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Mazda6 vs Hyundai Sonata

xeoxeo Member Posts: 10
edited March 2014 in Hyundai
I have a big dilemma. I can't really choose between these two cars. I have test driven both and they have things going for and against them. I'll break it down:

Hyundai Sonata:
+Price
+Solid
+Warranty
+Trunk
-Generic looking

Mazda6
+Sporty looking (with sport package)
+BIG discounts on 2005's
-Poor 4 cyl acceleration
-Questionable cloth quality
-Dash kind of tacky on 2005 models

If I had kids I would definitely go for the Sonata, but we don't plan on having kids for a few years so do I really want a generic looking car? Don't get me wrong, the Sonata is fairly good looking, but it isn't exactly sporty (the Mazda6 is). But at the same time, even though I can get up to 3500 off a Mazda6 (on top of the S-plan), I can still get a V6 Sonata for the same price as the 4 banger Mazda6 (sports trim). And I am not impressed with the acceleration of the 4 cyl Mazda6 2005.

I'd probably take the 2006 Mazda6 (improved interior and torque) over the Sonata if the price was the same, but not with the current price differences.

Any comments/suggestions?

PS. Looking to buy withing the next month and want to stay below 20k OTD.
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Comments

  • egarcia52282egarcia52282 Member Posts: 23
    Hi Xeo,

    I compared both cars as well. I ended up getting a 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX with pkg 3 (sunroof and 6-CD changer). The Sonata will definetely get you more bang for the buck. It is generic looking, but in a good way. Everybody that sees our car, loves it.

    Also, you don't plan to have kids for a few years, but you never know what might happen. I guess it will depend on how long you will plan to keep this car. If you plan to keep it for at least five years, then you really can't plan your life that far ahead (there are so many twists and turns).

    I can tell you from experience, you will go back and forth on this one. Remember, the Mazda6 may be nice now, but you won't want to be thinking a year from now, "I wish my car had this or that." With the Sonata, I got everything I would ever need on a car plus more. It's nice to wake up in the cold chilly mornings and turn on the heated seats, it's nice to have HomeLink installed, and it's nice to have all those other little extras.

    I would suggest you go for the Sonata, but make it a V6. The extra power is great.

    Hope this helps...
  • harrybush00harrybush00 Member Posts: 76
    Both are very nice cars, but I would lean towards the Mazda6 if it was a comparison between the V6 models. However, seeing as though you want something under 20K, I don't think there's a better buy for the money than the Sonata. The last gen Sonata was ok, but it still had a lot of short comings. Only thing that made the last gen acceptable was its pricing. However, now that the Sonata comes with all the latest safety features and power to spare on the V6, you just can't go wrong. Styling and handling might be short of the Mazda6, but I think its other advantages are just too great to disregard.
  • xeoxeo Member Posts: 10
    You may be right guys. However it seems that the incentives on the Sonata dropped from last month so that will weigh in too. I'm planning on taking the wife to see both cars this weekend - desperately need a second opinion.

    I agree though, the V6 on the Sonata was great.
  • xeoxeo Member Posts: 10
    Actually it seems as the discounts are the same, although you have the option of taking low apr instead of customer cash back. I think. Or how do you guys read it? Have gotten conflicting answers on that..
  • blnewtblnewt Member Posts: 27
    We compared several cars over the last 6 weeks and after the dust settled the Sonata V6 was a clear choice for us. We looked at Accord, Camry, Fusion, Mazda6, Jetta, Altima and Sonata.All had a feature or two that stood out, but the Hyundai had the best combo of features, price, & warranty. Hyundais' quality is now approaching the Toyota/Honda level and is equal to that of Nissan and better than Mazda, VW and Ford.
    I was very surprized that I was even considering a Hyundai, but after reading steller reviews from most every publication online & off, I'm glad I woke up to the fact that Hyundai is now a major force in the "quality automotive market" and not just a price leader.
    The Sonata is extremely solid and quiet at all speeds and RPM levels, we drove the 4 cyl too and it's also a very nice vehicle, but the V6 w/ the shiftronic auto is just a kick to drive~seemed to have quite a bit more pop off the line than the Accord & Camry V6's.
    We paid 21,900 (minus the $2000 rebate) so a bit under $20,000 for such a complete vehicle truly made all our research worthwhile.
  • stockmanjoestockmanjoe Member Posts: 353
    I bought a Sonata GLS 4 cyl (I wanted the better gas mileage it has plenty of power but that is just me.) I love it! You can get them for about 500 under invoice and there are several rebates to boot. Adjusted for inflation I figure this car was about the same as the VW Fox I bought in 1988. But this car has so much more on it. It is without a doubt the best value out there if that appeals to you.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    The Mazda6 has poorer acceleration with the 4 than does the Sonata? Where are the stats to back that up? Both engines put out similar power ratings...

