Used 2004 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews
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My 2004 sonataa
I bought my 2004 sonata used for only 4500! It now has 212,000 miles on it and runs awesome and has never left me stranded. The only thing ive had to do to it is a tune up, oil changes, changing of head lights and tail lights. I had to buy new tires after 2 years and a starter for it but thats it. It may sound like a lot but it was just regular maintenance that it needed. Never had any other problem with it. It just started making a creaking noise and i think its my cv axles that need replaced but i wouldnt trade this car for a new one because the space in the car is amazing i think and the new cars have to much technology in them and are compact cars that look big and bulky. Ill keep my 2004 hyundai sonata till it wont drive anymore! Hope this helps.
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The best car if you take Care of it
My hyundai belonged to my dad before he gave it to me. He bought it new and it has never had any major issues. Just did regular maintenance. The only thing I don't like is the headlights don't seem To be very bright! But other than that I love the car and it's always been really reliable. Just watch out for the timing belt, because of the interference engine. Don't replace it late. Other than that the car is amazing and has never failed me. Already has 190000 miles on it and runs beautifully.
- Base SedanMSRP: $5,499258 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $5,999291 mi away
- GLS SedanMSRP: $5,999297 mi away
Best Car I've Ever Owned
I bought my Sonata with 17,000 miles on it. It now has 204,000 miles and it's still going strong. It has never once left me stranded, and I've only had to do the usual car maintenance: brakes, tires, tune up, etc. I have been meticulous about oil changes every 3,000 miles. The interior is still in great shape, and it continues to be a comfortable ride, still. Truly the best car I've ever owned. My only complaint is that it's not the greatest in terms of gas mileage.
Reliable Driver
Got this vehicle from my mother 4 years ago. Has been very reliable with no major repairs required to this point. Comfort of seats is fair and interior design on base model is bland but it gets the job done.
I've never had a more reliable car
I've had this car for about 6 years now. It has never let me down. Not long after buying it, I rear-ended an old truck that should have, in all honesty, torn things up. The car started right back up and has been running flawlessly ever since. I've never had a bad belt and, unlike my Ford, a broken a/c compressor doesn't affect engine performance. The serpentine belt started squealing a little shortly before the alternator went dead earlier this year, but I suspect a squeaky pulley rather than the belt. There is plenty of power and handles very well. I trust it to keep me and my family safe on the road, within reason.
Best Sonata that Hyundai has ever made!
I have had this car for about a year and a half, and I love it. The only downside is city mileage. I love the style inside and out. Inside, the mahogany wood grain complements the interior nicely. Plus, the body style has an expensive look to it. It is silver, which to me is the best color of all the 04 Sonata's. It's sleek, sporty, and rather fast surprisingly. I have the V6 2.7L, which delivers a lot of power and speed. It may be six years old, but she still runs like a champ. I Love this car, and I hope to get another 100,000 thousand miles out of her.
Great Car
I use this car for business and have found it to be reliable and comfortable. I drive approx. 30K a year and have had no mechanical problems. I had a problem with the std. radio/CD player but that was taken care of under warranty. The drivers side inside door handle chrome peeled and also was replaced under warranty. I would not hesitate to buy another Hyundai.
My First Sonata
I have a 100 mile commute to work. This is primarily driven on a Interstate. Nothing has been replaced on the car except for the air conditioner condenser, because a rock punctured the original. As of today I have 119,000 on the car and still enjoy it like it was new. My next car is going to be the Sonata Hybrid. Thanks for making a great car.
Love My Sonata
Love this car. Also own Lincoln Town Car. 72,900 on it now and have only replaced the headlights (3 times) but I drive with them on all the time. Bought it 2 yr old with 18,000 miles and it has not whimpered one time. Car cruises at 75-80 on a regular basis, the ac is always cold, suspension is tight and I have only replaced tires and a battery. Use it as the community car when company comes and they love it. Even the BMW and Audi owner. The car is heavy for its size and hugs the road. Did a 3500 mile road trip without fail, no issues. It gets about 26 mpg and growls when you really romp it.
