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Hyundai Sonata vs Honda Accord
In my opinion the 2008 sonata is still a better value than the 2008 Accord, the sonata has ESC standard on 4-cylinder models for over 2 years, the sonata cost $3000-5000 less than a Accord, a 10 year 100k powertrain and 5 year 60k bumper to bumper warranties are standard, Honda does not even include road side assistance,Even though the Honda has better resale value you have to spend close to $5,000 just to get the value, the Sonata gives it to you up front. I have researched the values of of a 2000 Accord and a 2000 sonata the difference was only $2,000.
These are my opinions do not take anything at heart.
These are my opinions do not take anything at heart.
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Comments
I almost bought the sonata! Very impressed, but it is more similar to the camry than accord.
Plus, I think the interior and materials used are better in the Accord.
So I too would be willing to pay a premium for an Accord, if only for the nicer interior and slightly better fuel economy. But I would not be willing to pay much more than $1000 more. This is for a 10+ year ownership, so short-term differences in resale value don't mean anything to me. The actual price difference, particularly for the 2008 Accord, is closer to $5000 depending on trim level. That's too high a premium for me.
I can assure those who worry about "piece of mind" that you will achieve that given the long Hyundai warranty. Please keep in mind that NO car by any manufacturer is or will ever be totally trouble free but our experience with both brands (Hyundai& Honda)has shown the Honda to be more trouble over only 10K miles.
Finally do not EVER look at a car (unless it is an exotic or a Rolls) as an investment. You will always loose $$ in the end.
Investment? What return did or will you get by buying a Honda Accord? It is a large expense.
Most people would like a balance between quality and price... and the Accord beats the Sonata in this.
The 100K/10 year powertrain warranty and 5 year roadside assistance - neither of which you will need - add value. Overall, the Sonata delivers on value for an excellent price, just the way the Honda Accord did in its earlier years. Just for grins, I've seen more Accords on tow-hooks lately than I have any model Hyundai - for what it's worth.
And we're not talking about cars yet. Having driven Sonata quite a few times (a very easy find at rental centers), I can say... "you get what you pay for". My money is on Accord. It may be slightly more expensive car to buy, but it delivers.
Somewhat off topic is that the Sonata's cousin-twice-removed, the Optima, is quite a package for the money also--many think it's superior to the Sonata, and they start at under $13k (real-world price for 2007 Optima LX I4 MT). I prefer the interior of the Optima, also its handling is a bit crisper than the Sonata's.
I drove Hyundai once, impressed. But can't consider it for buying , recently bought another Accord for my cousin. Have seen many Hondas, totyotas running with no issues.
look at the sales 40K cars for Accord/Camry Vs 10k for Sonata.
Sonta interior gets you feeling of You get what you paid for.
Either of these is a better choice if you are happy about your purchase.
I disagree. Even if the Accord is only considered a slightly better car than the Sonata, isn't it worth the extra money, for a better car over 10 years. Even after 10 years resale value still means a lot. I got $5,000 dollars for my 12 year old Accord (140k miles). You just can't get that kind of money for a 10 year old Hyundai no matter what kind of shape it's in.
I didn't buy an Accord for its resale value. I bought it to keep it for a long time, and have. To prove my point, here's picture of odometer from my 1998 Accord taken yesterday:
Big deal, right? Yes. This car has been flawless, absolutely fantastic car to own. The only "repair" that has been performed so far was an inexpensive cracked radiator hose.
And despite being a leadfooted driver, superb mileage too. I've enough confidence in this car to take it on road trips. Even now, the car doesn't have a rattle or a squeak. And thats the reality. The kind of reality that has helped Honda gain virtually permanent customer base, AND high resale value.
Given my experience, if I had to pick from a fleet of cars with over 100K miles, guess which would be my pick, even if it cost more. That should explain why some cars do better on resale than others.
Let's not lose sight of the fact that these are all plain old family sedans and not anything special.
That might explain why we have differing preferences. A family car doesn't need to be "plain". Some of us actually like being connected with the car and road. So no, a car has to be special in its class to get my nod.
If you're going long term there both good I chose to invest the $5000 differance and buy the sonata.
Ten years ago, I had set $25K for my budget, and ended up getting Accord EX-L for $21K plus TTL. Over a year ago, I decided to supplement my Accord, to split duties, and the budget was set at $35K, I got a TL.