    ~alpha
  • xeoxeo Member Posts: 10
    Sonata has better torque, and if you test drive both cars it is fairly obvious. I ended up with the Mazda6 though, mainly because of its sportier nature and looks. Plus the huge discounts played a big part of it too. I just felt like the Sonata was an "older persons"-car. No offence. ;)
  • fitguyfitguy Member Posts: 220
    "Hyundais' quality is now approaching the Toyota/Honda level and is equal to that of Nissan and better than Mazda, VW and Ford."

    I would like to see the stats that support that; Hyundai has dramatically improved the initial BUILD quality of the Sonata, but look back 5 years at Hyundai in general for overall reliability and they aren't there yet, certainly not superior to Mazda and I doubt Ford, either. The Sonata holds tremendous promise, but the jury is still out.

    That said, the "value quotient" of the Sonata is undeniable- huge bang for the buck. The styling, IMO, is smoothed-up Accord. Pleasing enough, but definitely not sporty. Our volcanic red Mazda6S gets looks everywhere we take it, and with the sport package the handling is exceptional- you need to jump up to BMW, G35, or Acura for another 8-15K to improve on it. For us, it boiled down to driving fun- I had an '03 Accord and it was nice, but I grew tired of it after 30K miles. The 6 gave us excitement without having to overspend for it. If I were just looking for a nice, competent sedan I would certainly consider the new Sonata (when we bought in '04, the older version was not even a consideration) or an Accord. If you will keep a car for 5 yrs or more, resale value is irrelevant; if not, Hyundai still lags behind and will for several years yet. Even Mazda's resale is not what Honda/Toyota are, but we knew that going in and are giving the car to our daughter in 2 years so that didn't factor in for us. My long .02
  • blnewtblnewt Member Posts: 27
    I would like to see the stats that support that; Hyundai has dramatically improved the initial BUILD quality of the Sonata, but look back 5 years at Hyundai in general for overall reliability and they aren't there yet, certainly not superior to Mazda and I doubt Ford, either.

    I don't have exact quotes or references, just an overall concensus from all the sources I've been exposed to over the last 8 weeks prior to our purchase. And yes, you make a good point, I WAS referring to "initial" build quality and not the long term(since it's a new model it's hard to predict for sure, but I think we can all agree that their quality is much, much improved). At of all the cars we tested the Honda seemed the tightest build, followed very closely by the Hyundai, then Toyota & Mazda, then Nissan, then VW, and then the Fusion~but all cars were very close IMO, all would make good choices I believe~Ther Hyundai just clicked in all areas that we thought were important, and the "out-the-door" price sealed the deal for us.
  • fitguyfitguy Member Posts: 220
    I'm willing to bet your Sonata will prove very reliable- Hyundai is becoming a force to be reckoned with, and the Japanese had better sit up and take notice. Next thing you know, they will be building AWD sedans and going after Subaru!
  • stockmanjoestockmanjoe Member Posts: 353
    Well the 2005 Sonata was rated the most trouble free car and Hyundai at large was rated second in quality to only Lexus. I think that is pretty good. Hyundai is certainly better than Ford (LOL!!!!!!) and VW and all the other European makes which have really lost quality in their socialist countries where people only work a few hours a week.
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    Hyundai is certainly better than Ford (LOL!!!!!!) and VW and all the other European makes which have really lost quality in their socialist countries where people only work a few hours a week
    Could you elaborate? My understanding is that many American car firms have been losing market share also to the Asian car makers chiefly due to issues of quality; several US automakes are verging on bankruptcy. Do you think that there may be other reasons that car makers are finding it difficult to maintain high quality levels and be profitable, such as for example, exchange rates? Do you consider BMW and Mercedes to be socialist companies?
  • haefrhaefr Member Posts: 600
    "Do you consider BMW and Mercedes to be socialist companies?"