I love this car - it's a keeper!
I can't say enough about my Sonata. It's dependable, reliable and simply a great looking car. I saw someone driving this car in 2004, walked into my credit union back inquired on this vehicle and said exactly what I wanted and I got it 2 days later. Never test drive this car, first time ever doing that when purchasing a car! Best thing I ever did and have not regrets either. I plan on buying another Hyundai but I do plan to keep my Sonata. It too had a paint chip in the door handles and a radiator replacement but overall it's an outstanding car. I have had this car 6 years now and approximately 190,000 miles. Imagine that! Longest I ever owned a car with that many miles.
Don't let looks fool you!
*Air bag sensor 700 miles 3 trips to the dealer. *Altenator 2,000mi *Replace transmission at 5,000 mi. *Battery 9,000mi. *Throwout bearing failed in new trans at 9,800mi. **Michelen tries replaced on front at 15,000mi *Front wheel bearing 20,000mi (car sounded like jet *car overheats(everthing associated has been replaced started at 11,000mi and still attempting at 28,000mi 5 trip to dealer. You will probably see good review early on, but once this car hits 5k you will wonder if it will stay fixed.
This is my 1st Car Ever
This car is really great. it is a very stylish car and many people think that i am driving a Jaguar. This car is very well built. It can fit 5 people very comfortably. The trunk space is very large which is a good to always have. But my antenna broke. Due to the motor burn out. So now i can get the AM stations. I am curious about how it will drive in the snow because it has no traction control nor ABS.
Perfect car for modern day for a low price
This was my dream car as a child when my mom bought a gold loaded one in 2004 even sense then I’ve wanted one . Well now In 2019 I get my chance to get one for cash . I love this car it’s good looking , comfortable , good on gas , and extremely reliable . I work full time with Uber eats and doordash both , I use a new Hyundai for my primary but decided to give it a brake and drive the 04 .even with 160,000 miles on it still runs perfect and has given me no problems . I have already put 7,000 miles on it in 2 months . Just an amazing car the radio sounds perfect still all the buttons look new everything just perfect
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2 hot 2 be stoped!
I love my Sonota. After trading in my 01' Toyota Echo, I had to get used to having power everything. Powerful 2.7 L V-6. Recived X-Type luxury for thousands less. I love my Sonota, however I have had to get my antenna replaced twice.
Reliable, but has little else going for it.
Despite check engine lights, awful squealing from the serpentine belt, and a transmission fluid leak that prompted an emergency repair (shifts smoothly years later), this car has NEVER failed me. That said, there are issues. Constant rattling from interior trim pieces. Serpentine belt squeals despite several repairs. A headlight that is prone to failure. The 2.4 I4 has that wonderful combination of disappointing gas mileage and a deficit in power, and it shakes quite a bit. Handling is somewhere between Buick and BMW. But all in all, if you just need reliable transportation and don't mind getting the heck annoyed out of you, by all means get it. Certainly cheaper than alternatives.
A very well built car
Bought my 2004 Sonata 4cyl base model used in 2006 with 24K miles. My car currently has 138K miles and still going. No major work needed. Biggest repair was the cv/boot from all the speed bumps I went over. This cost about $600. Also needed a new engine mount at about 100K miles. I get 25MPG city and 31MPG on long trips. The other drawback is the paint job. Very peeled, but not worth repairing for a 7 year old car. They make good cars.
Walking Hyundai Commercial
I love this car! I bought it new and have 190000 miles on it. I have had water pump and timing at 100000 miles and those are standard items to go at that mileage. I would recommend this car to anyone and hope to have another brand new Sonata soon!
