Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews
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9 years old - no repairs!
Gas mileage is lower than I had hoped, but most of my driving is 80% city, still getting a respectable 22.5/mpg. At 60mph I get 35mpg which gives at least a 425-75 minimum mile range. . Acceleration is responsive, and there is an eco-control to provide better gas mileage. Brakes seem to work in an emergency stop well, on both dry and wet surfaces. I highly recommend utilizing the age-old formula of at least one car length per 10mph in front of you, more for wet and double for black or regular icy conditions. . Overall, very, very comfortable front seats. I would like more extended thigh support, but the seat end is firm enough to assist in turning my knees apart for additional support - plenty of room to do that. . Both front seats have On/Off seat heaters - a blessing for people with lower back troubles. The driver seat has 8-way power control with additional power lumbar controls. . The steering wheel has both up/down and manual telescoping controls providing more than enough choices for comfort and safety. . Other than the last used, there are no memory settings for anything. . Despite some consumer magazines reviews about a difficult and insufficient small view with small C-pillar windows and large C pillars, between the view there coupled with both outside mirrors ^and^ looking back over those sides should an almost 270-degree view of safety with only about 5-10 feet at the blindest spot+. . Controls are straightforward and intuitive. Mine doesn't have the larger screen with a backup camera (which every future car of mine will have). There is a seemingly endless supply of after-market cameras - some work very well. They are available in both wireless ones that use your cell phone, and wired ones that do the same. . Single climate control, but the blower is powerful enough with enough combinations of controls and vents to circulate very well and quickly. . Overall, very, very comfortable front seats. I would like more extended thigh support, but the seat end is firm enough to assist in turning my knees apart for additional support - plenty of room to do that. Both front seats have On/Off seat heaters - a blessing for people with lower back troubles. The driver seat has 8-way power control with additional power lumbar controls. . Despite some consumer magazines reviews about a difficult and insufficient small view with small C-pillar windows and large C pillars, between the view there coupled with both outside mirrors ^and^ looking back over those sides should an almost 270-degree view of safety with only about 5-10 feet at the blindest spot+. . Controls are straightforward and intuitive. Mine doesn't have the larger screen with a backup camera (which every future car of mine will have). There is a seemingly endless supply of after-market cameras - some work very well. They are available in both wireless ones that use your cell phone, and wired ones that do the same. . Sirius XM radio is available, and makes full use of the powerful sound system. There are 18 memory settings for satellite, and the same for conventional AM/FM. . The radio connects via either Bluetooth or a direct USB plug to your cell phone (both Android and iPhone). This also allows the usage of the phone through the sound system. Only use while the vehicle is not in motion. In some states (like CA) its illegle to do. I haven't yet discovered how to fast forward either the cell phone or the built-in single cd player. . Overall review score, 9/10
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Engine Seizing
I purchased my 2013 Sonata with 24k miles on it and I never had any issues with the car until around 65k miles when the engine seized while driving on the freeway with no warning. I have always kept up on all maintenance and always on time. Shortly after I discovered there have been many recalls for this car and engine failure is one of them. I believe this is the second time it's happened and I'm still waiting to hear back from the hyundai manufacturer. The cost to replace the engine is about $7,000. First and last time ever buying a hyundai.
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- GLS SedanMSRP: $8,46916 mi away
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- SE SedanMSRP: $14,2909 mi away
Efficient, Reliable, and Drivable
The best features of the 2013 Sonata are its fuel efficiency, its reliability, and its "drivability." According to the car's dash display, the car has measured at 35-40 mpg on longer road trips and averages around 28-30 mpg combined. Having had the car for 6 years almost and having driven over 100k miles, I expected to have made at least one major repair by now but that has not been the case. The largest "problem" we have encountered was a burnt taillight assembly. The acceleration on the car is not always the best, especially when driving up any sort of incline, but the car handles well at all times, brakes efficiently, and the engine is more than capable of sustaining power on level ground. One drawback would be cargo space (although there is quite a bit of space in the trunk it cannot always fit awkward or bulky items well, such as strollers and yard work tools). Another drawback is the deterioration of some aesthetic features; some of the plastic on the steering wheel components peels with normal use and the cloth seats also show signs of wear even without extreme use. Overall I would suggest the 2013 Sonata to those who are looking for a fuel efficient, reliable vehicle that performs to average standards.
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Dream Machine
I really love my Sonata, turbo. It is very stylish and gets great mileage. I drive to the Jersey coast during the summer, it's a flat, straight drive at 65 MPH standard which means everyone drives at 75. I can get 37 MPG at 70 MPH in cruise control. I've checked this a half dozen times already. I'm positive this will improve with a K&N air filter. It's very responsive, can hardly hold it back. I thought I'm really going to get in trouble speeding on I-95 with this car but so far I lucked out. Love the price and warranty. Last car was a 07 Tucson which I also liked but not the mileage. Owned it three years now and no problems. Two thumbs up and a smile. 2017 and I still love it. Just put Michelin tires on it for a quiet smooth ride. With the rear seat down I can get my bicycle in plus containers of clothing for the trips to the shore. Even though it has had two recalls, I am glad they are on top of things which are kinda minor anyway. They were taken care of quickly, no charge. #happy. I sold the car a couple years ago. 2018 and still happy but starting to look for a new vehicle with newer technology. will wait until Dec. 30 to buy a new car. Best time to buy. bought a 2020 Honda CRV Very happy.
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Terrible gas mileage
This is our third Hyundai Sonata. It gets just terrible gas mileage. The two previous Sonatas got much better mileage. Went back to dealer and got this answer from the technician. There were no codes showing a problem and 19.9 city and 27 highway is acceptable. Called Hyundai and got nowhere. This is not acceptable. This is my last Sonata. Herb