Hyundai Sonata 2006-2007

schdy

Try reading info from these websites!

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?year=2006&make=Hyundai&model=Son- ata&src=LeftNav

http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2439.shtml

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/LongTerm/articleId=108652/pageId=683- 28

There are many more articles supporting the new Sonata but it is true that it is a new model and there is no long term data. However Hyundai's track record for the past 6 yrs has been quality improvement to the top 10. I don't think they would produce a vehicle that would reverse that trend.

targettuning

Well if you recall there were only a relatively small amount of Sonatas (4 cylinders at that)that were imported until the Alabama plant ramped up. I seriously doubt they (the Koreans) would have altered the design for those few...also remember that as far as I know the European..Korean..Far Eastern sonatas are still being built in Korea. Except for the homeland models they still need to be shipped via boat...so those still have folding mirrors. This is the reason, not safety, although that is a by-product.

backy

So we in the U.S. get the quietest Sonatas?

sonatame

I have the LX and my shifting is very smooth to the point that you do not feel the shifting. I have not experienced a dead spot in the acceleration, but I give everyone whiplash in my fiance's Accord. Accord are definitely reved up like the fords used to be with very responsive foot pedal acceleration. I know my LX always feels a little slower, but actually is just smoother than the Accord with my leadfoot.

targettuning

I wouldn't know if fixed verses folding mirrors generate more or less wind noise or if there is any difference at all. I only know that the "folding" function was designed for efficient trans-shippment via boat. The fact that some perceive this as a pedestrian safety issue is simply a by product.

backy

I was referring to the Hyundai sources who have stated that the reason the Sonata's mirrors don't fold is to reduce wind noise. Hence the wink on my last post.

mamamia2

Reading the posts here, and especially Edmunds' report mentioned above (under "relaibility"), I HAVE A FEELING WE'RE TALKING ABOUT TWO DIFFERENT THINGS HERE:

What I am questioning is not a dead-spot in the response of the gas pedal, but in the automatic transmission, when shifting from 1st gear to 2nd... Which I feel on my 12 days old 4 cyl. GLS.

Has other similar model owners noticed it, and is this suppose to go away?

targettuning

Depending on acceleration rate i.e. light throttle verses full throttle the transmission can shift with a different "feel"..but for what it is worth current Hyundai products DO have transmissions with a learning curve. This means that they learn how their owner prefers to drive..agressively...meekly or somewhere in between, and they modify their shifting characteristics to suit. This takes some time to accomplish. Also for what it is worth I rented a GLS V-6 for 10 days and it seemed to me that at full throttle it too paused briefly between shifts and didn't bang off crisp shifts...is this abnormal? who knows but it didn't seem to slow the car down much, it rips!

targettuning

I know, wasn't being snotty. I simply don't know the answer to the wind noise debate although I seriously doubt they (folding type) contribute in any significant way.

tanky1981

i only really have experienced it on one occassion so far, it was during moderate acceleration, and the resultant drop back in gear, and ceased when acceleration returned to normal and car went into cruising gear. i think at the time i was doing somewhere in the region of 60 - 80 km/hr. It was not such a high pitched sound just a quiet whirl as opposed to a high pitched loud whirl

stockmanjoe

The salesman is full of baloney. I got one of the 4 banger Sonata'a built in Korea (yes the VIN starts with "K") and it does not have fold away mirrors.

splx81

i have a Sonata Lx. and i feel some vibration from the gas pedal while im driving. is it normal or a problem?
Thanks~

mamamia2

Yes, very slight vibrations from the gas pedal also on my 4 cyl. GLS.

...And the same on my wife's 2005 Accord V6...

A lot of posers were asking the same, both here and on the Accord board.

... So I guess we shouldn't be too much worried....

antfarm

I just bought a brand new 2006 Sonata V6 GLS in October. I haven't had any problems with the car so far (except for the driver's seat, which I've since discovered is very uncomfortable despite the automatic seat adjustment). My problems are with a dealership in Springfield MA and my trek to find a place for an oil change.