Best car I've owned
I bought this car new in Las Vegas in 2004. It was car of the Year. It is now 2017 and I have 74000 miles on it. I have never tuned it up and it runs like a top. I had the timing belt and water pump replaced about 3-4 years ago, not because I had problems but that the manual says replace at 60000 miles. Reason water pump was replaced is because once you change timing belt you replace water pump to save on labor. When I got my timing belt that they replaced , it looked perfect. Only thing that cost me money was replacing light bulbs, and battery wipers and regular fluid changes. Even tho I've had my car for 13 years in 100 degree plus summers, the paint looks almost like the day I bought it. I drive to southern California on the 15 freeway and the car handles like a top even doing 105 MPH most of the way. Solid drive on its 2.7 liter V-6. I plan on keeping this car forever after seeing some of the other reviews showing owners that have well over 100000 on their cars. GREAT CAR!
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Great Vehicle
Purchased this car used with 70000 miles on it. This car looks and drives great with the V6. Fuel economy is very good. AC is good. Reliabilty is superb. I put 1100 miles a week on it and have had no problems. In the passed 60K I have replaced two sets of tires, timing belt, spark plugs, headlight bulb, oil and tranny fluids. I am so impressed with this Hyundai and still like it's ability...
GREAT CAR, except breaks
My first brand new car purchase. I have loved the car for 5.5 years, longest I have owned a car by 200%. Only prob has been breaks...needed new rotors all around after 20k. Needed more work another 15k into it. Tires replaced at about 35k. I don't drive the car aggressively. Everything else was amazing. Trading it in, got $5k for it. Not bad, I paid $14,600 with sunroof 5.5 years ago.
My Sonata
For sure the head lights have a problem with having to be replaced. I also had to have the steering assembly replaced at over $1000. Now after 14 months it is starting to leak again and makes a buzzing noise due to that. I've never owned a car where I had to replace such a component. Not happy about this at all.
Great Value for your dollars
best Value ever for my $
Wonderful Car - Excellent Value
This has been a wonderful vehicle. I purchased it new and it has performed superbly. It still looks good and performs well. All of the maintenance has been performed by the dealership. Had to replace headlights and stereo has had a couple of minor glitches. The fuel economy has been a little substandard but now for the good stuff. Ride is comfortable and sporty; LX model has all of the bells and whistles including the sunroof; leather seats and power antenna are very nice. I would highly recommend Hyundai to anyone (wife has purchased a Santa Fe and daughter has bought an Elantra). I see why Time magazine has named Hyundai as the 2009 "Car Manufacturer of the Year".
yay i bought a car...
Got my Sonota because of consumer reviews saying how much they all loved there car. Not the case with me. Took it off the lot and cerpintene belt immediatley started squiling, something not right with ignition(car hesitates),speakers started ratelling and check engine light came on. Repaired the cerpentine belt twice only for the d*mn thing to start squeling again. Decided to deal with it till driving to work one morning and com sensor went (took hyundai 3 days to figure out). 29 day mark of ownership, had the car taken to the dealership. oh ya, was very comfortable to drive, an only 60,000 miles.
Terrific Car
This has been the most maintenance free car that I have ever owned - hands down. I have 110,000 miles on it and it still rides nice and smooth like the day I bought it. Outside of normal maintenance, the only thing that I have had to replace is a front headlight. The cost to operate this car is extremely minimal. I am passing it on the my daughter and I fully expect to get another 110,000 miles out of it.
My 6 months of research paid off!
Best car I've ever owned, by far. I don't put many miles on it, so I expect to have this car for a long time. Gas mileage = 20-23 MPG -- wish it were better. Drives very nicely and quiet. The only problems have been the side mirror motors sticking (they "release" after I work the switch for a minute), and the power antenna not always going down all the way (one or two soft starts of the car usually fixes this). And, paint chips a bit too easily (from door dings). Otherwise, fit & finish are great. The upgraded cloth seats are plush and comfy. Leather dash/steering has held up beautifully. And the car looks like a hybrid Mercedes C Class and a Jaguar. I've received many compliments!
