. admin says:

    Our Honda Accord made 35000 miles before we trashed it. The cam lobes had
    worn  at 35000 miles? Come on, Honda’s reliability, pure shit. Never, ever,
    will I buy a Honda  again.
    "Matt Whiting" <whit…@epix.net> wrote in message

    news:HebSi.396$2n4.19895@news1.epix.net…

    - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

    > Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
    > > "southluke" <luke.l.tal…@boeing-dot-com.no-spam.invalid> wrote in
    message
    > >>   Honda’s last 200,000 miles.

    > > Every single one of them?

    > My 84 Accord didn’t even make 80,000 miles before the engine had to have
    > a top-end replacement.

    > Matt

  16. admin says:

    - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

    razz wrote:
    > Our Honda Accord made 35000 miles before we trashed it. The cam lobes had
    > worn  at 35000 miles? Come on, Honda’s reliability, pure shit. Never, ever,
    > will I buy a Honda  again.
    > "Matt Whiting" <whit…@epix.net> wrote in message
    > news:HebSi.396$2n4.19895@news1.epix.net…
    >> Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
    >>> "southluke" <luke.l.tal…@boeing-dot-com.no-spam.invalid> wrote in
    > message
    >>>>   Honda’s last 200,000 miles.
    >>> Every single one of them?

    >> My 84 Accord didn’t even make 80,000 miles before the engine had to have
    >> a top-end replacement.

    >> Matt

    That is the same problem I had.  My 84 Accord had the cam lobes and
    rocker arm pads self destruct at 70,000 miles.  Had to replace the cam
    and full set of rockers, but no way could I ever get all of the crud out
    of the engine so I traded it as soon as it was repaired on a new 89
    Plymouth Acclaim.  That vehicle was rock solid and ran 146,000 miles
    with zero engine problems … and then my wife hit a deer and totaled it.

    What year was your Accord?

    Matt

  17. admin says:

    I believe it was a 85 accord exi.
    "Matt Whiting" <whit…@epix.net> wrote in message

    news:xxcSi.398$2n4.20022@news1.epix.net…

    - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

    > razz wrote:
    > > Our Honda Accord made 35000 miles before we trashed it. The cam lobes
    had
    > > worn  at 35000 miles? Come on, Honda’s reliability, pure shit. Never,
    ever,
    > > will I buy a Honda  again.
    > > "Matt Whiting" <whit…@epix.net> wrote in message
    > > news:HebSi.396$2n4.19895@news1.epix.net…
    > >> Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
    > >>> "southluke" <luke.l.tal…@boeing-dot-com.no-spam.invalid> wrote in
    > > message
    > >>>>   Honda’s last 200,000 miles.
    > >>> Every single one of them?

    > >> My 84 Accord didn’t even make 80,000 miles before the engine had to
    have
    > >> a top-end replacement.

    > >> Matt

    > That is the same problem I had.  My 84 Accord had the cam lobes and
    > rocker arm pads self destruct at 70,000 miles.  Had to replace the cam
    > and full set of rockers, but no way could I ever get all of the crud out
    > of the engine so I traded it as soon as it was repaired on a new 89
    > Plymouth Acclaim.  That vehicle was rock solid and ran 146,000 miles
    > with zero engine problems … and then my wife hit a deer and totaled it.

    > What year was your Accord?

    > Matt

  18. admin says:

    Brian Matthews <nooneca…@ddd.com> wrote in
    news:8uvkh3dajkbf5td60eiuv6peddo8isl8c9@4ax.com:

    - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

    > On Tue, 16 Oct 2007 21:46:52 GMT, "Eric G."
    > <NgOrSePeAn…@Zoptonline.Znet> wrote:

    >>I
    >>had the brake squeak before and that turned out to be a need for
    >>grease on the caliper bolts.  I have the squeak again and it is likely
    >>the same issue.

    > I’m having the same problem. It doesn’t happen when I hit the brakes
    > though, it happens when the car is moving. A high pitched squeaking
    > coming from the wheel (in front) It only started after I had the brake
    > pads and rotors replaced. Grease the bolts, huh? I’ll tell my
    > mechanic. He thought it may be the struts when he heard it. I thought
    > it was maybe a wheel bearing but he said no way. He said if it was a
    > bearing it would be more of a grinding sound. Did you have to remove
    > the entire caliper bolts and grease them? Thanks for the info.

    > Brian

    Yes, you do need to remove the bolt because they have mini rubber boots
    over them to try to keep debris out.  Very simple to do actually.

