Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

In the market for a new car- looking at the 2012 Accord but reading Edmunds and other car web sites, they said Honda has fallen asleep at the wheel the past few years and design/features in the past few years has declined..i drive a Civic and only need a new car because I am selling it to a family member wo needs it...

Started lookimg at Hyndais and the price tag of Sonata and Elantra seems very attractive- and that the car interior seems luxurious (heated seats! Leather! Never had that in any of my Hondas or Toyotas for under $25K OTD).

However my parents think Hyundai is a gamble, that they arent as reliable as Hondas and that if I get stranded on the road, they will just say "told you so!"

I am torn..not sure what to get now? What do you think? If you drive a Sonata or Elantra what do you like or hate about it?

(trying to add a Poll option but i am on the Ipad and its not showing up)

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

Check out the new Consumer Reports magazine it has the 2012 cars. I have had 2 civic's with no problems but when I got the CR-V I had to have a new transmission put in the first week. My sister has had 2 Hyundai's and has had no problems.

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

I have honda and dh hyundai. both bought at same time. his has had so many issues and mine has had none. his interior is nicer but I don't care.

Hondas better for resale and known to be driven into ground

I'd never buy a Hyundai personally and tell dh all the time that I was right and he should have listened to me

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

I am on my second hyundai (my first was used) and my husband has one as well. My mother just bought her 3rd one (in the last 17 or so years - 3 elantras!) I haven't had any major problems with my car thankfully and I now have 113,000 miles on my car that I bough brand new. My husband hasn't had any issues either.

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

Hyundai actually makes a really great car! My husband drove a used Elantra for a few years and it was great....very reliable!
I also had a Honda for a few years...it was great as well.
But you definitely get more for your money with the Hyundai.

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

I am on my third Hyundai. I had a used '97 sonata that I only got rid of because I got in an accident. We still have my 2004 Elantra and purchased a 2011 Sonata. I have never had any major issues and my Elantra has over 113,000 miles on it. They make an excellent car and I would suggest it to anyone looking for the best bang for your buck.

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

We LOVED our Hyundai (Santa Fe). My parents had a Santa Fe that ran forever. They currently have a Sonata and a Veracruz. They love both cars and have had zero problems.

If the Veracruz had more space with the third row up, we would have gotten that instead of our Honda Odyssey. BTW- no problems with our 2010 minivan, we love it.

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

I love my elentra. My dad had one and so.does my sister. I think they are worth the money and the warranty is the best.

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

Hyundai has come a looong way and i also know they offer the best warranties of any cars on the market

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

I had a Civic for many years and just got an Accord...loving it!

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

I had the same dilemma and chose the Honda.
So far no regrets

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

Hyundai has since come a looonnng way. I know year ago they weren't that great, but today they are comparable to Honda. Do some research, check JD Power, I know they just came out with some ratings. I think ten best cars or something like that. I'm not too sure, so do a quick search, good luck!

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

Hyundai won the North American Car of the Year award, and they have made gains the past 3-5 years which have left Honda in the dust..but even with all that, I am just wary about reliablity. This new car must last me at least 6-10 years (buying it in cash) so I dont want to lose $$ on my investment..

Thanks everyone, I am looking forward to test driving it!

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

As PP have said, Hyundai has come a long way in the past couple of years. I love my Elantra and they are priced very well for what you get. They also have a great warranty.

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

Honda!

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

Maybe 10 years ago, what your parents said would have been true, but Hyundai has come a long way. I have owned 2, and they were both great cars (2004 and 2011 elantras, both new). They have a terrific warranty too. They are very reliable, I wouldn't worry.

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

my inlaws and brother in law have always had hyundai and loved them. my husband and i just recently bought the new sante fe and the new sonata. awesome cars.

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

Hyundai! we had a Sonata for 3+ years never had any problems with it . We loved it. My DH was saying the other day that our next car will be a Hyundai again, he is not so happy with our brand new Chevy...

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

Had a Sonata, then traded it in for the new model. Never had a problem with my old Sonata, and absolutely LOVE my new one.

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

I'm car shopping also, and an Elantra is one of my top two choices. The one thing I have heard about them is that because they are suddenly so in demand and gaining popularity, dealers are able to get them off the lot quickly. This makes them less likely to negotiate the price down.

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

My SIL had a Hyundai sonata or elantra (it was a hatchback one) & had a lot of problems with it. I think it was a 2006 though so based on everyone's responses here it sounds like Hyundai has come a very long way in the past few years!!

I have had a Honda crv since 2003 and have not had any major problems whatsoever. I will also say that I think Hondas retain their vale better than hyundais.

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

There is a reason why the Sonota (which we just leased) is the #1 car in america for its class these days..

Recommend getting the turbo.

It has appeal and fun to drive. Comes with XM. We don't use bluelink but the option is there (similar to on-star)

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

I have a 2010 Santa Fe, when I was researched I stopped numerous people in parking lots to ask about their Hyundais (I had the opinon that they were cheaply made) Not one person said anything bad. When I bought it, I called the insurance CS hotline and got a woman who said She had a Santa Fe for 12 years 120Kmiles and she said it ws the best car she ever had.

I know a few family's that have been only Hyndai families for years (on their 2, 3 or 4th ones) and all love them.

While I have also heard alot of good things about Honda. However My BIL had one and had nothing but issues with it (and Brand new Pilot a few years back) I think you can get more bang for your buck with Hyundai.

I also tend to feel that a company that offers a 10 year warranty must be very confident in the product they are selling because otherwise they wouldnt offer such a warranty.

GL!

Message edited 3/11/2012 4:11:04 PM.

Re: Honda v Hyundai? Which to choose?

I LOVE my Hyundai Santa Fe. My inlaws went out and got a Sonata and love it as well.