I drive a 2007 Sonata GLS 4dr, 4cyl - automatic; now my wife wants a new car. We bought the 2007 because of the safety features, 10 yr warranty, decent gas mileage, comfort, and price and we want the same features in a new car. We are both over age 65 and differ in height by about 8 inches so the power adjustment for the driver's seat is a real convenience.

Does it make sense to spend extra to buy a 2010 over a 2009?

My wife sometimes drives the Sonata and has no problems with it but would rather have a slightly smaller car.
Do any of Hyundai's smaller models match the safety and other good features of the Sonata?

Does any other make of car come close to the Hyundai Sonata?

This post has been edited by moonlight: Oct 31 2009, 08:45 PM

The Hyundai Elantra is a pretty solid car FWIW.

I would wait for the new redesigned 2011 Sonata, or just move on to a different Car (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)
The Elantra by the way did not do well in Side Impact testing.

Between the 2009 and 2010, they're identical, so it's really an issue of economics, like ANY car, if you plan to keep the car for over 5 years the difference in depriciation is less significant, so buy a 2009 leftover, and save money.

The Elantra is the smaller car indeed, but might be TOO small for the wife. Have her test drive the car extensively, as one would ANY car one think of buying, and let her decide....

I have an '07 Sonata. I originally thought the smaller sedan (Elantra I think) was what I would buy. But I found the smaller car more expensive, by about $3K. They were both similarly equipped, similar performance, gas milage, etc. The Sonata was a larger car at a lower price. I couldn't say no to the Sonata. If you wife wants the smaller car & cost is an independent variable the Elantra should serve her well. If cost figures into the equation I suspect you'll end up with 2 Sonatas. You won't be alone.

I still think the Sonata is the value leader in the mid-sized sedan class. I haven't found any vehicle that compares on features, performance, style, & cost. It has the best warranty in its class to boot.

Good Luck

I would say make sure you drive the car you are interested in, over some bumpy roads to make sure you like the suspension on that particular car. Don't just drive it over smooth roads for your test driving.

2007 and 2010 are basically the same car.
Elantra is smaller, but it's about 10 inches shorter. Does it make a difference? I'm not sure. But than you're loosing some money and stuck with a more basic car with smaller engine, less room, noisier and bumpier ride.


I mean, sonata is really not a big car and if the only reason to replace it is the size, I'd look at something completely different like Golf, or maybe the Beetle, MINI or some other hatchback.

As others have said,drive it over bumpy road surfaces.....i doubt you will want this car!!!...i hate my 09.

There were a lot of detail changes made on the 2009 over the 2008 models (I have both). I'd simply drive the competition out there like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan, and the Sonata. If you want a slightly larger car, look at the Azera. I think it is an overlooked car and it is a rocket ship with all the bells and whistles. Almost has too much power to be frank.

How much mileage do you need?

What are your price limitations?

What are your physical limitations and what kind of room do you require?

I'll throw out a couple of wild cards for you to consider here and I'll probably be slammed but I would look at the Buick LaCrosse and the GMC Terrain. I've not driven the Malibu so I can't comment on it. I owned a 2008 Fusion for nearly two years but I didn't find the fit and finish measured up to my Sonata which is nearly flawless. (The 2010 has been redesigned.) The bumpy road argument is worthy of consideration but as a highway cruiser the Sonata is as good as one would want with the power seat option. Personally, I would go with the SE version for a number of reasons and I would compare it to the Azera.

A couple of comments on the LaCrosse. I couldn't find anything to complain about and it appears to be state of the art. Compared to the Impala, it is light years ahead. The Terrain impressed me in every way except it is a cross-over which may not appeal to you. But it is loaded to the gills with everything for a very reasonable price and the four cylinder mated to the six speed will return 22/32 mpg and it has plenty of power to suit me. I was very impressed with my test drive. I have not drive the LaCrosse. You could also take a look at the new Ford Taurus. The initial reports have been very favorable and I have owned about 15 new Fords and found them to be very reliable and trouble free. You could also consider the Genesis if mileage is not a big concern. There is tons of value there. It is a rear driver and the Azera is a front driver if you care about that sort of thing.

You probably want to look at the Honda Accord. It consistently wins the annual awards at Car and Driver but be prepared to pay through the nose. They hold their value, are dead reliable and have crisp handling and plenty of room; now rated as "large."

I would compare the Accord with the SE Sonata and the Azera and make your choice. If you think you might like a cross-over, then drive the Terrain. I was blown away by the test drive and the roominess as I am 6'6" and 260 pounds. And the four cylinder had more than enough power to suit me.

Picking a car is ultimately a matter of elimination. Enjoy your car shopping. I love doing it having owned 54 cars in my lifetime. Don't let me in a new car lot; I'm likely to drive away with a new one. You only go around once and you might as well spend it as you can't take it with you.

As an aside, you can find a ton of loaded 2009 Limiteds still available. There is no difference between the 2009 and 2010 except the model number on the title and the rebates. But the 2009 and SE models are pretty well cleaned out, although I did stumble across a 2009 SE at a very good price yesterday.

This post has been edited by rmissourimule: Nov 24 2009, 09:57 AM

Consider leasing - you're out of it in three years one way or the other with minimal maintenace or repair - something to consider at your age.

I own one car and lease one car and have no regrets about either.