Need opinion on Sonata 2006

Hi!

I presently have a Camry 2002 and I might change it for a Sonata 2006. It
seems to be a good car?

I would need your feedback on this car please before I make my final choice.
Is it reliable? Any issues with these Sonatas?

Many thanks!

 

In my personal opinion, it's far too early to pass judgment on the 2006
Sonata. The issues I've seen seem to be more related to assembly than
part quality, so I think that reflects Hyundai's continued commitment to
quality. Once upon a time, part quality was horrible.

But both of the engines in the 2006 Sonata are new engines, so there's
little data to make conclusions. My general impression of Hyundai is that
they've improved their quality dramatically, especially in the first few
years/30k miles of ownership, but I'm less convinced over a significantly
longer haul. I'd still give the nod to the likes of Honda and Toyota
(certain particular models excepted) over the long haul.

 

There have been several threads on the 06 Sonata here within the last 6
months. A little seaching should find more than you probably want to
know!


Matt

 

re: 2006 new Sonata

Figure also the price of the "extended service contract" and the two
required approx $600+ timing belt changes (at 30K and at 60K).

So, there will perhaps be a $2000 more expenditure for assuring that
Hyundai will give you peace of mind especially when you duly fear
feeling/hearing a transmission noise, air conditioning glitch, motor
anomaly et cetera.

Merde allons (S happens if that's what "allons" means.)

I had a $2700(?) transmission problem in an '86 Corrolla apparently
because of their known hesitation problem (as discussed in CONSUMER
REPORTS that year): Nevertheless, sometime after those covered 36,000
hesitating miles or whatever, I eventually asked my lawyer to explain
this to Toyota: So, even the best reputed can sometimes be junque too.
Shame on 'em for alienating me, while I hope they're very successful
with their hybrid technology.

B-t-w: I've also owned a VW or two, and definitely suggest extended
service contract for a VW. It's not your Dad's or Grandpa's Beetle.
It's a sometimes glitching machine like everything else.

I consider Hyundai the best value in the marketplace.

Take a look at the recent CONSUMER REPORTS which apparently discusses
Hyundai's competition apparently favorably.

How close/convenient to a dealer's servicing department is important to
me.

 

You better do your homework a little more thoroughly. Neither engine
offered in the 2006 Sonata has a timing belt.


Matt

 

You better do your homework a little more thoroughly. Neither engine

Touche: That's exactly why I suppose the guy is inquiring.

 

I thought the V6 on the 2006 does have a timing belt that should be
replaced at 60k. Some clarification please.

 

I rode in a 2002 Camry last week, and it's close to my Sonata V6. My car was
a little quieter and a bit peppier, but not that much. The interiors
actually look alike on the 2 cars.

Unless that Camry has 100K miles, or was wrecked, I say keep the Camry.

 

Nope. No timing belt on the '06 and newer Sonata, Azera, and Entourage.
All use chains. Purportedly, the '07 Elantra is to use chain as well.

 

If you google this group with such a search, you will be reading for months!
If your old car is functional, whether it be a Camry or a '63 Ford Falcon,
one might say to stay put. People sometimes just want a new car rather than
need one. I can identify with that.

That being said, I'm surprised a bit by the tepid responses. Speaking of the
V6 Sonata... It has a new car warranty-the best. It comes all shiny and new
with zero abuse. It is Much faster than the Camry. It handles better than
the Camry. Does it outbrake the Camry?-don't know but bet it does. It has an
airbag for seemingly every anatomical part of your body unlike the Camry. It
has stability control/traction control which I bet your old Camry does not.
It is quiet. It has good head/leg room front and rear. It comes very well
equipped with standard features you pay extra for with other companies. And
It is so much better looking than the Camry, its in another league all
together......Go sit in one and drive one, of course. I highly recommend the
Sonata but would not presume to tell You how to handle your discretionary
spending..... As far as long term ??? First, if you keep the Sonata as long
as the Camry you'll have zero to worry about! Its covered. Secondly, why
would one presume its going to turn to sh$%^*&t ? All aluminum V6s have been
done before. Variable valve timing has been done. Stability control done.
Its not revolutionary, just a nice capable package by a company who has now
got its car act together (Hyundai is a world leader in other endeavors
already). My dealer's service writer said the engine design (3.3v6) came
from M-B. I believe the stability control is Bosch designed. I'm very
confident in the mechanics(machinery). New models everywhere do have build
problems sometimes for sure. Their are others here that have small
complaints that my car doesn't exhibit, so things are only getting better!

I've got 16,000 miles on mine since Christmas. I like it a lot. In fact, I
like it more as time passes as I find it performs/drives well in every
condition, on every road that I encounter. Cheers PS if you buy, get the
sunroof and 6 cd changer, you'll love it.

 

As my father would say, "That's what thought did for you!"


Matt

 

I had recently the V6 Sonata for a car rental.

On the positive side, the car drove well (although not as tight as my Accord)
and was comfortable. Plus all of the options can't be beat (leather seats,
standard MP3 player climate control).

Now onto the negative side of things.....
The interior felt like it was smaller than our Accord, but checking the
interior on both cars, the numbers looks the same.
The side mirror do not fold. While it may seem a minor issue, on my
Accord which do fold, I've had them bent so many times that I won't buy a car
without them.
The rear window is narrow. While it isn't as bad as say an Impala, I
really hate car manufactures that are doing this to cars. It's almost like they
want you to get into an accident since you can't see as much from the rear.

As a previous poster mentioned, if you don't have any problems with your Toyota
why buy a new car? Save the money and run the car to the ground.

Nick

 

I guess that's because the cars are practically the same.

If you have a low mileage 2002 Camry in good shape, a 2006 car in the same
class doesn't have much to justify a new one. The one I recently rode in was
like new, and I couldn't see selling at all.

I'm sure there are plenty of 02 Camry's out there that are ready to be
traded in. In that case, the Sonata would be an excellent choice.

Personally, if I was wealthy enough to trade in every 4 years regardless of
the mileage or condition of my car, I would probably go for the big Lexus or
Azera.

 

I understand need vs. want, and though the cars serve the same market, their
are some real differences, no? It was my feeling the OP wanted opinions of
the '06 Sonata, more so than opinions of the "02 Camry. ps do you the think
the Azera hit the mark on styling ? Maybe the wind deflector for the sun
roof is what's homely. PPS Who doesn't love the 3.3v6, it's wonderful under
acceleration.

 

My LX is as good a car is there is out there. It's fun to drive. few
little problems crop up but so far it's a good car. now have 5000 miles on
it. average 16.7 MPG city and 27.1 MPH highway with cruise control. It's
larger interior than the camrey and larger than the accord. Lots of leg
room, head room.

 

My point was, an 02 Camry can practically be a new car if it was taken good
care of.

I agree the V6 Sonata is a nice little step up in power and safety.