should have got on the phone and called the another dealer and asked what he would take on a trade....and told the salesman in front of you....

'thanks for the help' and walked out!

fwiw - my car has the hankooks and honestly, they aren't that loud (19,100 miles), i can have a conversation via bluetooth with the sunroof open while running down the highway; carry on a normal coversation with anyone in the car, front or back. maybe the hankooks are better tires???

 

QUOTE (NelsonT @ Jul 19 2011, 09:04 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=477901

My 2011 Limited 2.4 Sonata perfors pretty well, MPG is fine, too. However, at highway speeds, on certain types of road surfaces, cement or asphalt, it is so loud, you have to crank the radio loud to hear it. It is impossible to talk on the phone, either regular phone, or Blue Tooth. These Kumho 17" tires are the culprit, I believe. I only have 3720 miles on it, now. Dealer says it is not abnormal, tire dealer found feathering of the tires, but no real problem. Thinking of buying a decimal meter, and keeping records of the noise level, so the dealer might believe me. I have tried varying the tire pressure in the tires. Right now, I have 35 in front, 33 in rear. Any ideas other than what my salesman told me. He told to trade it for a Genesis! I kind of felt insulted by that suggestion.
Thanks.

I hate to say it, but I'm like you with a loud set of Kumhos. They are very quiet on certain surfaces, and pretty loud on others. I use my bluetooth for phone conversations during the worst of it, and it still works. I have 27K on them and plan to buy a set of Michelins or Comfortreads when they wear out this fall. I doubt a decibel meter will help your case, there is no baseline or guarantee to refer to.
Also, 33 psi is the rated pressure, 35 will be louder.

 

I just traded my 2011 Sonata SE due, in part, to what I considered unacceptably high road noise level. It had the oem 225/45R-18 Hankook Optimo tires and, yes, I know swapping them out with another brand might have produced a quieter ride. However, it is important to note that the amount of sound deadening material in the lower vs. Limited models is noticeably different. IMHO, sound deadening is lacking in all but the Limited and that is readily apparent when test driving back-to-back. Unfortunately, that short coming can not easily be compensated for with a simply tire change. Incidentally, I found the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 235/50-17 tires on my winter wheel/tire combo to be quieter than the Hankooks.

 

QUOTE (dholly @ Jul 19 2011, 10:39 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=477945

I just traded my 2011 Sonata SE due, in part, to what I considered unacceptably high road noise level. It had the oem 225/45R-18 Hankook Optimo tires and, yes, I know swapping them out with another brand might have produced a quieter ride. However, it is important to note that the amount of sound deadening material in the lower vs. Limited models is noticeably different. IMHO, sound deadening is lacking in all but the Limited and that is readily apparent when test driving back-to-back. Unfortunately, that short coming can not easily be compensated for with a simply tire change. Incidentally, I found the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 235/50-17 tires on my winter wheel/tire combo to be quieter than the Hankooks.

Can you provide some proof that the Limited has more/better sound deadening than the GLS or SE trims as you mentioned?

I'm sure a lot of us here with the GLS and SE would like to know that info so we can upgrade if what you're saying is actually a fact and not just an assumption

No attack intended, but I've taken apart trunk lining, door panels, etc. on my SE and another forum members Limited and there is no difference that I saw.

 

QUOTE (bkim @ Jul 19 2011, 02:43 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=477973

Can you provide some proof that the Limited has more/better sound deadening that the GLS or SE trims as you mentioned?

I'm sure a lot of us here with the GLS and SE would like to know that info so we can upgrade if what you're saying is actually a fact and not just an assumption

No attack intended, but I've taken apart trunk lining, door panels, etc. on my SE and another forum members Limited and there is no difference that I saw.

I doubt there is. However I would be willing to bet the 18" and 17" tires are different. 18 probably has a "sport" tire/pattern where the 17" is more just "seasonal" type tire. Tires make a huge difference in road noise and frequency vibration (roar).

 

QUOTE (Bearcats @ Jul 19 2011, 11:45 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=477974

I doubt there is. However I would be willing to bet the 18" and 17" tires are different. 18 probably has a "sport" tire/pattern where the 17" is more just "seasonal" type tire. Tires make a huge difference in road noise and frequency vibration (roar).

