2006 Hyundai Sonata

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Don't call this an 'impressive effort,' because it's the real deal. Hyundai knows what it's doing, and the all-new Sonata is merely impossible-to-ignore evidence of this fact. This completely redesigned sedan aims to do nothing less than go after the heart of the family sedan market.

Flashy and dripping with sex appeal it's not, but the 2006 Hyundai Sonata is nonetheless a big deal, because it represents just how good the low-priced Korean offerings have become.

Is Hyundai ready to challenge Toyota and Honda on the turf they helped create? Compared to its predecessor, the new Sonata is larger, more stylish and more powerful. Park it next to an Accord or Camry and it fits right in; the bargain-basement look and feel of past Hyundais is long gone. The Sonata is also built in the United States, at Hyundai's brand-new Montgomery, Alabama plant.

The Sonata goes out of its way to avoid being unusual. Naturally, it's taller, wider and longer by an inch or two in every direction compared to the previous Sonata, but the design is all-new and redefines the term "contemporary conservative." It's sized and shaped like a Honda Accord, with larger, glassed-in headlamps and a less squinty look than a Honda's. Glassed-in headlamps have round units inside, and the blacked-out grill adds just a touch of aggression. From the rear, the Sonata looks even more like an Accord. It looks good, but this is not a design that sticks in your mind and the Sonata suffers from just a touch of anonymity.

The mid-size ranking is deceptive; the Sonata's technically classed as a "large car" thanks to generous interior space. It's bigger on the inside than a Nissan Altima or Toyota Camry. Taller seats mean more chair-like seating positions and better visibility. The Sonata's interior is a nice place to be too, with fit and finish that's equal to the best in the class. The dash and interior layout are elegant and conventional. Standard equipment includes an MP3-capable sound system with steering wheel controls. Step up to the top-of-the-line LX and heated seats are also standard. You can even have a touch of wood trim, if that's your taste. Most passengers experiencing the Sonata were surprised to hear that it was a Hyundai, and even more surprised at the bottom line. It's quiet on the freeway and around town.

A choice of four- or six-cylinder power is offered. Both engines are all-new. A 2.4 liter four-cylinder is the base engine, with 162 horsepower. We drove the 3.3 liter V6, and its 235 horsepower gave the Sonata comfortable and confident acceleration with enough power in reserve for passing. Both engines feature all-aluminum construction and fuel-saving continuously variable valve timing. The V6 also adds a variable intake runner and special engine mounts for quieter, smoother running. Shifting duties are handled by a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions with the four-cylinder engine, and the V6 gets a five-speed automatic. The Sonata's comfortable around town, and the five-speed auto in the V6 seems to know when to be smooth and when to be fast. This car goes out of its way to avoid annoying its driver. Best of all, even the V6 achieves a respectable 30 mpg on the freeway. The four-cylinder will get 34 with a five-speed manual transmission, a feat many full-sized family cars can't muster even in these days of hybrids.

All Hyundais since 2003 have had standard side airbags and the Sonata is no exception. Safety is further enhanced by standard stability control and anti-lock brakes. Steady, safe performance is the name of the game. The suspension is fully independent; no cheaping out with beam axles here. Double wishbones are used up front, with a five-link rear. It's not as soft as the typical Korean car, splitting the difference between squashy and Euro-taut for a happy medium that will appeal to fans of Buicks and other more expensive plushmobiles. Handling isn't distinguished, but then it shouldn't be in a car like this. The Sonata goes where it's pointed without threatening to do otherwise, and that's exactly what we expected of it.

Enthusiasts looking for heart-pounding performance aren't going to find it in the new Hyundai Sonata. Family-sedan buyers looking for a less expensive alternative to Toyota and Honda will find themselves quite well served, however. Hyundai has managed to improve its quality and model lineup to the point that it's the equal of any other mainstream manufacturer's, and the Sonata should help to divest the public of the myth that a Hyundai is a vehicle to be ashamed of. Did we mention that our test car, a top of the line Sonata LX V6 with no options, stickered for $22,895? That price includes side-curtain airbags, cruise control and a leather interior, and to understand just how impressive the Sonata is a this price point, you'll just have to take a quick drive in one.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2006 Hyundai Sonata, which we tested.
Length: 188.9 in.
Width: 72.1 in.
Height: 58.0 in.
Wheelbase: 107.4 in.
Curb weight: 3458 lb.
Cargo space: 16.3 cu.ft.
Base price: $22,895
Price as tested: $22,895
Engine: 3.3 liter DOHC 24-valve V6
Drivetrain: five-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 235 @ 6000
Torque: 226 @ 3500
Fuel capacity: 17.7 gal.
Est. mileage: 20/30


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