    Good question - precisely one that would generate lively discussion on a political forum.
  • stockmanjoestockmanjoe Member Posts: 353
    Socialist companies??? I think most be understood my comments.
  • fitguyfitguy Member Posts: 220
    Rated by who? You need to substantiate statements like that- don't forget, most of us are nit-pickers here! :)
    I've never seen either statement in print; if they are fact, hats off to Hyundai. But where's the proof?
  • stockmanjoestockmanjoe Member Posts: 353
    Consumer reports rated Sonata the car with least problems here is the article (or just Google Sonata trouble free):

    http://english.busanilbo.com/bin/newsLoader.php?NO=6568&newsClass=Business
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Is that initial quality or a long term quality test?? Initial quality doesnt really mean much....the real test is 4 years down the road with 50k on the odometer. Hyundai's track record has improved over the past few years but they still have terrible resale values and very suspect long term durability...with so many proven quality carmakers available I wonder why somebody would take a chance?
  • stockmanjoestockmanjoe Member Posts: 353
    I don't know what more to say. With your reasoning you should be still buying Americam cars because the Japanese cars were junk a few years back. Things have changed (again) and Korean cars are far better than Japanese cars.

    I mean your talking Gorganzola and its Brie time, man.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    With your reasoning you should be still buying Americam cars because the Japanese cars were junk a few years back

    A few years back??? LOL I would say that Honda and Toyota have a solid 25-30 year track record. I also don't recall saying anything about American cars.
    Hyundai has a 90 day initial quality track record.

    Also, the first generation Honda's were superior to their domestic counterparts right out of the box....Honda and Toyota didn't build junk for 15 years like Hyundai and then all of the sudden decide to be competative.

    So I ask again, why gamble with an unproven product with a terrible previous track record compared to a track record that is second to none?

    Based of the 2006's that I have seen at auction already their resale values havent improved any.
    Maybe someday Hyundai will build a car that is a top quality product...but at this point they are still second rate compared to their Japanese competators.
  • stockmanjoestockmanjoe Member Posts: 353
    You don't remember the Toyotas of the 60's and 70's in the US? They were very badly made. "Made in Japan" was synonomous with junk. It took quite a few years for them to improve. I am glad they did because the competition is welcome. Also Hyundai has risen to 7th in the world now in sales number way faster than any other company. People are seeing the over priced status of Honda and Toyota and responding to it. GM and Ford did not fall overnight and neither will Honda and Toyota but at the rate they are going they will indeed fall.
  • stockmanjoestockmanjoe Member Posts: 353
    And too, more recently, Toyota's engines have had a serious propensity to build up sludge I would not buy one. I considered the Honda but no Toyota!
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Could you please stop taking these discussions wildly off-topic? We're discussing the Mazda6 and the Sonata here, not Toyota's sludge issues nor "Made in Japan" nor GM nor Ford nor any of these other extraneous subjects you are dragging in here.

    Feel free to find appropriate discussions on our News & Views board for these comments but please stop trying to take all of these sedans discussions way off topic.

    Thank you.
  • stockmanjoestockmanjoe Member Posts: 353
    I am sorry. I knew my beating was coming.
  • blnewtblnewt Member Posts: 27
    Hyundai's track record has improved over the past few years but they still have terrible resale values and very suspect long term durability...with so many proven quality carmakers available I wonder why somebody would take a chance?


    Well, I guess I'm willing to take that gamble, and since we're talking odds here, I like my chances of having my vehicle covered by a warranty for the entire time I'm paying on the car (plus a few extra years to boot). Not saying it's likely to happen, but if a CamCord happens to poop out after 4 years~tough luck. As far as resale values go, you've got solid evidence about the past, but the future is looking much better for Hyundai, so their resale values should improve significantly.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    No beating, just a "sit down and lissen up" ... :D;)
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Though I don't agree with your thinking I understand where your coming from. I like Alfa's, so I know all about less than perfect track records...LOL
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    stockmanjoe said: Consumer reports rated Sonata the car with least problems here is the article...
    http://english.busanilbo.com/bin/newsLoader.php?NO=6568&newsClass=Business

    The Busan Ilbo to which you link seems of questionable authority since they do not realize that the magazine is called Consumer Reports.