If I wanted something close to $20K, I just might get a Civic EX-L (I prefer leather, and want moonroof as first things in my cars). Sonata and other cars hold little to no appeal to me.
Tell me why I should buy a Sonata I-4 over Accord I-4?
You said it, ONE DAY. That day is not today, and I don't think it will be in the near future.
I have no problem with people who buy a Sonata, if that's the car they like. Many Sonata owners imply however, that they got the same quality car for much less $$. That is not true, IMO.
No Auto Theft appeal
If you are going to steal a car, you want a NICE one, don't you? Who's going to risk incarceration for a Sonata?
Honda puts a longer warranty i will consider them even at the premium.
I have been driving Accords for 16 years, and I haven't needed a warranty yet. I suggest you hold on to yours though.
Yes I have. Not a test drive, but I frequently get Sonata for rentals. And I don't see why I would spend $$$ to bring one into my garage.
16 years of great cars will brainwash you too.
have you took a look at Genesis and Azera
Looking at a car does not tell me how it's going to hold up to 10 years of my abuse. With the Accord I know what I am getting for my $$$. You can gamble with your money, I want a sure thing.
You must be talking about the basic model, MY GLS Premium Sport has a premium Cloth.
I don't call cloth premium, but we obviously have different standards.
This is based on my experience.
Honda is not the only car that will run 250K miles with minimal corrective maintenance. There are plenty of examples of Hyundais, or other brands hitting these levels too. For every Accord that has 250K on the odometer and still is running fine, there's a certain percentage that didn't make it to 100K - it's all about preventive maintenance and the owner. You simply can't make a blanket statement that all Accords will be absolutely bullet-proof for 250K miles or greater.
If you like an Accord - buy it. Same with the Sonata . . . you're not going to change anyone's thoughts on one over the other.
Some people simply do not like leather, and there are a number of viable reasons, ethical, practical and aesthetic, for this. It has nothing to do with standards or perceived image or luxury.
For example, in my 22 year old SAAB 900 - still a daily driver - the cloth is still in excellent condition with no tears and no wear spots. The same can't be said of most 22 year old SAABs, or other cars, with leather. Let's see, I wonder what a 1985 Accord's leather seats look like with over 300K on the clock?
I remember Nissan reaching our shores as Datsun and the garish mustard yellow color paintwork and mixed cloth/vinyl seat upholstery which wasn't well received. I can remember seeing rusted body panels and reading reviews talking about the deficient dynamic qualities of their vehicles. Honda came in a few years later with the Civic and Accord and they were much better received. They never had a poor reputation for quality but rather for being fairly rudimentary and low end. Honda has migrated up the ladder in terms of the size and sophistication of its vehicles but it has never had a quality issue, real or perceived.
Maybe there was an earlier generation of Hondas in the US that I am not aware of?
The reasons I would favor a Sonata are the upfront cost savings (around $5000 before tax and interest charges) now that the 2008s are out), smooth and quiet ride of the Sonata (although the new Accord may be improved here), exterior styling, and warranty. The big thing for me is that I don't think the Accord, while a fine car, is worth the price premium based on what I am looking for in a car.
Honda's are a bit more refined overall and seem a bit better performance wise (I4 to I4, v6 to v6...) And, they certainly have a better steering feel (to me) and a bit better winter handeling - but that could just be tires. Also the dealer network seems much more consistantly decent, where as Hyundai seems a bit more varied.
However, they do seem to collect dings and chips easier (hint: buy touch up paint), and don't fit tall torso folks as well (imho) as the Hyundias do, especially if there is a sun roof involved. And, oh course do cost a fair bit more too.
If there is any weakness (reliability wise) in the Accord maybe its front suspension bugaboos that seem creep in around 70-100k. Seen that twice...
With Hyundai? Well you get more more stuff for your money for sure. Doubly so with the Sonata 'purchase a dealer loaner program' which is crazy good. V6 Sonata with 3k or so miles for about $16.5k depending on how you negotiate.
Late model Sonatas seem just as reliable as the Accords so far (i.e. no issues), but then they are lower mileage than the Accords so far as well. The '02 Elantra had a minor issue with fueling/fuel pump stuff around 65-70k ish hopefully an islated issue, and may have been due to bad gas.
IMHO they are comparable and it boils down to is a just bit more refinement worth a few grand more.
