* Click HERE to see a video on the Hyundai Sonata *
Top contender
The most hotly contested segment in the automotive world is arguably the midsize / intermediate group. To be more precise, this is the gang of cars that includes the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and the new Ford Fusion. Hyundai has long longed to be part of this elite collection of best selling highly praised automobiles. The first Sonatas arrived in 1989 and could scarcely match the Accords, 626s and Camrys of the day. They certainly have come a very long way since then as they were not the most reliable cars to own nor did they do much to promote the brand.
For many, the 1999 Sonata marked the real beginning of the car becoming somewhat of a threat to those comfortably sitting on top. The mid-cycle refresher further moved the Sonata closer to the top. Even with all the improvements and power increases, the Sonata never really managed to attract as many buyers as the Japanese makes and that, even with all the accumulated awards and accolades. 2006 is the year that the Sonata will take its rightful place as a top contender.
The 2006 Sonata has a very competitive price range: Between $21,900 for a base model up to about $28,000 completely loaded. I drove both a $24,300 GL I-4 with ABS and GLS Premium at $28,000.
Styling
The 2006 is huge both inside and out when compared to the previous models. When I got back to the office with the car, I ended up parking the Sonata beside a 2001-05 Volkswagen Passat and a 2000-03 Nissan Maxima. I could not believe how much more shade that the Sonata cast on the pavement. Where the Sonata used to have a distinctive shape it has now adopted a more generic form that will probably attract more buyers. Many have said that the rear taillight treatment is taken from the Honda Accord, the headlights are reminiscent of the 2002-05 Audi A4, the beltline is similar to an Infiniti and so on and so forth. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and the engineers at Hyundai are only using details that work. I say: Why not?
The look of the all-new car is more upscale and simpler than the last few Sonatas. What is interesting to point out is that because it is less ornate and detailed than the 1997-2005 Sonatas, it stands out less and seems more serious. Overall, both tested Sonatas were tightly assembled with minimal gaps and paint application was smooth and even.
I will repeat myself: The car is huge! Interior volume is abundant like no other car in the segment. Legroom, hip room, shoulder room and headroom can easily accommodate nearly any body type in good comfort. It helps that both front and rear seating areas are also generous and
cozy. The trunk is cavernous. It can easily swallow two golf bags and pull-carts to match along with a day bag for snacks.
The instrumentation is straightforward as are all the controls for the audio system. The HVAC rotary knobs, whether for standard A/C or climate control, are simple to operate. Perhaps the only feature missing from the GLS Premium version is a dual-zone setup for ventilation.
Top contender
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For many, the 1999 Sonata marked the real beginning of the car becoming somewhat of a threat to those comfortably sitting on top. The mid-cycle refresher further moved the Sonata closer to the top. Even with all the improvements and power increases, the Sonata never really managed to attract as many buyers as the Japanese makes and that, even with all the accumulated awards and accolades. 2006 is the year that the Sonata will take its rightful place as a top contender.
The 2006 Sonata has a very competitive price range: Between $21,900 for a base model up to about $28,000 completely loaded. I drove both a $24,300 GL I-4 with ABS and GLS Premium at $28,000.
Styling
The 2006 is huge both inside and out when compared to the previous models. When I got back to the office with the car, I ended up parking the Sonata beside a 2001-05 Volkswagen Passat and a 2000-03 Nissan Maxima. I could not believe how much more shade that the Sonata cast on the pavement. Where the Sonata used to have a distinctive shape it has now adopted a more generic form that will probably attract more buyers. Many have said that the rear taillight treatment is taken from the Honda Accord, the headlights are reminiscent of the 2002-05 Audi A4, the beltline is similar to an Infiniti and so on and so forth. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and the engineers at Hyundai are only using details that work. I say: Why not?
The look of the all-new car is more upscale and simpler than the last few Sonatas. What is interesting to point out is that because it is less ornate and detailed than the 1997-2005 Sonatas, it stands out less and seems more serious. Overall, both tested Sonatas were tightly assembled with minimal gaps and paint application was smooth and even.
I will repeat myself: The car is huge! Interior volume is abundant like no other car in the segment. Legroom, hip room, shoulder room and headroom can easily accommodate nearly any body type in good comfort. It helps that both front and rear seating areas are also generous and
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The instrumentation is straightforward as are all the controls for the audio system. The HVAC rotary knobs, whether for standard A/C or climate control, are simple to operate. Perhaps the only feature missing from the GLS Premium version is a dual-zone setup for ventilation.