I agree...along with the difference in suspension.

 

QUOTE (bkim @ Jul 19 2011, 02:49 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=477977

I agree...along with the difference in suspension.

To bad you are cross country. I would love to swap your 18 with my 17 to see what differences a 17 makes on the SE. I just think with tire pattern and road grain make up 90% of "noise".

 

After my recent 2100 mile trip...across many many different types of roads and in various conditions...again, my car was quiet, unless i was on a road/freeway that had the oil layed down with fine little pebbles/gravel layed on it. once i hit those....the noise was ridiculous. it happened twice....once in Chattanooga and the other time while on the way back, right outside of Memphis on 63/61, I-55. most highways, including US 78, soon to be the I-22 corridor was very quiet...like the movie theatre says....silence is golden!

 

It just amazes me that the factory has done nothing about this road noise problem. Just on this forum, there have been numerous posts about this very same thing. Surely, with all the surveys the factory sends out, they are aware of it.

As far as I'm concerned, this is a pretty good car, except for this problem....and it really needs to be addressed at the factory. I haven't been under mine yet, but I'm betting that something's lacking where the suspension components and body structure meet, in terms of insulation (or isolation). This would allow noises from the road to freely 'telegraph' into the body/passenger compartment.

 

While it's certainly true that road surface, tires, and suspension influence perceived road noise, I can't help but think it's subjective as well, at least to some extent. Some people are just more noise-sensitive than others. I've got a GLS, and it's definitely one of the quieter cars I've owned - certainly FAR quieter than the Infiniti G coupe that I had previously.

Sure it's quieter - or louder, depending upon your point of view - on some roads than others, but for me it's a serene place to be about 95% of the time.

 

There are numerous threads on this and other forums that have many posts from owners who've changed tires, and their resulting experiences (opinions).
Why don't you folks read some of those, instead of speculating about treads, suspension, isolation, insulation, etc.

If you did this, you'd likely conclude that it's the tires !

 

QUOTE (abigmutt @ Jul 20 2011, 05:12 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=478312

There are numerous threads on this and other forums that have many posts from owners who've changed tires, and their resulting experiences (opinions).
Why don't you folks read some of those, instead of speculating about treads, suspension, isolation, insulation, etc.

If you did this, you'd likely conclude that it's the tires !

I don't believe this for a second. Sure, many posts have alluded to owners' changing of tires and having reduced noise; and this is surely A factor. But, there are many other variables involved, from frame and suspension construction to factory applied sound-deadening materials....or a lack thereof.

If one were to do some digging, I think you'd find some simplifications or omissions done at the factory, as cost saving measures. Some of these things are to be expected on a more reasonably priced vehicle. And some, besides tires, we may be able to do something about.

 

QUOTE (Bearcats @ Jul 19 2011, 03:14 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=477990

To bad you are cross country. I would love to swap your 18 with my 17 to see what differences a 17 makes on the SE. I just think with tire pattern and road grain make up 90% of "noise".

I myself would have preferred the 17" tires to the 18" tires that I have on my 2012 SE. I have gone so far as to let the salesman and service manager know that I am willing to swap tires/wheels with anybody who has the 17" tires (mostly limiteds I would guess). If interested, contact me at rick2456 at aol dot com.

 

QUOTE (bkim @ Jul 19 2011, 11:43 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=477973

Can you provide some proof that the Limited has more/better sound deadening than the GLS or SE trims as you mentioned?

I'm sure a lot of us here with the GLS and SE would like to know that info so we can upgrade if what you're saying is actually a fact and not just an assumption

No attack intended, but I've taken apart trunk lining, door panels, etc. on my SE and another forum members Limited and there is no difference that I saw.

+1
I totally agree.
One of the reasons the YF's get good gas mileage is that they weigh less than other cars with lots of options. If you want a quieter car, make some mods like others have. Dynamat and rubberized coatings in the fenderwell add pounds and cost to the vehicle. If you want it quieter then make some changes. In case there is anybody that hasn't figured it out yet:
16's are quietest, but handle not quite as well.
17's are louder, but handle pretty well.
18's are the loudest, but handle the best.
* any of these tires can be replaced with quieter aftermarket tires *
You make your choice on how you want to handle it.
Maybe you should be complaining about the lousy roads that create the loud conditions. I think we all agree that any of the OEM tires are quiet on some surfaces.

