Sonata vs Accord

[jww]

Hi all - still looking on our new vehicle, and thinking of throwing the Sonata (GLSv6 w/leather) and Accord (EX-L manual). Haven't even kicked tires yet on either of these - and although I am not particularly crazy just yet on either styling, I want to take a bit of a different view of things.

So far - on paper, the pluses of the Sonata are price, level of standard equipment and GLS trim. The Accord has a manual transmission (one particualr preference) and better steering wheel audio controls. I can't quite figure why Hyundai didn't include a way to change stations or cd tracks on their steering wheel controls, but they haven't

There are plenty of cudos to both vehicles but I just don't know if I am prepared to move to a more pedestrian type of vehicle. As some of you know we currently have a 2002 Altima 2.5s which I like for alot of reasons, but dislike for the annoying torque steer and need to constantly rev the engine to get some gusto out of it.

Thoughts?

jww

[era174]

...

[jww]

Did a good long test drive in the Sonata GLS Premium this afternoon. I am liking what I drove. There is just the right mix of compliance and tightness in this sedan. I was very, very impressed. I didn't find the tuality of the lower dash materials as good as the rest of the vehicle, but it is definately way better than our 02 Altima for sure.

The level of trim and standard features was amazing. And it didn't feel like an inexpensive car at all - easily as nice feeling as my friend's new Camry and it drives better. It feels much larger when you get into it, but when you are driving it really responds well. In fact, the salesman kept on urging me to push the car harder - I was happy to oblige, and none of us felt like we were being thrown around.

I now think I understand why Edmunds Inside Line chose the Sonata over the Camry and Accord. I suspect, however, that the 07 Camry may leapfrog over the Sonata once it comes out. Buying cars these days is as bad as buying a computer. Just when you think you have found one with the latest and greatest technology, you buy it only to find it obsolete in 6 months' time.

Since we are now looking at ownership rather than leasing, the Sonata looks to be a very strong front-runner - especially with the 5yr warranty and 2.9% rate for 5 yrs (0% for up to 4 years if you can afford the cash flow). - even though it means giving up my 5 speed for a shiftronic.

jww

[XTrail1]

But Edmunds tested a loaded V6 against 4's for Camry and Accord, not much of a comparo really. The 07 Camry V6 is the car to get IMO.

[jww]

But Edmunds tested a loaded V6 against 4's for Camry and Accord, not much of a comparo really. The 07 Camry V6 is the car to get IMO.
Yeah - you are probably right - however, when it comes down to the dollar value, it's pretty tough to beat the Sonata - and especially since the reliability has improved so much. The new Sonata is like a 4 year old Camry or Accord with lots more power and a more responsive feel on the road.

jww

[neseh]

You may want to put one more factor into the consideration, the service and maitainace. Find out each car's regular service schedule and price. In the long run, you will pay quite bit on this!

I got Accord 4 cyl in May 2005. Just did the 2nd service yesterday, guess how much? 210.00 ! Of course, they told you next time it will just be oil change, 40 dollors. But think about it, every6 month will cost me 250.00 just for the service on an brand new car! Holly cow!

I am thinking if I should not go to Honda dealers to do the service, but if I want to keep my warranty valid, I have to go to them, at least in the first 3 years!

If you go with Sonata, you are gonna have to do all the services at the dealers for 5 years!

I guess that's the catch!

Anyway, good luck!

[kingofhyundai]

Well it's basically simple...The sonata gls v6 with leather and wood trim wasent named car of the year by the AJAC for the best vehicule for under 35 000$. And it,s 5 year/100 000km warenty precede it's. I have been selling hyundai for over a year now and I have a hard time keeping one in stock. But listen, i agree that the gls should of maybe came with a manuel trani, but it's clientel is axed on a older based generation, and by the way incase you didnt know the sonta is done with a manuel transmission but only with the base model. So good luck with your purschase and by all means go try the sonata v6 you will freak!

see ya

The king of hyundai!

[jww]

My decision to purchase a Hyundai Sonata GLS Premium is documented in the following thread:
http://www.auto123.com/en/community/forum/viewtopic.php?t=574

The 4cylinder may come with a 5 speed manual, but it's the 3.3 V6 that really rocks and shows the car's real colours. The trade off for me was having to go with an auto transmission, but when we balanced it off with what we needed/wanted/desired, the Sonata GLS Premium was the right car for us.

It is kind of funny the number of people who ask about our new car, and when I tell them it's a Sonata, I get smiles and winks rather than suggestions of the Pony and Stellar.

jww

[kingofhyundai]

then congratulations are in order...hope you enjoy it...lord knows i did !!!

[Pritch]

just out of curiosity, had anyone looking at one of these driven a Fusion?

[XTrail1]

I test drove a Sonata GL V6 for 1/2 hour and I have to say I was majorly disappointed. The interior of this car is cheap big time, as bad as the 02 Altima. The first bump in the road revealed a bad squeak/rattle in the dash and a thump in the rear suspension. On even pavement the ride is very pleasant much like the previous Sonata or a Buick Century, but when you get in a series of bumps the car quickly gets loose with too much road noise. The V6 appears to be pretty gutsy but exhibited quite a lag when pressed. The seat bottom is hard and flat, I can only imagine what that feels like after many hours of driving. The car is roomy and will cater well to some but not my cup of tea. I also test drove a Fusion, this one had the 4 cyl engine, way too noisy(a lot of grunts). I'm sure the V6 is way better, the interior is very nice with good quality materials, nice steering feel like a German car and way better than the Sonata. The ride is firmer than the Sonata but probably more fun if one feels like playing a bit. The exterior of this car is one of my favorites. I don't feel anyone has beat the Camry and Accord yet and the upcoming Camry promises, what Nissan has in store is a mystery. The Altima 2.5 Extra is good value and also quite sporty to drive. My favorite and likely pick if I bought today would be the Accord, it is probably the most complete package.

[jww]

I test drove a Sonata GL V6 for 1/2 hour and I have to say I was majorly disappointed. The interior of this car is cheap big time, as bad as the 02 Altima. The first bump in the road revealed a bad squeak/rattle in the dash and a thump in the rear suspension. On even pavement the ride is very pleasant much like the previous Sonata or a Buick Century, but when you get in a series of bumps the car quickly gets loose with too much road noise. The V6 appears to be pretty gutsy but exhibited quite a lag when pressed. The seat bottom is hard and flat, I can only imagine what that feels like after many hours of driving. The car is roomy and will cater well to some but not my cup of tea. I also test drove a Fusion, this one had the 4 cyl engine, way too noisy(a lot of grunts). I'm sure the V6 is way better, the interior is very nice with good quality materials, nice steering feel like a German car and way better than the Sonata. The ride is firmer than the Sonata but probably more fun if one feels like playing a bit. The exterior of this car is one of my favorites. I don't feel anyone has beat the Camry and Accord yet and the upcoming Camry promises, what Nissan has in store is a mystery. The Altima 2.5 Extra is good value and also quite sporty to drive. My favorite and likely pick if I bought today would be the Accord, it is probably the most complete package.
This sure doesn't sound like the car I now own. We owned a 2002 Altima for 3 1/2 years, and it is way below the Sonata in every way. I can't say that I have any of the issues that XTrail1 reports above - but everyone's experience is going to be unique.

I like the Fusion, but found the inside simply too cramped for me - it felt like the steering wheel and dash were in my lap and face even with the driver's seat all the way back. Good looking car though, that's for sure.

jww