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Hyundai Sonata changes you'd like to see

patpat Member Posts: 10,421
edited March 2014 in Hyundai
What would you like to see Hyundai change about your Sonata?
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Comments

  • eagle2aeagle2a Member Posts: 97
    Pat: I would like to see a much better center arm rest on the Sonata.(Like the one on my 92 Honda LX) If the drink holders have to be reduced, so be it. But when driver comfort must be secondary to drink holders something fundemently is quite wrong.

    Also in the same vain, all of the Sontas should have the steering wheel extenders like the Limited. Not just tilt.

    And last but not least, all the driver seats should all have eight way power.

    In a few words..."Make The Driver as Comfortable as possible."

    I would pay extra for these features instead of a "Sun Roof!"

    Maybe it is my age, but I think on a drive of any length most folks would appreciate these features!
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    I have the Telescopic Wheel which I enjoy. Really don't understand the need for Power Pedals? However, why couldn't Hyundai put the Power Mirror/Seat memory feature in. Other 06 Hyundai Models have it. I hate when you have to re adjust everything!
  • ergsumergsum Member Posts: 146
    Nothing major:

    1. Deeper cup holders for a better grip of one's beverage of choice.

    2. Thicker cross section to steering wheel for improved grip.

    3. Drivers seat needs to be able to go lower by about an inch.

    4. GT suspension, steering and seating (increased bolstering) option package.

    5. Darker interior colors (not "Black") to help hide interior wear-and-tear as the vehicle ages. "Charcoal" or "Camel Tan" would be nice.

    6. A re-work of the center stack. Current layout functions well, but looks too "Buick".

    7. Better or no fake wood. I picked a grey interior to get the fake carbon fiber look trim. Think "brushed metals".

    8. Digital FM (this does not mean satellite) capable radio with MP3 player input jack as base unit.

    9. Lights for vanity mirrors need to be mounted on the visor. Current design does project the light where it is needed. Ask the wife.

    10. Red-orange (best for night vision) or amber colored lighting for instruments. Not greenish or trendy blue.

    Drive what you love, love what you drive. Ergsum
  • eagle2aeagle2a Member Posts: 97
    I should have said: Telescoping instead of extender on the steering wheel. "Tilt and telescoping steering wheel."
  • eric39eric39 Member Posts: 15
    I'd love a sport tuned suspension.

    The drivers seat to go back about an inch farther.

    Rear air vents.

    Text on radio display as far as title and artist
  • seepicseepic Member Posts: 7
    "all of the Sontas should have the steering wheel extenders like the Limited. Not just tilt."

    Can't agree more!
  • pekelopdpekelopd Member Posts: 139
    Changes I'd like to see, but even better, available for purchase so that I can upgrade my '06 GLS I4 with!

    1- folding mirrors (in NYC, lots of mirros fall off on these tight streets)
    2- audio control on steering wheel to change track/preset
    3- darker interior colors that won't show dirt as easily
    4- ability to raise/lower the seat portion of the front seat
    5- a color other than green for dash lights (too 80's ish)
    6- built in navigation system with gyroscope to predict car's position if satellite signal is lost (tunnels, tall buildings etc...)
    7- Rear seat side/torso airbags for my precious passengers (children)
    That's about all the changes/improvements I can think of, other than that, I find the car almost perfect!
  • atlsonataatlsonata Member Posts: 1
    Here is my wish list for the Sonata.

    1. Rain-sensing wipers
    2. Dual zone automatic climate control
    3. Navigation system
    4. Bluetooth
    5. 4-way power passenger seat
    6. Smart Access keyless entry with keyless ignition
    7. Auto-dimming outside mirrors
    8. Power rear sunshade

    Hopefully Hyundai can grant me these wishes :)
  • oinktrntoinktrnt Member Posts: 22
    1-Useless cupholders-perhaps some clever person could develop a dropin insert that would actually hold a cup while the car is moving?
    2-Vanity mirrors-looks like they were trying to save a buck and it shows. Had a couple of early 1990s Escorts and even they had the corporate vms w/builtin lights so bright you could get a tan from them.
    3-Center stack-would like to see air vents and radio change places.
    4-Front seat cushions should be longer. For longer-limbed people like myself, this is the equivalent of short-sheeting a bed.
    5-Hybrid model that gets 40+mpg would be nice.
    6-Suspension seems capable of going around corners briskly. Faster steering ratio would improve agility.

