Used 2010 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews
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dependable,reliable, and inexpensive to maintain
I bought the car used in 2010 with 30,000 miles on it for $11,000. So far with regular maintenance I've had to do nothing but brakes, tires and a battery. I now have 156,000+ and still amazed on how well it runs. I still get 34 mpg on the Hwy and 28+ mixed driving. It was driven daily to and from work 100 miles round trip for 4 years and then recreational driving after retirement for 2 years. Throw in a round trip cross country loan to my daughter , multiple heavy trips to Home Depot, good in the snow, brakes stop on a dime, only had to use the ESC once on an abrupt lane change to avoid an accident ( kind of freaked me out how the car took over) . Everything works as well as the day I bought it A/C, transmission, water pump , power steering etc. Update on review, One year and later 28,000 miles . Only mechanical problem was a wheel bearing on the rear passenger side. repaired and replaced for under $50. still running strong.UPDATE 3/25/2018 171,000 miles and I could have written the same review today, great car would buy again in a heart beat
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An old familiar face
This Sonata has been very kind to me. Extremely reliable. Total repairs required since I purchased the vehicle new has been one ball joint replaced. I never had so much as a bulb needing replacement (headlamps are still original) until 120,000 miles, when bothe brake lamps finally burnt out after almost eight years. Very comfortable for longer trips (I'm 6'5"/280 lbs.), and gas mileage has been on the high side of predicted. The engine does not consume or lose any oil, which I attribute to Hyundai quality and to having used Mobil 1 oil and oil filters every oil change. I actually prefer driving this Sonata more than my 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited, which seems ponderous in comparison (though I love the gas mileage on longer trips). In my nearly eight years of ownership, the car has never failed to start, has never stranded me on the roadside, and has not so much as suffered a flat (sheer luck, I'm sure). I've owned eight Hyundai vehicles since 1999, and I believe this has been my favorite.
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- GLS SedanMSRP: $7,99837 mi away
- GLS PZEV SedanMSRP: $5,799196 mi away
- GLS SedanMSRP: $7,800263 mi away
Fantastic GLS!!
I purchased this 2010 vehicle recently and I have absolutely no complaings. I am use to driving a mini-van and love the comforts of the size, storage, and power. Due to gas costs I looked for a smaller vehicle with the comfort of a minivan and one that I could afford. I absolutely love this car. This car has so much power to be a 4 cylinder and the gas mileage is fantastic. The technology and comfort is amazing. This even has cruise control--on a standard! Rides like a dream, quiet, and even on bumpy roads it is smooth. I love my car and you will too!
Great car
This is my second sonata and have driven about 375,000 miles without any major issues.Still runs like new with lots of pickup.Never trouble with engine,transmission,or a/c.
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Good car, with caveats
I purchased this car new in December 2009. Two years and 44,000 miles later, I've got mixed feelings. I commute 65 miles per day (90% hwy) and routinely achieve 33-34 mpg. It's large, comfortable and has been largely trouble-free except for a repainted hood (flaking paint) at 30K and a transmission failure at 39K. Both repairs were covered under warranty. The rebuilt transmission they've installed seems fine, and I'm cautiously optimistic about the car's future. That being said, a new transmission at 39K doesn't give me much confidence. I'm very meticulous on maintenance, so I'm hopeful that'll pay off.
My first Hyundai - A Great Automobile.
Car handles well in all weather conditions. Comfortable to drive. Good visibility. Lots of room when rear seats folded down. Car has good balance, low tire wear. I have 128,000 km on rear tires and don't have to change them yet. Front tires changed at 115,000 km. No problems from new - One warranty issue to have transmission re-programmed - solved rough shifting that had developed. Quiet on both city roads and highway. Dash is great, easy to read, and controls very accessible. Almost feels like a full size car inside. Have purchased 2013 Sonata GLS and have kept 2010 as a second car. Very reliable.
