Altima vs. Sonata

[Ilpav]

I am planning to buy a car within the next couple of years. So far, my choices are a 2005 Altima 3.5SE and a 2006/7 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6. I was originally planning to get the Altima, but it's reliability and build quality worries me. That's why I am also considering the Sonata because it's reliable, well-built, doesn't need premium gas, is bigger, roomier, safer,and is VERY cheap (2007 GLS V6-$14000). Should I really worry about the Altima's reliability? If anyone here has a 2005 3.5 SE (or similar) can you please post how it has been (I'm guessing no one here has a Sonata ).

I know it's probably a bit biased towards the Altima to post this question here, but if there is someone who actually drove both cars, please post a report.

Thanks.

[LongBeachCoupe]

"in the next couple of years" lol....Yeah.. the altima reliability is worse than a hyundai sonata? lol... and its well built? lol....

In a couple of years the world can change... and you come here, to the altima pages to somewhat bash our ride?

First welcome to the sitesecond-if you want to see how reliable the hyundai's are, see how many 1998 hyundais are on the road, compared to how many 1998 altimas... its night and day

third- find a hyundai sonata forum lol

[Robs_altima]

Go check out a consumer reports magazine and compare if you're that worried about reliability. It's not like you're comparing a toyota/honda and a ford here. It seems like it's hit or miss with Hyundai's and good cars. I know people that haven't had any other problems other than the little stuff and I know people who have thrown rods.

[dangeris]

Hey LBC,..don't be hatin' man. The guys probably only 14 and they're probably looking to scope out new vehicles for mommy and daddy to buy them...

I am planning to buy a car within the next couple of years. So far, my choices are a 2005 Altima 3.5SE and a 2006/7 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6.

You're too funny!

[Robs_altima]

Ha.... I missed the years part, must have plugged in months in my mind.

[johnny_d]

perhaps you should wait a couple more years and see which cars is still around then

[LongBeachCoupe]

Doesnt seem like hes a youngster... when i was 15 stacking paper to get my mustang (i started in the mkt when i was 13)... i remember thinking about... looks, subs, wheels, and ladies... the last thing on my mind... reliability... Sorry if i took it rough on you Ilpav.. but what do you expect?!

[Ilpav]

I am not here to "bash" on the Altima. I just want to know which one would be better in the long run. If any of you have the 2005 Altima 3.5 SE (or similar) why not post some kind of report like I originally asked? And I am not a 14 year old asking this question for my parents. I am actually gonna buy one of these cars and I would appreciate it if you would all treat me and my opinions with respect.

Thanks.

[Malves85]

Go with the Nissan. You wont regret it. I have been looking for a new car for some time now. I looked at every coupe made under 35k and the Hyundai Tiburon was one of them. To make a long story short I wouldnt even think about getting a Hyundai. If I was in your shoes I would take the Hyundai out of the picture and add in a used Honda Accord or Civic. I think Honda is the most reliable car you can get. Every other car on the road is a Honda and its for a reason. Nissan isnt too far behind them. Ive been searching for a new coupe for the past year and finally put down a deposit on an altima coupe. The thing that won me over to Nissan instead of Honda was the look of the coupe. I think the new Honda Accord coupe is butt ugly. As far as Nissan's quality compared to Hyundai, Nissan wins by a long shot. I have a friend with a 2004 santa fe and a friend with a 1998 altima. I much rather ride in the altima then the santa fe. Hope this helps some. Any questions just ask

[SHIFT_COUPE]

While Hyundai is on the "up and up" regarding sales and reliability, I would much rather be driving a Nissan. For build quality and aesthetic reasons alone I'd pick the Altima.

The Altima is much for pleasing and has more to offer IMO. The 3.5SE with the VQ engine is an award winning and wonderfully fun and butter smooth to drive. Plenty of torque and power.

Lets look at a comparison here

Sonata - 3.3L 234 hp and 226 lb-ft torque2005 Altima 3.5SE - 3.5L 250 hp and 249 lb-torque

Not to mention the Altima gets better gas mileage.

