2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Rating from Bev from Florida

(3)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		1 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		3 out of 5

"My hybrid stopped several times on highway. I was able to coast to safety. Turning off and on revived it except once it would not turn on, had it towed. Had it fixed twice and the third time I told them, That's it, I will file lemon law. Well, there was a recall toward the end of 2011 which took care of it. Hyundai did not call it RECALL b/c that means they take blame. Something about voltage of hybrid battery or some other technical thing. Read about others across country w/ same problem. This is a life or death issue. It's OK now, but I only get 27-30 mpg. One long trip = 37. Was not worth the extra cost. BLuetooth is intermittent. CLoth seats stain. Passanger seat has one setting."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from shweddy

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I'm coming from a 2006 Acura TSX and looked at the 2012 but decided to go with the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid for the same price. Only complaints: -Needs an option for a mult-way power passenger seat -iPhone disconnects during first 30 seconds of startup, probably due to contention with Bluetooth audio streaming. -NAV system needs more refined categories in POI's (no office supplies category) -Some shifting back and forth between EV and gas engine while warming up, causing some uneveness in shifting early on. Other than these minor complaints , a joy to drive. I opted for the premium package for the panoramic sunroof and upgraded audio system (Infiniti speakers!!!). Look for a plugin Hybrid and maybe a wagon (already in Europe) to arrive"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Sonny

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I have had the car for about a month and have enjoyed driving the car a lot. I am surprised at how the car makes you drive more economically by showing how it's doing every second you are behind the wheel. I find myself enjoying the challenge of getting better mileage as I drive. The only complaint I have is the car doesn't come with a spare tire so if you have a blow out the canned sealer isn't going to get you back on the road so this means a long wait to be towed."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from First Hybrid Car Owner

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"The simplest summary is that in my opinion, this is the best roomiest hybrid on the market at under $30,000. The best features for the interior are: 1) The electronic system operates in a logical fashion - I particularly like the system of chimes that tell when the car is turned off, when the engine is on and when something needs to be done such as buckle a seatbelt. 2) The seats are very comfortable and combined with the adjustable steering wheel allow one to be comfortable and to change position during long trips. 3) The Bluetooth works very well to allow hands-free driving. This is a feature that I would not have purchased because I was naive to it before purchasing this car. Now, I would not function without it. 4) Overall roominess - can carry two grandchildren with car seats, daughter, wife and all the luggage for a week-long trip. The exterior is very handsome and has garnered many complements. The headlight system works well and provides excellent illumination of what is ahead. It is wide enough to enable me to see an approaching deer in pitch black night so that I was able to avoid a collision. The engine/transmission is smooth in operatoin and provides good acceleration and smooth shifting, provided that one disengages blue-drive when going up steep hills. Braking is sure and the regenerative system is smooth. Gas mileage I have gotten is about 35 mpg in the city, 45 mpg on the highway. This is driving "normally". If I am not in a rush, I can get 48-50 mpg on the highway driving at 55mph. I average about 40-42 mpg except when it is cold and I turn on heat and heated seats - both work very well but drop the mileage by about 3-4 mpg. The only thing that I would change is I would get leather apolstery - the cloth is too easily stained by our grandchildren."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Martin

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"This is an excellent vehicle. I'm amazed at the previous article calling the vehicle a 'lemon'! I suppose with any manufactured product it's possible for something to go wrong, but my experience is vastly different. The car drives like some of the far more expensive cars i've driven but without the price. The interior is very 'roomy' with plenty of elbow space and leg room. As far as the exterior look of the vehicle is concerned - it has a sexy - fast - appearance and this is not just for looks. Passing cars on the highway is very easy due to the horsepower generated by the 4 cyl engine with electric assist (somewhere near 200hp). The guages on the dashboard are well laid out as are the buttons located on the steering wheel. I didn't purchase the ultimate package that has the moon roof, alloy wheel rims and high end stereo because the purpose for purchasing the car was to save money on fuel... and purchasing the ultimate package would have absorbed the fuel savings I want to make. Having said that, even without the ultimate package this vehcile comes with so many features that are 'standard' that I have no regrets.... Well, one - and it's the only negative comment that I have so far... the stereo that comes standard is very average. Good for talk radio, but music is a bit lifeless. But one can always purchase a better stereo system, right! As far as gas mileage is concerned, I'm getting around 36mpg with mixed city/highway driving. In summary, if you're considering the purchase of this vehicle - take it for a drive. You won't be disappointed."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Disappointed

