Used 2009 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews
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Very Satisfied With Our New Sonata
Fuel efficiency of this model was a major factor in my decision to go with Hyundai. After 6500 miles I am averaging 29 MPG around Huntsville, AL in mixed city/interstate driving. The interior of this car is laid out well. The power seat is great because it allows for small tweaks while driving to maintain driver comfort. The stock radio sounds very good and having the USB port allows me to play MP3s from a flash drive, and XM radio is a big plus too. The A/C cools quickly and has to be turned down a bit, even on hot days. The interior is so quiet that I feel like I'm in my own little zone on the way home from work each day.
Third Hyundai Owned Review
I purchased mt car on 31 Dec 2008 and it now has 7,200 miles on it. I have owned 3 Hyundais and have NEVER had one in the shop! My last was an 07 SE. This time I decided not to buy another chaepo model. I have installed a rear spoiler color matched and a K&N air filter since purchasing. When I drive the new 4 cylinder car, it was hard to believe it was a 4. The old 4 cylinder was a pure dog!
Midsize comfort - compact price
Traded a '02 Elantra for a '09 Sonata. Nice step up. Got a great deal on the Sonata. It has every thing I wanted in a car. 4 cylinder performance is adequate. Of course more power would be nice but why sacrifice the fuel economy? I rented or test drove nearly all the competition and found the Sonata, all things considered, to be as good as any of them. When I factored in the price and warantee, the Sonata comes out ahead of the competition.
Wow What a Car
Just bought the 2009 Hyundai Sonata 2 weeks ago after owning a 1996 Camry for 10 years. I can't say enough about this car. I recently went on a road trip and was getting 35 MPG at 80 MPH. The exterior looks like a more expensive model and the interior is nice too. Wish I had upgraded to the sunroof though.
We'll see how it goes from here
Bought it after reading a lot of reviews and test drives on Memorial weekend. I knew that many people are complaining about suspension noise and cracking noise from dashboard due to temperature fluctuation. But the price was unbeatable, I have option package 2 and I paid almost 6K less than Accord LX. I put only a few hundred miles, so far I no problems other than cracking noise coming from the dashboard when I turn on A/C.
Only Superlatives
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.
great car.
I bought my GLS 4 cylinder with a 5A transmission last July and haven't had a mechanical problem with it since. the dash looks beautiful with a nice LED blue lighting. the audio system is great with cool features such as ipod and USB integration. Electronic Stability Control comes standard on all models, and one can turn it on and off. ESB only comes available on higher level Camrys and it is always on. I can go about 450 miles on one tank of gas. Overall, for the money, I couldn't be happier.
very impressed
Love the smooth and powerful 4 cyl. Most impressed with the new interior design and quality. This vehicle matches toyota and honda in all respects for significantly less money.
Overall, pretty great.
I like most everything about our new Sonata. The (PE) Popular Equipment package, for about $600 extra, makes the GLS pretty nice, w/pwr seats, woodrgrain interior trim, radio controls on the steering wheel, trip computer. Somehow the advertised price of $14k went up to $21k by the time I got out the door (service contract, taxes, extras like floor mats) even tho I qualified for the $3500 rebates.
Fantastic car
Bought this car after considering the 08 for several months. Also considered Accord, Altima and Mazda6. With or without considering the bargain price, this was the car to beat. It's miles above the 08 Sonata. Everyone I've showed it to loves it, it's been mistaken for a Lexus more than once. The ride is absolutely smooth, and acceleration remarkably quick even though I haven't really stomped on the gas yet (not quite through break-in). Mileage is slightly better than the EPA estimates, I've been getting over 30 highway and near 20 city. Shifting was a bit rough at first but it seems to be getting better. Interior quality is outstanding and the controls are intuitive and well placed.
09 Limited V6-NAV
Preferred the Sonata over the Accord, Camry, Altima & Malibu - the much lower price was icing on the cake. Ride is silky smooth, and exceptionally quiet. The new interior is fantastic beats all the competitors. Great car!!!
