2009 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews

I love this car.....

Written by: LidaRose on 07/02/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I researched and drove other cars for 3 months. My short list also included the Fusion, Camry and Accord. I kept going back to this one because I got everything I was looking for without having to buy a package (or not be able to get it at all) not to mention the warranty. The Camry had shifting issues, the Fusion didn't have stability control, the Accord dashboard was ugly and confusing. I only have 1000 miles on it, but so far it's been an amazing car. I'm getting 21-22 mpg avg city and hwy combined. I got the SE auto - had a Taurus and the v6 best fit what I was used to driving. It has more than enough power for me. It handles well, shifts so smoothly and looks great too.

Favorite Features

Comfort, dashboard controls, colors, handling - a little 'looser' than the Taurus but I got used to it quickly, power of the v6, telescoping wheel, steering wheel controls for the radio, roomy back seat and lots of headroom in front, all the storage nooks and crannies in front.

Suggested Improvements

All are nitpicky but the visors are VERY hard to 'unhook' to use - especially when driving. It rolls backward much more than I'd like when stopped on a hill. Also, would like the driver's seat to go back farther than it does.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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I wish they could build SE i-4 manual...

Written by: Ross B on 06/29/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I am 6.3" 300 lbs guy with a normal driving style. Here is my first impression from my first 200 miles: The good: - great value ( can't beat 14,975$ price) - good interior ( dual color comes with cherry read color) - solid build quality - good fuel economy (200 miles on less than 1/2 tank) - manual tranny is Ok, except the clutch bites too soon The bad: - very soft suspension and numb steering feel - seat is too soft, no adjustable lumbar support or telescope steering wheel for GLS trim The Ugly: - SE trim would probably address most of my complaints but Hyundai simply doesn't manufacture SE I-4 despite the fact it is listed even in their brochure. I would gladly pay 2000$ for SE.

Favorite Features

- great price - solid build quality - VDC, ABS, 6 airbags standard

Suggested Improvements

- tighter suspension - firmer seats - adjustable lumbar support - telescopic steering - better handle for steering column adjuster (the only cheap part in the interior) - please, adjust the clutch bite

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Only Superlatives

Written by: kaixwing on 06/28/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I own a Santa Fe so i knew the quality that Hyundai offers for the money. The Sonata is an exceptional value compared to the Accord and Camry costing 6-7K more. The fit and finish rival that of Lexus. Despite reviews to the contrary, the car is actually fun to drive and quite peppy even with the 4cyl. The night display is phenomenal with the blue and white lights. The surprise bonus - high gas mileage. I actually got more than 35 miles per gallon on the highway but going little over 60 and keeping a steady foot.

Favorite Features

Interior display, excellent gas mileage, spacious interior and trunk. Peppy and a joy to drive

Suggested Improvements

The rear design and brake lights are a little dated resembling the Accord of previous generation.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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First Hyundai - Great Choice

Written by: Pjay on 06/28/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Traded in my 1991 Camry (203K miles) and compared Sonata 4 cyl with add on package vs 2008 Accord and 2009 Camry, to see why I should pay $2000-2800 more for a Camry or Honda. The Accord was not as quiet as the Sonata at 35- 45mph especially, had a slight blind spot in mirror, did not include alarm, had less trunk space, lacked split rear fold back seats (single), but did have superior steering. Camry did not have standard ESC, the clock was in a strange location on dash (look up!), and the body lines on car were bland. At 1900 miles, the Sonata drives well and very quiet, has enough pick up, mileage at 31-32 (mix highway/local), love the XM radio and ipod dock,great trunk /rear seat space

Favorite Features

Love the quiet ride, smooth ride with decent suspension, mileage is great (over 32 highway, added sun roof is nice, XM radio a big plus, dash design is great, car interior is roomy and you have good visibility when driving

Suggested Improvements

Steering could be a bit tighter but as long as you are not going to race - it should be perfectly adequate

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great car Low price

Written by: Joel on 06/27/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have only owned this car two days and have driven a little over 600 miles. It is not only fun to drive, but very comfortable. I had no idea Hyundai had improved their cars this much. I have a Cadillac Seville in the garage and this car is on a comparable level as the Caddy and at a fraction of the price.

Favorite Features

Just learning the onboard Nav system but it seems very accurate. Like the shifter. Like the dual air controls. Like the alloy wheels. Like the on board garage door openers. Like the lumbar seat. Like the sound of the XM system. There's nothing I don't like about this car.

Suggested Improvements

So many details were included, I cannot think of anything that is left out. This car is awesome for the price.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Hyundai

Written by: Marc on 06/27/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I like the car a lot. I really enjoy driving it

Favorite Features

exterior side panel accents, XM radio, Navigation

Suggested Improvements

The steering wheel could use some woodgrain accents to class it up a bit. Also the horn sounds weak. Sounds like it should be on a girls tricycle.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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My Very FIRST Brand New Car-AWESOME!

Written by: Jana on 06/25/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I've owned used cars since I turned 16 (I'm only 21) but 2 weeks ago I bought my first, brand-spanking new car, the 2009 Sonata. This car is a dream come true. I love the smooth ride, great interior(love the USB hook-up, cd player, and built in XM), nice exterior, and the huge trunk space. I researched cars before buying and came SOOO close to buying a used Honda Accord but I traveled down the road and came upon the Hyuandai car dealership and found my car. I recommend this car to everyone. Even my boyfriend inquired about one (and he has a 2008 Ford Focus!) Lovely car--go get one!

Favorite Features

Cd player, Usb hook-up, and built in XM- -3 in one--so many choices--nice interior design, love my Ebony Black exterior, smooth, quiet ride.

Suggested Improvements

Needs more pep--it's slow to start off....

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exellent value

Written by: tom on 06/24/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Dealership was very aggressive in a good way....cost of this vehicle was considerably less than an EX Honda 08. WOW!

Favorite Features

vehicle value for the cost is great..

Suggested Improvements

shifting of the transmission from 1st to 2nd in the automatic is a little rough

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Confident Purchase

Written by: 09GLS on 06/23/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Out of the blue decided to trade in my aging 1995 BMW 525i for the Sonata. While the '08 models sharp exterior styling initially caught my eye, the only 4 cylinder models in stock were '09s. The spacious updated interior truly feels classy and the 'fake' manual mode let's you play a little. Acceleration is lacking and gear changes clunky, yet justified by your last refueling receipt. Great gauges and wood trim throughout. Upholstery is bland but practical. Although innovative, integrated USB/AUX ports suffer from compatibility issues (ie. iPhone support). Overall, best value for the money, if you can live with a goofy 'H' on your grill.

Favorite Features

Exterior styling, fuel economy, cabin size, warranty. Knowing you own a 2009 model costing less than competitors 08 offerings.

Suggested Improvements

Please change the Hyundai logo already, it's cursed. Grill is still too skinny giving otherwise beautiful exterior that 'budget' look. Trunk does not spring open. Gauzy looking interior cloth may be easy on the wallet, but not the eyes.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love this Vehicle

Written by: WJones on 06/22/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Just completed an 800 mile trip. Very comfortable ride. Some tire noise. Would like to see little more suspension. Good fuel economy. Would like to see factory tinted windows be more darken.

Favorite Features

Love the color. A/C works well.

Suggested Improvements

Better tires. Never heard of the tires that came with the vehicle. More cup holders.

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