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 41 through 50 of 97.00
  • Sonata SE 2012 - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Sonata model, in general, is really nice. Exterior as well as interior design are probably one of the best out there for the sedans. SE has a bit more aesthetic aspects than the GLS (chrome grills, door handles, dual exhausts, tire, etc). The comfort level of SE is sub par. Noise level during the ride is also quite annoying. These are due to the sporty suspension and less-cushion tires, but they shouldnt be the excuses for these crucial aspects of the car. If you can live up with this, its an amazing car. If you think you and your family rather like a quieter and comfortable car, go with GLS or Limited. I thought the SE wouldnt have much of a difference, but it really does.

  • Fantastic Car for the Money, 25k Miles going strong. - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I fell in love with this car the minute i saw a commercial for it and went to the dealer the next day. Been Happy ever since. Gas mileage in high 30s consistently on the highway, about 30 flat with mixed driving. Starts every time and has never left me stranded. I have owned 17 cars in my lifetime and this has been my favorite. Comfortable, low maintenance, not too flashy but certainly modern, plenty of toys inside to keep one entertained.

  • Bad MPG - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    bought mine about 2 months ago. MPG as advertised is not!! advertised 24/35 and on hwy i get 29 and in town I get 18. when I took to dealer ship to have looked at, service department told me that everyone he knows does get 29 hwy. the digital readout may say 34 but when you divide the miles driven by gallons put in, it doesnt match the readout. Anyone can make a computer readout say anything they want to. I would not buy this car again due only to the false advertisement on the sticker on the MPG. The fine fine fine print on sticker says the average person will get 28-39. Can you say WOW what a difference in range. And car has alot of road noise.

  • The best value for your buck - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I am very careful when I buy a car because I tend to keep them for long time. I built a matrix to help me decide what car to buy. The objective parameters (I add one subjective at the end) where: 1.- First class gas mileage . 2.- Excellent Crash Ratings 3.- Better than average warranty 4.- First class in space 5.- Better than average 5 years cost to own ) 6.- Excellent Price. Two cars came on top Hyundai Sonata/Kia optima. Both leaded the pack in gas mileage, tops in crash ratings, but the Sonata was bigger than the rest in almost any measure,great price tons of added standard features (Bluetooth was important because recent laws) around $2000 cheaper than Equivalent Camry/Accord

  • Awesome Car! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    The 2012 Sonata is amazing! I have had 3 Toyota Camrys in the past and intended to buy another. However, I decided to compare vehicles, so I test drove the Camry and the Honda Accord as well. The Sonata was definitely the best pick! I love the styling (inside & out), the ride is quiet and comfortable (and its just plain fun to drive), interior room is incredible, the warranty is great and the gas mileage is awesome (averaging 34.9 MPG). I also like the Bluetooth and the new Blue Link feature. Its not only a great safety feature, but it gives you alot of other perks. Highly recommend this vehicle!!

  • My Sweet New Ride! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I purchased my SE CPO w/ 9400 miles, Nav/Sunroof package, wind deflector, spoiler & full leather. It has the silver /blue pearl paint w/ black interior. The car looks amazing! Rides great, love how it handles. Ive had it one month and have driven nearly 2000 miles already and havent had any issues at all. The car came with this Blue Link thing that lets me remotely control the car(start/doors/lights/horn), gives monthly diagnostic reports and can even slow the car down to a complete stop if I reported stolen and then the GPS will tell me where it is. Cool or what. Since its CPO I get the 5yr/60k full warranty, the 10yr/100k power-train warranty and 10yr/unlimited roadside assistance :)

  • Not happy - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I bought my 2012 sonata SE new in January 2012. About 2 weeks ago my car stopped working properly and they initially thought it was the push start ignition. Replaced the push start and the problem still persisted. They then removed the oil pan to discover pieces of metal in the oil. Long story short the engine needs to be replaced and the car has 16,500 miles on it. I am not happy with the overall experience and being without a car that I need for my daily commute. No car should have to have the engine replaced after being driven for only 7 months.

  • Great Car - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Just bought this car about a month ago and its awesome. My wife bought a Tucson a few years ago that we were very impressed. So Hyundai was the first choice when it was time to get rid of my gas-guzzling pick up truck. The inside and outside of the sonata looks very sporty and new-age. It is a perfect car for someone who needs more space for the family but also wants to keep the sporty look. Sound system is nice and blue tooth is a great feature. For the price you cant beat it. The only complaint I would say is the gas mileage is not as good as I had hoped. I am getting around 26 mpg mixed city and highway. Hopefully once the engine breaks in it will be a little closer to 30mpg. Great car.

  • A lemon like none other. - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I have just over 22,000 miles on my 12 Sonata Turbo. This car has been in the shop for many Different problems since I bought it. Hyundai service is terrible, the company just does not care about the owners of their cars. My Sonata has a stalling problem that has plagued it for 6 months now, it just quits, could be on the interstate, at an intersection, a red light, no rhyme nor reason. Its very dangerous to have this happen so often, Hyundai has not been able to fix this issue. Ive also had issues with the A/C, nav/audio unit, headliner, antifreeze smell through the dash vents, abs brake sensor, and several rattles and other poor quality car noises.

  • After sitting in all the cars in this class, I chose the Sonata - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    This car class cost 20-30 thousand dollars, and paying on a car without a warranty is dumb, so unless youre paying cash, there are only 3 cars left to consider, the Hyundai Sonata, the Kia Optima, and the Suzuki Kazachi. All 3 offer best in class warranties of 10yr./100,000 miles. The Suzukis less gas MPG, with less horsepower, that was a looser. That left the Sonata and Optima to test drive. The Optima has a tighter, sportier feel, while the Sonata was a little more comfortable in ride quality, so at my age, I chose the Sonata, but wouldve been happy with the Optima. Both are exceptional cars! If you dont want to pay on a car without a warranty, then like me, the decisions easy!

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