    Some nice things I’ve noticed about the car (and I don’t know where else to post this):

    When you take the key out of the ignition:
    There is still enough juice to close any open windows
    If the headlights are on, they go out (this is not ‘auto headlight’, power is cut to head/tail lights).

    Turning ventilation to the AC/max automatically engages the AC and recirculate buttons, rotating it elsewhere it changes to ‘fresh’ and leaves the AC on.

    If you leave the key in the ignition and try locking all the doors, the car will flip the driver’s door lock to ‘open.’ With the key still in, flipping the driver’s door button to the ‘closed’ position, it will flip it back. I suppose it’s possible to leave the key in the ignition, leave the headlights on, let the battery run down and the car wouldn’t have enough power to flip the button back. But if you’re to be that stupid, you deserve exactly what you get!
  • sjwssjws Member Posts: 3
    I would like to see the limited trim and 5 speed auto available for the I4. Also blue light instrument gauges like the Kia Optima's "supervision meter cluster".
  • flc2006flc2006 Member Posts: 81
    MY Improvements for the 2006 Hyundai Sonata
    would be mirrors that fold
    speed sensitive door locks which you dont to have program
    mp3 player auxiliary Jack
    audio controls that have seek function so i can can the change the track on the CD
    immobilizer most competitors offer this

    This is one of the best hyundais ever built but just like anything else it could be better.
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    This is a good list and should be addressed by Hyundai when the next facelift arrives (2008?)

    First, the suspension many mentioned is easy to addresse, Hyundai has its own patented Active Geometry Control Suspension (AGCS) which is likely added on the next facelift.

    Rain-sening wiper and power rear sunshade will continue to be in the Azera and not in the Sonata, at least for the NA market.

    The rest of the list can be easily added, if Hyundai chooses to...
  • dadof6dadof6 Member Posts: 61
    Folding outside mirrors.
    Daytime running lights.
    Door locks programmable by owner.
    Lock program to include ability to lock doors when shifted into gear & unlock when key is turned off.
    Trunk to open a little further when first popped.
    Acc port for rear seats.
    Passenger side front door that doesn't automatically unlock by pulling inside door handle.
    A simpler maint schedule ie; 5,000 mile oil/filter/tire rotation/brake checks and major services at 30k intervals.
  • gangsplattgangsplatt Member Posts: 11
    Center stack/cluster redesign.
  • cableguy06cableguy06 Member Posts: 299
    1. Optitron Gauge Cluster
    2. In-dash Navigation Unit
    3. Tire Pressure Monitoring System
    4. HID Headlights
    5. LED Tail Lights
    6. Two Person Memory for seating and side view mirrors
    7. Higher quality center console
    8. Choice of EITHER XM or Sirius satellite radio
    9. HD radio option
    10.Turn signal side mirrors
    11.Adjustable heated seating (vesus a single setting)
    12.User programmable options versus having to go to the dealer (i.e. auto locking doors)
    13.Softer plastic dash material versus HARD plastic that scratches easily
    14.Quicker shifting Shiftronic transmission
    15.6-speed tranny versus 5
    16.Advanced steering wheel controls for changing presets and controlling CD changer

    The above are not in any particular order :)
  • samnoesamnoe Member Posts: 731
    The above features would turn the Sonata into an Avalon, both with features AND price! No, thanks. If you want, choose the Avalon, but No Sonata with a $35,000 sticker price!

    I agree with better interior details, both the center stack, which is too plain and boring, and the gauges which could use improvement, hence, optitron gauges as in the Optima, Azera, Camry, Corolla, Civic... Need I go on? But I disagree with one of the above that orange or red are good colors. IMO they are the worst and I hate them. I would rather take green any time. But blue is much better, Like the Toyotas and Hondas (most of them). And red needles is also a must - the needles needs to be a different color than the numbers!

