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 21 through 30 of 97.00
  • Engine Failure - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I had an engine failure with about 17,000 miles on the car. The engine was replaced, but was not the same car. Competitively priced vehicle, but my experience with Hyundai, dealer services and customer service has been two stars or less. Everybody has different experiences with vehicles, for Hyundai, mine could have been better.

  • Didnt purchase. Leased. - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

  • Would not recommend to friend - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    This car had 2 major problems within 15 days of owning the car. 1. The radiator popped a weld (or something) on the way home from the dealership. The radiator had to be replaced (at 25 miles on the odometer). 2. Within a week of the radiator being fixed, the car would not start. The battery was fine. The car had to be towed back to the dealership. Turns out that the circuit board controlling the car starting was dead. We also own a 2006 Sonata that has never given us any problems. Maybe Hyundai quality has gone down since the Sonata is becoming more popular?

  • Who wants a Sonata that needs a new engine?? - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Our 2012 Sonata with regular maintenance records experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure at 74,000 miles. No warning lights have ever come on in the car but it suddenly began to lose power and make a terrible noise. Since it was still under warranty, we had it towed to our dealer who told us that the engine had to be replaced and it was covered and the engine would be replaced within a few days. Subsequently, Hyundai changed their mind and chose not to honor their warranty stating "customer neglect". We provided all our service records showing oil changes basically every 4 months but they still said it was our fault. We have since found out that this is happening all over the country to cars with the 2.4 liter Theta II GDI engine. Edmonds should research this because this is a widespread problem. I would not buy another Hyundai because they do not honor their warranty.

  • So Far GREAT car!!!!!!! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Have had car for 5 days, so far I cant complain. The car is GREAT. Fun to drive for a larger car. Traded in a Mazda Miata so I know FUN in a car. Gas mileage is right were Hyundai claims, in fact on the freeway I am averaging 42 MPG on cruise control at 67mph!!! Comfortable, smooth ride. My kids amazed at all the Gee Wiz gadgets. They think I am actually conversing with the CPU when I use the hyundai bluelink. LOL. LOTS of Gadgets, great gas mileage, cool looking car, all for 21K!! Like I said, cant complain so far.

  • Compared with the Accord, Altima, and Camry ... Sonata FINALLY on top (and my 1st new car)! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I spent 4 weeks comparing mid-sized sedans eventually resolving to buy either the 2011 Accord LX-P or the Sonata GLS (pop pack 2). I posted the comparison charts at hyundai-forums.com and driveaccord.net ... you can compare them yourself, but even the DriveAccord.net posters agreed that the Sonata was a better buy in every element except reputation. Im VERY happy with my great looking and driving Soanta, the price thru Hyundai Circle (plan A) was excellent, and the service department is great.

  • Warning: Test-driving this vehicle will compell you to purchase it - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Please, do not test-drive a Sonata Turbo unless youre youre ready to buy, because youre gonna be compelled to buy it. The engineers of the 2.0 turbo Sonata are geniuses. The GDI was already cutting-edge for the regular 2.4 4-cyl, but the performance and fuel efficiency of the 274hp turbo are just pure genius. Simply put, its a rocket. I effortlessly pass pretty much any car I want, anywhere, at any time, yet I get consistent 30-35mpg on the highway WITHOUT the ECO on and enthusiastic driving. Even the softer limited suspension handles tight corners with great agility (18" low-profile tires help too). Beautiful engineering. And oh yeah, did I mention its beautiful to stare at as well?

  • Needs Improvement - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I bought the car because I thought it was a good value for the money. There are a lot of great features even in the base model. Steering problems and poor paint along with the dealers inability to fix the problems make this car unacceptable. If you are thinking of buying one, go over everything like you would if you were buying a used car. Quality control is not where it should be. Be sure do do a long test drive and look for steering problems, especially right or left pull.

  • Great value - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    You get a great value compared to other cars in its class (e.g. Camry, Accord). Especially since what comes standard on this car will cost you a lot more elsewhere. Reliability rating for this Sonata generation was a big plus as well. Would be nice if Hyundai cars wasnt tethered to XM radio (initial trial period) but offered a free HD radio instead. The Bluelink (like OnStar) are also subscription-happy offers that I will never take and a waste of technology on my car. Other automobile companies do the same thing so this is a general industry trend I despise.

  • LOVE THE BANG-FOR-BUCK - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I traded-in an 09 Malibu for my first non-GM car. The 4cyl Malibu produced 169hp with an EPA 29 hwy, which was exactly what I got (without a good tailwind). I looked at the V-6 Malibu (base $28k, 252hp, 26 mpg hwy). Then I discovered the Sonata. I was out the door with a 2.0T SE with 274hp/269 lb-ft torque and an EPA 34hwy for under $26k. After 4000 miles with the Sonata, I am extremely satisfied. CONTRARY TO OTHER REVIEWS, the 34 mpg hwy is very realistic if you can control your right foot. The turbo engages just above 2000 rpm and it will drink gas (but its fun!). I have never driven a car with a better combination of performance and economy for less than $26,000.

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