    Eric

    P.S. – The sqeak I have happens just as you describe.

  19. admin says:

     > GUEST wrote:

     > Hello,
     >
     > I am considering buying a 2007 Hyundai Sonata (V6 engine). I have
     > never owned a Hyundai but read positive things about their cars.
     > Here’s my dilemma-
     > I would love to hear from owners about how a Hyndai Sonata performs
     > after it has a few years on it compared to how the car performed
    when
     > new.
     > I think most manufacturer’s cars today drive well when new, but
    some
     > age sooner compared to the Japanese cars (IMHO).
     >
     > Ken

    I don’t think every Honda makes it 200,000 miles, and
    for many different reasons.  The reliability of cars is statisical in
    nature.  That is why J. D. Powers and most others provide statisical
    data when trying to quantify the reliability of cars.  They provide
    statements like number of defects per 100 cars or some such thing
    like that.

    If you read their reports, Honda has been rating much higher than
    Hyundai.  Also, for consumer reports they poll owners and ask what
    problems they have had over various periods of time.  Again Honda’s
    appear better.

    I had the graduate level statisics courses and does this mean your
    Hyundai will not last longer than my Honda?  NO!

    The bottom line is you pay your money and you take your chances.
    Stistically, though, you have better odds of getting a reliable car
    with a Honda.  I have had three Honda vehicles and received
    outstanding service from them.  I only have a sample of one Hyundai
    and it has been pretty good but less than stellar.  And I have not
    been happy at all with the warranty responses from the dealer and
    Hyundai America.

    This is as objective an answer as I can come up with to defend my
    previous postings stating I will buy a Honda next time.

    And by the way, 1984 models are not a very good comparison for todays
    models.  Hyundai’s were about like Yugo’s in 1984.

    Luke

  20. admin says:

    I own a Hyundai Sonata (100K) and a Honda Accord (50K).  I would not buy a
    Hyundai again, primarily because I shared the same experience of getting a poor
    response from Hyundai America on an obvious defect.  I had to sue Hyundai in
    small claims court before the manufacturer agreed to pay for the repair.  They
    insisted on a confidentiality agreement, which is why I cannot elaborate.  I
    have also had more costly repairs on my Sonata (e.g., electric window
    regulators, real wheel bearings).  I do not think that Hyundai’s are bad cars –
    I just won’t reward a manufacturer that doesn’t care about customer
    satisfaction with future purchases.  I should add that I know of two other
    people who had similar bad experiences with Hyundai America.  By contrast, my
    Hyundai dealer has been top notch in terms of service.  

    My Honda has been very reliable thru 50K – no repairs other than normal
    maintenance.

    - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

    luke.l.tal…@boeing-dot-com.no-spam.invalid (southluke) wrote:
    > > GUEST wrote:
    > > Hello,

    > > I am considering buying a 2007 Hyundai Sonata (V6 engine). I have
    > > never owned a Hyundai but read positive things about their cars.
    > > Here’s my dilemma-
    > > I would love to hear from owners about how a Hyndai Sonata performs
    > > after it has a few years on it compared to how the car performed
    >when
    > > new.
    > > I think most manufacturer’s cars today drive well when new, but
    >some
    > > age sooner compared to the Japanese cars (IMHO).

    > > Ken

    >I don’t think every Honda makes it 200,000 miles, and
    >for many different reasons.  The reliability of cars is statisical in
    >nature.  That is why J. D. Powers and most others provide statisical
    >data when trying to quantify the reliability of cars.  They provide
    >statements like number of defects per 100 cars or some such thing
    >like that.

    >If you read their reports, Honda has been rating much higher than
    >Hyundai.  Also, for consumer reports they poll owners and ask what
    >problems they have had over various periods of time.  Again Honda’s
    >appear better.

    >I had the graduate level statisics courses and does this mean your
    >Hyundai will not last longer than my Honda?  NO!

    >The bottom line is you pay your money and you take your chances.
    >Stistically, though, you have better odds of getting a reliable car
    >with a Honda.  I have had three Honda vehicles and received
    >outstanding service from them.  I only have a sample of one Hyundai
    >and it has been pretty good but less than stellar.  And I have not
    >been happy at all with the warranty responses from the dealer and
    >Hyundai America.

    >This is as objective an answer as I can come up with to defend my
    >previous postings stating I will buy a Honda next time.

    >And by the way, 1984 models are not a very good comparison for todays
    >models.  Hyundai’s were about like Yugo’s in 1984.

    >Luke

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