Hyundai Sonata - 2006 Reviews

3.67 of 5 view all 3 reviews

Rating Summary | 67% of reviewers recommend (2 out of 3)

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yankee-tutor Abington, PA

“Drives just like my friends new Honda, except he is $4k lighter!”

: cost-conscious, daily driver, practical
Pros: comfortable ride, great value for the cost, large trunk space, safety package is wonderful
Cons: Bad Gas Mileage, Side Mirrors Don't Bend In

Hyundai Sonata - 2006 —

I needed a car to replace my mostly dependable 2002 Honda Accord coupe and the Hyundai Sonata fit the bill perfectly. I spend 2 hours every weekday to and from work and needed a car I could count on. Also, having two children under 6 yrs old put safety and four doors high on my list. From the moment I saw the new Hyundai Sonata design I was interested. The car looked good from the outside, but not too radical for a commuting daddy type. The new Sonota offered everything I was looking for. Heated seats up front, leather throughout, roomy back seats and a trunk large enough to hold TWO fullsize car seats and a travel bag! Bad weather is pretty common in the winter and the traction control was a welcome addition. The first winter I drove the Sonata in the snow I noticed improved handling, especially over my 2002 Accord. The ride of the Hyundai is softer than the Accord which I prefer with my long drives everyday. Road noise is also very good, better than my old Honda and almost as quiet as a Camry. The gas mileage is not as good as I thought, but I have come to realize my heavy foot is partly to blame. If I behave I can get 28-30 mpg during my commute of mostly highway. It only takes a little more aggressive driving to get that mileage down to 24-25 mpg unfortunately. The family needs for this car have been met wonderfully. The airbags on every pillar plus the excellent crash test ratings make me feel my family is safe in it without driving a tank. The kids love the 2 cup holders in the back rest, my wife finds the car very comfortable and the latch system makes getting the car seats in and out a snap. Though I really like my car there are a some negatives. It is a heavier sedan so the handling is not "sporty" at all. Highway cruising is fine though. Fuel economy is not as good as the comparable Honda's and Toyota's, but only by a little. I am around 6 ft tall and find the mirrors do not have enough of an adjustable range, it leaves more of a blind spot than I would like. The radio controls on the steering wheel could really use a station control. My oil changes cost more because the oil filter is not a standard metal case screw on type. My carpool friend bought a Honda Accord right after I bought my Sonata. We have found the cars to be very comparable (except he got the 4 cylinder EX while I got the 6 cylinder). Both cars were even built in the US! After spending as much time in his car as well as mine I am very pleased with the value of my purchase. The 4k less I spent on my Hyundai leaves a smile on my face.