2007 Hyundai Sonata SE 3.3L V6

Summary:

First and last Hyundai I will own

Faults:

Constant problems with the car alarm sounding falsely (had a body shop disconnect it).

Nasty rattle coming from dashboard since day one (dealers can never seem to replicate the sound and don't seem to want to fix it).

Four burnt brake lights (replaced by me).

Bad break switch (covered). Caused ESC OFF light to stay on and cruise control to be deactivated.

Worn bearing (covered).

Driver's-side visor (covered).

Multiple recalls (dealers fixed without question).

---END OF Warranty---

Passenger-side air bag sensor goes bad at 62K ($1,200 — not covered).

Headlight switch needs replacing at 63K ($300 — not covered).

Rear passenger-side window regulator fails at 78K ($350 — not covered).

General Comments:

Mechanically the car has been great. Very happy to get a V6 in this price range, as most manufacturers reserve V6 engines for their higher trim levels. Love how the steering feels tighter than a lot of similar cars.

Car magically started having costly problems only 2,000 miles outside of its 5-year/60,000 mile warranty.

The car isn't paid for and already needs nearly $2,000 worth of repairs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st August, 2011

2007 Hyundai Sonata 3.3

Summary:

Nice car if it was more reliable

Faults:

Computer problems at 60000.

Rear strut bushings.

Sunvisors won't stay up.

Motor had a tick to it at 100000.

General Comments:

Nice car, but way too many problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd January, 2011

24th Jan 2011, 11:48

OK so would you please define "computer problems"?

For your engine tick, try replacing the purge control valve. It's a common thing for those to tick and make noise from time to time. How regularly have you performed your oil changes? When they say 3000 miles, they don't mean 30,000.

17th Apr 2020, 14:57

The sun visor issue was fixed with a free recall.

The tick is the hydraulic belt tensioner.

Change your oil when you are supposed to and this car will run well over 100,000 miles with NO problems at all.

2007 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4 cylinder

Summary:

Overall, a 7 out of 10 so far

Faults:

SERVICE AND DEALERS

Bought this car used. The only problem we have had, is the halfwit writing this made a CD and put a nice label on it - and it jammed in the player. That was my first experience of service, repaired for free, great laughter.

Had a remote starter installed. While it works well, it can be quirky at locking and unlocking the doors and especially the trunk.

If it has a quirky thing, it is that the 4 cylinder engine must use Hyundai oil filters only or your warranty could be void. No problem, as their filters are no more expensive than any other, and I can still get changes at the Quick Lube nearest me.

General Comments:

INTERIOR COMFORT

We have made several highway trips with this vehicle - normally it is my wife's commute to work car. Highway trips are quite pleasurable, and my mother in law rates the back seat as far better than the one in the Buick.

HANDLING

Love it. Our Buick, which I drive, is comfortable, staid, and non dramatic - excellent vehicle - but the Sonata has verve, pickup, and zips along, seems eager.

PROBLEMS

Not a problem yet, but the exterior paint does seem to be very soft and scratches and chips easily. In a land where salt and gravel are used in winter, this could be problematic down the road.

And finally...

My first experience of folding back seats, turning a sedan into a mini wagon.. would NEVER buy another car without it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th March, 2010

9th Sep 2010, 22:56

Just wanted to update this a bit. Here in Edmonton we get a fair bit of ice and cruddy road surfaces in winter, so we added four winter tires at the start of the last snow season.

I was a little concerned over how it would handle, because it is quite perky on the gas pedal, even with the 4 cyl engine.

Winter was no problem - no matter how bad the road conditions.

Now at 67,000 KM and the car is behaving very well. Expenses over the first year of ownership - oil changes, four winter tires, and that is it.

Good car so far.

9th Sep 2010, 23:04

I have noticed some reviews of the Sonata are reporting really awful miles per gallon. I can only tell you I have tracked our mileage from the first day of ownership. This is on the 4 cylinder...

In the city... 26 MPG (and that's over 14 months ownership!)

On the highway.. last 600 mile road trip we got 35 MPG.

And that is from my records...

3rd Feb 2011, 22:51

Another update - happy 2011!

I had the Sonata in for a required (71,000 km service). It also required a new sun visor (old one on driver's side wants to hit you in the head) - done under warranty. I was very upset when they called and said they wanted to do the 40,000 k service as well - to change the brake fluid, coolant, and check the usual check things - belts, etc. (ready???)

For $780 dollars! A little rich in my opinion. I can get that done at my local minute lube..

If this is the sort of fees dealers charge, I will not be looking at another Sonata..

In reply to 3rd Feb 2011, 22:51

27th Feb 2020, 21:34

Dealers always overcharge for the simplest things. Mostly labor not parts. Can go to an autoparts store and get parts and have a local mechanic do the work for way, way less.