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A strong case could be
made for almost any ranking order of the top ten vehicles in this group. But
the strongest ones would each have the two versions of the redesigned-for-2006
Hyundai Sonata occupying the first and second-place slots. Unlike previous
Hyundais, the new Sonata does not rely only on its price to be competitive.
These two versions outranked the Toyota Camry without even a price advantage
over that perennial favorite. With a roomy, comfortable, and well-finished
interior, an impressive ride/handling compromise, solid refinement levels,
excellent safety ratings, and low prices, they represent the two best-rounded
vehicles in this group. Though prices are similar, the 4-cylinder ranks ahead
of the V6 for its better gas mileage in this value-oriented comparison, but
the V6 also impresses with a blend of excellent acceleration and decent gas
mileage.
The Sonata has a very
comfortable, absorbent ride, though it doesn’t have the same top-notch
isolation as the Camry or the Buick LaCrosse. But this car handles appreciably
better than either of those models as well, with less body roll in fast
cornering, responsive, well-weighted, and accurate steering that returns good
feedback. It isn’t quite as enjoyable to drive as the Honda Accord (and well
behind its sport-focused competitors like the Mazda6) but it is now on a
similar level. The standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder isn’t particularly powerful,
but it is capable in most situations and rarely sounds strained. The 3.3-liter
V6 makes the Sonata quicker than all but the Mitsubishi Galant V6 in this
group, it is very smooth and powerful, and isn’t far behind the Lexus-level
refinement in the Toyota Camry’s V6. Wind and road noise are also
well-suppressed. The 4-cylinder gets excellent gas mileage, and the V6’s isn’t
bad either considering its size and power.
Inside, the Sonata’s
front seats are high, well-shaped, supportive, and very comfortable, and there
is plenty of head space even with the optional sunroof. The rear is also very
roomy, and the seat is high and well-shaped there as well. The dash uses
high-quality materials that fit together very well. The gauges are clear, and
the instruments are well-placed and easy to use. Drivers sit comfortably,
though a telescoping steering wheel is only offered on high-end LX V6 model.
Visibility is excellent, thanks to high seating and particularly large windows
with narrow roof pillars. The high roof, wide door openings, and large rear
footwells contribute to very easy entry/exit. The trunk is roomy and
well-shaped.
The Sonata earned five
stars for both the driver and for the front passenger in the NHTSA frontal
crash test, and five stars for both the driver and for the rear passenger in
the NHTSA side crash test. The IIHS has yet to evaluate its offset or
side-impact protection, or its head restraints.
The Sonata 4-cylinder
reviewed here came in at $20,345, and the V6 model was $20,240. Both came very
well-equipped, the 4-cylinder with such convenience items as an auto-dimming
mirror and a universal garage door opener not included on the V6. (The
similarity in price is thanks in part to the V6 model’s extra $500 rebate.)
Both include a sunroof, and such standard equipment as antilock brakes with
traction and stability control, and a system of torso-protecting and
curtain-style head-protecting side airbags. Luxury items such as heated power
leather seats and automatic climate control are only offered on the high-end
V6-only LX model, but both Sonatas are very well-equipped for the money
overall.
Overall, while neither
Sonata is ideal, they come the closest in this group, mixing the best traits
of the next-best Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The car has low pricing,
excellent safety ratings, a roomy, comfortable, and well-finished interior, a
choice of either excellent acceleration or excellent fuel economy (each
without an unprecedented sacrifice in the other), and a good balance of ride
comfort and agility. While it isn’t the best in any one area, the Sonata is
the best-rounded car in this group. Except for family sedan shoppers looking
for outstanding qualities in a specific area (such as driving enjoyment or
luxury), there is really little reason to buy any other $20,000 family sedan.
While there are many that should be considered, this one truly is a cut above.
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