Hyundai Sonata 2006-2007

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Comments

  • greg_atlantagreg_atlanta Member Posts: 2
    2006 Sonata GLS 4-cyl, about 3,300 miles... power steering became noticably heavy about 200 miles into a 300 mile trip yesterday (did not happen on the 300 mile trip 4 days earlier). Have not driven car yet today, but checked tire pressure and belt and they're fine. Power steering fluid was at "hot fill" when engine was cold so I sucked some out to get to "cold fill" level.

    Are there known power steering problems with this car? I want to be prepared to leave the car at the dealer if needed for the first oil change (not sure of their loaner policy).
  • mamamia2mamamia2 Member Posts: 707
    I actually noticed that the Sonata's steering wheel is a bit "heavy" (at least compared to our old, and new Accord) right from day one (I have the same car as you have). As if the Power Steering system is a bit weak....

    And others (though V6 owners) have noticed it too... So it would be interesting to know if your service manager can find something....
  • cumptrnrdcumptrnrd Member Posts: 53
    I saw that too. I think the in-glass is classier, but I guess they would need the shark fin for satellite radio. It would look nicer if they made it body color.
  • pekelopdpekelopd Member Posts: 139
    The in-glass is cleaner, hidden and don't have to worry about a power antenna breaking, but I find the reception lacking at times. I don't know if the shark fin antenna is specifically for satellite radio or just broadcast radio. It would definitely be better if it matched the body color. In the 70's many car makers had antennas built into the front windshield (my 77 volvo 244DL had it) but that didn't last too long.
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,602
    Hear, hear on the front windshield antenneas of the '70's. My parents had a '70 Caddy w/ the front windshield antennea. The FM (as I recall) was terrible. One could lose an FM station only 20 miles away by simply turning a corner.

    Hope the rear window antenneas of today are a vast improvement.
  • averigejoeaverigejoe Member Posts: 559
    After market metallic window tint film applied over the glass area containing the antenna can interfere with reception of the radio signal on many cars.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    I believe it's virtually a certainty that metallic films will block RF energy enough to cause reception problems with embedded glass antennas. I seem to recall that non-metallic ceramic films will pass RF, though.
  • rdillierrdillier Member Posts: 71
    So you're saying I STILL have to wear the aluminum-foil helmet to block all the voices and radio waves from the government people trying to control me???? :P
  • nifty56nifty56 Member Posts: 279
    toooooo funny
    The shark fin can be used for normal radio reception.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    "So you're saying I STILL have to wear the aluminum-foil helmet to block all the voices and radio waves from the government people trying to control me????"

    Not at all. I believe I speak for the entire Edmunds community in specifically exempting you from protecting yourself from the effects of random irradiation. :P
  • cajuncyclercajuncycler Member Posts: 172
    Well I have ended my second month with 2006 Sonata GLS V6 and I am sorry to say I still have NO issues with the car. I just cannot find a fault with it. Maybe it is an aberation but even the mileage is improving at now up to 26 mpg combined highway and in town with 1000 miles on the OD. I'll keep you posted.
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    I just cannot find a fault with it. Maybe it is an aberation...

    Not an abberation at all. Many owners are finding zero issues with the car. I only have 1, which is minor and will be fixed as soon as I can find time to take it in.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    Sounds like there is a new factory stereo coming with factory installed XM and new steering wheel controls in a few months.
    If the new radio doesn't have an AUX input jack, maybe the aftermarket will make an adapter that plugs in wherever the XM module plugs into the new radio.
    Just unplug the XM module (if you don't plan to subscribe to the service) and plug an auxiliary input adapter in its place.
    Maybe some company will even make an iPod-specific adapter that will charge an iPod and allow you to skip tracks via the steering wheel controls.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    That's FANTASTIC news! Who will be the manufacturer? Oh, and while you're at it, would you provide your source for verification of the new audio system and its expanded features?
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    I don't know that any specific manufacturer has plans to make an auxillary audio input adapater for the new radio, so I said "maybe" they would make these adapters.
    However, it should be much easier to make adapters once the new AM/FM/XM radio comes out, so I don't see why it would not be sold by some aftermarket company that's already in the business of making similar adapters for other factory radios.
    "Maybe" Hyundai will even add a factory installed AUX jack since they are going to the trouble or changing the radio already, but since that was not announced, it's probably not happening. If they included an input jack on the front of the new radio, then you wouldn't even need to get an aftermarket adapater.
  • manixmanix Member Posts: 2
    I bought this (Hyundai 2007 Limited Sonata) 2 weeks ago and have driven it for 1400 plus miles by now. Here are some of the gas mileage numbers I have seen on my trip computer:

    1) Driving alone on NJ Turnpike for over an hour at 60-65 mph while using A/C, GPS, and iPod, I averaged 30.3 mpg. I got more than the advertised EPA figure!