Great Car
I test drove the Altima, Accord, Jetta, and Kia and by far the Sonata was the best for features, cost and look of the car. Jetta and Accord drove a little better. I recommend getting the SE over the limited, the wheels, spoiler and options make it look better then the limited plus getting the Premium Package you end up with almost the same car as the limited but minus a few grand. I bargained down to 19,800 with premium package so dealers are motivated to sell. When it came down to it I had to decide between Accord and Sonata and the Accord just didn't have the features and cost more. Accord handled better but that was not enough to change my mind. I highly recommend this car to anyone.
Great bargain
Bought the Limited today with an MSRP of $25K and invoice of $23K for $20K with the $3K rebate. With $5K for my trade I financed about $17K. Beautiful in camel pearl. Comfortable leather seats. Lots of headroom even with the sunroof. Beige seats with black carpet & dash is really something different. Great sound system. Comfortable ride. Very pleased. Honda & Toyota had very incentives & wanted to have faith in the Ford Fusion, but couldn't. Happy, happy, joy, joy.
Luv my Hyundai
OK, I only have the Sonata a couple of weeks but I am very very happy with the car. The power is impressive for a four cylinder and the gas mileage is great, avg 29 MPG all around. That avg is highway and city combined. It has a classy interior that is well layed out and very comfortable. I bought the Sonata to replace an Elantra, 77K miles, that I gave to my son. He needed a car. This is my seventh Hyundai. I traded a Land Rover for a Santa Fe, which I still own. I made a great trade. To date I've had no issues with any of my Hyundai. I plan to look at the new Genesis Coupe when it hits the showroom floor. I got the Sonata at an I can't pass it up deal, $12400 for the GLS automatic.
Love the car
Just purchased a 2009 Sonata Ltd. V-6 w/Navi. Wow what a car! Power to burn! My daughter got a used 2006 GL and I loved it so much I got one. Double the rebate from dealer plus, 1200 more for trade than NADA plus, other discounts. I feel like I stole the car.
Great Review of a Hyundai?!?!
Taking a risk and buying a Hyundai after 11 years of ownership of a Nissan Maxima. There have been many doubts but so far this Hyundai keeps dispelling them. Unlike any other car I've owned this one has prompted me to drive out of the way just for the sheer enjoyment of driving and listening to the amazing stock stereo system. For a mid sized car it comes awfully close to Cadillac in ride quality. If you need to save precious $$$ from a new Camry or Accord I suggest you take gander at this car before making a decision. Hyundai has a chip on its shoulder and it shows as their newer products may not be just closing the gap but jumping ahead instead.
I love this car.....
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.
Lack of interior colors.
I like most everything about my new Sonata, but I didn't really get the color I wanted. I preferred the Natural Khaki, a beautiful light green, or the Dark Cherry. However, these colors, for some reason, were only available with the light beige cloth, which looked like it would get dirty very easy, and which illuminated the interior. So I had to take an exterior color that looks pretty boring grey, to get the darker [grey] interior.
Best Value - Price, Perf, Std Features
I test drove both the Accord and Camry before deciding to purchase the Sonata. The Sonata drove smooth (>Accord, >=Camry) and had the quietest cabin while driving. Add the std safety features and the Sonata was a no brainer. Some people wrote they didn't care for the 2009's updated body lines, but I have a friend with a 2007 and I like the 2009 much better. The taller front grill (now chrome), larger, brighter headlights and overall more angular body lines give the 2009 a more aggressive look. I really like the new interior. The center console looks modern and sports blue lights and a new large display radio. Everything feels solid, esp the doors. Very quiet engine and while driving.
Bang for the Buck
I have had it only a short time, but so far its what i expected. Smooth ride except a bit hard over rough road surfaces. Exceptional looking exterior..especially the alloy wheels and chrome accent molding/door handles. Roomy cabin interior, comfortable seats, smooth-shifting Auto transmission.
Great value!-minor gripes.