1) Weird selling practices: after completing my sale, the sales rep sat me inside my car and "explained" all the features of my new car. He then stated that I would be getting a survey in the mail regarding the sales interaction from Hyundai. If I signed it and returned it to the dealership UNMARKED so they could fill it out themselves, they would give me a free tank of gas. But, if I decided to fill it out and marked any answers less than excellent, half of his sales bonus would be deducted. I thought this was fishy, so I filled it out and sent it in myself. Has anyone else had this experience? :confuse:

2)Oil: Turns out, no auto supply store or generic oil change place has the 2006 sonata V6 oil filters. I was unable to get to the dealership for an oil change since they require an appointment almost a week in advance (which I can't make since my hours fluctuate), and their hours are absurd. I was also told that they could give me a ride to work, which was untrue. When I called the dealership for the price of the oil filter, they quoted me $8, then proceeded to charge me $15 when I went in to buy one! I'm very frustrated with this entire experience and wish I had never bought my car from this dealership. Also, I feel misled since I didn't realize that the oil filters would be so unattainable. Arrgh.

blnewto

That's a shame you've had such a rough time getting an oil change Luckily my dealer gave us a lifetime $9.99 oil change deal when we bought our 06' Sonata GLSV6. I've heard that aftermarket oil =filters are now slowly becoming available, but haven't ben able to verify it (and since we got our oil change deal I doubt I'll be needing one). I've not had any trouble w/ seat comfort, but it sounds like there are several other complaints about the seats (but I've heard complaints about seat comfort on alot of comparable cars too).

As far as the survey, we havent' rec'd ours yet and weren't told how to fill it out. I've had other makes of cars and the dealerships told me similar stories to yours. They obviously want to be able to boast about their excellent service (since they have actual surveys to "prove" it). So this isn't anything exclusive to Hyundai, but it's not a very admirable policy IMO.

stockmanjoe

That survey is big time important to them. If they don't get all fives on it they do not get an extra bonus from it, which must be pretty worth while. My salesman begged me pretty much to give him all fives on it - which I did they were pretty good to work with. He mentioned it several times. "If you give me one four I get no bonus" he said.
They gave ne a free tank of gas no questions asked and didn't seem to directly (at least) tie it to the survey.

kingr

I can't seem to find much written about the manual mode transmission in the V6. I wanted to ask all you V6 owners if you use the manual mode and if so what do you think of it. Does it let you wind the RPM's up through the gears or does the computer keep you within an rpm range. Just curious, sounds like it could be fun having an auto and manual all in one.

chevymalibu

I never bought the Sonata 4 cyl but checked with my parts department and the oil filter for the 4 cyl was a screw on and the 6 cyl a cartridge but both were about 7 bucks. Give it a few more months and you'll get them at autozone or advanced auto or????? try ordering from the net. check fram or some other major manufacturer like purolator and see if they make an aftermarket.

That's why I bought a second or third year model car so the same engine and parts like filters are available from the beginning (2004 accord that wifey hates - suspension is too firm and a 2005 camry which I love). Good luck.

targettuning

While in Shiftronic or shift it yourself mode the management computer allows you to play around up and down shifting within "engine safe" parameters. For example it won't allow a downshift, say from 5th to 2nd at 70mph or a manual upshift beyond engine redline. It has enough sense to preserve itself even if some drivers do not.

bobad

I can't seem to find much written about the manual mode transmission in the V6. I wanted to ask all you V6 owners if you use the manual mode and if so what do you think of it. Does it let you wind the RPM's up through the gears or does the computer keep you within an rpm range.