Exactly What I Wanted - First Review
I am writing this review after having the Sonata for one week, I will add another review at a later date. I got a steal on this car - ended up getting it for $4000 under MSRP. I upgraded from a 2002 Sentra, and have been very surprised by how nice this car feels. I feel safer while driving it, and it performs well. I am happy with the 4 cyl., esp. when considering the savings on gas. The interior is nicely laid-out - not cheap like other base models. It is well put-together and feels solid. It drives as good as a Camry or Accord, but costs THOUSANDS less. Decent enough dealer experience as well - they let us barter and we got more for our trad-in because of it.
Great value
This was a great value for a car. I put over 185 thousand miles on it without major repair. Very good vision out front with little roof piller vision obstruction. Inside roomy and confortable for crusing interstates.
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reliable but
A good reliable car although I only have 9000 miles on it. Excellent gas mileage. I have a problem with my alarm going off in hot weather for no reason - anybody know of this problem and a solution. The carpets don't fit right - not cut correctly in driver's foot well or in trunk. Nice exterior finish but I already have more chips out of it than my 10 year old Volvo - hidden warranties?
No regrets, this is a keeper
This is not a luxury car, but it is a great highway cruiser and very easy on gas. Power drivers seat is very comfortable for long distance driving.
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good car except door handles
Just wanted to add my experience to the list. Have had 2 outside door handles break off. Owned maybe 20 cars in 45 years, never had one door handle break off until this one. Have trouble reading the clock in the daylight.
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Stiff Ride
If you do much driving on rough roads be prepared for a hard ride. Otherwise I love this car. Roomy, easy to drive, great in the snow, handles corners beautifully. Would like it a little less road noise but not too bad.
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good car
only had to do basic maintenance for 10 years
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blistering peeling paint continues at 44,800 miles
One additional year and 1500 more miles Car has 45000 miles and paint continues to peel in large sheets off the top of the car. All it takes is to use a garden hose on it and paint goes flying. I did find paint to fill in vast areas so it looks better than it has in awhile. However that paint only lasts less than year I paid an EXTRA $250 for the white paint and an EXTRA $500 for an extra protective layer over the clear coat *it also included vin etching on glass) when I bought the car. Worst and biggest expense of my life outside of a home Only 2000-3000 miles since the above last review and the paint problem is exponentially worse but the car still rides well and I've had no other problems. I've seen many white Sonatas in parking lots and on the road worse than mine though but I'm guessing they have more miles on theirs. I had reason to use wipe some dirt off on the underside of the open trunk, I used paper towel dipped in Armor All car wash. I wiped lightly as the dirt looked lightly adhered to a small spot. A surprise to me was the paint came off from the underside of the trunk. That area had seen no sun/no rain/no snow and the paint came off. It is as if there was no primer and watercolor paint was sprayed by a can of hair spray. This is so infuriating.
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Broken door handle, door lock, fuel cap and counting..
I was excited initially with the value of the car but after four years I am now wondering. First problem I had was with engine light code 442, went to dealer two times but they keep claiming it is a loose fuel cap issue. I am making sure the cap is tight after every fill and even changed cap with new oem cap still this issue is persistent. Then I had one remote door lock issue which was fixed with a new lock. Now I have one broken door handle. When I searched about door handle, it was surprised to know that it is a known issue with this car as the door handles are made of cheap plastic not metal like other car and easily breaks. Not sure if I will consider Hyundai brand again.
My door handles fell off!
Within a 3-week span last year (2017), 3 of my door handles came off in my hand. No rough treatment, just opening the doors. The car was only 6 years old. I jury-rigged a rope and pulley system to open the driver door through an open back window. Sweet. I called Hyundai to see if these were covered by their much-touted 10-year warranty. No, door handles are only covered for 5 years. Apparently people should just naturally expect them to only last that long and should plan to get them repaired after that. If you can get into your car to drive them to a shop...