(3)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		2 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		2 out of 5
Reliability:		2 out of 5

"The Sonata Hybrid does not get the city mpg that is advertised. The dealer can not figure out what to do and Hyundai Customer Service is usless. They just tell you why your driving habits are the problem and refer you back to the dealership. They ignore the customer complaints about the mpg performance. The car will achieve the highway mpg rating but the city mpg performance is erratic. It will vary from a 26-28 mpg range to rising to a 31-32 mpg range for a few days and them drop to the 26 level. This occurs while driving the same roads and conditions on a daily basis. Don't be foolish like I was. I know I have only myself to blame because I bought the car but learn from my mistake and save yourself the $5,000 Hybrid cost premium. The gas only version is the safer buy."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from ali

(3)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		2 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"I had high hopes for my hybrid but after having it towed 3 times under 18,000 miles i have to accept i have a lemon. Milage is fine about 35mpg but my car has shut off on the highway, and left me stranded. Hyundai has put drivers in danger by not getting these kinks worked out before putting on the market."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Cleveland-Bob

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"The essential value of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is that it has the most leg, hip and shoulder room of any hybrid for sale in the US. Hence if one wants a large car that get good mileage, the Sonata hybrid is a great choice. After more than 7000 miles, I find the car fun to drive and I get complements on its looks. Before the snow hit in Northeast Ohio, this car was getting over 40mpg in mixed driving. The cold weather and snow have reduced the mileage to 37-39mpg. The drop is due to energy is needed for the heated seats, heater and there is an increase in rolling friction associated with packed snow compared to clean pavement. I find the electronic recognition and ignition system operates logically. I appreciate the easy entry and exit. The seating is comfortable and heating system will quickly make the car toasty. The trunk can hold alot even though it is compressed by the battery. There is a pass through into the trunk that proved handy for carrying a pair of skis inside the car. So far the car has hancled well on wet and dry pavement and on packed snow. My only complaint is that the upholstery gets water marks easily. I would definitely recommend this car to a friend/relative. The long warranty provides a sense of security. The Sonata hybrid is the best car I have ever owned!!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Work

Rating from SC Driver

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I bought my Sonata Hybrid two months ago and already have 15000 miles on it. The advertised 40 mpg highway is easy to attain, the car works hard to meet that goal, and my best tank has averaged 45mpg. The city mileage is harder to get up to 35 though, stop and go with a depleted battery will put you in the mid to high 20's. I am pleased with the exterior, and am grateful for the proximity key. The interior was put together nicely for a car of it's price. The only three complaints I have would be: 1-the gear shift lights are extremely bright and distracting, they cannot be dimmed. 2- the front seat could use a little more thigh/leg support. 3- the stock stereo is pretty bland (great for talk radio, terrible for any top 40). The battery pack in the car is great. With a full charge, you can get up to 45/50 without the gas engine. Also, at highway cruising, the car rotates from gas and charging the battery for approx 1.5 miles to battery power for the next .5 miles. I have driven a Prius before, and this car has a much more solid feel to it. Overall, I would buy this car again."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Work

Rating from HybridNewbie

(3)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		2 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"The new Sonata Hybrid has some styling elements not shared with gasoline engine versions. The trim on the Hybrid looks rather cheesy. It cheapens its looks of this otherwise good car. The front end has a large gaping "hole" that we find rather odd for a car so highly detailed. We first that grille work was missing. The '12 Sonata is our first Hybrid. Mileage is not has high as advertised by we have only had the car a week. The sleek body style is youthful, but it severely limits head room, especially for rear passengers. The sunroof decreases room and comfort even more, including up front. Some interior materials are thin and flimsy, an issue commented on by other Sonata owners we know. The Sonata Hybrid is expensive, but that is relative. If gas mileage improves, I think we will enjoy it even more. There are a lot of needless features that drive up prices. Many hybrid owners are frugal and use their fuel misers as a second car, as in our case. Are only major grip is an annoying tugging sensation, pulling the car to the right. After noticing it, Hyundai informed us that public service announcements will be sent out alerting owners of this problem. If not for this, we would more than likely recommend the Sonata to a friend, but the annoyances experienced are alarming for a $30,000.00 vehicle. Other grips include: significant tire hum, a rattling dash and choppy ride."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting