[Freeda]

For anyone who may be buying a car soon, I wanted to share that we recently got a new Hyundai Sonata Limited, and are experiencing mileage of usually in the mid-40's per gallon - as high as 48 mpg; the lowest is usually in the mid-30's (and it is not even a hybrid). Just as the dealer had told us would probably happen, the mileage we are getting is higher than the car's specs estimate that it will be.

We drive alot, especially all over Florida for pleasure trips, and wanted a car with good gas mileage so that the increasing gasoline prices wouldn't be an irritation on those trips, yet still wanted a full-size car.

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by Freeda

For anyone who may be buying a car soon, I wanted to share that we recently got a new Hyundai Sonata Limited, and are experiencing mileage of usually in the mid-40's per gallon - as high as 48 mpg; the lowest is usually in the mid-30's (and it is not even a hybrid). Just as the dealer had told us would probably happen, the mileage we are getting is higher than the car's specs estimate that it will be.

We drive alot, especially all over Florida for pleasure trips, and wanted a car with good gas mileage so that the increasing gasoline prices wouldn't be an irritation on those trips, yet still wanted a full-size car.

Just curious Freeda, but are you quoting mileage from the trip computer? I have 2010 4 cylinder Sonata SE and I find the trip computer does not agree with actual miles driven and fuel consumed. I average around 32MPG and that includes some 70MPH highway driving as well as local Villages trips. This was measured over a period using 4 fill-ups of gas so I feel it is pretty accurate. I have checked the accuracy of the odometer using a GPS and also highway mile markers.

By the way, I am satisfied with 32MPG. I have obtained 35MPG on trips on secondary roads maintaining speed limits maxing out at 60MPH.

[BobKat1]

The Sonata with automatic transmission is EPA rated at 22mpg city/35mpg highway/26mpg overall, so anything in that area or above is good. The trip computer on our car (not a Sonata) is overly optimistic too. The best way to get an accurate reading is to figure the gas mileage the old fashioned manual way.

[Challenger]

I have had many cars, both domestic and foreign and have never experienced mileage attainment in excess of the manufacturers estimate. I would not trust the meter and would also suggest the old fashioned manual method for computation. My experience is three to four mpg under that advertised. There are driving methods that produce greater mileage, but they are a little like dieting. Most people can only stay with them for very limited periods.

BTW It appears the the Sonata is a very good vehicle based on my demo drives and various articles that I have read.

[PPreu]

My wife and I own a 2011 Sonata and have found two things: 1) It is the best car we have ever owned and 2) the mpg never strays below 30mpg and quite often hovers in the 35mpg.

We travel a lot of miles, the car is 9 months old and we have over 20,000 miles already.

My fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons (much to the chagrin of my wife, I often test those very limits!!)

The range on the tank is never less than 520 miles, and often rises to 560 miles. These calculations are done the old fashioned way, with a logbook and gas receipts!!

[BobKat1]

Hyundai/Kia are hot right now and are making very good cars. The styling on Kia is different from Hyundai giving consumers a choice, but they share mechanicals which is a good thing.

[Freeda]

Yes, to clarify, the mileages I quoted were from the computer, only reflecting estimated gas consumption at that point in time; but it still is a good relative indicator. When we first got the car the computer readings were lower (but still good); but when the dealer checked the pressure on the tires and found it was a little low, and adjusted that, the car's computer readings went up by about 5-10 mpg. We haven't done any specific manual calculations, but on an Easter weekend trip we left TV with about 3/4 tank (so, about 14 gallons) and went to Ocoee to the mall (first things first!) and then up and down the gulf beachs/towns to about 30 miles south of Sarasota, then yesterday did errands and then went to Ocala (so, overall, alot of both stop and go in-town, plus interstate, travel), and still had around 55 miles on the range indicator. Based on some trip odometer readings we did for parts of the trip, this had to be at least 500 miles total, so mid-30s combined mpg; still better than the spec of 26 mpg combined (with which we would still have been happy). (Specs are city/highway/combined 22/35/26)

[JohnN]

they seem to be making very good cars , I plan to check 'em out when we go car shopping next time around

[brostholder]

Just recently bought a sonata locally at Jenkins in Ocala thru their internet division and paid 18,300. I am extremely happy with the price and the quality of the car.

[TednRobin]

We just bought a Sonata Turbo, hope we love it as much as you all do. But have to say I was a little sad to part with our 2002 Buick LeSabre, bought new and had 190000 miles. She still ran great but everything was starting to breakdown, gas gage, electric window, heater fan etc not working. But she was a good old girl. RIP.

[Challenger]

Looked at Sonatas- great car but we have a CYV and it was too long to get into garage with 2 carts. Test drove the Hyundai Tuscon , their smallest SUV--WOW. Ended up buying. It is 16 inches shorter than Sonata-more headroom-legroom-AWD-and lots more . Worth a look if garage space is a problem.

[BobKat1]

The new Hyundai Elantra that came out recently is a very nice car. It looks like a 7/8th scale Sonata. It's Consumer Reports highest rated small car.

[JUREK]

Hyundai makes one of the best cars on the road now. I presently have too many cars but I would not hesitate to buy a Sonata. gr8 cars

[LittleDog]

I have had 3 hybrids, the most recent at 2010 Prius. Usually the onboard computer shows anywhere from 48 mpg to 55 mpg. What I have found with these 3 cars is that the computer is somewhat optimistic and I have found that the actual mpg is about 2-3 miles per gallon less. Also running the AC tends to lessen gas mileage by about 1-2 miles per gallon.

John