The Shiftronic works great, and is a lot of fun. It allows you to rev to redline is you wish. (I don't recommend that until you get ~5000 miles on the car!) Downshifting is also fun and useful. The ergonomics are great. Just pop the shifter to the right, nudge it forward to upshift, rearward to downshift. It reminds me of shifting a motorcycle. I wish the Shiftronic shifted more crisply (without any lag), but I suppose that would take advanced technology and would be uber-expensive.

blnewto

I also love the shiftronic feature, it adds a whole new dimension to the car and you'll forget that it's a family sedan while you're zipping through the gears (especially in the V6). I've had a bit of trouble w/ our V6 downshifting too quickly from 2nd to first. I took it out recently and didn't have this problem so maybe it's the transmission "keying-in" to the driver?

bobad

so maybe it's the transmission "keying-in" to the driver?

You know, I keep hearing the tranny has a "learning mode" that gradually adapts to your driving habits. I have never seen any documented evidence of this. Seems to me that would be a great selling point, and widely advertised and touted by the dealers. Yet, I only hear rumors of this feature. Can anyone shed any light on it?

backy

It's probably not mentioned because it is common in cars of this class. Five years ago, when I bought an Elantra, I recall the adaptive automatic was touted as a feature, probably because it wasn't that common in compact cars back then. I remember on the first car I bought, a '76 Corolla, the fact that the car had a "bandless" automatic was touted, and there was even a chrome badge on the trunk lid that said "Automatic", like it was a big deal. There's no "Automatic" badge on the Corolla these days.

targettuning

There is reference in the Hyundai technical site that refers to the automatic transaxle control module and adaptive learning. Oddly enough the function of this particular adaptive learning process is to compensate for wear of internal parts over the life of the transaxle. I am beginning to wonder if this function didn't morph into another, but not necessarily true, belief that the transaxle itself adapts to the drivers style. I promoted this idea myself and like you cannot exactly find any official reference..so now I wonder.

johnap2

Yes, I know exactly what you are referring to. It is almost as if the car is trying to decide what to do for that brief period of time. I noticed it more when the car was brand new and it appears to have gotten better with time. After reading your post I tried to reproduce it and the tranny snapped crisply from 1st to 2nd...no dead spot. I have 6k miles now, so it appears the vehicle has "come around" so to speak. I guess the theory of the computer learning curve has some validity after all.

pocono35

The first Hyundai models to possess this adaptive tranny's were in mid 1990's Sonatas. My 1995 had it and it was called 'Fuzzy Logic'. It was supposed different drivers accleration points to conserve fuel. I'm not sure it wasn't just a marketing ploy back then cuz it never could figure out my wifes style. She confuses everyone with her driving! :confuse:

bryan200k

Thanks for the feedback on my question about the folding mirror issue. I haven't yet purchased my new car yet, but the Sonata (and Azera) are on my 'short-list'. I'm looking to purchase about 4 to 6 months from now. I could live without the folding mirror, but have had occasion with my current car, where the folding mirror came in handy. Especially when out of my carelessness, I get too close the mailbox at the end of the driveway, and clip it.

haefr

"I came here to read about the Hyundai Sonata. Most of these posts are about anything but a Sonata :mad:"

Welcome to the insecure Hyundai Sonata owners discussions on Edmunds.com.

mamamia2

haefr, please... Compare what Accord owners are writings about their new Honda Accord, and what Sonata owners are writing here about their new Sonata....

I think if you try to decide which is a better car, just by reading these two boards... It's the Sonata, hand down.... :P Or rather, Sonata two thumbs up...

sonatame

Welcome to the insecure Hyundai Sonata owners discussions on Edmunds.com.

Before passing judgement on all us Sigmon, what type of stuff would you like to hear? Pull up a chair because there have been a lot of great things listed about the Sonata here. I love my Sonata and the last three times I have rented from Avis including now, I have been given a Sonata V6. This time I have the LX and I have put them all through the paces just to see what my car is capable of. The performance is great and it will hold 4th up to 90 mph and is smooth as glass and quiet too. The LX has all the comforts a car should have and handles like a sports car.