    2) Driving from New Jersey to Mass. with 2 more passengers and a trunk loaded with luggage, I averaged 28.1 mpg for the whole trip.

    For a large car with V6 engine, I think the above figures are very impressive. Also, the trip computer gas mileage readings tally well with how much gas I need to fill up the tank each time.

    I wonder if Hyundai has done something to improve gas mileage on the 2007 Sonata models.
  • johnap2johnap2 Member Posts: 105
    That's pretty good...sure beats my 4-cylinder GLS in fuel efficency!
  • enkaenka Member Posts: 35
    Hyundai sold 47,205 models in July thats really good people Hyundai is a beast. they doing it big tell everybody to buy Hyundai so they can brake the 47thosand record beast yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    "I wonder if Hyundai has done something to improve gas mileage on the 2007 Sonata models."

    Well, for one thing, as of the 2006 model year, all Sonata engines have CVVT (continuously variable valve timing) for improved efficiency, as well as cold-air intake systems. The combined benefits improve power delivery (and fuel economy when driven sanely). The 2007 Sonata shares these features since they're essentially a carry-over model.
  • acronisacronis Member Posts: 29
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  • acronisacronis Member Posts: 29
    More Good News....
    Hyundai's Brand Value Rises
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  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    More Good News... Hyundai's Brand Value Rises

    Re-think everything. :)

    I have seen this coming for some time. Along with Hyundai's improving reputation, this should help improve resale values.
  • grundelmangrundelman Member Posts: 4
    I have an 06 GLS V6 with 16,000 miles (I drive alot!) and have not had a single issue. It runs as good as the day I drove it out of the lot. Love the car.
  • jal012773jal012773 Member Posts: 63
    I know the rear suspension problem has been discussed numerous times here, but thought I would throw this out and see what everyone else thinks. Has anyone actually been able to pin point the source of the ka-thunk noise? Reason I ask is that the other day I was standing by the rear door, pushing the trunk lid closed from there. I noticed the rear dash pop up and drop back down when the trunk shut. Seems to me the dash shouldn't be so loose, and maybe the dash is beating against the frame over harsh bumps. Any thoughts?
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    By "rear dash", are you describing what used to be called the "package shelf" between the rear seatback and the back glass?
  • enkaenka Member Posts: 35
    I have a 2001 Hyundai Sonata GLS v6 does anyone know how much horsepower this car has? thanks.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    IIRC 170HP

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • johnap2johnap2 Member Posts: 105
    This forum is for the 2006+ Sonata. I would assume your answer should be directed to an applicable forum.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Snakeweasel is right - you can check this page on Edmunds for any further specs that might interest you: 2001 Hyundai Sonata.

    If you want to talk with others about your Sonata, drop by our Hyundai Sonata 2005 and earlier discussion - we'd love to have you! :)
  • jal012773jal012773 Member Posts: 63
    Yes, the "pakage shelf" would be what I'm referring to.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    Thanks for the clarification. You might try crawling into the trunk to check for loose or missing fasteners that secure the package shelf/rear dash to the underlying sheet metal framing. At the very least, you now know how to demonstrate the problem to service personnel. Your observational skills may've shed some light on what's been a vexing problem for a lot of '06+ Sonata owners.
  • nehcnehc Member Posts: 13
    15.1K OTD 2006 SONATA GL 2.4, automatic, brand new.

    Thanks for Internet; I got what I want in two weeks.
    The dealer is a nice black young gentleman as well as a good seller, so maybe he has no any 2006 model left.

    I have called many dealerships for 2 weeks, so far nobody can beat the price.
    Well, it's a good beginning for my new life! :shades:
  • pekelopdpekelopd Member Posts: 139
    I'm curious as to when I should have my first oil change/check up. I have an '06 GLS I4 for just over 3 months and I'm finally just about reaching 1200 miles (break-in period). Any suggestions/opinions? Thanks.
  • johnap2johnap2 Member Posts: 105
    Well, according to the owners manual you should change it every 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions and every 3,000 miles under severe driving conditions. My usage, like most other people, falls under the severe usage category. However, I do not believe for one second that a vehicle needs an oil change every 3,000 miles no matter what driving conditions are present. You will see people argue the fact they would be worried about warranty coverage if something were to happen to the engine and they did not change the oil according to schedule. This is about as likely to happen as hitting the 10 million dollar lottery jackpot. NO oil would likely be the cause of any lubrication related damage to an engine and not OLD oil. If there was any dispute a simple $20 oil analysis would clear the matter up.

    People had the 3,000 mile oil change interval ingrained in their brains for many years. This is only for the benefit of the petroleum industry and contributes not only to unnecessary waste, but is bad for the environment. With the high quality oils available today, without getting into the "which is best" argument, a vehicle can easily go over the 3,000 mark. I generally change my oil every 10,000-15,000 miles...usually once a year. My '06 Sonata GLS 4-cylinder has approximately 18,000 miles on it. I purchased it back in August 2005 and changed the oil May 2006 with about 15k on it. The lab test was excellent!

