NEW HYUNDAI SONATA
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Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
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| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
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Average Rating |
| Overall |
8.11 |
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| Vehicle Styling |
8.58 |
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| Braking |
8.38 |
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| Handling |
7.95 |
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| Fuel Economy |
7.72 |
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| Interior Comfort |
8.15 |
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| Acceleration |
7.91 |
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| Dependability |
8.21 |
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| Fit and Finish |
7.74 |
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| Transmission |
7.48 |
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| Ride |
8.77 |
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| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
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| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
It may not have the cachet of more mainstream midsize sedans, but with a long warranty, numerous standard features and a solid performance, the Sonata is a worthwhile alternative.
Pros
Excellent warranty, pleasant highway ride, lots of bang for your family-sedan buck.
Cons
Noisy four-cylinder engine, some cheap interior bits.
What''s New for 2004
There are no significant changes for 2004.
Overview
Introduction:
Introduced in 1989, the original Hyundai Sonatas were a step up from the unfortunate Excels of that era, yet their shoddy build quality and unrefined powertrains could do little to entice the American buyers away from their beloved Accords and Camrys, which cost a little more but were years ahead in terms of overall quality and performance. The second-generation version, introduced in 1995, was a bit better in terms of fit and finish, and Hyundai reported a 25-percent increase in sales. But it was in 1999, a watershed year for Hyundai that a truly drivable car emerged with new styling, new engines and significant improvements in cabin noise and ride quality. More changes came in 2002 in the form of a new front fascia and headlights and a shapelier tail end -- resulting in a truly stylish Sonata. On the mechanical side, the V6 engine''s displacement increased to 2.7 liters, resulting in 11 extra horsepower and 10 more pound-feet of torque, and engineers fiddled with the rear suspension, resulting in slightly better ride quality. Overall, we''re fond of the Sonata (and its twin, the Kia Optima) and wouldn''t hesitate to recommend it to family-sedan shoppers. While it can''t quite match the power, ride comfort, handling or amenities of popular cars like the Accord, Camry, Nissan Altima or Volkswagen Passat, with its lower price, it doesn''t have to. If you can''t afford to pay the premium for the top brands (or simply don''t want to), a fully loaded Sonata with a price tag under $20 grand (not to mention a super warranty) may be just what you need.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The midsize Sonata sedan is sold in three trim levels -- base, GLS and LX. Base cars offer 15-inch wheels; foglights; side airbags; a CD player; air conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; a 60/40-split folding rear seat; keyless entry; and cruise control. The GLS adds 16-inch alloy wheels; rear disc brakes; a power antenna; upgraded cloth upholstery; a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; wood grain trim; heated mirrors; and a cassette player along with the CD player. The highline LX tacks on leather trim, a power driver seat and automatic climate control. Antilock brakes are optional on all trim levels; traction control is coupled with ABS on the GLS and LX. A moonroof is a stand-alone extra.
Powertrains and Performance:
Sonata buyers have two engine choices: A 138-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline four is available on the base car. As it comes up short in power and refinement, we feel that most buyers will be happier with the 170-hp, 2.7-liter V6 -- it''s available for all trim levels. While the V6 won''t necessarily inspire you to don racing gloves, it''s smooth and quiet, and offers adequate acceleration and enough thrust for confident merging on the highway. Both engines can be mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic with a manual-shift mode. Mileage ratings are 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway with the four-cylinder and 20/27 with the V6, regardless of the transmission.
Safety:
Antilock brakes are optional across the line, and V6-equipped vehicles get rear disc brakes. Side airbags for front occupants and three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions are standard in every Sonata. In government crash testing, the Sonata earned four out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal collisions. In side-impact tests, it received four stars for front passenger protection and five stars for rear passengers. In frontal offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS, the Sonata received an "Acceptable" rating (the second highest possible).
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside the monochromatic cabin are plush seats that provide a comfortable driving position and an attractive dashboard. Interior materials are on the economy side, but they''re acceptable in a car that costs less than $20,000. Drivers will find logically arranged radio and climate controls, a nifty penholder and, in GLS and LX models, warm faux-wood accents and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The spacious 14-cubic-foot trunk offers an extremely low lift-over height and closes with struts rather than parcel-crushing hinges.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Although not as refined as a Toyota Camry, the value-priced Sonata targets the same sort of buyer -- commuters and families who want comfortable transportation for the day-to-day grind. The ride is stable and smooth, though bumps and ruts are transmitted to the cabin a little more harshly than they should be. Around-town maneuvers are accomplished with ease, and a tight 34.4-foot turning radius makes the Sonata an affable companion in parking lots.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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