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Faulty Brakes
This is the second Sonata that i owned. The first was a 2007 and the brakes and rotors needed changing at 45000 miles, at the first service the tech said that the brakes would not release, warantee work cost $75. When I got the next one a 2010 I was told that the brake system was corrected, now at 22000 miles I had to change the pads and rotors. LAST HYUNDAI I WILL OWN. Pads and rotors from Amazon cost $88 Delivered. The h... with the dealer.
Left Toyota for the Sonata
I went to the Toyota dealership with every intention of buying a Camry, having had one for 10 years. I had already checked out the Sonata previously. After test driving the Camry, I came away convinced the Sonata was the way to go. Everything from the size of the trunk, the cloth on the seats, the style of the dash and the room in the back seat were superior on the Sonata. So I left a very good deal on the Camry and bought the Sonata and havn't regretted it yet. Took a 500 mile round trip already and got 32+ mpg. Ease of use of the controls and their placement a big plus. Car is tight and fun to drive. Great acceleration from the 4- cyl engine. I was hesitant to go Hyundai, don't be.
2010 Hyundai Sonata - Excellent car!
Owned it ten years and 80,000 miles. Driver's lumbar support adjustment broke four times, was repaired on warranty three times. Gave up after that, didn't need it anyway. Touchy accelerator pedal. Driver's seat bolster wore out after eight years and had to be repaired by a vinyl repair guy. It was fine after that. Gas filler door release button became intermittent after eight years. Sometimes had to use the release in the trunk, OTHER THAN THOSE really minor flaws the car was one of the best I ever owned. Went through the original tires and would have had to replace the second set within another 4,000 miles. Never had to replace any brake pads!
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Sold on a Hyundai Sonata
I've driven Toyotas all my life and they've served me well. I thought I'd never buy anything different (except maybe upgrade to a Lexus one day). This time around, I considered less expensive alternatives given the economy and all. I test drove the Hyundai Sonata GLS and it felt very similar to a Camry inside and out. The kicker for me was the price--I paid over $3K less for my Sonata than the lowest quote for a Camry. I remember Hyundai's quality/reliability issues when the entered the US market in the 80s. But the 10year/100k warranty comforted me enough to make the switch. Of course, the Hyundai brand does not get the same respect as Toyota/Honda. But that might change soon.
Good Minus a couple things
For the price I paid, my Sonata has been great. Mileage is awesome, roomy, comfortable car. Got it at 40k miles, now at 120k miles, I think it has a lot more in it. BUT within a 3 month period my front passenger door handle and my driver side read door handle both snapped (Cleveland winter, probably 20 degrees F outside). Went to a Hyundai dealer and they said they wouldn't cover it and it would cost me $500 a door to fix so I told them to go kick rocks. Left the broken handles alone for almost two years (absolutely a safety hazard). Then in the summer a couple years later my head console which has my interior lights, sunroof control and blue tooth control FELL OFF the ceiling and hit me in the head. Whilst driving....The console was hanging there by the electrical cords. Took this to a local shop and asked them how much to fix both door handles and the center console (all of which needed to be completely replaced). Under $700. Hyundai dealership wanted $500 per door handle. Last thing is my transmission kind of jumps when the car downshifts as I slow down to an eventual stop. Never had an actual mechanical issue with the engine or transmission so I live with it. Long story short; comfortable, good mileage car and a good value. There's a couple shortcomings on the quality/craftsmanship and don't expect Hyundai to help you out if something breaks. I've read a lot of reviews and that seems to be the recurring theme.
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Poor Quality Car
The mileage of the car will drop significantly. The door handles will snap in cold temperatures and will not be covered and will cost the consumer dearly
Exterior Door Handles Break Off
2010 Hyundai Sonata the cheep plastic used for all interior catches break. The outside door handles same cheep plastic they break off also. Who builds a vehicle that the door handles break off. You have been warned. The engine ran fine but in the end we traded it in for a Honda Civic which is great. The Honda Civic from Westbrook Honda in Connecticut runs great. Don't miss the Sonata at all.
