So my 2003 dodge neon is dying and I need to get a new car.

I've narrowed it down to a Sonnata or Camry. Anyone here drive either of those and if so what has your experience been.

I am leaning towards the Sonnata, mostly cuz I like how it looks a bit better.

I always pictured you in a Subaru.

You know: plain, economical, a little hip.

The first Camry we bought was used - I think it was a 1987 model? not sure- anyway- bought in the early 90s - it had somewhere around 70,000 miles on it- we drove it into the ground. upon its death it had 246,000 miles on it.
Had to replace the alternator on it, and the brakes at least once due to regular wear and tear- once for a car accident that destroyed not only the brakes but the driver side front tire and rim area. Other than that it was a very good car and ran forever.

Next Camry was also used, I don't remember the model year but we got another 100,000 miles out of it.
We currently own another used Camry- bought in 2008 and have put around 65,000 miles on it- the check engine light is on all the time, but passed Massachusetts inspection (maybe the guy was giving us a break? I think the check engine light is usually a 'fail' for MA inspection - so I don't know the deal on that- the car needs some work (front axle probably) but otherwise has been relatively problem free.

- I like Sonatas btw- but I don't know anything that outlasts a Camry.

Camry's do surprisingly well through concrete foundations.

I am all for buying american, but Stip in a Subaru is just about perfect.

My Camry was pushing 185k when I got rid of it. They're good cars. I don't know much about Hyundai.

Toyota's overall quality has been in decline over the last seven years or so. In many ways Hyundai is really pushing the limits on warranties and setting industry standards. I looked at the Sonata in 2010 when I bought my car, and although I wouldn't trade my TDI for one, it was probably second on my list. It is a quality car, and I'd certainly purchase it over anything Toyota is making right now.

i have an awesome yellow neon. Before that i had a bright blue ford probe. I like loud obnoxious colors and small cars. But now I have ellie...

at least this is timed so my wife will have to get the mini van when we need it

what's a TDI?

My wife and I both have Sonatas, we love them.

Is the Kia Optima in the same sort of line of mid size sedans? Those are pretty sporty looking.

Nissan Altima > Toyota Camery

disregard the cruze at your own peril

Yep, especially in the last half decade or so.

Avoid Volkswagen at all costs.

Why? What year do you have?

Stip - I have a turbo-diesel Jetta. It's a 2010, I have close to 80,000 miles on it, and I haven't done SQUAT to it. The stock tires lasted 70,000 miles. I haven't done a brake change on it. No electronic issues, no sensor issues. It's just been a downright awesome car, and I've never talked with a TDI owner that was unhappy with it.

The 2008 and 2009s have some electronic issues, but VW did a lot of work on their sensor package starting in 2010.

We had a 2000 Passat that was awesome. My parents have a 2006 Passat that has also been solid, but with a few sensor issues. I, and both my sisters have TDIs.

Yes, and that's what I bought in January. I've been a happy customer so far. Hyundai & Kia's have the same warranties too, 10yr - 100K powertrain. I'm not a huge fan of the Sonata's looks though, and I can't turn my head without seeing one.

I shopped the Altima, Ford Fusion, Accord, Camry, Sonata, and Optima. Couldn't resist the Optima's looks, plus all the bang for your buck amenities. Worth checking out if you are considering the Sonata.

I would go with an Altima over Sonota (although they have top notch factory warranty).

I have a 02 VW turbo Jetta I bought used. It has nickel and dimed me with repairs over the years and had a catalytic converter replaced TWICE (luckily one was under warranty. VW has more recently gotten their reliability concerns under control and i'm considering a Tiguan when I hit 146k (the 100k mark for me) on the Jetta. VW owners have irrational opinions on their cars typically, I know a lot of people who have had problems.

80k in 2 years? Whoa.