Have this car for 1 year and this is my first review. Very smooth and brisk 4 cyl. Powertrain. Like the shiftronic feature. Interior is beautiful and comfortable. Controls feel like quality and work flawlessly. Body design is classy in my opinion. Highway mpg exceeds epa, can average 34, mixed driving is around 22. In all fairness I do lots of driving in an area with poorly timed lights, lots of heavy traffic and idling - that alone yields an mpg of 14! Hence the 8 rating. Minor misalignment of few body panels. Creaking from interior parts and yes, the distracting suspension noise that doesn't mar a smooth ride too badly. Still, lot of car at a great deal. Pleasant ride. Couldn't do better.
loving it
We only have 1200 miles on it so far but we are loving it. Getting better mpg already than expected...35-36 hwy. So quiet inside and runs very smooth. Biggest bang for the buck. Would recommend this car to all our friends and family.
Time Will Tell
This car is equal in almost every aspect to a Camry for considerably less money. What remains to be seen is if the 2009 Sonata will provide 160k mile problem free performance that my previous owned Camry did. Getting 25 mpg in city driving and recent trip in Colorado mountain drive 32 mpg. Better acceleration would be a plus in city driving but this car performs equivalent to a 6 cylinder on the highway.
8 months so far so good
The car is doing well for my driving. It is easy to get 25 mpg or better while around town and 30 to 35 on the highway depending on wind and temp.
Very reliable
I've been driving the Sonata for a couple of years now and I can't stop harping on its astounding ride quality and handling. The plush interiors and space are also great. My only quarrel with the car is the rather low mileage.
A Bit of a Rough Ride
Bought it last month ... put 1500 miles on it with two out of state trips + local driving. MPG=20/30 ... I traded up from a 2000 Elanta ... the bored out 2.0 engine is needed for this car because its 550lbs more than the Elantra. That's only .1L more on each cylinder to give it 2.4L. It works as a wanabe 6cyl. I like the car even though it rides a bit stiff and takes the bumps & cracks a bit rough ... accentuates the pot holes ... OUCH!... needs a bit softer suspension ... I had the Michaelin tires on the Elantra also ... they stunk & wore out in less than a year ... maybe changing them would also help the ride! Would have been nice if they threw in some rear splash shields. Great Deal !
Second Sonata
Purchased a new Limited with everything except nav system. Traded a Toyota Avalon and no regrets. Recently returned from a 2500 mile road trip and no problems. When not fighting a head wind, managed 32 mpg at 79 mph with the V6. Overall city around 22 mpg. This car has plenty of power and conveniences. Climate control works very well. Mostly quiet car except on textured, pebbled roads etc. (May change tires for quieter ride) Very little wind noise. Front buckets ok but a little short in the seat and leg room for a taller person. Can't stretch out legs when driving. Love the XM radio but expected a more refined sound from the Infinity system.
Still a great car
Reviewed this car when I first purchased it. Gave it a great review as most people do with a brand new car. Now that I have some miles on it thought it only fair to update the review. It is still a great car. Just finished a 3000+ mile trip through 10 states and this car performed superbly. Drove in very hilly country, pouring rain, heat, interstates, two lane etc. Average about 26mpg. Lots of interstate driving with A/C on. couple hundred miles city driving to boot. Car is quiet, comfortable and drives like a dream. Love the shiftronic transmisson in the mountains. Car is not perfect but for the money is darn close.
Camry & Accord killer
I'm 20 years old and my stepdad bought me a 2009 Hyundai Sonata, my mom has a 2008 Toyota Camry and my 19 year old brother has a 2008 Honda Accord sedan, It cant get any better, we compare our cars on a daily basis both their vehicles were 20,600 for the Accord and 21+ for the v6 Camry. My sonata was 17,000 dollars and with the GLS i get many more features like the standard Ipod jack, Bluetooth connectivity, XM radio, MPG gauge,( Camry has none of that) and semi auto ( accord doesnt have it) I love the fact that i got a car just as good if not better for 3,000+ dollars less with the best warranty
power to burn
I only have 2500 miles on my sonata SE V6 so far but all is good. I traded a 2003 Corolla Le in for it. I loved the Corolla but wanted something a little bigger with more horsepower with good MPG. So far the Sonata has given me everything I asked for. driving around Chicago in stop and go I get 23 MPG on the freeways at 75 MPH i get 34 Mpg. Can't complain about that. When you stomp it, it zooms past everybody. I like that feeling of being able to pass quickly. The ride is excellent and road noise is a minimum. Ergonomically everything fits and performs well, and the fit and finish is good. No complaints and wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.