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Car Failed At High Speeds
My Sonata has been great for the 8 months I owned it until last week. While driving at 65 mph on a highway, the car died, completely shut down. Nothing I could do but wait to be hit from behind, which I was. The dealer inspected the car and told me the battery cable connection was very loose which probably caused the problem. The car lost its power connection. Today I learned that this may have been a dealer error as the car battery is charged just prior to turning it over to the buyer, and no maintenance on the car in these 8 months would have involved doing anything to this cable. Dealer won't take any responsibility. Another case of screwing the consumer. I could have been killed.
Door Handles
I have a 2010 Hyundai Sonata and it sucks. 3 of the car door handles have broken off in the last month. They will not pay for them. I have read other reviews and this is a on going problem. Hyundai tried to say they haven't heard of this before. But I guess they haven't read the reviews. I will never buy another on. my son has a 2008 and he has had many other problems. Alternator is only one of the problems he has had with him.
Great Purchase 2010 Sonata GLS
Best used vehicle.Extremely clean inside and out! Just one owner previous. Low mileage and smooth ride.
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Here's hoping
I have had this car since March of 2010, and most of the time, it is trouble free, but there are quirks that make me think of turning it in. I commute 82 miles a day, and have 61K on the car. Everything was fine for the first 30k miles. Then, it developed a problem with the fuel tank where it wouldn't take gas, and this took the dealer a month to resolve. Then, the transmission started thumping. The dealer did a reset twice and replaced the fluid, but the thumping started again at 59K. The dealer says they will replace the transmission if they find the condition again, but the problem is that the thumping comes and goes, and when its time to take it to the dealer, the thumping stops.
Can't get into my car
Two of my door handles just fell off in a one month period, rear driver side and front passenger doors, pretty soon I won't be able to enter my car. Hyundai told me get it fixed and they will decide if or what they will pay after I submit the receipt. This is a quality of material and workmanship issue. I have a 2010 sonata, until this I was extremely satisfied with my vehicle. Not very happy with their customer service.
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Quiet, Fun, Cost Efficient
I've had my Sonata for only a week..I just now filled up the gas tank for the 1st time since I left the dealership. The car drives like it were on butter. Very smooth feel, exceptionally quiet ride. The A/C is powerful and love the dual temp controls. If you like blue, you'll love the dash at night. Sound system is excellent and the gas mileage seems to be about 31 mpg so far. Way above what I anticipated. This car has brought back my love of driving.
Best car I ever drove
I purchase Hondas and Acuras all my life. Had bad experience with transmissions with my Accord and Odyssey. I had to replace transmissions four times. when I complained and didn't want to pay, they gave me a nasty attitude. I told them I will never buy Hondas again. they didn't care. When time came I did test drive many different cars but fell in love with the Sonata. It was perfect for me. I never thought in million years I would buy a Hyundai. I have it for a week now and still in love. Great price and mileage. up to 29 MPG mixed driving.
Hyundai quality
I like the quality expressed in the "feel" of the car. The SE 6 cylinder engine is very responsive. The transmission is fun specially with the manual feature. The radio sounds excellent. The seats are comfortable. This is a good quality car, solid.
Hankook Tires
Great car, fun to drive. The main problem are the Hankook tires as they wore out in less than 1 year. Only 18,000 miles on car and now I need to spend $600.00 for new tires. hankook tires would NOT even pro-rata tires. Avoid these tires, absolute JUNK!
LOVE THE CAR
My dad brought 2010 at a auction with only 92,000 miles on it. It had two repairs that needed to be done, TPMS and engine light on. Got both repair along with oil change, etc. The car runs excellent, body is good and runs so smooth.
