Comments on: Consumer Reports Pans Sonata Hybrid

By: Glen

Glen — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 03:21:41 +0000

I bought this vehicle recently, I am facing very serious issues. I get 30 mpg as average. Every time I reset avg mileage, avg drive time, etc all. And till now I filled full tank 4 times. Almost I get 480 miles for 16 gallons of gas. I drive mostly on highways on 60-75 speed. Daily I drive around 35 miles on highway and 10 miles on local roads. only 1% i saw 40 mpg that too on local roads. Maximum I see <33 mpg on highways.
I know it depends on driving conditions. How much ever the driving and climate, I should not get just 30 mpg avg. I should get atleast 36 mpg avg.
Next thing is the pick-up. Dealers say that hyundai hybrid has huge delay when shifting from electric to gasoline. this kills the pick-up and very dangerous when taking turns in local roads.
Next thing is navigation system. Just now I heard from hyundai customer care that. All hyundai vehicles comes with old version of navigation system. If customer wants then they need to pay the money to upgrade it. It doesn;t matter even if the customer buying the vehicle.
One dealer told me that car has to drive for 6000 miles to get correct mileage another dealer say 1000 miles to get correct mileage.
Also, one technician said that non-hybrid sonata gives better mileage than hybrid sonata.

By: Herb

Herb — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:06:31 +0000

Just leased the 2012 Sonata Hybrid about a week ago and must admit that most of the issues posted are generally true. Yes the standard 6 speed transmission is not as smooth as others........but for the price, warranty, gas mileage, and family size car, its really hard to be to disappointed.

Very nice price/performance/features and really true high gas mileage car.

I'm getting around 37 mpg around town and higher on the highway. So all in all I'm a very happy Hyundai Hybrid customer.

Really looking forward to our summer trip to So Cal in July. We will be traveling from Georgetown Tx to Newport Beach Ca. And will be saving over $400 round trip vs taking our new Malibu LT.

Now that's what its all about..........

By: David

David — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:07:31 +0000

Hyundai is changing a lot. At the first time, I just thought it’s old fashion cheap brand car. However nowadays, it’s design totally chaged. It’s so amazing !! Generally it’s very fancy design and good perpomance but I still have a doubt why I should buy a Hyundai car. (Yes, it’s very economic but I didn’t satisfied with it. Car should be attractive like a gorgeous woman) I’m considering to buy a hybrid car soon. If I can find a special reason, I will buy Sonata hybrid.

By: Tom

Tom — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:24:13 +0000

I tried every hybrid out there, and nothing came close to the Sonata on styling, comfort and PERFORMANCE! The Prius is pitiful, the new Lexus a way overpriced Prius and even slower, Camry is forced to bring out something that might compete-but not nearly as refined. Fusion is ok, but more like your Grandma’s car, and then the way overpriced Volt(typical GM recall already) which does not compete in any area. And did I mention warranties? The Sonata blows them all away- why? because it is better built-period! The battery technology is way ahead of the others, the integration of systems is flawless! I live at 8000′ in Colorado and my Sonata Hybrid has performed and achieved at or beyond manufacturer specs! Do what I did and drive them all-yes it is a pain in the ass with the sales people, but prove to yourself what I already know-The Sonata Hybrid is a kick in the pants to own and drive–a head turner that people can’t believe is good for the environment!

By: Sossy

Sossy — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:59:14 +0000

I have the late-model 2011 Hyundai Hybrid. It’s a beautiful car, handles well, outperforms my previous non-hybrid in every way & is fun to drive. The SF Bay area isn’t the only place on earth. I’m in Austin, and Hyundai dealers sell the hybrid as fast as they come in.

By: Jenney

Jenney — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:12:58 +0000

People slamming this car and hybrids in general are the very people who deny climate change. We need to give hybrids a chance to improve and they will. Lets face it people oil will run out at some time, get over it. We have enough negative comments from the oil industry. If you insist a non hybrid car is for you do not be negative for other prospective buyers who are looking for a decent hybrid just go out and buy a gas guzzler.Hybrid cars are in their infancy just let them grow.

By: Megan Spackman

Megan Spackman — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:21:00 +0000

I too, just had re-programming done on my Sonata. What a difference! I have to say that over these past few months, I was really starting to be thankful that I had leased this car and in a few years, it would no longer be my problem. But the software updates have really worked and the car drives like a dream. I’m very pleased. Thanks Hyundai!!

By: Mike Cohan

Mike Cohan — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:53:56 +0000

Hyundai has just (as of 10/2/11) come out with a complete reprogram of all the engine computers in the Sonata Hybrid that greatly improves the car. The jerky transition between gas and electric at low speeds is gone, mileage is improved by about 10%, and the whole car is just much much smoother. I own one and am very happy with mine, particularly with this upgrade.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:08:17 +0000

When comparing a 43,000 Volt with a 29,000 Prius PHV is possible, say in March 2012, then the propaganda will be exposed. Rear seat legroom, headroom, MPG for 50 miles, 100 miles and 150 miles will show will overcome “styling, driving characteristics,” and all the other subjective accolades heaped on the overpriced Volt.

By: Rich in KC

Rich in KC — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:43:10 +0000

"Drive one and tell me that it's anything close to the Toyota line-up of Hybrids. Junk best describes this car."

I own a Volt and I also owned (past tense) a Prius. I am amazed at the difference in the 2 vehicles. After driving the Volt, I realized how unrefined the Prius actually felt, both in it's driving characteristics and styling. Driving the Prius made me feel as if I was in a tin can, it's not even in the same league as the Volt, period! Take your propaganda somewhere else!