2012 Hyundai Sonata Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.95/5 Average
97 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For the 2012 Sonata, Hyundai adds a new telematics service (Blue Link), a higher-resolution touchscreen display to the optional navigation system and a panoramic sunroof to the Limited trim level. It has also recalibrated the engines for slightly better fuel economy this year, while this is the first full model year for changes to the steering system that were enacted halfway through last year.

Pros:
  • Stylish and comfortable cabin
  • Lengthy warranty.
  • Lots of standard and optional features for the money
  • Excellent safety scores
  • Top fuel economy
  • Strong acceleration
Cons:
  • Distinctive styling affects rear headroom
  • Rough ride in SE trim.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 97.00
  • Good value for the price - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    This car has surpassed my expectations. The acceleration and power with the 2.0 turbo feels like I have a six cylinder under the hood. The SE package gives a good feel for the road and handles very good. Yes, you are going to feel more of the bumps, but that is what you get for the handling package. The price for what you get is a value.

  • sonata - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    good purchase

  • No Such Thing As A Perfect Vehicle, But ... - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    ... this one really comes close. My preference is mid-sized cars with high-end trim levels ... Camry XLE, Accord EX-L, etc. This is my first Sonata Limited, but not my last. It compares very favorably with its Nissan, Toyota and Honda counterparts ... theyre all great vehicles, and given that I dont buy new cars, availability is limited. This one is exactly what Id have purchased new ... and with only 11k miles (and at $10k less), its close enough! The ride is smooth, power (both cruising and takeoff) is more than adequate, gas mileage (overall about 26 mpg) is fine, and the creature comforts far exceed the competition. Hyundai is now a major player in the mid-size market!

  • Looks great, but... - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Bold lines. Great styling. This car will catch your eye, and hold it. Great value, and a great size. But all is not how its seems. Listed as a full size sedan, however... its not. Seems better suited as a mid-size. The 2.4 l four cylinder is great for saving gas, but forgets that its supposed to make the car move at times. Its got a better rear end than a Mustang GT... more modern anyway. But warning... the ride is rough as an old woodie rollercoaster! How nice would this be if the rear wheels pushed instead of dragged the car down! Still, this car is better than what you will find in most places (cough cough, chevy cruze, cough cough)...

  • Dont buy this car. - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I owned 2012 Sonata Limited and 7500 mileage. You will get feeling so bad and get tired because of wandering while drive. (especially on Highway) The poor steering wont be centered as much as 1/2 inches.(left and right) Dealer and Customer center seemed like they have no solution about this so far. Id like you to go with Honda accord. Im waiting for my payoff day.

  • Hyundai Sonata Offers Best Bang For the Buck - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Ive driven my 2012 Sonata for about 4 weeks, and Im impressed. Owned a 2006 model, and this car is much improved. Hyundai has managed to create a family-friendly sedan that finally bests the Camry and Accord. As the owner of a Jetta TDI I was seriously looking at a new Passat TDI (love the TDI driving experience and mileage). Unfortunately VW was a little late to the party on delivery. The Sonata was a better value at roughly $7000 less. Value proposition is confirmed by a recent trip to the airport achieving 41 mpg on the 38 mile trip. The new engine and 6 speed transmission, while not as engaging as the 4 cylinder TDI, provide a very pleasant driving experience.

  • Low MPG - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Disappointing gas mileage. Divide mileage by gallons and find its only getting about 24mpg for mixed city/hwy. Thats with the eco mode on and gentle driving. Not what I was led to believe. Steering is a little twitchy on the freeway. Seats are a little firm. Other than that its a nice car. So far no problems.

  • My first hyundai - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    The car is excellent for the value. Hyundai put a lot into this car regarding quality. I purchased the car new with all maintenance included. I have owned the car for 1 year so far. No issues. Important: You have to do the maintenance on this car or it will not drive like it is supposed to. Also, the car has a GDI engine. Please read up on the engine. I bought a turbo because the engine runs better with it. I have seen mileage fluctuations but it was related to gas and oil. You have to put premium in once a month. Chevron with Techron is best. It does require injector cleaner once every 2 months to keep up the MPG. Buy the maintenance with the car!!!!!!!!

  • My story - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I have had my Sonata for almost four years now, with a little over 33,000 mileage. After 8 months of having it, I needed a new transmission. Now I need a new engine. I feel like I ended up with a lemon. No one wants to hear it and service tries to shift the blame to me some how. I have all my invoices of oil changes, brakes, etc. So I have done my part. I loved my car. When you buy something new you want the new engine, the new transmission and so on. You are paying for that. As in anything there can be a circumstance where this vehicle was not assembled correctly. But no one will own up to it. I dread thinking of what will be next.

  • Disappointed owner - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Sonata drives OK but the interior looks and feels cheap. My major problem with Hyundai is its customer service. 3 days ago I decided to go shopping. I left my car in the parking lot. When I returned, I found a major fracture in the windshield (20 "). I drove to Hyundai dealer. Their service guy looked at it, couldnt find any chips, so he took a pencil and traced the fracture and concluded that it was caused by a stone hitting the windshield. I told him that it happened in the parking lot but he wouldnt believe me. Right, Im trying to rip Hyundai off for $200. They dont have any trust in their customer. So much for Hyundai for me. As soon as I pay it off, Ill trade it in for a Camry.

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