    I would also like in all models a rear backup sensor (at least optional). This is a large car, and is a very important safety feature!
    Good front armrests is also very important.
  • jacknzonejacknzone Member Posts: 82
    Folding side mirrors
    Rear reverse sensor (latest model over here has got them maybe top line model)
    I have read some other messages and they have put down things on there list that my 2004 Sonata has,could some one tell me if the 2004 Sonata over in US has;
    Automatic Headlight cut out switch (when you open drivers door they turn off)
    Automatic gearbox has sport Mode
    The cup holder is in the centre console with a lid that cover them , the cupholders are different in size, (one is a little bigger)
    I have put some pictures of the dash in my carspace :)
  • luckylouluckylou Member Posts: 308
    While shopping for an Azera i also test drove a Sonata , My nose notice a very strange odor
    the salesman said the new models smell that way for awhile .
    For me the smell of a new car is definitively not the smell of the Sonata , on the other hand the Azera smell is the normal smell . Has anybody notice this ??
    Lou
  • cableguy06cableguy06 Member Posts: 299
    What you smelled is NOT that of a NORMAL Sonata. Mine didn't smell of anything but that of a nice new car :D

    I suggest you drive another Sonata ;)
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    )) "could some one tell me if the 2004 Sonata over in US has;
    Automatic Headlight cut out switch (when you open drivers door they turn off)
    Automatic gearbox has sport Mode
    The cup holder is in the centre console with a lid that cover them" ((

    I have a U.S. model '03 Sonata and it has:

    "Battery Saver" feature - headlights automatically turn off when the ignition key is turned off and the driver's front door is opened.
    "SHIFTRONIC" automatic transaxle - allows holding a gear until shifted "manually" up or down with a forward or backward flick of the shift lever if moved laterally to the shiftronic position beforehand.
    The cupholders in my car have a pneumatically damped door that covers them when they're not in use.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    )) "What you smelled is NOT that of a NORMAL Sonata. Mine didn't smell of anything but that of a nice new car" ((

    Different folks' sniffers vary in sensitivity and who can dismiss that what some find really objectionable may be acting as an allergen for them?... The U.S. and Japanese automakers have indicated they're trying to control the new car cabin materials' odor with varying degrees of success, but I have the impression the Koreans haven't felt this is a priority. My '03 Sonata stank worse than any new car I remember having ever owned, especially the leather upholstery (somewhat reminiscent of several day old sun-dried mackerel during July or August...). But, the odor eventually dissapated.
  • cableguy06cableguy06 Member Posts: 299
    ray - my only response would be to ask our 06-07 Sonata brethern if they had any issues with their new cars in terms of an unpleasant odor :confuse:

    I drove many a Sonata (2006's and 2007's) during my decision making process...two I4's and three V6's from three different dealerships. Never once did I encounter any type of odor but, who knows, maybe I am in the minority ;)
  • ctc1ctc1 Member Posts: 66
    My Korean made 2006 sonata had a strong chemical odor when new but went away quickly.
  • cableguy06cableguy06 Member Posts: 299
    ctc1 - are you outside of the United States? I was unaware of any 06 Sonata's being manufactured outside of the Alabama factory for sale in the US.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    The I4 2006 Sonatas were shipped from Korea until around October 2005. So they could have the characteristic odor of the sealant that Hyundai uses on the undercarriages of cars shipped overseas, to protect from salt air. It goes away after a couple of weeks, in my experience.
  • cajuncyclercajuncycler Member Posts: 172
    Maybe your dealer was next door to a fish market?? :surprise:
  • billwardbillward Member Posts: 154
    The answers for your 2004 questions are:

    Yes, got 'em (I LOVE that feature)

    Um... If you mean does it have the Manumatic, yes. If you mean does it have a "Sport" setting for Drive, like an automatic Overdrive, no. But the Manumatic lets you drive it in a Sport Mode.

    Yes, that properly describes the center cupholders.
  • uwishu1uwishu1 Member Posts: 4
    1. heated mirrors
    2. memory seats
  • xj220xj220 Member Posts: 78
    I thought they had heated mirrors? If they don't then yes they need it. I don't care much for folded mirrors, but if the new Elantras have them, so should the Sonatas.