    If you actually check the Consumer Reports website you'll note that the car is not recommended. See: New Cars: Ratings A to Z and look for the entry.
  • ontopontop Member Posts: 279
    Things have changed (again) and Korean cars are far better than Japanese cars.

    C'mon man. Far better than Japanese cars? You must either work for Hyundai or your wife's father does.....

    I'll bet you your favorite cannabis (explains your blurting) 95% of consumers would reverse your blather and say Japanese cars are far better than Korean.

    Me, I like em both. Still think Japanese are "more better".
  • blnewtblnewt Member Posts: 27
    Things have changed (again) and Korean cars are far better than Japanese cars.

    I think it's safe to say the majority of Japans' products are superior to the Koreans. However, Hyundai is really on an excellerated learning curve and it does match or exceed the quality of some Japanese vehicles, and the Sonata is really on the doorstep.
    To say Korean cars are far better than Japanese models is quite an exaggeration though :)
  • larry1135larry1135 Member Posts: 43
    I would say that Hyundai is going through something like its Korean Cousin Samsung.

    Sony was IT in electronics, but now Samsung is knocking down their door. This is a good example of a Korean company overtaking a Japanese company, and I think Hyundai will definitely succeed in their quest.

    For the record I think Hyundai has better reliability than Mazda, and definitely better than Ford. I do think that the Mazda 6 looks kick a**!

    http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Reliability.aspx?year=2005&make=Hyundai&model=- Sonata&trimid=-1&src=VIP&tab=6&sub=-1
  • harrybush00harrybush00 Member Posts: 76
    Shouldn't this be a discussion on comparing the Mazda6 and the Sonata and not a bunch of people guessing whether the Korean cars are better or worse than the Japanese cars? With cars, or anything we buy for that matter, it's just a crap shoot. You can go buy a Toyota and get a lemon and claim that Toyota is making a bunch of crappy cars, but at the same time buy a Ford and never have a single problem with the car. It's really your luck. Besides, both of these cars are American built -- does that make any difference? Is the Mazda6, which has a Ford engine and is built in the U.S. actually a Japanese car?

    I think both of these cars will hold up fairly well for the most part, but on the average, neither will probably standout one way or the other.
  • larry1135larry1135 Member Posts: 43
    Do you think quality is part of the equation when comparing the Sonata to Mazda 6?
  • harrybush00harrybush00 Member Posts: 76
    Quality is part of buying anything, but this forum's turning into bunch of people on their butts making blind guesses, so how helpful is it for anyone who's trying to decide which car to buy?
  • chrisfordchrisford Member Posts: 55
    Dude what are you somking? The Sonata is a reliable car, but Hyundai also makes other models that aren't so reliable. I know you want Hyundai to succeed I do to but when it's all said and done Ford is still more reliable than Hyundai.
    http://www.jdpower.com/pdf/2005089.pdf
  • stockmanjoestockmanjoe Member Posts: 353
    Ford has better quality than Hyundai????? - don't get me started!!!!!!!!
  • stockmanjoestockmanjoe Member Posts: 353
    LOL! My college days are long past! LOL! Yes for instance Hyundai cars do not experience the sludge buildup you will find in Toyotas for instance. This is a tough paradigm shift to take and I full understand that - it will take time.
  • lexuslover0329lexuslover0329 Member Posts: 7
    just so you know the jd power surveys are not accurate at all. i have worked with the jd power surveys for about 7 years and i can tell the one thing they aren't is accurate.
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    i have worked with the jd power surveys for about 7 years and i can tell the one thing they aren't is accurate.
    Do you mean you worked for the company, JD Power, or just used their surveys for seven years?