Buy a Nissan.

Your right though. You've walked smack dab into a biased handful of people here. Some of us will say Nissan, and some of us will tell you to look at others to compare as well. Honda, Toyota etc.

You mentioned you are "buying in a couple of years". Things could change man.

[Ilpav]

Go with the Nissan. You wont regret it. I have been looking for a new car for some time now. I looked at every coupe made under 35k and the Hyundai Tiburon was one of them. To make a long story short I wouldnt even think about getting a Hyundai. If I was in your shoes I would take the Hyundai out of the picture and add in a used Honda Accord or Civic. I think Honda is the most reliable car you can get. Every other car on the road is a Honda and its for a reason. Nissan isnt too far behind them. Ive been searching for a new coupe for the past year and finally put down a deposit on an altima coupe. The thing that won me over to Nissan instead of Honda was the look of the coupe. I think the new Honda Accord coupe is butt ugly. As far as Nissan's quality compared to Hyundai, Nissan wins by a long shot. I have a friend with a 2004 santa fe and a friend with a 1998 altima. I much rather ride in the altima then the santa fe. Hope this helps some. Any questions just ask

Thanks, but I heard the 2006+ Sonata is FAR better than the 2005-. Probably all Hyundai's pre-2006 are a lot worse than the current ones. I also heard that Nissan quality has deteriorated in the past years (that's why you like your friend's 98 Altima). You guys gotta admit that the Sonata is a pretty tough competitor for the Altima. It's only disadvantage I can think of is the V6 power (235 vs. 250 for the Altima). The Sonata is bigger, cheaper, better-built, safer, and statistically more reliable. Don't get me wrong, I love the Altima, but it's the reliability and costs (maintenance and premium fuel) that I'm most worried about.

I found it very hard to find comparison reviews (e.g 2006 vs. 2006) for these cars. Can anyone please post a link to a good one?

And I know I'm getting a bit over myself because I'm buying this car within a couple of years. By then I will probably opt for the 2007+ Altima.

Thanks.

[wild willy]

I see only 2 clear advantages that the Nissan has over the Hyundai

1. VQ

2. Style

[desertdragon]

I am not here to "bash" on the Altima. I just want to know which one would be better in the long run. If any of you have the 2005 Altima 3.5 SE (or similar) why not post some kind of report like I originally asked? And I am not a 14 year old asking this question for my parents. I am actually gonna buy one of these cars and I would appreciate it if you would all treat me and my opinions with respect.

Thanks.

Hey, take it easy. It is just kind of odd that you are looking for opinion for a car that you will buy in the "next couple of years", but anyway.

I had a 2005 Altima 3.5 SE, I don't recall having any major issues with it. I had to replace both the struts in the first year (under warranty), other than that, it is a great car. Very powerful, sporty looking and reliable.

I just sold it 4 months ago to buy my Coupe. The fact that I stayed with Altima gives you a good indication of what I think of Altima.

[kanejuice]

eh... compaing a nissan and a hyundai lol...but in ur case out of those two i would rather say get the hyundai because u can get that 10 year warranty... if ur worried bout reliability.. but for style and performance i would get that 05 v6 altima =\ ...

[SaiDori]

Thanks, but I heard the 2006+ Sonata is FAR better than the 2005-. Probably all Hyundai's pre-2006 are a lot worse than the current ones. I also heard that Nissan quality has deteriorated in the past years (that's why you like your friend's 98 Altima). You guys gotta admit that the Sonata is a pretty tough competitor for the Altima. It's only disadvantage I can think of is the V6 power (235 vs. 250 for the Altima). The Sonata is bigger, cheaper, better-built, safer, and statistically more reliable. Don't get me wrong, I love the Altima, but it's the reliability and costs (maintenance and premium fuel) that I'm most worried about.

I found it very hard to find comparison reviews (e.g 2006 vs. 2006) for these cars. Can anyone please post a link to a good one?

And I know I'm getting a bit over myself because I'm buying this car within a couple of years. By then I will probably opt for the 2007+ Altima.