 

I'm amazed at the noise complaints on here. I personally feel that this car is one of the quieter (if not the most quiet) car in it's price class. My wife's Honda Accord is MUCH louder on all road surfaces and her's is a top of the line EX. Not to be a butt, but did all of you with noise complaints not do an extended test drive?

Cars are built on a budget by manufacturers, if what you want is real quiet car, then you have to pay for a true luxury car with the extra sound deadening, thicker windows, thicker door and window seals, etc.

For comparison sake, check out the measured decibel levels of the Sonata SE vs the Accord EX vs the Suburu Legacy. On average the Sonata was the quietest. http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezflow_sit...5f403ee0866.pdf

Keep in mind this test used what is likely the loudest Sonata, the SE with 18" rims and probably the most aggressive tires. The tires can make a substantial difference.

For those complaining to the dealer or complaining about the Sonata in general, you don't really have a leg to stand on. It is what it is, one of the quietest in it's class. No disrespect, but if you want a really quiet car, save your pennies and buy a luxury car, or install dynamat and buy some 16" rims and put some Michelins on.

Just my $0.02.

 

I'm guessing you have never experienced the road noise we are talking about on certain roads. It is unbearable. NO, it is NOT the difference between buying a Hyundai over a Lexus... on certain roads, these cars are worse than a Suzuki with snow tires. On some roads, this car is quieter and smoother than the C300 I used to drive. On others, I wan't to jump out the window. It's a problem...a flaw... It's not people overreacting to the ordinary amount of noise that a $25K sedan generates.

 

QUOTE (DManInDFW @ Jul 21 2011, 04:38 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=479145

I'm amazed at the noise complaints on here. I personally feel that this car is one of the quieter (if not the most quiet) car in it's price class. My wife's Honda Accord is MUCH louder on all road surfaces and her's is a top of the line EX. Not to be a butt, but did all of you with noise complaints not do an extended test drive?

Cars are built on a budget by manufacturers, if what you want is real quiet car, then you have to pay for a true luxury car with the extra sound deadening, thicker windows, thicker door and window seals, etc.

For comparison sake, check out the measured decibel levels of the Sonata SE vs the Accord EX vs the Suburu Legacy. On average the Sonata was the quietest. http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezflow_sit...5f403ee0866.pdf

Keep in mind this test used what is likely the loudest Sonata, the SE with 18" rims and probably the most aggressive tires. The tires can make a substantial difference.

For those complaining to the dealer or complaining about the Sonata in general, you don't really have a leg to stand on. It is what it is, one of the quietest in it's class. No disrespect, but if you want a really quiet car, save your pennies and buy a luxury car, or install dynamat and buy some 16" rims and put some Michelins on.
Just my $0.02.

Amen.

 

Sonata is far from being noisy unless your daily drive is a Maybach (I know I am exaggerating here). It is also true that depending on the road surface, some can be louder than the other, but in no way it is deafening. Like in the other thread, the main factor of the noise is from the tires and of course if you get the 18" rims, it will make the noise even louder (wider tire = more surface area and being low profile tire makes it even worse). If it is noise from rattling of some part of the car then you should complain as there might be some defect on your car. I think people who are complaining about the noise to their dealer won't get far. I don't think it is a problem either. You don't go complaining to Ferarri dealership if you find that the engine and exhaust sounds freaking loud and deafening.

 

I agree with the last 4 posts and really think that some Sonata owners really expect way too much from this car...

Anything that I think the car lacks, I chalk it up as a price I paid to be able to purchase this well equipped car at its current price point.

 

And thus, we find what makes us humans.....different likes, dislikes and opinions.

For me personally, the car is very nice, except for the road noise. I bought it to enjoy the conversation and music while driving; not to hear the changing tezxtures of the pavement, or the location of every imperfection in the roadway.