This forum covers a lot of things about the Sonata and with any large investment there are always concerns. Take a look at some of the other sedan forums and you will see a lot of the same type discussions. So if you want to know more about the Sonata, ask the right questions.

edmund2001

Did you have to buy some kind of service contract to get that $9.99 lifetime oil change deal? I usually like to change my own oil (I've heard too many horror stories through the years)but I too can't seem to find anyone that carries the oil filter or cartridge for the V6. Nothing on Fram's site and nothing when I googled it.

dgrovemiller

Have been driving a GLS V6 for two weeks. Love it. Almost as much fun to drive as my long dead '79 Mazda RX 7. Two things though. Sometimes when I push on the rear defroster, the radio goes into pure static mode. Is the defroster causing interference in the rear window antenna? Second, the sticker seems to clearly indicate my car was built in Korea (July '05), but the information plate inside the driver door says it was built in Alabama. The dealer is clueless (the car was transferred from another dealer, so I could get the color I wanted). The side mirrors don't fold, so that sounds like USA, not Korea, if I understand earlier postings.

backy

All the V6 models came from Alabama. All the '06 Sonatas sold in the U.S. have non-folding mirrors, even the ones shipped from Korea. Maybe you mistook the information on the sticker re the source of parts for the car for the place it was built.

Also look at the VIN - if it starts with K it was assembled in the Republic of Korea. Your dealer should have told you that. :confuse:

stockmanjoe

Yeah they don't build them with fold away mirrors for some reason.

I love my Sonata the only minor issue I have is there is a slight sloshing around sound when the gas tank is filled. Some people on these blogs were saying they left something or other out to prevent this when they built the cars. Also can't change radio stations from the steering wheel. You can adjust volume and mode but not station. I do not know what the heck they were thinking. During the test drive I missed that point. I wouldn't even think to look for it expecting it to be a given.

tenpin288

Here's the Purolator number for the V6 filter cartridge, L35610. It's availabilty is TBA on their web site.

dgrovemiller

I'm convinced my V6 was built in Alabama, considering the plate inside the car says so and the vin # doesn't start with a K. Still, why does my sticker say "Final Assembly Point: Asan, Korea"? I looked at other stickers on the lot and they all said the final assembly was in the USA. Nobody else experiencing my problem with radio static when they turn on the rear defroster?

blnewto

The $9.99 oilchange deal is just something this particular dealer does w/ all their new cars they sell. They also own a Honda, Toyota & Scion dealership(s) and all new cars get teh $9.99 deal

backy

Still, why does my sticker say "Final Assembly Point: Asan, Korea?

I think the term for that is, "mistake".

antfarm

Yeah, I tried autozone and a few oil change places. They all told me that the oil filter wouldn't be avaliable for at least another year, although they did have the 4 cyl filters in stock. I also tried the net, and wasn't able to find it anywhere online, which is why I bit the bullet and handed over more cash to my shady dealership. They gave me a few "coupons" for oil changes for $29.95, but I figured I might as well take my business elsewhere, esp since I can probably get a huge discount for bringing my own filter.

As far as the seats go, my problem is with the headrest. Despite changing the position backwards and forwards, up and down, I'm getting neck strain. Maybe it's from the weight of my head

zen2

The serial number and plate on the car are gospel.
The sticker is wrong.

zen2

I plan to buy the filters, and do my own oil changes.
I refuse to pay 39.99 for a damn oil change. The
Hyundai filters cost 12 bucks.

snakeweasel

I think if you try to decide which is a better car, just by reading these two boards

mamamia any Honda fan will tell you no matter how many people have had bad experiences with their Hondas they are only exceptions and all Hondas are bulletproof and will run for 500K miles trouble free. They will also tell you that no matter how many people have had good experiences with their Hyundais they are just exceptions and all Hyundais will fall apart before you get them to your garage.

