2009 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews Page 3

A good surprise

Written by: Paul on 09/21/2009

Vehicle

2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have driven Camrys for the past 10 years so it took quite a leap of faith for me to purchase a new 2009 Sonata Limited. But after comparison shopping there was no contest. I got a great deal on my Sonata (especially with the $3000 rebate on 2009 Sonatas), the dealership could not have been easier to work with (I run from high-pressure sales folks)and the car I bought has a lot of very nice features, including a V-6, leather interior, sunroof, great stereo and a very nice, quiet ride, plus excellent warranties. For the same price I paid for a new Sonata with all those features I would have had to buy a used Camry, Accord or Altima (and right around 2007 or even 2006 for the same features.)

Favorite Features

The interior space is excellent. I am a big guy, over 6'2" and have several inches to spare above my head, especially with the sunroof. I also am very surprised by the handling, which is very smooth, and the engine, which has plenty of pep when I need it. My wife and I also love the heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

The car I bought does not have navigation and I miss that although I believe that is standard in 2010 Limiteds.

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Great value

Written by: theofile on 09/20/2009

Vehicle

2009 Hyundai Sonata SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Just finished a 6K mile trip out west. The car performed great. Got between 28 and 37 MPG. The 28 was doing a steady 81 with AC. The 37 was doing around 55. Couldn't have asked for more of 175 horses. I enjoyed the trip. The car was quiet, and we enjoyed the radio and music using a memory stick.

Favorite Features

Can't say I really had any favorite features. We enjoyed the quietness, comfort and fuel economy. I typically get around 29-30 mpg at home in mixed driving.

Suggested Improvements

The stick shift could use some improvement - a little smoother. Add more available features to stick models.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Outstanding Sedan

Written by: Dean on 09/16/2009

Vehicle

2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I have purchased 15 new Japanese cars since 1978 - Mazdas, Nissans and Mitsubishi. This is my first Korean car. I must say that I am very impressed with the Sonata compared with the many Japanese cars I have bought in the past. Fit and finish are excellent, mileage is amazing (24.5 in the city, 34.5 on the interstate at 80MPH with the air conditioning). Many more standard features than most other brands and far less expensive. Most comfortable sedan I have ever owned. The warranty is far better than any Japanese manufacturer's. After 3800 miles, I've had no problems whatsoever. Although I've only owned the car for 3 months, I highly recommend the Sonata.

Favorite Features

Dual climate control, TPMS, useful trip computer, comfortable leather seats, USB/IPod connections, steering wheel controls for cruise and sound, electronic stability control and traction control, well thought out design of all features, etc.

Suggested Improvements

Folding side mirrors

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Major safety concern?

Written by: Rick on 09/16/2009

Vehicle

2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

We have only owned the Sonata for 1 month. Although the test drive was fine, the the front passenger seat became very uncomfortable on a longer road trip. Also, I recently drove the car in the country after dark, and it seemed like a curtain descended half way down the windshield. I had to turn on the highbeams to be able to see if an animal was in the road, and even then, I couldn't see the sides at intersections. The problem isn't bad on lighted city streets except for not being able to see around the corner at intersections. The dealer said that the lights are normal -- but I didn't have this problem with the Nissan, Ford or Chevy cars that we drove over the past 25 years.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage has been relatively good, 23 to 34 on the highway, only 22 in town. So far it runs smoothly and acceleration is adequate.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the headlights!!! and the front passenger seat.

5 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Please Fix Brake Pad Problem

Written by: Jane on 09/13/2009

Vehicle

2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I live in New England and purchased 2009 Sonata.Great winter performance. With only 15000 on the OD my Service Mgr. told me the brake pad backer plates are rusting and the corrosion is reducing the space between the pad and the rotor creating a potential safety problem of possibly glazing and having a brake loss or dragging and locking or burning. With the bumper to bumper warranty expired the the repair cost me $160 out of pocket. I was told the problem could re-occur. The expense is a minor irritation but the Prospect of losing my brakes on the Interstate or having them lock-up on an icey road is terrifying. Whats the big deal about a re-design of the pad. An alloy that doesn't rust.

Favorite Features

Smart design looks great and traction control handles all road conditions superbly with excellent fuel economy.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the brakes for us in the Winter snow regions.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Overall Great Purchase "But".