Others may complain about the sound system, or the lack of power. Some say the ride is too harsh, or the handling is lacking...whatever.

I don't have a problem with any of that; but I'd be willing to give up some of the other things the car comes with, to have had a little more attention paid to sound deadening. Price notwithstanding, the car is as close to 'right', for me, as could be hoped for, except for this.

 

QUOTE (dfeicke @ Jul 20 2011, 08:26 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=478359

If one were to do some digging, I think you'd find some simplifications or omissions done at the factory, as cost saving measures. Some of these things are to be expected on a more reasonably priced vehicle. And some, besides tires, we may be able to do something about.

Of course there were omissions done at the factory as cost saving measures, but I don't necessarily agree with your "more reasonably priced vehicle." For the price paid for these they come with A LOT of options that the competitors don't offer at a similar price point (if at all). What other car at about 20-21K comes with Bluetooth phone AND audio, BlueLink (or similar), direct injection, etc., etc.?

AND in addition, the sound levels are average, if not better than most other cars in this class. So better pricing, more features, better performing, definitely better looking, better interior quality and looks and about average noise levels for this class. While I always hope for a quieter car, I am also realistic in my expectations. This isn't a Lexus, Audi, or Mercedes but then again it doesn't carry the same price as the premium brands either.

I just think people need to be realistic in their expectations. Too many, make it sound like the noise is unbearable and expect their dealer or Hyundai to fix some non-existant problem. The noise level in these cars is inline with all the others in this class. Go buy a Honda, they are even noisier.

 

QUOTE (DManInDFW @ Jul 22 2011, 11:12 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=479574

I just think people need to be realistic in their expectations. Too many, make it sound like the noise is unbearable and expect their dealer or Hyundai to fix some non-existant problem. The noise level in these cars is inline with all the others in this class. Go buy a Honda, they are even noisier.

I've seen similar comments re Honda. Two wrongs don't make a right. You could buy a Camry, it's much quieter.

The Sonata is deceptively quiet under the right road conditions. Under the wrong conditions, it's very bad. That partially explains some of the differing opinions. Some people just don't think it's loud because, under their circumstances, it's quiet. I'm one that finds it loud. So loud that I did change the tires at 10K miles. It helped a lot, but it's still far from a quiet car for the type of roads I use for my daily commute.

So, if the car seems quiet to you, be happy. If it doesn't, you can change the tires. It will help. But in the end, it's like putting lipstick on a pig.

 

The road noise is highly dependant on the tires.

I have the 18" Hankooks and while they are not quiet, I don't find them to be excessive on most types of pavement. There are some surfaces that really make the tires howl though; not much can be done about that. I've had the opportunity to take the car on some sections of brand new asphalt and can say that wind/chasis noise is deceptively quiet; you really need to pay attention to the speedo to keep yourself out of trouble.

Given the price point of the car, I'm very pleased with the noise levels (I did opt for the additional undercoat from the dealer)

 

QUOTE (midas69 @ Jul 23 2011, 07:32 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=480153

I've seen similar comments re Honda. Two wrongs don't make a right. You could buy a Camry, it's much quieter.

LMFAO. My MIL has a 10 Camry. Driving it is the reason I didn't buy a Camry. It's no more quiet than the Sonata over the roads I drive. But then again I dont have road noise issue either.

 

QUOTE (Bearcats @ Jul 25 2011, 10:14 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=480800

LMFAO. My MIL has a 10 Camry. Driving it is the reason I didn't buy a Camry. It's no more quiet than the Sonata over the roads I drive. But then again I dont have road noise issue either.

I owned an '07, had it for 3 years. Much quieter than the Sonata. Not a single rattle either after 3 year.

 

QUOTE (midas69 @ Jul 25 2011, 09:53 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=481087

I owned an '07, had it for 3 years. Much quieter than the Sonata. Not a single rattle either after 3 year.

07 <> 10. That's three long years to make changes within a vehicle.

I also own an 07 Rav4 Limited and the door glass and mirrors whistle and rattle and Toyota cant fix it even with their TSB at three different dealers. Toyota isn't any better than Hyundai at this point. To me there is no perceived value to the extra you pay for their vehicles.