They will also tell you that if Hondas have a long running issue once Honda fixes it its fixed and you don't have to worry about it again, but if Hyundai has one and fixes it well they have to wait 10-15 years to make sure.

Such is the Honda cult.

beckyloo4

Do I have to finance through HMFC to get the 1k cash rebate and the 1k owners coupon? I got a really good deal through my credit union and would like to finance through them. So I still get the rebates?

bhmr59

By 1k owners coupon, due you mean the $1K owner loyalty rebate? If so, you would still qualify for both rebates.

However, check with your credit union to see what they will do for you if you finance through HMFC and then refinance with the credit union. You'd only pay interest to HMFC for a month or less AND you'd get another $1K off the purchase price of the car. Ask your credit union about it, they can explain it to you.

mamamia2

You need to go visit the Honda Accord board, snake... Accord owners are there to exchange technical information, and ask questions, mostly when they HAVE A PROBLEM. And just like any other technically-advanced modern cars, they DO have technical problems.

Honda has its long, established good reputation. And justifiably so, of course. So Honda's owners would go to these boards mostly to ask questions and seek solution for their problems. They don't have to tell the world how wonderful their Honda is, since the world knows it already...

ON THE OTHER HAND, Hyundai has been having BAD reputation for a decade, and it's only in the past 5-6 years that their cars have been getting better and better reviews. Yet not too many people know that. My wife and kids were actually AGAINST me buying a Hyundai.

So naturally, Hyundai owners would come here to tell others what a great experience they have with their cars, feel the need to share their enthusiasm...

haefr

"Before passing judgement on all us Sigmon..."

"Sigmund" says he rests his case.

snakeweasel

You need to go visit the Honda Accord board, snake...

Been there, done that, have the T-shirt. Off those forums Honda owners tend to be the type that I described.

Honda has its long, established good reputation.

I am not saying that Honda is a bad car, I think its a good car (but maybe a little over priced). Just that there is a cult like following among many Honda owners that promotes Honda as the only good car out there.

They don't have to tell the world how wonderful their Honda is, since the world knows it already...

But they do seem to go to others and say, you're driving junk you should have bought a Honda.

ON THE OTHER HAND, Hyundai has been having BAD reputation for a decade,

Hyundai had the misfortune to bring out a flagship car that was questionable at best. And while they have had solid cars for at least 5 or 6 years with greater and greater quality go ask a Honda owner what they think about Hyundai (or any other car for that matter).

Again many Honda (and some Toyota) owners, no matter how many people will come out and give their positive experiences about their Hyundais, will just dismiss them and proclaim hyundais as junk. Yet they will dismiss any complaint that another Honda owner has as just an exception.

mamamia2

many Honda (and some Toyota) owners, no matter how many people will come out and give their positive experiences about their Hyundais, will just dismiss them and proclaim hyundais as junk.

True... Not too many car owners would be happy to admit that they paid $4,000 to $6,000 more than others, for a comparable car...

But also, we have to acknowledge the fact that many people in general will tell you that Hyundai is junk. it would take a few more years to wipe out the shame of the late 80s and early to mid 90s.

And a few more good cars coming from Alabama...

booyahcramer

it would take a few more years to wipe out the shame of the late 80s and early to mid 90s.

I agree. I rented a 2006 Sonata LX the other day. I had never driven a Sonata before. I was certainly surprised since Hyundai's reputation on the street is that they're subpar to Honda and Toyota. Don't think I'd buy one just yet but I think Hyundai is on their way to healing their tarnished reputation.

zen2

Am I the only one who remembers the crap that Honda and
Toyota used to make? I had a Toyota that required you
to be a mechanic to keep the timing accurate. I had to
learn how to adjust timing and set points once a month
to keep it running decently. And who can foget the first
trashcan styled Civics, and coffin on wheels CRX's?
I've owned Honda Accords, Civics, etc. My new Sonata
is just as well built as any Honda I've owned, and
dollar wise, a much better value than any.