2009 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews

much better than expected

Written by: silvereagle on 10/21/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Just bought my Sonata 5 days ago. traded a 2003 Mazda 6 s. The Sonata has been better than I could have hoped. Nice interior, quiet(except suspension), good stereo and very pleasant road manners. What really has been a surprise is the gas mileage. I used 5.25 gallons for 202 miles. That is better than 38 mpg and it was mixed driving and a new engine. I did have the dealership replace the original oil with synthetic before taking delivery

Favorite Features

interior,ride and milage

Suggested Improvements

quiet the suspension noise

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Steering problems

Written by: Martin on 10/17/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

After less than 1000 miles the car started pulling to the left on any road or highway which isn't perfectly level. Speed doesn't matter-at low speeds the steering wheel make a 45 degree turn to the left, on highway I can merge into the left lane by just letting go of it. Took it to the dealership 4 times, alignment is ok, rotated the tires but still no difference. Dealership checked with Hyundai if this is a known problem and said it isn't (?). Of course, they say they can't do much more than that. Never had this problem with my 2 chevys and 08 Santa Fe on the exact same roads. Obviously, this car has suspension and steer design flaws. At least mine is a smooth and quiet ride on any kind of street.

Favorite Features

USB input,nice interior,spacious interior and trunk.

Suggested Improvements

Redesign the suspension and steering.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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replacing my toyota

Written by: replaced toyota on 10/17/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I purchased my Sonata after looking at Nisson and Honda and the best buy for the money was the Sonata. I have a heavy foot on the gas and still get 32 mg on the highway. The best I ever got from my Toyota was 29. The warranty is limited you have to read the fine print.

Favorite Features

xm radio

Suggested Improvements

make the car heavy

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2nd review, still learning

Written by: gary on 10/16/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

All good, finding new things on this machine every time out. Found take off in automatic a little hesitant but not used to drag race, so ok. Did a little research anyway reading tech data. It makes since to me why now. Drive train is made to get max fuel economy w/fare amount of horses. Using same 3.3L v6 added cvvt, new injection system boosted HP and MPG + Shiftronics all new f/2009. Trans has special valve to somewhat control RPM surge in auto mode manual side no valve 1st geared lower. You control RPM's. Better jump, don't hit car in front. Good f/ city driving. Also car has timing chain not stupid belt. Traction control is great when rain puddles on hiway.

Favorite Features

Now I guess shiftronics & traction control is high on my list. All options on new SE model are very pleasing for functional and visual effect. Sonata is engineered and built in the USA even engine and drive train.

Suggested Improvements

Good question, I will think of something. UH not yet!

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Great purchase

Written by: jprich on 10/09/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

My first new car. Read a lot of reviews. Had a great deal (rebate) + winter tires and other free goodies. Had it for 5 months and nearly 10k km on it. Went on a trip to Boston from Montreal and the car ran perfectly well. Very comfortable and roomy. Gas mileage on road is greater than expected. Bit disappointed for city mileage though. Had a burned tail light and the small door speaker unglued itself on the first month but got them fixed right away. No biggies.

Favorite Features

6 Speakers system + USB/IPOD = AWESOME. Good gaz mileage on road. Mixed leather/cloth seats is a great idea. Very large trunk.

Suggested Improvements

I can't believe this nice car does not come with fordable side-mirrors and outside temperature display STOCK!!!

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Not Much Wrong with this Car

Written by: bmac50 on 10/07/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Less then 1400 miles, one of the first things I did was change the air filter to K&N, seeing 23 MPG in town, on the road I don't know yet but some mixed with mostly town 26. More than enough pick up to get out of the way and starting in 1st. Very roomy, good seats and driving position, wish the seat bottom was a little longer but on any car I do. Easy to read gauges, very strong brakes and great audio system. Of course the best warranty in the business doesn't hurt. Easy to get the steering wheel where you like with both tilt and telescopic. Wasn't really that hot about leather or the moon roof but I'm finding I was quite wrong.

Favorite Features

Audio system very easy to use with very little looking for where's that button. Wife wishes for a cassette player but her car has one and I have no use.

Suggested Improvements

Trunk shocks could be a little bit lighter when opening the trunk.Center storage might be easier to use if unit cover opened towards the front, also I have lined the top chamber with a rubber type material so lose change doesn't make so much noise.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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To replace 98 chev lumina

Written by: DARRYL on 10/03/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Just took a 2500 mile vac trip and had good millage thru out. Total ave. was about 29 mpg. I was disappointed with the harsh suspension due to the narrow profile tires it has. You do feel every pot hole. The drivers seat should have more back travel for leg clearance to exit from the car. The arm rest could extend forward a little farther for comfort. The blue trip scan gauge is very hard to read when lights are not used during the day and it is real bright out side. Color should be either orange or green. Slight hesitation on acceleration is very annoying.

Favorite Features

Good value and mpg and safety features for the money spent. Infinity sound system with the 6 cd changer is excellent. I am going to enjoy the heated seats in the Mn. winter around the corner. Auto trans. shifting is very smooth. Most importantly is the fact it has a timing chain instead of a belt.

Suggested Improvements

Harsh suspension/scan gauge color/seat travel/armrest/and acceleration hesitation. If any thing would keep me from buying another Hyundai these are it.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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To replace a totalled 1998 Altima....

Written by: Jazzel on 09/21/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I was renting a Sonata GLS that was thru the insurance for 30 days as my car was totaled. I was impressed with the car and since I test drove a 2009 Sonata GLS for a month, I talked myself into buying a Sonata Limited 2009 w/o Nav. I paid $4375 below factory invoice that includes the 3000 rebate. Driving experience- suspension could be better, but no biggie. Everyone talks in the reviews of great MPG (30-34) on highways. I have not seen much written about city MPG. Mine is around 19-20 MPG in City driving which is not that impressive. Hope it improves as the car just finished the break in period. On freeway it is 30- 32 and as soon as I get off the ramp it drops to 20-21 in just 10 miles.

Favorite Features

Good value for money. No other manufacturer could beat it. I was a Nissan guy and have 2 Altimas 1998 and 2005. I'm glad I made Sonata as my 3rd car purchase. I gave up the brand loyalty as it was just paying too much and getting too little.

Suggested Improvements

City MPG needs to be worked on. Did not buy the Bluetooth installed as it was a added dealer option. Needs to integrate the Bluetooth into the sound system to look more cool.

12 out 13 people found this review helpful

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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.

7 out 7 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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