I just rented a 2009 Sonata in Canada for 2 weeks in the Rocky Mountains. As much as I hate to say it, it seemed to me the ride was much smoother, quieter, and more compliant than my 08 Azera Limited. So much so, that I'm thinking about trading "down" to the six cylinder Sonata Limited. But I'm wondering if anyone on the forum has any experience with the ride of the 6 cylinder Sonata? (because the rental car was a 4 cylinder). It's been my opinion for some time that part of the stiff ride I have in the Azera is due to the sidewalls being lesser in height on the Limited than the other Azeras? So I'm concerned that Hyundai may have beefed up the springs and lowered the sidewalls on the 6 cylinder Sonata Limited to enhance "performance," and that might produce a very different ride than what I experienced for the last two weeks?
:)In 2007 had a Sonata with the v6. I found the ride to be somewhat harsh. While getting the car serviced I went for a test ride in a new 2007 Azera and found that the suspension was more refined and quieter. I bought the Azera and have had no problems.
Welcome to the forum!
Your 1997 Azera was a rare catch, indeed...
I sat in an Azera at the Chicago Auto Show, and was very impressed with its looks.The Sonata seat felt small. Sure there was room, but the seat was short and narrow. The Azera fits my body like a glove.When I brought the Sonata in for its first oil change, I took the opportunity to drive one. It has more power than the Sonata, but it's not as jumpy. The Sonata had a tendency to jump off the line, and even with the TC, would spin in even the slightest wet road conditions. The Azera has power, but is more refined. Especially at the low end. I do get a little bit of torque steer, but not the jumpiness I had with the Sonata.
Welcome to the forum!
Every once in a while, when I too-quickly get on the Azera go-pedal, I'll peel off a little rubber, and if I'm really on it, I'll also chirp 2nd gear. If BOTH drive wheels want to overspin at the same rate from a standing start, there's nothing in the mechanics/software to prevent it... and, as one reviewer of this large sedan wrote after chirping the tires in a test drive, "It made me smile."...