Leaky sunroof
Have had the car into dealer four times still waiting for a fix. Very frustrating having to go back and forth to the dealer. Water continues to leak in around the sunroof.
Incredibly worry-free
I travel a lot of miles in the city and on the highway between Denver, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff. This vehicle has been completely flawless. I follow all manufacturer's recommended maintenance intervals: oil changes, drive belt, timing belt, spark plugs, etc. I will probably never sell this car as I am sure it will give me at least 250,000 good miles before any major repair is needed. Take good care of your Hyundai and it will take better care of you!
Super low maintenance!
I’ve had my sonata GLS for almost ten years. It still looks good inside and out and has saved me thousands. I’ve barely had to do any work besides minor upkeep. It’s now at 140,000 miles and drives smooth and has big comfortable leather power seats and sunroof. I know it’s time to get a newer car, but I don’t even want to let this ancient car go as she’s been so good to me.
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Favorite Car
This car is super smooth at any speed. In my fifth year of driving it and would be glad to drive it another five. If it were totaled tomorrow and I had to buy another car, I would look for another '04 (maybe an '05) Sonata. Most problems were covered by the extended warranty. I'm pushing 120k, so I'm on own now. Driver's side air bag doesn't work. Service tech at the Hyundai dealer said it's caused by all the trash pushed up under the seat, that's my fault. I get a little over 20mpg. Could be better but I admit I have a heavy foot.
Smart Buy
The extensive warranty, five year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance, FREE oil changes for as long as I own the car. Finally, the price. I had only seen them from a distance and read about them on the Internet. It wasn't until I test drove one that I became convinced. You can not beat Hyundai when you combine the price & warranty. I was a loyal Toyota owner for ten years. Toyota could NOT put me in a vehicle with this kind of comfort, space and features for 17k.
OK car
I bought my Sonata 6/04 and traded it 4/07 with 77K miles. It was comfortable, but with the 4cyl acceleration left something to be desired (with no MPG benefits to show- 22mpg, mostly hwy, in the winter, 24- 26 in the summer). Reliability was questionable (in the shop 3 times with emissions issues, 1X brakes, 1X fuel pump). My friend has a V6 Sonata with none of the issues, better MPG and much more power. It was comfortable, interior used cheap materials but put together well, and I did like the car. I will buy another Hyundai (but not when putting 25-30K miles a year on the car), may buy an Elantra or new Sonata to compliment my new BMW (2003 model) for when an auto trans would be nice.
OK
Just totalled my car, for some reason the left rear tire came off on its own on highway and the car went into a ditch. No other problems, not sure whether any body else has had their tires come off.
Sonata rebiew
No problems for five years. Low maintenance vehicle.
Hyundai Sonata
I travel about 4,000 mi a month in the NW, a lot of back roads to farms and ranches. The car handles very well, excelent fuel milage (30 MPG) I can drive 600 Mi in a day and not be overly tired, extreamly confortable. My car has the 2.4 L 4 Cly engine in it and i am pleased with the power. I plan to buy another hyundai when i need another car.
first saved life, so I bought 2nd
driver's door crashed in by car going 50mph and I survived with just a scratch on my finger. I owe it to my Sonata and both air bags deploying. Several people thought I was dead at the scene and searched for that driver who was gone, I said, that was me as I walked outside of the car. They were shocked! I had problems buying the second car at Glassman in Southfield but great success at LaFontaine in dearborn. Will buy a third when the car changes or I become tired of it. Great car, awesome dealership!
Sonata
Great bodystyle, 6 cyl moves out quite well, Everything seems tight fitting and good attention to detail. Only negatives..no cupholders for children in the rear on the std. model. TERRIBLE dealer experience-very unprofessional.
My first car!