Import Quality Domestic Price
Since I drive a great deal I get another car every three years on high mile lease programs. I have leased, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, All GM, FOrd, Chrysler vehicle's. For at least 50,000 miles of hard driving in all conditions over the past 27 years. I personally will get ONLY hyundai's for the rest of my life unless the company changes a lot. Value in supreme, comfort is great, handling in snow is great, visibility is great. Very Solid car. Until a co-worker got me to look at the Hyundai It was never considered. I have had a Sonata SE V6 since 1/15/09. My wife even replaced our Lexus RX 350 with a Veracruze by Hyundai
Hyundai Sonata
Doubts about buying but test drive awesome. Handles very well, extremely tight on curves and hills. Only drawback too much road noise, but overall one of best cars I've owned. Interior arrangement of dials and controls very easy to learn and operate. Big Surprise - gets advertised 30mpg!!! And 4 cylinder with 5 speed auto - cannot tell difference from small v-6, especially on hills.
If I can sell them I can buy them
I recently purchased a 2009 Sonata after selling them for about a year now. I am very impressed whith my own hyundai after having sold so many I now know why they sell so very well!!!
Nice Ride
Own an elantra which I just gave to my son after 4 years with no problems, so I thought I'd try the larger Sonata. Just turn 2000 miles. Compared my car to co-worker's CTS and BMW 325. The sonata fell a little short on handling but for big bucks less, it was the winner. Very smooth ride and pleasing power...no problem moving in and out of traffic. A six-speed transmission would be smoother but the 5-speed is not jerky and the shift timing is good. Car is not for a sports driver in terms of cornering at higher speeds, but the handling is more like a luxury car, which is fine. I have enjoyed it so far with no regrets.
Economical Luxury
Bought a 4 cylinder due to gas prices, and yet, performance certainly does not disappoint for the size of the car. Not only is it comfortable to sit in, the ride itself feels like a full-size luxury car on the road. Interior styling is great, specifically the gauges and such. Exterior styling is obviously top-notch when compared to cars of the same price range.
Still loving it after 9 months...
I bought my Sonata in Sept. 2008, so it has been over 9 months now and I am still loving my car. I love the redesigned interior. It feels luxurious and elegant and not at all cheap. All the buttons are in easy reach, and the dash emits a nice blue glow at night. I have had lots of compliments on the smooth ride and comfortable seats. The trunk is spacious. The ride is smooth and handles very well. I got so much car for the price (leather, heated seats, sunroof, XM).
mulligan
I just bought a 2009 Hyundai Sonata. Got a great deal on the limited model. This is by far the best car I have ever owned. The V-6 is very powerful. The interior is of the quality of a Lexus or BMW costing at least 10K more.
GREAT 4 DOOR and Feels Like an Accord
Rides Smooth and Shifts Smooth---Solid and Nice Fit and Finish---Like the New Front Grill and Inside Blue Night Lights. Has all the features I desire: Cruise, Nice Standard CD/Radio and LOVE the XM radio, power mirrors and windows. Rides Really Quiet and Smooth. My First Hyundai and VERY PLEASED and I have owned Toyota, Cadillac, Lincoln, Buick, Ford, and such. Big Trunk and Big Spacious Backseat. Like the sunglass holder and Ipod Aux jack. My first month has been very pleasurable! Love the warranty and a great car for under $14,000!
Love this Vehicle
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.
Poor Quality
I purchased the 09 Sonata GLS Manual with the intent to save money, not be inconvenienced every month. During the 8 months I have owned the vehicle it has died multiple times, starting at 1205 miles. The problem was traced to a faulty O2 sensor, but has had a skip and hesitation ever since. When I insisted the issue be solved, the lead mechanic said it was normal and they all do that. At 12000 miles the vehicle was blowing clutch slave cylinders every 2-300 miles, which required removal of the transmission to get to. After the fourth one was replaced and the vehicle being in the shop for an accumulated 58 days, I sought legal help because Hyundai would not return my calls. Can't recommend it
Very impressed
While car shopping came across a 2008 Sonata and after a test drive, I was so impressed, I purchased a new 2009 Sonata. My research was very positive and all sources spoke on the great value and quality of this vehicle. I currently have 7500 km (4500 mi) on my Sonata. The vehicle has performed extremely well without one problem, not even any new car adjustments. I found the dealer, Steele Hyundai to be top notch! I had a Volvo S40 Major disappointment!