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perfect for starting a family
me and my wife recently bought a Sonata and we both love it its comfortable and reliable.our daughter loves makeing messes in it but it is definatly big enought to get the gold fish out on a quick fast and hurry standard for the first new car that dad has owned.roomyness was the key with this car meaning we could put the stroller 2 million bags that baby needed and then mom and dads one shared army duffle bag in the trunk. the acceleration is great and this mid size will definatly keep up and leave thoese tailgateing mustang gts. trust me i have done it. the braking is very reassuring especially when it comes to you or the garage door. and its fun to drive. more fun then my last sports car
2nd Sonata
I had an '06 Sonata and loved it. Unfortunately it was totaled in a wreck. I came out of the wreck with only an abrasion on my wrist from the air bag going off. I didn't even test drive another car. Bought a '10 Sonata and love the improvements from the '06. The added subtle chrome on the exterior (limited model) and the redesigned interior is awesome. I owned a Honda before my '06 Sonata, what an over-rated vehicle. The fit, finish and overall quality was poor (it felt & looked cheap). The fit, finish and quality of the Sonata is second to none. Hyundai has come a long since they first came to the US. Remember the first Honda's and Toyota's? I think my Sonata has a lot of class.
happy camper
great car for the price,paid 18k cash but was able to barter in many upgrades in power options and protection package etc... have 500 miles on it and very pleased so far. I was very skeptical about hyundai,dont be!even with gm employee discounts and rebates they beat malibu's price and I like the sonata better. built in u.s.a. hurray!
Camry Killer This Car Stops
I drove the Toyota's Camry. However it cost $ 6000 more, and it's reputation has taken a lot of hits lately.. This is the first time in a long time I walked away without buying a Camry. This car has truly surpassed Camry. It has Every safety feature, air bags, traction controls, side airbags etc. I get 27 mpg around town. Great brakes. This car stops. Easy to get in and out of this car. Almost everything is standard. XM radio, comfortable seats, plenty of room, enormous trunk. We love this car. The best Sonata so far, and getting the car at dealer invoice, and a $ 2500 rebate just made it sweeter.
Fun to Drive
This is by far the best car Hyundai has put out in its class. It is very quite inside, has a very smooth ride, and is very roomy. You get a lot for your buck!
our third hyundai
After looking at the accord and Camry we again bought a Hyundai. this our third hyundai and as a someone with a family who is middle class I really cant see buying anything else. This car is fully loaded with navigation, voice command, sunroof, xm stereo, etc. A comparably equipped toyota or honda was priced over 5k more. After two weeks we have been very pleased!!
Good car for the money - mostly
I have had this car for over two months and have taken two substantial trips with it, in addition to daily city driving. Plusses: fabulous pick- up; good performance; decent comfort; roomy; fairly smooth ride (especially when fully loaded with passengers); GREAT highway mileage -- my record so far: 38.4 mpg (single occupant, A/C, minimal luggage, flat topography, cruise control, 65-68 mph); Minuses: can't seem to fill tank up without the pump auto-shutting off at about 2/3 full; mysterious fresh petroleum odor from air-vents, especially when idling; confusing/ambiguous/redundant- looking A/C temp/fan controls; auto headlights don't seem to activate easily enough (e.g., when rainy, cloudy)
2010 GLS 4cyl
Just completed a 2000 mile trip to Kansas from Georgia. The car was very comfortable, handled the rough interstates well, averaged 33 mpg, and held all of our luggage easily. Car replaced a 2001 mini-van. We miss the room, but the car's performance far exceeds the trade-off for room.
A Lot of Car For The Money
After a pleasant ownership experience with our 2007 Tucson, we traded for this Sonata after researching all the sedans in this general price range. This car offers plenty for the budget buyer, and rivals the usual suspects in MPG, options and quality. I saw the design of the 2011 model and it definitely turned me off. Way too angular and edgy, IMHO. This Sonata, to me, at a glance reminds me of one of my favorite cars, the Toyota Avalon. There is plenty of room inside, a HUGE trunk, and a peppy (if not tire-squealing)4cyl that seems to just sip gas. I wish the headlights did not have such a marked line between the light and dark, and the speedometer needs to be redesigned.Overall, great car.
