Opinions on Hyundai Sonata 2008 or 2007

Hi all,
I am thinking about buying a Sonata 2008. Nice body style! Has anyone
bought one from last year since the body style doesn't look like it
changed from 2007 to 2008. Any issues with the car and quality? I
remember Hyundai years ago and all my relatives and friends avoided
Hyundai because of reliability. My family always bought Toyota or
Honda in the past. How is the Sonata now? Heard it was a 10yr/100k
powertrain warranty. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

I bought a 2007 SE at year end. I test drove the 2007 and 2008. My
dealership claims Hyundai tightened the suspension a bit but I didn't notice
any difference. AFAIK, there's no mechanical or sheet metal difference. XM
radio appears to be standard for 2008 and there are different color choices.

It's the best mid-sized car I've owned. The V6 should be outlawed. It's so
powerful and responsive that you have to be careful or you'll be paying
tickets : ) Great car!

 

Had three Sonatas since '99, they have improved build quality each time. All
of them have had tall gearing which suits Australia fine as you can sit on
110 kph and engine is idling over at ~2200 rpm. On a longish trip I have got
under 8 litres/100km!. Only reliabilty issue was on the 1st V6 each spark
plug lead went crook about 2 months apart each and silly dealer insisted on
taking off rear inlet manifolding each and every time rear leads went. For
the cost of a new lead set it would have saved him and me a lot of time and
money. I would definitely buy another. Another advantage is that Korea isnt
killing whales for research like Japan.
John

 

I,m being facetious regarding the "research"!!!!!
John

 

My '07 Limited just hit 30,000 miles. It has been perfect, never back to
the dealer for anything. I've done the oil changes as specified and last
week put new wiper blades on it. Handles well, and overall is a good as any
car I've owned. I'd not hesitate to buy another.

 

Just can't resist injecting politics. Korea does equally egregious
things as do most countries, Australia included.

 

No, you are being stupid.

 

Thanks for the replies, especially about reliabilitiy. Are you guys
happy with your gas mileage? At least on the V4 model that is. Did you
guys get leather seats?

 

At least irrelevant to the current subject.

 

Got the heated leather. I also had the dealer put in a remote starter.
When I park the car at night, I put the switch in the "on" position so it
heats a few minutes before I get into the car. If you are in a cold
climate, it is a good feature. After negotiating a deal, I made the remote
starter the deal maker and they went for it.

 

Which is stupid.

 

Hi all,

You may want to hold off another month as the 2009 goes on sale the
end of Feb. and has some newer technology that increase HP and fuel
economy. Styling isn't bad either. Check it out:
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080204/FREE/466270696&SearchID=73307656122935

- Thee Chicago Wolf

 

Man, that's the last thing the V6 needs --- 15 more HP. Next we'll here
that somebody broke the 147mph landspeed record for the Sonata.

Kinda kidding but the 232HP the current V6 is incredible in the Sonata.
They ought to add a 7 year/100,000 warranty that covers speeding tickets

The picture doesn't really show the styling changes, however.

 

Yes, Hyundai needs competitive fuel economy more than more power. My 4
cylinder is plenty powerful enough, but it should get 2-4 more MPG
compared to other cars of similar size and power.

Matt

 

Agreed...my 07 Elantra should be getting 10MPG more in my opinion. The
mileage is horrible. At least my 03 and 05 Elantras got fairly good
mileage. (see my thread further down about mileage).

*********
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=789610

 

I bought a 2008 Sonata last month and the following has occurred: the
passenger airbag disabled light keeps coming on even when there's
nobody there. One of the trunk suspension air-shock cylinders
failed. My passenger side back floor-board filled with water after a
heavy rain.

The Dealer tried to send me away when I arrived for service. They said
my warrenty didn't cover me. All of the problems are covered.

This is my first Hyundai and it will be my last.

 

I bought a 2008 Sonata last month and the following has occurred: the
passenger airbag disabled light keeps coming on even when there's
nobody there. One of the trunk suspension air-shock cylinders
failed. My passenger side back floor-board filled with water after a
heavy rain.

The Dealer tried to send me away when I arrived for service. They said
my warrenty didn't cover me. All of the problems are covered.

This is my first Hyundai and it will be my last.

No way is this characteristic of a Sonata. Sounds like you got a lemon of a
dealer. Everything IS covered --- unless you left your trunk open during
that rainstorm.

 

passenger airbag disabled light keeps coming on even when there's
nobody there. One of the trunk suspension air-shock cylinders
failed. My passenger side back floor-board filled with water after a
heavy rain.

Sorry to hear that. My Sonata will hit 31000 miles tomorrow and it has been
perfect. Never been back to the dealer. If problems persist, check your
state's lemon laws and also complain about the dealer. Those problems are
covered and a reputable dealer will be happy to fix them for you.

 

Not my experience at all.
I suggest that you call Hyundaiusa and ask to talk to the warranty
department and tell them of your experience with the dealer.

Old_Timer

 

This tale smacks of more to the story. There are indeed some bad dealers
out there, but I have a very hard time believing this story as it is
relayed.