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2011 Hyundai Sonata

5326 messages,  Last post on Feb 15, 2013 at 11:34 AM

You are in the Hyundai Sonata Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Future Vehicle, Sedan

Messages Page 311 of 534

#3094 of 5326 Re: 2011 Sonata looks good...........But [windjammer] by backy

May 18, 2010 (6:21 pm)

Replying to: windjammer (May 18, 2010 12:28 pm)
For the first twenty five years or so they produced mostly junk, ...
 
You have GOT to be joking. Hyundai started selling cars in the US in 1985--25 years ago. Do you realize you are calling vehicles such as the 2007-10 Elantra (CR's Top Pick for compacts), the Genesis sedan (2009 NA COTY and CR's top-ranked upscale sedan), the Veracruz (which beat the Lexus RX in MT's comparo), the 2006-2010 Sonata (rated only behind the Passat in the mid-sized class by MT), and the 2007-10 Santa Fe (tied with the Murano for CR's top midsized 2-row SUV) "junk"?
 
Not to mention even older designs like the 2001-6 Elantra and 2001-6 Santa Fe which have proven to be solid, reliable cars.
 
Please do take a wait and see attitude on the Sonata. It might help reduce demand, and prices, for those interested in buying one.

#3095 of 5326 Re: 2011 Sonata looks good...........But [denp3] by schdy

May 18, 2010 (7:05 pm)

Replying to: denp3 (May 18, 2010 5:11 pm)
This was my 3rd time buying a first year model, a 2002, 2006 and now a 2011 of Hyundai. Haven't been disappointed with any. With the warranty, you have some satisfaction. You can have problems with any make, weather being a first model year or later.
 
I have also bought the 2002 Sonata and Elantra, the 2006 Sonata and Elantra 5dr and now the 2011 Sonata SE. Other than a minor horn failure on my 2006 Sonata which was covered under warranty, I haven't had a problem.
Try this website and check the few owner complaints for Hyundai.
http://www.carcomplaints.com/

#3096 of 5326 Re: 2011 Sonata looks good...........But [backy] by jsmit86

May 18, 2010 (7:11 pm)

Replying to: backy (May 18, 2010 6:21 pm)
Replying to: windjammer (May 18, 2010 2:28 pm)
For the first twenty five years or so they produced mostly junk, ...
 
Got to disagree on this...
Early on, OK bad cars, but by the late 90's these were decent cars.
 
My mother in law had a 2001 Sonata. Great car with no issues. In 2001, I bought my kids a used 2000 Sonata GLS 4Cyl. with about 14K miles on the odometer for about $11K.
 
 We just traded it with 160K miles last summer on a new 2009 GLS. Original tranny and engine. No major issues until the end. Trans was starting to slip a little, and it was due for a timing chain or belt. I put 3 sets of tire on it, and did the normal maintenance.
 
I have traveled to Korea at least 2x a year since the early 1990's. In those days my Korean Vendors would never have us ride around in Korean cars; they always picked me up in Cadillac's etc.. As the years progressed, I saw the quality of Hyundai's improving dramatically. Eventually I got to ride in Grandeur's, (XG350) and Equus and the occasional Sonata. I was impressed.
 
After purchasing the first 2 Sonata's, we bought a Santa Fe for my wife in 2002. Again, a great vehicle, with no issues. We traded it with about 80K miles on a larger Chrysler Pacifica due to the need for additional seating
 
My last 2 cars were Infiniti's (I30t and G35). I just traded the G on my 2011 Sonata Limited. Between the deal on the car, and the trade, I spent about $17K less on the Sonata than a new G37. So far I am very pleased with the new Sonata. No, it won't out run or out corner a G37, but it is quieter, and represents a great value.
 
I did not pay full MSRP, (saved about $2K) but even if I had, that would be a better value than many of the competitor's including Camry, Fusion and Accord.

#3097 of 5326 Re: 2011 Sonata looks good...........But [windjammer] by schdy

May 18, 2010 (7:15 pm)

Replying to: windjammer (May 18, 2010 12:28 pm)
Go to http://www.carcomplaints.com/ and you can get a better reading on the few complaints on Hyundai cars since 2001.
I wonder what Toyota will be like at this website next year based on what happened this year.
And if I remember when I purchased my 1985 Honda Accord the problems were numerous and Honda had a very bad rep. Now they are in the top 3 in quality.

