2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 from North America
Faults:
Only one headlight bulb needed replacing.
General Comments:
I love the way this car sticks to the road and requires minimum driver attention. Handling is excellent.
Steering is solid and steady. Point the car in the direction you want it to go and it will stay there, this car is not loosey-goosey in its steering and will not wonder all over the road if your eyes stray for a nanosecond.
This V6 vehicle does have power, but not at the low end of the power/speed band. You see the power at the higher end, when you are already going 65mph and need power for passing or cruising, then the power kicks-in with surprising ferocity.
The turning radius on this car never ceases to amaze me. Turns a circle like a sports car and I made U-turns that I never expected to make without slamming a curb.
Made many long-distance trips with this car, and it rides and performs like a dream on the highway, its real home. In the city the MPG is not that good, but highway MPG is better. Would like a few more gallons in tank capacity. Depending on the road, the back seat may get a bit bumpy for the passengers, but up front the ride is good. The Sonata also performed well in snow and rain.
The cruise control worked flawlessly and set and held the correct speed without speed creep.
The headlights and fog lights are excellent and plow the road ahead.
For the price, this car is well built and packed with features that only cars much more expensive have. Styling and aerodynamics are excellent. The warranty is one of the best in the business, and it can be extended even longer for a price.
You can buy this car loaded for a fraction of the cost of other foreign brands.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th April, 2005
5th Jan 2010, 15:04
It seems odd to me that you would buy another Hyundai after having terrible problems with the first one. How did the engine seize?, lack of oil or major component failure? Either way, a shock on a new car. Why not go to another brand when this happens?