But since I could afford it, Accord made more sense. Not just from reliability and resale point of view (the latter being a non-issue because I expect my cars to be around forever). They also have certain feel that can't be put on paper. The only car I would get over an Accord or a TL would be a BMW, but those are not cars I consider worth "owning" for a lifetime. They make sense as a lease (great deals, cheaper than "purchasing" an Accord). With 20-25K miles/year driving to worry about, leasing is the last thing in my mind.
My very first experience with a Sonata (and Hyundai in general) is something I will never forget. I still get a laugh out of it. Being over taken by a Honda Odyssey in the canyons of Oregon with posted speed limit being 70 mph and floored gas pedal can do that to anybody. I knew I was going faster than that, until I saw the speedometer was between 60-65 mph. And that was with the 2.7/V6, which, after 5000 miles of experience (this was during a road trip from Dallas to Seattle and back), couldn't compare with the less powerful and less torquey 2.3/I-4 in my 1998 Accord. Coincidentally, my Accord is also a heavier car.
And I averaged a shade over 27 mpg. By comparison, I average 26 mpg in my Accord in mixed driving. Under those driving conditions, the Accord averaged 32+ mpg. Better engine, better chassis, better fuel economy, more responsive drive train, superb ergonomics and quality... worth every penny that I want to spend in my cars.
I'm sure "value" oriented buyers have plenty of other choices, and they often start with presumption that initial savings translates to savings in the long term. For that, check Intellichoice ratings (ownership costs over five years). You will be surprised, even when you take rebates into account.
Great point. Honda's beginning in the USA was with a splash. They weren't fancy cars, but got the necessary things right. Although ill-equipped, they were cheap, and great fuel economy brought in buyers. Reliability followed as a bonus. They were perceived by a few as low quality (largely for lacking appointments, power but not reliability).
The newer V6 in Sonata is better but the drive train isn't up to Honda's standards. Besides, Honda's new I-4 is far more powerful than the old one in my 1998. More fuel efficient too.
I think V6 engines are mostly a waste. While driving my TL around with virtually no vibration/sound from the engine during cruising transforming to a pleasant growl under acceleration is fun, 150 HP in my 3200 lb Accord was plenty (those 150 HP probably translate to about 145 HP under the new standard). It is a car that has superb response to overtake vehicles on busy 2-lane highways. Which is another comparison where the Hyundai V6 lost, despite having 30+ lb-ft (and 20+ HP) more at its disposal. I had to pull back to overtake, due to poor response and lack of brisk acceleration. Never been a problem with Accord. It still drives like it is late 1990s (I have 181K miles on it).
You don't need to worry about my mind. I need to worry about my satisfaction, and value for my money, however.
van
Hyundai has improved, but so have "the others".
but then again, the accord is realistically more expensive (i.e. by about 30% at least and with less features).
take your pick!
i'll get the sonata, anytime. :shades:
of course, we did for about $5,000 less than the accord with a lot more features on the sonata, at that! and we're looking at owning ours for the next 10 years, at least, backed by hyundai's 10 yr warranty
about resale value, we own cars for keeps. we have a 1988 pathfinder w/ 150,000 miles & a 1993 previa w/ 255,000 miles. we own them till they conk-out. in my experience, their longevity depends largely on how you maintain them.
The $5000-or-so difference in price comes about because:
* Sonatas start off being less expensive than comparably-equipped Accords. For example, the 2008 Accord EX-L V6 has an MSRP including destination of $28,695. The Sonata Limited with moonroof is $25,745--nearly a $3000 difference right there.
* Also, Hyundai typically offers manufacturer-to-buyer rebates on the Sonata. The current general rebate is $1000 and there's also a $500 loyalty rebate to current Hyundai owners. However, the rebates have usually been larger, more in the $2000-2500 range for general rebates. They are smaller now probably because there are still 2007s on dealer lots. The general rebate on those now is $2500, with $500 owner loyalty (this is for MN, can vary by state). Honda has never (?) offered direct-to-buyer rebates, although it did offer incentives to dealers on the previous-generation Accords. With the new Accord, those have disappeared for now.
* Dealer discounts are pretty easy to get on the Sonata, down to invoice or below. The markup over invoice on the Sonata Limited mentioned above is $1,643. Deep discounts were available on the previous-generation Accord, but I think it's unlikely there will be deep discounts on the 2008 Accord for awhile.
All these factors add up to the ability to get a Sonata for $5000 or so less than an Accord.