    I use http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ once in a while to check the condition of my used motor oil to ensure its lubricating properties at my 10,000-15,000 mile change intervals and to see the wear of my engine. The reports have always been FANTASTIC. Personally, I use Mobil 1 5W-20 synthetic and a Purolator PureOne filter. The extra cost up front for them is made up during my extended drain intervals.

    For an excellent resource which discusses anything oil related be sure to visit http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/
  • hdsithdsit Member Posts: 58
    I now have the opportunity to have the shock-absorbers and springs replaced - Anyone have any idea of what the chances are that this would help on my problems?

    My theory is, based on, among other, posts in this and another forum, that the suspension could be, if not the the full problem, then a contribution to my problems - in connection with one or more tyres that are not 100% perfect (have a dead spot/out-of-round/imbalanced).

    Based on several observations, i think this replacement of the suspension-parts, can do something. Ideally replacement to shock-absorbers with more damping-force, but as far as i have investigated, no one produce 3. parts shock-absorbers yet.
    Is there somebody out there who have heard of aftermarket shock absorbers for the 3.3 model...?
    (The car has gone approx 28.000 km/17.3000 miles - and exactely the same symptoms as from when i bought the car - None of what has been done has changed/moved the problem/speedinterval where the problem occurs so far)
  • desertguydesertguy Member Posts: 730
    The owners manual ALSO says that the oil should be changed at six month intervals regardless of the mileage which you left out. Oil deteriorates just sitting in the crank case. Oil changes are cheap insurance. I do my own. Why in the world you would want to leave yourself open to a dispute with the manufacturer by not following their recommendations I don't know. Remember all the failed engines that Toyota had with the sludge issue? That was their first defense.......owners were not servicing their cars per mfgr recommendations. The used oil was long gone.
  • jack47jack47 Member Posts: 312
    I only change the oil in my 1995 Camry about once every 18-24 months. And that's at the local quick lube place that uses the cheapest oil and filters.

    Guess I'm lucky, as the car runs as well today as the day I bought it in '95 and the only thing I've replaced was the battery.

    Maybe I'm crazy, but I'm going to buy an '07 Sonata.

    Hey, it's time for a change.
  • johnap2johnap2 Member Posts: 105
    The assumption that oil deteriorates after only 6 months is simply not true. My oil analysis clearly shows very low engine wear and the lubricating properties of the oil are almost as good as brand new! Why then, after knowing this myself, would I change it sooner? Because Toyota engines had a design flaw? Because I am betting my engine will fail and I'll have a problem with Hyundai? Or is it because it makes you FEEL like it is "cheap insurance?" I personally think that is "grasping at straws." There is nothing better about the oil you change at 3,000/7,500 mile intervals than what I change at 10,000-15,000. I do not wish to contribute to additional enviornmental waste needlessly; everybody else has their own choice.

    Back when Toyota and other manufacturers had problems with engine sludge developing they would only honor an engine warranty replacement if oil changes were done by the dealer or the owner had undisputable proof of each and every oil change. Because so many people had problems with the sludge I would imagine they did this as a cost saving manuever instead of just admitting the engine design was faulty...which they eventually did. Most people who change their own oil only have a store receipt to show they bought some oil and a filter. It does not prove when it was changed. Neither does a hand written notebook. If there was a problem Hyundai could argue that very same fact. The ONLY way to determine it is an oil related problem would be an oil analysis to examine the condition of the lubricant.
  • johnap2johnap2 Member Posts: 105
    I am in agreement with you. There is no reason to change it sooner. I am sure you will be very happy with your 2007 Sonata. I am really happy with my decision to purchase a Sonata and would buy another Hyundai product in a second.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    "Oil deteriorates just sitting in the crank case."

    Perhaps not nearly as much as carmakers and oil blenders would have us believe if the car is garaged. I practice 3K mile oil change intervals with a Blackstone report every other oil change. For those who believe extended oil change intervals save them money and preserve the environment, two points: even the most expensive motor oil is cheaper than an engine overhaul, and used oil gets recycled, not dumped into landfills ;). (Well, except for those morons who transfer the used oil into a large jug and illegally set it out with their trash for pickup. I suppose that mentality will be with us always...) With my reduced driving now that I'm retired, it takes me 8-9 months to pile on 3K miles. Yet my reports show a normal total base number (an inverse of acidity buildup), very low insolubles (a measure of acid and heat breakdown products that would lead to sludge formation), and very low wear metals - Blackstone has always commented favorably on how well my Hyundai V6 has done in that department. I do not use full synthetic oil either - just the buck-a-quart variety I found at Dollar Tree prior to Katrina. (Phillips 66 TropArtic 10W-30 - which is now available at WalMart for $1.48/qt.). The one thing I do insist on, though, is that, whatever brand oil I use, it must always be the latest API rating - currently, "SM", and carry the starburst seal on the front label. Each successive rating is always backward compatible to that originally specified in the owner's manual, and provides superior engine protection than preceeding ratings.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    "Back when Toyota ... had problems with engine sludge developing they would only honor an engine warranty replacement if oil changes were done by the dealer or the owner had undisputable proof of each and every oil change."