    Memory seats would be nice, but I think Hyundai made a good decision to put them exclusively on the Azeras. They need to justify the higher price tag because IMO I think the Sonata looks better and while the Azera has the bigger engine it sucks more gas and the Sonata's V6 engine is fast enough for me.
  • rhduke00rhduke00 Member Posts: 129
    Heated mirrors are standard equipment for all trim levels on both 2006 and 2007 Sonatas.
  • pekelopdpekelopd Member Posts: 139
    The heated mirrors are actived whenever you turn on the rear defroster, incase 'uwishu1' didn't know.
  • dncbdncb Member Posts: 70
    1. I'd like to see another two inches of seat bottom and slightly softer seats when leather is ordered. Not enough leg support.
    Digital speedo. Easier to read at a glance. Honda's got the idea with far front mounted digital - less eye diversion.
    2. I disagree with earier witer on red guages. Red is applicable to pilots where no other lights affect the eyes and pupils can open up. But that's not the case with autos because of headlights and other bright light sources that keeps the iris changing.
    3. With climate control, my AC compressor runs in all positions but bi-level and vent. User should be able NOT to have AC compressor running at ANY air position if desired for the added fuel mileage and lack of wear and tear on AC. Not everyone lives in a humid climate. I live in AZ.
    4. I hear creaks already. Defect or stiffer chassis needed?
    5. Current console armrest not accessible to shorter drivers with seat forward - even with slide. Replace with inboard padded, foldable armrests attached to seatback. Then console can be dedicated to function of storage/cupholders.
    5. All electric seats should have memory positions. That is an almost no-cost feature (switch and wiring about $4 cost) software almost free in main computer.
  • rhduke00rhduke00 Member Posts: 129
    Standard equipment changes on GLS and SE
    1. Tire pressure monitoring system
    2. Brushed aluminum inside door handles
    3. Eight way manual adjusting driver's seat like 07 Accent.

    Standard equipment changes on Limited
    1. Tire pressure monitoring system
    2. Brushed aluminum inside door handles
    3. Eight way power driver's seat and four way power front passenger's seat
    4. Better leather

    Optional equipment for GLS and SE
    1. Eight way power driver's seat and four way power front passenger's seat
    2. Telescoping steering wheel
    3. Leather seats and trim
  • tmorrow411tmorrow411 Member Posts: 11
    I'd like to see the following as options for the Sonata. Most of these shouldn't add to much to the cost of the car.

    Radio Changes
    1. Move advanced radio steering wheel controls. (At least CD track & preset up/down)
    2. Aux Input to Radio (for DVD players, MP3 players, etc.)
    3. Optional HD and/or satellite radio
    4. Radio that picks up station names and song names, like GM cars do. (Very cool)
    5. Move radio where the vents are. It's hard to reach.
    6. Combine clock with radio.
    7. Optional DVD player in front head rests for rear passengers.

    A/C & Heat
    1. Rear vents in center console.
    2. Dual climate controls. Or at least some way to turn off the floor vents. That would be a cheaper solution.
    3. Dash vents that truly close.

    Driving
    1. Steering wheel should be closer (or make telescoping an option.)
    2. Door locks while moving (should be configured by driver.)
    3. Different type of leather on steering wheel. (feels odd)
    4. When set to auto lights, lights should come on when wipers are on.
    5. Dim the cruise and fog light gauge lights a little. I keep thinking my brights are on.
    6. Beep when fuel is low.
    6. Ability to disable beep about seat belts.

    Interior:
    1. Rear cup holders next to center console or in passenger doors. (Just somewhere other than rear arm rest). Useless with 3 people riding in rear seats.
    2. Have the trip system also display tire pressure, temperature, direction, door lock options, etc.
    3. Move rear seat locks to trunk opening. Or a key version on rear deck.
    4. Power should stay on, until doors are opened. So that windows can still be rolled up, sunroof closed, etc.
    5. Interior lights should turn off automatically after so many minutes if door left open, etc.
    6. Brighter trunk light.

    Exterior:
    1. Optional raised rear spoiler.
    2. More aggressive side appearance.
    3. Paint protectant around door handle to prevent paint scratches from rings, etc.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    )) "I hear creaks already. Defect or stiffer chassis needed?" ((