Thanks.

It sounds like you made your decision on which you believe is the better choice. It's all on personal preference.

If you still have doubt, find the consumer reports for both of these vehicles and make your comparison.

It's rare to find a direct comparison between the two. Good luck on your search.

[mcheddadi]

Sonata is nice!

that's a tough one...go with the cheapest one. they both have powerfull v6 engines and are both well built and nice looking. yesterday I was actually talking about the sonata to my GF. I was telling her how if we had some kids, I'd be surely driving a sonata. roomy, well made, safe, all good things

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2486250

http://cars.ign.com/articles/642/642443p1.html

The altima has the looks departement going for it though and has a better interiour in my opinion. but in life it's all about our different priorities, money? looks? space? power?



I like that

[jdshift]

2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE is what I drive, no regrets what so ever. As it has been pointed out.........having a VQ award winning engine is a peace of mind. Pretty good power under the hood at your demand, great gas mileage, looks are very sexy, enough room in the cabin/trunk, FUN!! Car so far has 37,000 miles without an issue yet, yes the car is very reliable. Maybe I am being biased but for good reasons because I own a award winning engine which has proven itself for a long time now, and more than likely will keep it going for many years. I could'nt imagine to get the same feeling in a Sonata that I recieve from my Altima. This is my second Nissan, the rest for me will be the same........nuff said.

[LongBeachCoupe]

Is this a 2nd name one of you guys made up as a joke or is this guy for real?You should be comparing a Hyundai to a Kia or Saturn equivalent... not to an altima...

[Ilpav]

Is this a 2nd name one of you guys made up as a joke or is this guy for real?You should be comparing a Hyundai to a Kia or Saturn equivalent... not to an altima...

Are you stupid? How can the Sonata not be compared to the Altima if they're in the same class? AND when the Sonata has some clear advantages. I think you're way too proud to be a Nissan owner. Maybe it was a mistake to ask this question here.

[mcheddadi]

Is this a 2nd name one of you guys made up as a joke or is this guy for real?You should be comparing a Hyundai to a Kia or Saturn equivalent... not to an altima...

you have to many prejudices dude , sonatas are nice , they are part of the new hyundai

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57BEAQZ6 ... K_1cUy_97Y

don't mind him Ilpav

[wild willy]

Are you stupid? How can the Sonata not be compared to the Altima if they're in the same class? AND when the Sonata has some clear advantages. I think you're way too proud to be a Nissan owner. Maybe it was a mistake to ask this question here.

Jesus.....?No shiit man!! , exactly do some of these guys think they are driving? It's a freakin Altima.........

Hyundai has come further in just a few years than any other manufacturer in history

[cuzzbubba420]

Hyundai hasn't come that far.... Their V6 Sonata does 0-60 on almost 8 secs... I think a lot of us feel the Altima is a superior car.. It's just opinion's man and everyone entitled to them... Besides, I feel the Altima is way better!!!

[mcheddadi]

Hyundai hasn't come that far.... Their V6 Sonata does 0-60 on almost 8 secs...

LOL! ok THAT is a stupid coment dude. a faster car doesn't mean a better car...

build quality? reliability? price? these things don't count in your mind?

hyunday just built a state of the art 1 billons $ plant to make cars.the sonata is one of its new cars being made there.

http://www.hmmausa.com/mediafi...8.movh ... fi...8.mov

http://www.hmmausa.com/media_library.aspx?id=58

[wild willy]

Hyundai hasn't come that far.... Their V6 Sonata does 0-60 on almost 8 secs... I think a lot of us feel the Altima is a superior car.. It's just opinion's man and everyone entitled to them... Besides, I feel the Altima is way better!!!

You do realize that the Altima is faster than most all BMW's..It is faster than most all Lexus cars..............WTF does that really mean?