Nice car for the money
So far no problems with the car. Drove it for 3 months and 3200 mi. It looks to me that ac should blow colder air but its not summer yet so we will see later. Getting only 25 mpg driving mostly on highway. The best I got was 28 mpg but I had to drive slow not exceeding 70 mph
Very nice car for the money
I bough this car with 5100 less than invoice with the manufacturer rebate included. I like the color. It has some many luxury features. The only thing that I do not like is the gas mileage. It is supposed to make 22 mpg in the city, but does only 18.5 mpg. I have not tested in the highway. I especially like the fuel usage computer in the car. I am sure the heated front seats will come handy during cold winter months. The build quality is very good. It feels like an expensive car.
What a surprise
You think you would be hesitant with a name like Hyundai. Don't be fooled. After you take a test drive your going to love this car. I just purchased my Sonata Limited and already I know I made the right choice. After my niece saw my car the next day she visited the Hyundai dealer. You get the feeling of a solid built car with all the goodies. Thanks Hyundai for introducing me to a well built car. I'll follow up with another review after my first 500 miles
Ford is the past!
I've driven Ford's for the past 25 years and I fell in love with the Taurus, however it had major engine, trans and elect. problems with poor warranties. I've had the Sonata 5 days now and need to get used to the stiff steering of the Sonata, the body style of 2010 is bland, but the interior rocks with the XM radio, auto sunroof and roomy design. Great price the the car including good warranty. .
Time to pull the Trigger!
Been looking at the Sonata since it's redesign in 2006 but the Interior Revamp they did in 2009 sealed the deal. My '96 Saturn was now on it's last legs and finally last week I had to pull the trigger 'cause I didn't want to spend any more on repairs. I had also seen the pics of the 2011 Sonata due out later this year and just considered it too flashy for my tastes and decided to grab a 2010 while I could. The $3000 discount helped too since they only gave me $500 for the Saturn which will be immediately sent to Auction. The bottom line is I got a Std GLS with everything already included that I wanted for the last 3 years. I'm glad I did my homework and Edmunds helped.
So far It Rocks!
Well this is my first Hyundai and we bought it on a total whim!! The salesman was great and the car rides and performs like none other I have owned. Love the performance of the V6 and the handling of the car. Also the size of the trunk is great. If this is how all Hyundais are I am a Hyundai guy for life!
Replaced my '99 with a 2010 and LOVE IT!
I had a '99 Sonata GLS prior to this one. It was a VERY reliable car for 10 years and 138,000 miles so I looked at the new model. WOW, I'm impressed. Even my new husband, an old school gear head, loves driving it. I won't say how fast my husband has had this car going, but the speedometer limit is not wishful thinking. The Sonata has a very roomy interior and all the comfort we love but the zippiness of the car still allows us to have fun. Have put 4500 miles on it in 3 months and not even a minor defect yet. On a recent long distance trip we got 32 mpg (and I do NOT drive slow). I average 24-25 on combined highway/city driving.
Trashed my Camry and discovered a Gem
I had previously owned a 2000 Toyota Camry, what a piece of junk. It was falling apart. Needless to say I was looking for a new car for around 16,000. I am 6'4 and 320lbs, so I needed something roomy. I was not looking for a hyundai but the 4,000 rebate offered on the 2010 sonata, warranted a test drive. I first drove an automatic, but my love of 5 speeds and with a savings of about a grand, I went with a fully loaded GLS manual. I am very pleased with the acceleration and smooth ride. This car has extremely good build quality. My mom's 30,000 dollar Chevy truck has a cheaply made interior compared to my sonata. I find it hard to find any flaws in this car. You just simply cannot beat the price and the options you get for that price. I have put about 1800 miles on my baby, so far. I only spend 30 bucks a week on gas! My only complaint is the creaking noise in the dash on cold days and I think the front leg room could be improved, but I am 6'4, so any car is a tight squeeze for me. I hope to drive this car for 100,000 miles or more. Trust me if you are looking to spend 22,000 on a new camry or accord, go look a a sonata, I bet you'll be sold after the first test drive.