2008 Sonata

Found this link to the 2008 Sonata. Might be of interest to some

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Veh...008_Hyundai_Sonata_Whats_New.S180.A12409.html

Hyundai says that for the first time, its 2008 Sonata sedan will be
offered with a four-cylinder engine in all trim levels.

The popular V-6 engine will remain available on its GLS, SE, and
Limited editions as the Sonata returns for a third model year in its
current body style.



With a spacious interior that's larger than any of the mid-size
Japanese competition, the Sonata GLS sports a 2.4-liter four-cylinder
engine with 162 horsepower. Its base price of $18,195 includes
stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, side curtain
airbags, and a large 16.3-cubic-foot trunk. New premium seat cloth is
found inside, along with AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio, air conditioning,
cruise control, and a tilt steering wheel. Hyundai's 234-hp, 3.3-liter
V-6 is available on this model for a base price of $21,645.



The next step up the range is the $19,895 Sonata SE, which is offered
with either engine. It also adds 17-inch alloy wheels with 55-series
tires, a spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power driver
seat, along with a five-speed automatic transmission on the V-6
models. Also added on SE models are steering-wheel audio controls,
chrome trim, a telescoping steering wheel, and a trip computer.



The $22,995 Sonata Limited is also offered in four- or six-cylinder
versions. It gets a standard CD changer and subwoofer/amplifier, a
power driver seat, and heated front seats. The sole option is a
sunroof.



All Sonatas come with Hyundai's five-year, 60,000-mile comprehensive
warranty.

 

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Veh...008_Hyundai_Sonata_Whats_New.S180.A12409.html

Wow, so goodbye 10 year 100K mile warranty?

- Thee Chicago Wolf

 

I was wondering the same thing, but it may not. The 10/100 may still be for
drivetrain. and still maintain the 5/60 for other parts.

 

I'm confused here. Starting in 2007, Hyundai upgraded the Sonata to a
5-speed automatic transmission on all non-manual models. The original 2006
had a four-speed for the four-cylinder, and a five-speed for the V-6.

Am I now to understand that lower trim models are returning to the 4-speed,
and the 5-speed will be reserved only for the higher trim lines? Or did I
read incorrectly?

If so, that would be a disappointment. I think the 5-speed is a definite
step in the right direction for those who drive with automatics. They not
only seem to be a bit smoother, but give both better performance and better
fuel economy.

 

The Hyundai web page shows a 5 speed manual or a 4 speed auto for 4 cylinder
in the present model year. The 5 speed auto is show only on the 3.3 V6

The five speed may not be properly geared for the torque curve of the
smaller engine, plus, it costs more to build so they probably want to keep
that starting price as low as possible.

 

The sister (or at least cousin) vehicle, the Kia Optima, uses the 5-speed
across the board. And while the Optima still uses the older 2.7L V6 for its
6, it uses that same 2.4L 4 as in the Sonata. The difference in both
performance and mileage gives the Optima an advantage, especially for the
4-cylinder. Consumer Reports (no matter what you think of them) would seem
to agree.

And the Optima still boasts an exemplary low price.

 

I'm confused here. Starting in 2007, Hyundai upgraded the Sonata to a

Rumor is that Hyundai amongst other are going towards 6-speed trannys
for better fuel economy. I have seen this in one or two articles but I
wish I would have bookmarked them so I could post them here. This
wasn't supposed to occur, if ever, for a few years though. I'll keep
my eyes open.

- Thee Chicago Wolf

 

Actually, I am hearing the same thing. It is something along the lines of
that joint transmission project (also a 6-speed) being done by GM and Ford
(a first), among others.

Apparently, automakers are trying both to find ways to maximize performance,
efficiency and fuel economy, while trying to shave some costs in development
in terms of sharing platforms.

It may make cars much more "generic" in terms of powertrains in the years to
come. But if it provides a more reliable product, as well as a more common
product, if a repair is needed, I say "go for it."

 

Actually, I am hearing the same thing. It is something along the lines of

I agree. Universal parts would surely make things very cost effective
for both the consumer in terms of repair cost and manufacture costs in
terms of not needing a lot of re-tooling of production lines. I think
it's a win-win.

- Thee Chicago Wolf

 

Hyundai's five-year, 60,000-mile comprehensive
warranty in NOT comprehensive. They refused to repair my warpe
rotors so I call it their "repair what they want to
warranty

 

Read the terms of the warranty. They were covered for the first year. No
other manufacturer is going to cover them for that long either. Warping is
not a factory defect, it is from getting them too hot. Every brand of car
is susceptible to the warping today because they are made so light to save
gas.


From the Hyundai Warranty
Covers repair or replacement of any component manufactured or originally
installed by Hyundai that is defective in material or factory workmanship,
under normal use and maintenance.

- Wear Items: 1 year / 12,000 miles (e.g. belts, brake pads & linings,
clutch linings, filters, wiper blades, bulbs, fuses)

 

Absolutely!

It's a shame on the auto industry that *bicycle* parts have been
standard for many years, but not car parts.

It's a shame that such parts as transmissions, radiators, wheels,
brake rotors, fuel tanks, etc. haven't been standardized.
-

Bob