    Unless welds are actually popping loose, perhaps not. Creaking may merely be a sign that Hyundai needs to take extra care in where and how cabling is being routed. I had some annoying creaking in the dash in my '03 Sonata, but they seem to've resolved themselves with time. I wouldn't have bet on that happening, but did time and gravity solve what the engineers weren't able to?
  • cableguy06cableguy06 Member Posts: 299
    I have found that now the weather is VERY cold, I am getting creaking noises from my headliner. The headliner is glued by Hyundai with a clear silicone-based adhesive that does a very poor job of adhesion. If I push on the headliner, I can hear the same noises as I do when driving which made this an easy one to uncover the source.
  • dncbdncb Member Posts: 70
    The dealer found one of two creaks and I found the other. One was the weatherstripping on the sunroof to which the dealer applied some special lubricant. I expect that to be a temporary fix at best, although it did solve it for now. the other appears to be in the drivers seat back (internal, not the frame or mounting)and is reproducible by just leaning into the seat back slightly and then releasing pressure. I tracked it down when the other one was fixed and I could now hear the seat creak during deceleration or acceleration. The answer the dealer service manager gave me really made me mad. He said, "It might just be something you have to live with." As you may guess I will not settle for such an ignorant "go away and leave me alone" answer and got on the horn to Hyundai. Yesh! So much for competing with Honda and Toyota for build quality. I've had one each of them and neither saw the shop other than for PM service in 120K miles each.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    Yeah, and I take issue that I have had to have two service bulletins applied on my 2006 Civic (6K miles)to correct specific noises (one rerouted and added a longer serpentine belt the other replaces a motor mount) AND both rear shocks leaked out and needed replaced under warranty....so much for Honda build quality!!! This Civic has had more problems in under 7,000 miles than the last 2 Hyundai products I owned combined, a 2002 and 2003 Santa Fe..
    In keeping with the original intent of this thread I would like to see a remote starter added.
  • edwardb1edwardb1 Member Posts: 4
    I would like to see the linkage re-programed so that one could start off more slowly. I believe this change would improve gas mileage, especially in city driving. It's too easy to start with a jerk now.
  • lightfootfllightfootfl Member Posts: 442
    You are joking, right??? Try not tromping the accelerator to the floorboard. :confuse: ;)
  • craigbrookscraigbrooks Member Posts: 420
    Along with other changes I'd like to see the ignition moved to the column. Banging keys can be annoying.
  • edwardb1edwardb1 Member Posts: 4
    I definitely am not joking, Our I4 is very touchy in that respect. My wife complains about it also. Have owned about 30 cars so far and this one is the worst in that respect. We are both conservative drivers.
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,601
    Craig, I like the igniton in the dash (mine's an '05). I never liked the ignition on the steering column. Keys would sometimes hit my leg.

    I've got 3 keys, the fob & a small swiss army knife on my key ring. For lack of a better description, I get some "banging keys" when the fob is facing "in" and almost no banging keys when the fob is facing "out." Try reversing your ignition key, or putting a sound deadening material below the ignition switch it that doesn't work.

    (Remember the botton or lever the driver had to push in order to take the key out of the ignition?)
  • craigbrookscraigbrooks Member Posts: 420
    I thought about putting something there to deaden the sound. If I wasn't so lazy I would take my other keys off with the keychain thingy that comes apart, which I have. Around town I just listen to it, but if I take a road trip I'll seperate them.

    Yes I'm old enough to remember the buttons and levers. Some newer manual trans vehicles on our lot still have the lever. Go figure.
  • dncbdncb Member Posts: 70
    Re: keys rattling against dash. My key fob is mounted to a ring about 3/4" in diameter. After the car is running I just turn it around and hang it on the ignition key. That pins it against the dash and... voila... no noise.
  • trunvestrtrunvestr Member Posts: 32
    I would love to see the side mirrors be able to fold. In NYC with double parked cars, etc. you need to be able to fold your mirror.

    The car doors should lock automatically once the car is put into gear or goes 5 miles per hour not 15mph.
  • chief15chief15 Member Posts: 15
    The dealer can set the "doors lock" from 05 to 20 mph. The service department can do it in a few minutes
  • gamlegedgamleged Member Posts: 442
    "The car doors should lock automatically once the car is put into gear or goes 5 miles per hour not 15mph."

    I read elsewhere that a Caddy owner had had his car, which was set to automatically lock the doors at 5 mph, lock while being drawn through a carwash... and he had no other key with him... :D
  • mort4371mort4371 Member Posts: 27
    Thank goodness this is an optional, dealer-activated option. I realize some folks like/want this, but for me (and I'm sure many others) this is one of the most irritating 'features' a car can have. It would be made slightly more palatable if they automatically unlocked when tranny shifted to park, but most I've seen don't do so.

    The doors should lock when I tell them to lock. :shades:
  • dncbdncb Member Posts: 70
    I agree completely that doors should only lock when told to do so. I had an auto locking car -- a Lincoln -- and it was a pain in the butt. I pushed that button so many times picking up passengers (and sometimes three times per pick-up) that I eventually defeated the feature myself (or I should say the alarm guy did it for me when updating the alarm system). The door locks had cycled so many times during the life of the vehicle that the mechanisms became sloppy and noisy. Hyundai did it right by making it able to be programmed by the dealer to make it auto or not. I'll bet most folks choose "not" or eventually will with experience.
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