2001 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.5L V6 from North America
Summary:
Never fails to impress
Faults:
Paint chipping from rear left door handle. Recalled for side airbags which were fixed quickly and for free under warranty.
General Comments:
The V6 accelerates to 60 in less than eight seconds which is impressive for a car of its size. Plenty of power after 4000 RPM, but enough low end torque to be drivable. It is faster than 4 cylinder Accords, most 6 cylinder Mustangs and older V6 Camaros. Interior materials are of decent quality. The 4 speed auto is a bit slow to shift. Ride is soft and comfortable. On sharp turns, the Sonata's body rolls considerably. Hard braking at high speeds causes the body to oscillate left and right. I don't have much confidence in this car while its suspension is being pushed to the limit. As a family car it works well and for thousands less than its competition.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th February, 2004
5th Jul 2005, 19:58
I've had the same problem with peeling paint on the door handles. I had the dealer remove and repaint the right rear handle. Then I started losing paint on the other three handles. The dealer advised that paint is only warranted for 36,000 miles and my car was now at 42,000. They then suggested I buy a can of spray paint.