    Could you give some inaccuracies that you found?
  • fitguyfitguy Member Posts: 220
    This thread has gotten quiet; how bout this: anyone have a lot of miles on either a Mazda6 or a Sonata (would have to be the previous generation Sonata, of course). Would be interesting to compare notes. I only have 20K on my 6S but so far, 0 problems. 20K doesn't really mean much, IMO- 75K plus tells a better story.
  • rgyiprgyip Member Posts: 43
    I have both the 2003 Mazda6i and 2006 Hyundai Sonata. So far, my Mazda6 has had zero problems with over 32k miles.
  • eric914eric914 Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 2006 Sonata GLS premium ( Canadian) which is similar to the Us version of the LX minus the sub woofer and 6 cd changer.

    I spent 6 months reading everything and driving the main competition ( Mazda 6, Accord, Camry, Altima).

    The main negative is with the Sonata is the unknown resale value but my predication is that in 3 to 5 years Hyundai will have close to the same excellent reputation as Honda and Toyota and a very good resale value.

    With the 17 inch tires the Sonata handles as good as the others ( see the recent Car and Driver comparison and is quicker and/or faster than some.
  • eradanoeradano Member Posts: 3
    i've got a 2006 sonata lx w/ the sub and 6disc cd changer, and i've already got over 7500 miles on it. it's been a dream so far and i still get compliments on how it looks. the only problem that i've had was with the cd changer, and rather than trying to tinker around and fix it, they replaced the whole unit.

    i love the design of the mazda6, it is gorgeous but there's just SO much room in the sonata! you'll instantly become the favorite go to guy for road trips because of how comfortable the back seat is. if you haven't done it yet, try sitting back there. even with the front seats pushed back it's still got loads of space.
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    [quote]I would say that Hyundai is going through something like its Korean Cousin Samsung. Sony was IT in electronics, but now Samsung is knocking down their door. This is a good example of a Korean company overtaking a Japanese company, and I think Hyundai will definitely succeed in their quest. [/quote]

    Larry, you are so right... if people only knew the depth of the rivalry between Japan and Korea. It's almost like an obsessive, jealous hatred. They watch each other intently, and when 1 makes an improvement, the other matches it at any cost.

    Forget Sony and Samsung. Hyundai itself is becoming a major player in electronics! They make GREAT LCD monitors (I love my L90D!) and RAM, and are making inroads in other areas of computers and electronics.

    Car-wise, Hyundai is paying their dues right now by offering the insane 10 year warranty. They know the warranty will eat much of their profits, but are willing to forego early profits to steal loyalty and market share from their nemesis, the Japanese. The real winners in this bitter war? That would be Larry and Bob. :)
  • stockmanjoestockmanjoe Member Posts: 353
    Hatred between the Koreans and Japanese is as intense as it can get.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Folks, we're discussing specifically the Mazda6 and the Sonata. Let's leave the political judgments for a more appropriate forum
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    It wasn't meant to be a political judgmement at all. It was about Mazda (Japan) and Hyundai (S Korea) being fiercely competitive, and the consumers being the big winners.

    It was a TOUGH decision, but I went for the Sonata. Next time, maybe the Mazda6 will win. That's the way competition works.
  • sonatamesonatame Member Posts: 72
    I used to own the 626 and it was pretty reliable except for the transmission. The 626 seemed to have more room than the New Mazada 6 especially in the shoulder area. When it came time to pick, I opted for the Sonata LX because of the ride, list of options and the interior room.
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    Well, my 626 was a real cherry. I did not spend a dime on that car in 11 years except tires and batteries. Amazing!

    It was just too noisy, low to the ground, and a little under powered. I was attracted to the Sonata because I could get an advanced technology V6, 5 speed sutomatic, alloy wheels, more room, QUIET, and great safety package for about the same price I paid for the 626 back in 1995!
  • wolverinejoe80wolverinejoe80 Member Posts: 337
    you are wrong about that one.

    hyundai is one of the most profitable company in the world right now. and 10 year warranty played a huge part. and they are making reliable cars after reliable cars. they are going to sell almost 200,000 sonatas this year. and new santa fe and azera will be a huge lift. also, bringing entourage means they are step toward their goal; TOYOTA

    their profit grew 70% from last year. 70 percent!!!

    they aren't slowing down, and their resale values will go up dramatically within next 5 years.
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