#3098 of 5326 Re: 2011 Sonata looks good...........But [schdy] by jlflemmons

May 18, 2010 (7:54 pm)

Replying to: schdy (May 18, 2010 7:15 pm)
Some of those complaints are hysterical. I really liked the three that claim their engine overheating was caused by a manufacturing defect in the head.
 
After they each had over 80,000 miles on the car. Umm, I think a manufacturing defect would show up a bit sooner???

#3099 of 5326 Re: 2011 Sonata looks good...........But [windjammer] by mexjohn

May 18, 2010 (9:44 pm)

Replying to: windjammer (May 18, 2010 12:28 pm)
and as you know Hyundai is not exactly synonymous with quality
 
I know no such thing. I asked a lot of Hyundai owners about their experiences before buying my Sonata Limited ( for several thousand less than any comparable I checked) and they all reported they have had little to no problems after many miles.
 
That does not connote to your misinformed comment.
 
I have known a lot of people who have said, "Never buy the first year of a model," but my last car, and this one, are both first year. The last car lasted me 11 years and I never had anything go wrong but one oxygen sensor in all those years. So far, with about 1500 miles, the Sonata is just great.
 
I had heard many disparaging remarks about Hyundai over the years, all from people who had NEVER owned one. It's a good thing I have sense enough not to heed the warnings of the uninformed.

#3100 of 5326 Re: 2011 Sonata looks good...........But [mexjohn] by schdy

May 19, 2010 (3:58 am)

Replying to: mexjohn (May 18, 2010 9:44 pm)
I had heard many disparaging remarks about Hyundai over the years, all from people who had NEVER owned one. It's a good thing I have sense enough not to heed the warnings of the uninformed.
 
Smart move! Add to the uninformed the unexperienced,Jealous and Competitors.
Yes at one time like Honda and Toyota, Hyundai had serious quality problems.
They worked hard to improve quality and their efforts have put them right up with their competition. The 2011 Sonata may be the largest seller this year. And it is made in America.
Good luck with you purchase and happy motoring.

#3101 of 5326 Re: 2011 Sonata looks good...........But [windjammer] by skdriver

May 19, 2010 (4:52 am)

Replying to: windjammer (May 18, 2010 12:28 pm)
After owning owning 6 Hyundai & 1 Kia product over the last 26 years (between my wife, myself & Daughter) 2 Hyundai Excel's, 1 Accent, 1 XG 300, 1 Kia Amanti, 2009 Santa Fe and now a 2011 Sonata Limited w nav. I have to disagree. We have not had any major problems with any of the vehicles. These cars have cost me NOTHING to operate beyond normal maintenace. My Kia Amanti had a spot that the leather in the seat wore through where my wallet is kept in my back pocket after 4-1/2 years. The dealers comment "that should not have happened, I'll order you a new seat cover, it was installed at no cost under warranty. If, as you say, Hyundai produces 'junk' I would not have continued buying S. Korean products.
The XG 300, Kia Amanti and 2011 Sonata were all first year products. I could not have been happier with these auto purchases.
We have recommended Hyundai products to many friends, some who have purchased them and have not been sorry.
With a quality product, great warranty and competitive prices where can you go. wrong

#3102 of 5326 Re: 2011 Sonata looks good...........But [skdriver] by jlflemmons

May 19, 2010 (5:42 am)

Replying to: skdriver (May 19, 2010 4:52 am)
I am on my fourth Hyundai product (almost forgot the wife's Tucson). We are also very fortunate to have a top-notch dealer here (owned by the Penske Automotive Group). These guys bust their butts to make the other three local dealers in the Penske Group (Honda, Toyota, Smart) look "average". A good product will boost your image, but tie that to great customer focus from the sales floor to the parts counter and you can take it to the next level.
 
In this day and age where the quality of 'most' vehicles has improved significantly, customer service is what will make you stand out.

#3103 of 5326 Re: 2011 Sonata looks good...........But [jlflemmons] by schdy

May 19, 2010 (6:32 am)

Replying to: jlflemmons (May 19, 2010 5:42 am)
In this day and age where the quality of 'most' vehicles has improved significantly, customer service is what will make you stand out.
 
I agree with you. I live in the NY area and I have been dealing with Huntington Hyundai for over 8 yrs with 5 different vehicles and they go out of there way to please their customers.They make service appointments so short time waiting for service and they provide transportation if necessary. So far in 8 yrs I only have required the normal service and state inspections plus a horn replacement.
I always get a questionaire from Hyundai whenever I go for service asking for a Dealer rating. Hyundai is very concerned about their customers.

Messages Page 311 of 534

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