Hyundai Sonata

[M1Accord]

I think everyone owes it to themselves to test drive or at least look at the new Sonata. It is probably the best copy the Korean did of another car, which is the Mercedes CLK. Their only mistake is not put a V6 or larger I4 in it. I drove one and really like it. I think I am going to get it as a rental when we go down to Florida in the winter.

A few things I don't like about the car:
1) The fuel economy indicator should be a numerical mode and not a bar and it shouldn't go to 50 mpg because the car can't get that kind of mileage. That tells me that the feature is not accurate is mainly for show.
2) Better side mirror because it is hard to adjust them to really capture rear view
3) Don't put buttons on rear view mirror because some of us install a oversize mirror their for safety
4) Allow the driver seat to be adjust higher to give short driver a more command view of the road. This helps parking and turning much safer
5) Charge us an additional $2k and put a supercharge or turbo-charger in it. Or have a V6 with a cylinder de-activation mode when in speed higher than 40 mph or while in city mode.

Otherwise this is a great car. I love the styling which is the best copy the Korean ever made. Unlike Kia Optima which looks cheap and phony, the new Sonata stands on its own a great rival to the much more expensive Mercedes CLK. I call it a Merc for those with smaller bank account. I can't wait to buy a used version 4 years from now.

 

[sciphi]

They are coming out with a 274 hp turbo version. Soon. I'd also bet some folks will get high 40's MPG with the non-turbo car.

I thought the direct-injected 4-cylinder in there is plenty powerful when I test-drove it. 198 hp and mid 180's for torque is plenty for that car. The auto transmission does a good job of keeping the engine in the power band, and lets it rev.

I completely agree, more people should test-drive it.

 

[KrisZ]

Sonata competing against Merc CLK, did I miss something???

 

[willix]

The fuel economy indicator should say 50 mpg if you are coasting and not in the gas at 60 mph throttle closed.

It may be more accurate than you think.

 

[M1Accord]

Originally Posted By: KrisZ
Sonata competing against Merc CLK, did I miss something???


The body style is the same. They are not competing for performance, just look and basic driving. The people owning CLK don't use CLK for what CLK was meant for anyway. The Sonata will give you that nice car look, decent speed, and nice enough driving experience.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Funny how styling can make u interested in a car - even if it is subpar. I've owned 3 Hyundais and 1 kia and I plan to give Korea no more of my $$. It is nice they are manufacturing in USA, But I find it very ironic that I could buy a Toota MUCH cheaper than the direct Hyundia competitor(prior to the accelartion recall got overexposed in the news). Back to the "copycat" sonata; I wonder what % content is domestic source? I know there was a website for that ... .

 

[Ursae_Majoris]

1) Hyundai is planning on a hybrid Sonata, so 50 MPGs will be possible. http://www.insideline.com/hyundai/sonata-hybrid/2011/2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-first-drive.html

I bet they will use the same display in GDI, Turbo GDI and Hybrid GDI models to cut costs.

BTW regular GDI is capable of 46MPGs http://www.examiner.com/auto-review-in-n...ing-for-a-point

5) Turbo is coming! And runs on 87 octane: http://www.insideline.com/hyundai/sonata/2011/2011-hyundai-sonata-20t-first-drive.html

 

[2oldtommy]

I leased a new Sonota after turning in my 07 Accord. No problem with the Accord, but the overall length was increased over 190" and that was a no go in my garage. First impressions after 1500 miles: fuel economy is great. First tank was 35.1 MPG combined driving. My GLs has the "Popular equip. package" which includes ,power drivers seat, allow wheels, automatic headlight control and a couple of trim items.The electric power steering is a bit over boosted and the on center feel is not as good as the honda. I like the 6 spd automatic and the power is OK. More power is coming for those who require it. The turbo 2.4L will be available in Dec. The direct injection engine has an oil spec for Gf-4 SM either 5-20 or 5-30.I will look for a low volitility syn, probably Pennzoil Platinum or Pennzoil Ultra 5-20.FWIW-- Oldtommy

 

[pbm]

I am a big fan of Hyundai even though I was disappointed when the A/T went out at 109K on my 1992 Sonata. They have definitely come a long way since then. I think I would have bought the 2010 instead of the 2011 because I'm not crazy about buying the first year of a new model. I like the Elantra as a commuter car as well.

 

[CivicFan]

Originally Posted By: M1Accord
1) The fuel economy indicator should be a numerical mode and not a bar and it shouldn't go to 50 mpg because the car can't get that kind of mileage. That tells me that the feature is not accurate is mainly for show.


To have a bar for MPG is strange. You can get 50 mpg going downhill and not accelerating - my wife's A6 gets about 200 MPG in circumstances like that( but it normally gets 22MPG when driven properly).

 

[BearZDefect]

Your A6 probably gets infinite miles per gallon coasting downhill, like most modern cars.

 

[CivicFan]

Probably. I've noticed the display to go '---' sometimes but I think it has to be out of the sports mode.

I don't know how you would display info like that on a bar.