Written by: John of Columbus NC on 09/06/2009

Vehicle

2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

Purchased this vehicle after trading in a 2009 Honda CRV EX-L. Loved the Honda but tired of the SUV. The Hyundai is everything I expected except I have a noise under the dash that drives me crazy whenever I go over a speed bump or drive on a secondary road, I read about this noise in other owner reviews but was hoping it would not happen to me. My Honda never had a noise like this. It sounds like something is loose and it is a "plastic" like noise. I will ask my dealer to fix it during my first service. If he can't, I will really regret my purchase regardless of price.

Favorite Features

Really like the interior design, the gray leather and silver exterior. Very quiet on the highways. MPG run around 27-29 using my own calculator. XM radio is superb. A nice car except see above and what follows.

Suggested Improvements

I really miss my daytime running lights on my Honda. The irritating noise under the dash is a real "bummer" A vehicle with these amenities should not have these problems. I'll let you know in a later review if they do or do not fix the terrible sound.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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so far GREAT!!!!

Written by: bayou man on 09/06/2009

Vehicle

2009 Hyundai Sonata SE V6 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

After much research and comparisons we decided on the SE v6, this style gave us more standard options than any of the others. Plus several other options added at no extra charge, add in the warranty and it was a easy decision. It may have a little less horsepower rating than some of the top competitors but unless you buy it to drag race, or want to exceed 145 mph I think it is more than efficient. You get advantage of great gas mileage 32.5 hyway,would only wish I could have got that kind of mileage with my 63 Impala SS W/ SAME HP. BEATS OUR 2.5L V6 mAZDA by a long shot.Ride is awesome, quite, smooth and precise, interior is great. Find a better deal than this buy it.

Favorite Features

v6 power and smoothness, shifttronic transmission, mileage, and warranty. Do yourself justice just go and give this style Sonata a look before making a final decision, you may be surprised!!

Suggested Improvements

maybe a keyhole for the trunk.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Very good car

Written by: Jim on 09/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is our second Hyundai after having 2 prior Hondas. Our XG350 was a better travel car, but our V6 Sonata handles better due to a less soft suspension and has 50hp more. Love the GPS and Bluetooth, as well as the standard 350 watt Infiniti sound system. Our onboard mpg computer pegs in-town at 22mpg, and generally 31-32 mpg on a flat, straight highway like I- 20. 5 year bumper-to-bumper and 10 year mechanical warranties will probably go unused.

Favorite Features

ECM, voice operated XM radio and GPS, Bluetooth, gear shift system.

Suggested Improvements

Stop the typical hyundai transmission hesitation when accelerating; brake pedal and footfeed can be pushed at the same time with average shoe; use American accented speakers for voice operated systems is U.S. and Canada - some words are strange when trying to drive and understand directions.

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Good for Tall Guy

Written by: Steve on 09/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

Review for Sonata GLS with floor mats and Bluetooth options only. I'm 6'6" and this is one of the only cars in this class that I can sit in and be able to fit my knee between the steering wheel and center console. Only other acceptable car was Nissan cube, but it didn't have armrests. Plenty of head room and my view outside front window is not blocked by roof. With driver seat back fully, still room for passenger legs in back. 4-cyl engine has adequate acceleration for commuter car. Auto Trans shifts smoothly. Has more road feel through steering wheel than my old Jeep Grand Cherokee, but not unacceptable.

Favorite Features

Large trunk, good mileage, XM Radio. Controls well laid out and well lit. Dual compartment center console is nice and extra power port at USB/AUX input is nice. Kids like the folding center console in back seat. Factory bluetooth is very convenient. Slate blue color shifts in different lighting

Suggested Improvements

No external trunk opener- have to open from driver set or use remote. Radio needs more preset buttons. Better bass response of factory speakers. Fabric seat covers seem thin. Wiper controls confusing at first.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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well worth the money

Written by: value buyer on 09/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

Sonata beats other cars in its class when it comes to the performance/price ratio.

Favorite Features

USB outlet, XM radio, ingenious automatic transmission, price, warranty.

Suggested Improvements

solar glass on all models, more colours, key lock for passenger door, horizontal grils on the fan opening so you can mount a portable GPS. The Speedometer has an awful design: It's uselessly graded to 160 mph, and there are no markings for odd speeds like 50, 70, 90 mph...such a trivial oversight!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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