New cars: Hyundai Sonata vs. Ford Fusion

It's time for me to get another car (mine is over 108,000 miles, closing in on 6 years old and is due for about $1,500 worth of maintenance). I'm considering several mid-size models, but my top two are the Hyundai Sonata SE and the Ford Fusion SE. I've read customer reviews and Edmunds and whatnot. Both have gotten excellent reviews. Given how many miles I drive, I prefer the Sonata's warranty. But I've heard some complaints about the drive (I've test driven it and agree that it is somewhat inferior to the Fusion). The Fusion has a great bluetooth system, but is a bit smaller (still plenty big though) and has an inferior warranty.

Do any of you have these cars? What are your experiences with them?

Thanks for your insights!

 

Try as I might, I can't get past Ford's reputation for being "Fix-Or-Repair-Daily" or "Found-On-Road-Dead", no matter how much good the company has done to set itself apart from its Detroit brethren. And I can't get out of my head the words of a mechanic who once told me "Fords run like crap, but they run forever. GM cars run great for a few years, then they just die."

Truth be told, I own an old Ford Escort. My dads think the car's going to die on me any day now. The last time I had repair work done to it, the mechanic there said he could see the car lasting for *several years*.

I know it doesn't address your specific needs regarding the Fusion, but if advice from a Ford owner is worth anything, there you have it.

 

I know I'm not helping any, but have you thought about the Chevy Cruz? I test drove one the other day and I loved it.

 

I've enjoyed a Hyundai Tucson for five years. I have never, ever had one problem with it. Beyond the normal oil changes and maintenance, the car hasn't cost me any additional money. It's as reliable as a car gets. I had a great warranty when I initially bought it, but it's never once come into play. I think Hyundai now offers a great brand, and I would recommend one to any potential car buyer. I would now like Hyundai to pay me for my words.

 

Full disclosure: I do not own and have not driven either of these vehicles.

Five years ago, I'm not sure I would have touched a Hyundai, even to get away from Ford. Now? I think I would if those were my choices. Ford, outside of the iron horses that are their full-size pickups, still don't impress me at all.

Hyundai has been doing the work of plow horses to overcome their formerly horsecrap reputation for dependability and durability. I would lean in that direction, though a test drive and reviews from Edmunds or the good folks at Car and Driver could influence my take.

If I were allowed to suggest other possibilities, don't discount either the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Are they usually a little pricier? Yes. Are they worth it? IMO, without a shadow of a doubt. Both are available in four- and six-cylinder configurations, allowing you to customize whether you need a little more power or a little better mileage. And both, if you choose to go this route, will last longer than six years or 110,000 miles.

Good luck with your choice.

 

Drove a rented Fusion in Ariz. in the summer.. loved it.
When a co-worker needed a new car, I recommended the Fusion. He did some research, bought one and has never been happier.

Have never driven a Hyundai but I'm thinking I'll need a new car by spring and the Sonata is on my list of cars to check out.

 

Frankly, all new cars sold today are very well built and should give you at least 100,000 relatively trouble-free miles if you treat them right. All new cars.

This is without a doubt the golden age of automobiles, as several car writers wrote during last week's Detroit Auto Show.

 

I liked the Fusion more than I thought I would when I got it as a rental as well. Had more space on the interior than it looks like from the outside.

As for the Hyundais, I've wanted a Santa Fe for years. Loved it as well. Haven't driven a Sonata, but always think they look sharp.

FarmerJ, you've piqued my curiosity. I always think the Cruze looks great on commercials. I think a new car will have to wait a few years (still have about 20 months to pay on mine, plus looking at buying a place to live) but I do think the Cruze looks sharp as hell.

 

Even with $1,500 out of pocket, ask yourself: How much longer would that make your car run. I've been of the mindset that a car is just getting broken in at 105K miles. I drove a Nissan to 300K, and a Honda to just shy of 200K.

But I just hate a car payment, and that aforementioned amount could be gone in five months and you may get another two years out of your car.

All that being said, if you've got the means, more power to you.

I know Fords have a hit or miss rep, but when I see a Hyundai, I think of the annoying non-BCS qualifiers. Do they make a good product? Sometimes. But at the end of the day, you're still playing on a blue field. Or your mascot is a Horned Frog.

 

The Fusion is based on the previous-generation Mazda6 and, according to Consumer Reports, has been very reliable. I had one as a rental once and was impressed. Used Fusions are great deals; seems like their depreciation hasn't caught up with Ford's growing reputation.

I know Hyundai has made great strides in the past few years but I'd still be reluctant to pull the trigger. I know three people who've had major issues with their Hyundais at pretty low mileage — things like blown head gaskets at 60K miles.

 

Sub, we had a Fusion, until last year. Mrs. wanted to "upsize" a bit last year, so we traded it in on an Escape.

From a reliability standpoint, it was excellent. Three years, just short of 70K on it, zero issues. Nada. Nice, comfy ride, good trunk space, good mileage. Never regretted the purchase.

If I have the chance to rent one on trips, I'll pick the Fusion every time.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.