 

[jc1990]

i have an 09 sonata 4 cylinder 5 speed and i gotta say these cars are way overated ill never own 1 again

 

[L_Sludger]

Originally Posted By: jc1990
i have an 09 sonata 4 cylinder 5 speed and i gotta say these cars are way overated ill never own 1 again
Good call. I drove a '10 Sonata rental for a few days and was shocked at the lack of power and the poor fuel economy. It had to be FLOORED to accelerate while going uphill on a highway with the A/C on.

 

[Popinski]

Originally Posted By: M1Accord
I think everyone owes it to themselves to test drive or at least look at the new Sonata. It is probably the best copy the Korean did of another car, which is the Mercedes CLK. Their only mistake is not put a V6 or larger I4 in it. I drove one and really like it. I think I am going to get it as a rental when we go down to Florida in the winter.

A few things I don't like about the car:
1) The fuel economy indicator should be a numerical mode and not a bar and it shouldn't go to 50 mpg because the car can't get that kind of mileage. That tells me that the feature is not accurate is mainly for show.
2) Better side mirror because it is hard to adjust them to really capture rear view
3) Don't put buttons on rear view mirror because some of us install a oversize mirror their for safety
4) Allow the driver seat to be adjust higher to give short driver a more command view of the road. This helps parking and turning much safer
5) Charge us an additional $2k and put a supercharge or turbo-charger in it. Or have a V6 with a cylinder de-activation mode when in speed higher than 40 mph or while in city mode.

Otherwise this is a great car. I love the styling which is the best copy the Korean ever made. Unlike Kia Optima which looks cheap and phony, the new Sonata stands on its own a great rival to the much more expensive Mercedes CLK. I call it a Merc for those with smaller bank account. I can't wait to buy a used version 4 years from now.


Did Volkswagen copy or was inspired by CLK design with their CC?

I wonder if people think all automakers copied the Australians because they invented power steering? Or if everyone copied the Americans because they also use intermittent wipers in their cars?

I really don't like the word "copy", unless if it's really ridiculous. I don't hear anyone complain that Subaru copied BMW's tail lights. Shoot, I don't ever hear anyone complain about the Japanese even though they've been "copying" people for decades.

I wonder why people don't say that Honda copied the Prius design.

It's quite obvious that people concentrate on country and not brand name. How shameful.

P.S. I don't know if I read correctly, V6 Sonata's only accounted for 1% of Sonata sales. Americans are now addicted to Fuel Economy. A powerful enough 4 cylinder was a wise choice. Sonata is now selling like hot cakes. Their recent recall is unfortunate, however.

 

[cchase]

Originally Posted By: Popinski
Originally Posted By: M1Accord
I think everyone owes it to themselves to test drive or at least look at the new Sonata. It is probably the best copy the Korean did of another car, which is the Mercedes CLK. Their only mistake is not put a V6 or larger I4 in it. I drove one and really like it. I think I am going to get it as a rental when we go down to Florida in the winter.

A few things I don't like about the car:
1) The fuel economy indicator should be a numerical mode and not a bar and it shouldn't go to 50 mpg because the car can't get that kind of mileage. That tells me that the feature is not accurate is mainly for show.
2) Better side mirror because it is hard to adjust them to really capture rear view
3) Don't put buttons on rear view mirror because some of us install a oversize mirror their for safety
4) Allow the driver seat to be adjust higher to give short driver a more command view of the road. This helps parking and turning much safer
5) Charge us an additional $2k and put a supercharge or turbo-charger in it. Or have a V6 with a cylinder de-activation mode when in speed higher than 40 mph or while in city mode.

Otherwise this is a great car. I love the styling which is the best copy the Korean ever made. Unlike Kia Optima which looks cheap and phony, the new Sonata stands on its own a great rival to the much more expensive Mercedes CLK. I call it a Merc for those with smaller bank account. I can't wait to buy a used version 4 years from now.


Did Volkswagen copy or was inspired by CLK design with their CC?

I wonder if people think all automakers copied the Australians because they invented power steering? Or if everyone copied the Americans because they also use intermittent wipers in their cars?

I really don't like the word "copy", unless if it's really ridiculous. I don't hear anyone complain that Subaru copied BMW's tail lights. Shoot, I don't ever hear anyone complain about the Japanese even though they've been "copying" people for decades.

I wonder why people don't say that Honda copied the Prius design.

It's quite obvious that people concentrate on country and not brand name. How shameful.

P.S. I don't know if I read correctly, V6 Sonata's only accounted for 1% of Sonata sales. Americans are now addicted to Fuel Economy. A powerful enough 4 cylinder was a wise choice. Sonata is now selling like hot cakes. Their recent recall is unfortunate, however.


It's far too easy to illustrate Hyundais lack of styling individuality.

 

[jc1990]

I REALLY THINK THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI AT LEAST MINE IS THE 4CYLINDER MOST OF THE ONES I SEE AROUND ARE SIXES I GOTTA A CHANCE TO DRIVE A V6 AND MAN WHAT A HUGE DIFFRENCE ALTHOUGH THERE NEW 4 IS PRETTY PEPPY ALSO WISH I HAD WAITED 2 YRS AND GOT THE 2011