The New Hyundai Accord..er...Sonata

Author's Rating:

Pros: Room, refinement, engines, options, looks.

Cons: No true manual with the V6, a wee bit big for my taste.

The Bottom Line: 
I would easily recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market for a fun to drive, well equipped family sedan.

Author's Review
This review will cover my test drive in 2 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS-one with the 4 cyl, and one with the 6 cyl. I won't bore you with statistics-they can be found on the Hyundai website.

EXTERIOR-Yes. This car looks like the Accord. And maybe a few other cars for that matter. But I don't care. I think it looks good. Better than the Accord in fact. It's a clean shape that's going to age well, much better than the 2005. It is a bit anonymous, but that's ok. I've seen the 2006 Sonata in almost all of the colors offered, and I must say-they all look good on the car. I'm especially impressed with the pearl white color. This car is larger than last years model. I don't normally like cars this big, but I could definately live with it.

INTERIOR-Both cars I drove had cloth interior. It was nothing outstanding nor was it ugly. The dashboard has a simple, easy to see lay out. I like the position of everything, and everything was easy to use. There's quite a few little cubbies here and there, and covered cupholders. The manual A/C worked quickly and quietly. One surprise was the vents. They had easy to use dials to adjust them. Very nice. The radio in the V-6 was higher level that the 4 cyl, and the sound was pretty darn good. I like the adjustments, and the secondary controls on the steering wheel are a nice touch. I do wish you could do more than change modes, volume and mute. The gauges were attractive looking and simple. The V-6 had the odometer with mile until empty, average MPG, average speed, etc. I liked the spaciousness of the larger cabin, and the seating/driving position. The back seat was also very roomy. With the windows up, and engine running, this car is QUIET. Overall, I really like the interior of the car.

DRIVETRAIN: I first drove the 4 cyl. a few months ago. It was a good, responsive engine. It will be a good choice for those who don't mind having a 4 cyl. But the 6 cyl. is what really shines in this car. The V-6 is very quiet. Off the line it's responsive and eager to go. It seems to have good power at all RPM's. The 5 speed automatic worked well with the engine. There is also a 'manu-matic'. Normally I hate these, but this one was ok. I used it for most of my test drive. It was actually fun with the V6. I just really love this engine and transmission.

DRIVING: As the car magazines say, 'this isn't a sports car'. Well, I don't know about you, but I don't drive a sports car, nor do I own one. So for my real life driving, this car is FUN FUN FUN. It was great in the twisties, smooth on the straight aways, and was able to put and keep a grin on my face. This car drives like the Accord-a bit sporty for a family sedan.

In the end, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this car. It's a strong runner-if not the ONLY runner-on my list for my next car.