2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata: Road Test

Acceleration varies by engine. The four-cylinder is weak from a stop, and lacks reserve power for confident passing, but the strong V6 is more than adequate for most driving. A test SE V6 sedan accelerated to 60 mph in a rather swift 6.9 seconds. Generally smooth, Hyundai's automatic transmissions hesitate briefly before downshifting. In addition, the five-speed tends to "hunt" between gears on hilly terrain. Fuel economy also depends upon engine choice. A test automatic-transmission four-cylinder averaged 25.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. A test SE V6 sedan averaged 18.8 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, 15.6 including gas-eating performance tests. An extended-use LS sedan averaged 21 mpg. Hyundai recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines. Sonata's generally compliant ride strikes a fair balance between control and comfort, but the sedan sometimes struggles to maintain that equilibrium. Sonatas bound over larger bumps and ridges. The available 17-inch tires reduce bouncing, but impart more impact harshness. Wavy pavement promotes bounding and wallow, particularly as speed increases. In moderate driving, at least, the Sonata exhibits good control. Though agile, it's not as aggressive in fast maneuvers as sport-oriented sedans like the Nissan Altima. Quick cornering reveals disappointing noseplow, excessive body lean, and steering imprecision. Once in a turn, the 17-inch tires offer markedly tighter grip than the 16s. Steering is nicely weighted, though response is slow in parking-lot maneuvers. Quietness compares to the class-leading Toyota Camry, with impressively hushed wind rush and well-muted engine noise. The engine note rises with speed, but isn't annoying. Coarse-surface thrum emanates from the available 17-inch tires, in particular. Ridges produce tire thump, and clunking was noticed from the rear suspension in an extended-use test Sonata. Simple white-on-black gauges are easy to read in any lighting condition. Major controls fall readily to hand. Materials rank a cut above the class norm. Interiors are highlighted by soft, padded surfaces-even the storage bins are lined. Still, interior panels are not as solid to the touch, and materials not as rich-feeling, as in an Accord or Camry. Front seats provide sufficient space for large adults. A good driving position is aided by the Limited's standard tilt/telescope steering wheel, though some testers had difficulty finding a comfortable seatback angle. Thin roof pillars and an upright driving position contribute to excellent outward visibility. Head and leg space are good enough for large adults in the backseat. Firmer padding would enhance long-distance support, but seats are comfortable otherwise. Wide door openings and expansive footwells make for easy entry/exit. Trunk space qualifies as ample. Lockable, split folding rear seatbacks and non-intrusive strut-type trunk hinges are welcome touches. Abundant interior storage is highlighted by a generous-size glovebox, two-tier center armrest console, and large door map pockets.

Value for the Money
Dynamically, Sonata cannot match the class-leading Honda Accord in terms of engineering. It's not as refined as a Camry, or as sporty as an Altima. Even so, its power, refinement, safety features, and value pricing make it a Recommended midsize pick. Sonata's strength hails from its clever blend of comfort, roominess, mainstream design, and everyday performance at an appealing price. Kudos go to Hyundai for making curtain side airbags, ABS, and stability control standard on every Sonata, not just the more-costly top-line models. Because Sonatas depreciate faster than a Camry or Accord, they can be tempting used-car choices.