[LongBeachCoupe]

Am i stupid(pot calling kettle black)? You sign up for a nissan forum, and then compare our car to a hyundai... saying the hyundai is better across the board... and you arent buying a car for YEARS? Well in 2010 there will be a much bigger offering of hybrid or completley electric cars... so you keep planning 2 yrs into the future and saving those nickels you get for "if i had a nickel every time"... and you go and buy yourself the clearly superior used hyundai for pennies on the dollar and let us know how it goes...

Reliability isnt something thats a flash in the pan... reliability is earned over years of respectable and quality service and products... By the same token should this mornings errection of the "lifetime warranty" make me say that some of the american cars are better?

[mcheddadi]

Am i stupid(pot calling kettle black)? You sign up for a nissan forum, and then compare our car to a hyundai... saying the hyundai is better across the board... and you arent buying a car for YEARS? Well in 2010 there will be a much bigger offering of hybrid or completley electric cars... so you keep planning 2 yrs into the future and saving those nickels you get for "if i had a nickel every time"... and you go and buy yourself the clearly superior used hyundai for pennies on the dollar and let us know how it goes...

Reliability isnt something thats a flash in the pan... reliability is earned over years of respectable and quality service and products... By the same token should this mornings errection of the "lifetime warranty" make me say that some of the american cars are better?

Dude you have to chill out a little, he talking about a 2005 altima, not your 2008 coupe.

The 06/07 sonata is in my opinion the better of the two (05 altima vs 06/07 sonata). He just wants some opinions on 2005 altima's reliability.

[dangeris]

Are you stupid? How can the Sonata not be compared to the Altima if they're in the same class? AND when the Sonata has some clear advantages. I think you're way too proud to be a Nissan owner. Maybe it was a mistake to ask this question here.

You know Ilpov, Although reliability, performance and other items take into account of what one would buy in a vehicle, everyone here is missing the most important point. ROI!!!! RETURN ON INVESTMENTS. If you look at the past market values for a Nissan vs Hyundai, Nissan wins hands down. Nissan has always had a better resale, trade-in, and private selling $$ over Hyundai. Hyundai Sonata is a great car, don't get me wrong and so is the Altima Sedans but it seems that Hyundai was branded as a cheap vehicle ever since coming into the market place in the early 80's and it's been a struggle for the company to overcome this "branding". I personally rented a sonata while on business travel down in Houston and I was thoroughly impressed with it's ride and performance. Interior lacked alot but for a rental, it was great. As far as performance and gas mileage, there's a reason I bought the 3.5 and I can tell you it wasn't for gas mileage. In the end, it will be your choice and your $$ so choose wisely my friend and welcome to the forums! I apologize for the comment about the parents thing..

[Malves85]

Just got one last tid bit of advice for you.Take all of our opinions and experiences with a grain of salt. In the end it all comes down to what you think looks better and the test drive. Go to each dealership and just sit in the car. Look around and see how you like the placement of things. Sit in the seats for 10min and see how comfortable it is. Walk around the outside and check everything out. Make sure body panels are flush against eachother and everything looks up to par. Take it out for a spin and see how solid it feels. You can do all the research you want and hear all the opinions you can handle but for me the ultimate deciding factor is when I actually get into the car and take it out.

[desertdragon]

Are you stupid? How can the Sonata not be compared to the Altima if they're in the same class? AND when the Sonata has some clear advantages. I think you're way too proud to be a Nissan owner. Maybe it was a mistake to ask this question here.

Chill out man. I don't understand your real intention. You are asking for opinion on which car is better Altima or Sonata; and when people give you their opinion, you reply with something sort of " But Sonata is better car". It seems to me that you don't really want any opinion, you just want to pick a fight (argument) with somebody.

If you already made up your mind to buy a Sonata "in a couples of years", then go ahead and buy the Sonata.

Tyler, please lock this thread. This guy must be a troll.

[Deke40]

I only have three things to say:

1. The 3.5 runs great on regular unleaded. Supposedly you lose a little performance by doing so.

2. Check out the recent issue of Car & Driver. They did a test of 7 of this size auto and the Altima came in right behind the Accord.

3. As of November 7th the Altima was the 6th best selling car in the US.