This is my first car and i love it! But i have a few problems. The caps for the fogs lights come off real easily. I have a check engine light on for a cylinder 3 misfire. The emergency brake barely works, the headlights don't last long. The power steer is shot. The power antenna doesn't work. But it is an extremely reliable car. I plan to own it for a long time. I would recommend this car to anybody.
Most bang for your buck
This is my second hyundai sonata, so I received the owner loyalty discount, making this this car about 5000 dollars cheaper than an accord or camry. It has a beautiful modern looking exterior and a very comfortable interior. The standard features were all I needed, and the automatic transmission has an optional manual shift which helps when getting onto the highway. If you want a solid, comfortable car for a much lower price than other midsize sedans, this is worth a look.
Missing my Sonata
I bought my Sonata used and had it for two wonderful years before my 16 year old totaled it. The car kept her perfectly safe and didn't even look back after the accident. I cried when the insurance man said, "total loss". That was the best car I have ever owned, I never had a single problem with that car. It was so fun to drive and I loved the exterior style. The gas mileage wasn't as good as I would have liked but I sure miss my Sonata. I ordered a brand new Sonata today, I'm sold!
Great Car for the money
I have had this car for almost 4 years. I have not had any problems with it. I have 98k miles. I have normal maintenance on it and purchased one set of tires only. As for warranties. The power train warranty is great. I just recently took it in for inspections and there is some work that will be covered by the warranty.
Driving experince good.
my only complaint abut my hyundai is the paint on the door handles all chipped off, I was given a tub of paint for me to apply and it didn't work. I had to pay to have them really do over.
one of the nicest cars I've ever had
Have it checked bye mechanic
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Trouble
Fuel pump has failed 3xs sense ownership at 50k. The water pump went out at 100,000 which destroyed the pistons, brand new timing belt and the heads. Now I have a brand new Hyundai (joy). The car looks brand new after having the hubcap and door handles painted. Ride and comfort is fine but overall not impressed
Don't Ever Buy A Hyundai
After 9 mos. the car was falling apart. From the exterior paint peeling, to one window that can no longer operate and another that the cable broke and it fell into the door. My brother owns a Sonata also. The engine blew at 50000 miles. Hyundai and the dealership both refused to honor their "fabulous" warranty for ridiculous reasons. Over $2,000 later out of pocket expenses, he has to go to court to get reimbursed, maybe... A bicycle can get onto the highway faster! NEVER BUY A HYUNDAI
Good Car , Dealer Service Questionable
Car seems to be above average, but service dept. stinks. Engine warning light problems, ABS noise, and transmission concerns. Not sure if hyundai will be my next car. Jury still out.
lot of car for the money, well worth it
the shiftronic makes up for a slight lag in power, besides an economy sedan wouldn't be economical if it burned too much gas. It also give the car a more sporty feel. The sound systems quite good considering everything alls factory. Overall it looks good and drives good. By the way did i mention they're 4 airbags, standard.
grandma's car
My 85 yr old mother purchased this 2004 sonata gls new. Turned into on coming traffic and was hit head on, the other car was totaled she received only a minor bruise from the air bag. We hoped they would total it so he didn't have to put her back on the road. Ins fixed it, she no longer drives and I have been driving it. Now I am glad they repaired it, it's the best car I have ever owned.
Great Little Car
I purchased this car used with 58000 miles on it. The Carfax report said that it had been a rental in it's previous life. Despite that, this car looks great, drives great and even with a V6 is good with fuel economy. I have since put 12,000 miles on the car and have had no problems. Just put on some new tires and have been diligent with the oil changes. I hope this car performs for another 30,000 or so. Then it should be about time to buy a new Hyundai.(I'll get the warranty next time:)
FANTASTIC CAR! ZIPPY & GOOD LOOKIN'
What a lot of car for the price! With incentives, this car came down to about 13,500! Feels like a luxury car, and drives like a sports car! I love it! It looks sporty too. Like a Jaguar, at a fraction of the cost. Hyundai knows what it's doing!