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By Anita And Paul LienertDetroit Newspapers
July 6, 2005
But if you're expecting to get every amenity offered by rivals like Toyota, Honda or even Chevrolet, you may be mildly disappointed -- at least according to the female half of this equation. We tested a top-of-the-line Sonata LX with a V-6 engine and no options. Bottom line: $23,495, including a $600 destination charge. SHE: The new Sonata looks and feels so much like a Toyota Camry that you could get lulled into thinking the Koreans' first clone is not a human, but a car. But I suspect many shoppers will start poking around online like I did one afternoon just to see how the Hyundai measures up option-for-option against everything from the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx to the Toyota Camry XLE V-6. In that case, there are bound to be a few sighs because of the things you can't yet get on the Sonata, everything from a navigation system to rear-seat DVD entertainment. I think that buyers expect so much these days that some of them may worry the Sonata isn't as sophisticated -- especially in terms of high-tech goodies -- as some of its rivals. HE: You're nitpicking a five-star vehicle that is probably the best value in the midsize family sedan segment today. The new Sonata is not perfect -- I have some major reservations about the rear passenger compartment -- but it's getting shockingly close to Toyota and Honda in terms of quality and performance. And it makes aging Detroit competitors, like the Ford Taurus and the Pontiac Grand Prix, look even more dated in comparison. This Sonata is a bit of a history-maker, too. It's the first Hyundai that's made in the USA even though if you read the fine print on the window sticker, you'll discover that only 28 percent of the parts come from North America; the bulk of them are shipped over here from Korea. SHE: If you are obsessed with safety features, the new Sonata is bound to come out on the top of your shopping list. Our test car had a long list of standard safety equipment, including electronic stability control, which helps keep you from fishtailing or sliding on wet pavement. It has standard antilock brakes, side air bags and side curtain air bags. If you shop the Sonata against the Camry LE, you'll notice that stability control, side air bags and side curtains will add $1,300 to the bottom line. HE: Hyundai not only made a roomier Sonata, it improved the car's performance. Our test car was outfitted with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that makes 235 horsepower and 226 pounds-feet of torque. It's coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. The combination returns a respectable 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 30 on the highway -- numbers that even some compact cars are hard-pressed to reach. The Sonata also has matured in terms of ride comfort and handling. Put a blindfold on the average consumer, and he or she would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the Sonata and a Camry or an Accord. My biggest complaint with the chassis involves the steering, which has too much assist at higher speeds and requires constant corrections. SHE: I'm thrilled that Hyundai decided to stick with that fantastic 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Even the basic bumper-to-bumper warranty is pretty phenomenal, at five years or 60,000 miles. By rights, the brand quality has improved so much that they could have dropped the long warranty. But the fact that they decided to stick with it is a real security blanket for consumers. HE: I would have liked to have seen a few more basic amenities on the high-end Sonata LX -- things like dual-zone temperature controls and vents and reading lights for rear-seat occupants. But all in all, this is a nicely equipped package for the money. I was amused that a loaded Sonata sedan was more than a thousand dollars cheaper than the little Chevy Cobalt SS coupe that we tested last week. Now that's value with a big V. SHE: One thing we both noticed is how quiet the new Sonata's cabin is at freeway speeds. And that's a measure of the car's quality and sophistication. You don't feel like you're paying a penalty for buying Korean when you drive the Sonata. HE: The bottom line is the 2006 Sonata is leagues ahead of the Korean products that hit American roads more than a decade ago. Hyundai deserves major credit for raising the bar with the latest edition. If you're in the market for a roomy, well-built and well-equipped family sedan, this one should be at or near the top of your consideration list. He drove, she drove Anita and Paul Lienert are partners in Lienert & Lienert, an Ann Arbor-based automotive information services company. - - - 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX V6 Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger mid-size sedan. Price: Base, $23,495 (inc. $600 destination charge); as tested, $23,495. Engine:3.3 -liter V-6; 235-hp; 226 lb-ft torque. EPA fuel economy: 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway. Where built: Montgomery, Ala. Key competitors: Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Stratus, Ford Five Hundred, Honda Accord, Kia Optima, Mazda6, Mercury Montego, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Pontiac G6, Saab 9-3, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki Verona, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo S40. 12-month insurance cost, according to AAA Michigan: $1,791 (Estimate. Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.) - - - Anita's rating: 4 Likes: Looks and feels like a Toyota. Powerful new V-6 engine with 5-speed Tiptronic. Best warranty in the midsize segment. Excellent standard safety features. Good fuel economy. Exceptionally quiet at freeway speeds. First Hyundai made in USA. Dislikes: Uncomfortable rear seat. No adjustable pedals. No navigation system. No rear-seat DVD entertainment. Steering column tilts but doesnt telescope. - - - Paul's rating: 5 Likes: Best value in midsize family sedan. On par with class leaders Toyota and Honda in terms of quality and performance. Supple suspension. Roomy backseat. Simple, logical controls are easy to use. Comfortable and supportive front seats. Dislikes: Steering feels over-assisted at higher speeds. Rear seat has limited amenities, no vents or reading lights. Lacks dual-temperature controls for front passengers. Rating system 1. Unacceptable, 2. Subpar, 3. Acceptable, 4. Above average, 5. World class
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