5 speed manual transmission
Great car until I would shift gears on the interstate (5 speed manual)and the clutch would just lay on the floor- flat! I loved everything else about the car so I traded it for a 2009 Sonata automatic. No problems now with the car. Of course, I took a beating on my trade-in.
Outstanding!
I never thought I would ever consider buying a foreign vehicle but, with the new 'Cash for Clunkers' stimulus package, my wife and I decided to take a look at the 2009 Sonata GLS. All I could say was... Wow! It won us over immediately. With it's over-all sleek design, great handling and large interior comfort; we looked at each other and knew it was the car for both of us. The price was right (well within our budget range) and the the total feel was unmatched in other cars I have owned. This car has added new excitement to our lives. Two thumbs-up here. My wife chose the Camel Pearl color (her favorite) and I purchased the Powdered White Pearl.
Great Car at It's Price Point
Test drove similar sized cars such as Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and Toyota Camary....This car is a good value for the money and was about $2000 less than the 2010 Fusion which was my 2nd choice....The car lacks a few items like driver and passenger side arm rets..The rear seating could be better...The 2.4L engine delivers good response and the overall ride is very good for a car this size....
One Year review
I have now owned this vehicle for 1 year with 20k and it hasn't had so much as a hiccup. What originally sold me, apart from the price and warranty was the interior and trunk size, (large), and the level of comfort, usually only felt with leather upgraded interior. I love all the thoughtful little upgrades which are standard, such as the 3 nozzle window sprayer, the above visor lit vanities lights, and beautiful interior stack. I have been averaging 31 mpg on regular, and honestly, I hardly miss my G35(only off the ramps and when I feel a little crazy), or its 20 mpg with super. My wife now likes to take it whenever she can and everyone who rides with me is quite impressed.
2009 Sonata
If the badging were removed, it would be difficult to tell who built it. Hyundai has come a long way since the early Sonatas and have caught if not surpassed the great cars Honda and Toyota had been dominant in for so many years. We are extremely impressed with this build quality Hyundai has put into the Sonata for thousands less than the benchmarks.
Great car
The 2009 limited model is one great car. Loads of standard equipment at a decent price. The interior is very upscale. We could not be happier with the vehicle. The ride and performance are very good and we are getting over 26mpg in mostly city driving.
Sold my first new car in 1953
Over 50 years in all phases of auto bus. Been new car dealer, new and used car manager, wholesaler and consultant to major car mfg. Have owned cars from 38 benz 4 dr conv to several Borgwards, hundreds of others. Wife had 08 Honda Civ with Navi. The civ was not for her. Traded it on 09 Sonata Limited "4" with Navi and BT. She had driven similiar Accords and Camrys. Man, I was happy when she drove the Sonata and said "this is the car for me". Just got back from Pa. (live in North Carolina) Stopped in Old Town Alexandria Va. to see my sis. On the road we got 34.1 mpg at 65 to 75 mph. Great ride. My wife doesn't care about body roll etc. Won't tell you the price. One of my all time best buys.
Simply a great value
Blown away by the overall look and feel of this car which cost $19,700.00 My friend has a G35 and I still can't figure out why anyone would pay twice the price for more horse power and a nav system. Just a great overall value for a driver who is financially smart without a need to impress.
Not quite there yet, but almost
Very good value when compared to Nissan and Toyota, with/without the rebate, and excellent value vs. Accord with Hyundai rebate. The 2.4 has good power, but performance of the 5 speed automatic leaves a bit to be desired. Hyundai engineers failed in "coordinating" the transmission gearing and/or final drive and/or cruise control sensor. Climbing any incline over a couple of degrees at 60 mph or so will surely result in downshift from 5th to 4th (an increase of 900 rpm) when some downshifting is not at all necessary, or only a 5th gear "shift" to clutch/slippage (an increase of only 300-400 rpm) in 5th gear would be sufficient -- though still 'busy'. Otherwise, I'm glad to own one.