    Uh, reality check: 1> It's a violation of federal law to require dealer service to maintain warranty claim rights. 2> Toyota is quite liberal concerning their "sludgemonster" motors. All that's needed to qualify for an engine rebuild or replacement in affected cars (1995 - 2001) was proof of at least one oil and filter change per year. Receipts for service (dealer or independent shop) or materials, if owner done at home, were sufficient. The engine warranty was extended to 8-years, unlimited mileage.
  • cajuncyclercajuncycler Member Posts: 172
    First off if you take your oil to a recycling center or have it changed professionally there is no environmental issue. The oil is recycled. Second, synthetic oils like Mobil 1, Castrol Syntech etc. do not burn so there is no sludge issue in the engine. 3rd. Changing your oil every 7500 miles is a minor expense in the upkeep of a car and yes it does make a difference. Oil is still subject to breakdown depending on the usage of the car, ambient temperatures it is driven in, stop and go mileage, etc. The harder an engine works the greater the heat produced and the more wear parts are subject to. It isn't rocket science. Oils are better made today but I will NEVER trust my oil to hold up in Louisiana heat and humidity for 15,000 miles. And if I am going to pay $20 for an analysis then why not pay $40 for the oil change. The reasoning you mention just doesn't add up to good car care.
  • desertguydesertguy Member Posts: 730
    So what you are saying is, you change your oil about once a year and send it in for a $20 oil analysis. I would rather spend that $20 bucks on another oil change. And BTW, I take my used oil back to the auto parts store as everyone should.
  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    I would simply suggest changing the oil at the maximum interval (time or mileage, whichever comes first) specified in the manual. This should ensure your warranty remains valid. If you are concerned that the interval may be too far apart, before the oil change take a sample and have it tested. Adjust to a shorter interval if you think it's needed, but don't adjust to a longer interval as it could put your warranty at risk.

    After your warranty expires, do whatever you want. You can use the oil tests as a guideline. If your oil still tests fine at 7500 miles, do changes every 10K or whatever.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • cajuncyclercajuncycler Member Posts: 172
    What I am saying is how cheap do you have to be to risk engine damage by going 15,000 miles between oil changes. GOOD GRIEF! Nobody seems to mind paying $30+ to fill up their gas tank. The cheapest oil you can find?? And this for what? To S A V E money? Geez....

    I got a great price on the car, I think I can afford to not trash it before it's time. I'm an average joe with an average income but I have more than one vehicle at home and until this car all of my vehicles got their oil changed with quality stuff every 3,500 or less. And it ain't breakin my bank! :confuse:
  • pekelopdpekelopd Member Posts: 139
    okay, let me rephrase my question. What I was curious about was when should I have my FIRST oil change, being a new car that is just about broken in with 1200miles. I'm a type a person who keeps things for a long time, so I plan I keeping my car 10yrs+ if possible (I keep first car, '77 Volvo 244DL, for 15yrs when I got the car it was 12yrs old). Under normal conditions, I do my oil changes between 3000 and 4500, when I have the time and the weather is nice. So, do I need to change the oil after the break in period to remove any metal particals from the engine, or is that no longer applicable on new cars? Opinions??
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    I think it's prudent to change it a little early the first time. 3000 miles is a good time for a 1st oil change. Take a close look at the bottom of the drain pan, and closely examine the filter for large metal particles.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    "Second, synthetic oils like Mobil 1, Castrol Syntech etc. do not burn so there is no sludge issue in the engine."

    Synthetic base oil is composed of the same basic "building blocks" as conventional oil - carbon and hydrogen atoms. Only the specific arrangement of these atoms differs. There's no such thing as a fireproof hydrocarbon molecule. It's also an urban myth that synthetics are immune to sludge formation. What synthetics bring to the table are negligible double electrostatic bonds between atoms and ringed structures ("aromatics"), themselves often rife with double bonds. Double bonds are inherently unstable. A more stable molecular configuration will retard but not totally elliminate the formation of sludge. But, again, with heat, contamination, and loss of key additives over time, even the priciest synthetics (some European varieties specified for current BMW and Mercedes engines more than double the price of Mobil 1) can (and will) form varnish and sludge as oxidation breakdown byproducts.
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    Ray, I have always wondered if Toyota "sludge engine" owners that used synthetic also had sludge problems. Did you hear anything?
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