2006 Hyundai Sonata Review

Specifications

Saying Goodbye to Our Long-Term Sonata

Have you missed our long-term updates on the Sonata? I know some readers have, as we get your comments in the mail (and on that note, thanks for writing in - click on the writing credit at the top of any story if you care to do so). Weve received a number of letters from readers who chose to purchase a new Sonata based on our long-term test, and if the near faultless performance of our long-term GLS V6 is any indication, theyll have an enjoyable, trouble-free experience with their new ride.

And its not just our West Coast office that is impressed. Last week we made note of Hyundais rise in J. D. Power and Associates annual Initial Quality Study (IQS), now rated third behind Porsche and Lexus, number one amongst entry-level brands; which puts it ahead of Toyota, by one, and Honda, by three; Jaguar splits the two Japanese sales leaders. Nissan is still just above average but trails the aforementioned models and Chrysler, while other Japanese rivals, such as Mitsubishi (23 out of 37 nameplates), Subaru (28), Mazda (29) and Suzuki (30) dont even come close, and Kia, for reasons we can only imagine have to do with production, being that many Kia components are shared with its parent, Hyundai, has improved to 24th place but still doesnt measure up to its Korean sales rival. This will no doubt turn around for Kia, but Hyundai buyers dont have to wait. Oh, and by the way, Scion rates rather poorly in 26th, another strange scenario being that all hardware is regular Toyota fare.

Once again, the Sonata managed to make the top three in the midsize segment, beaten by the previous-generation Toyota Camry in first, and Honda Accord, which only received a mild facelift last year, in second. The car that rated highest amongst Consumer Reports customers in 2005, prior to the new 2006 model, placed amazingly well for a first model year vehicle. Normally, automakers need some time to iron out the bugs, but due to its seemingly infallible reliability the Sonata appears capable of reaching that number one spot if Toyota isnt careful. Well have to wait and see if Consumer Reports even larger annual survey rates the new Sonata as highly as the old one - that would be an impressive feat indeed.

Oh, why all the repeated info? No, its not due to our Editor-in-Chief hanging a sign that reads “Department of Redundancy Department” outside his office door, but more because weve said goodbye to the Sonata after a rather lengthy stay, and its time to give you our final thoughts. Yes, weve been extremely fortunate to have had our long-term Sonata GLS V6 for almost ten months (initially it was only to be six), having piled on a total of 6,472 miles before they “reposessed” it. It still looks great, and due to that still causes more rubbernecking than almost any other entry-level four-door family car weve ever tested - Chryslers 300C and Fords Fusion caused a stir when they first launched too. The engine even feels stronger now than when we first received it, transmission continues to shift as flawlessly as ever and ride and handling combo remains amongst the best in the midsize market segment, with a bias towards smooth, supple comfort.

Its truly an impressive car, made even more appealing thanks to our testers V6. If we were spending our own money, however, it would be difficult to choose between the capable four-cylinder with the sporty five-speed manual, or the larger, more powerful V6. The price advantage of the four would be a bonus for sure, as would be the fuel economy, but the 235-horsepower V6 is addictive, and the five-speed automatic is amongst the smoothest in the business; its manual mode is pretty slick too. Decisions, decisions… were glad its not up to us.

We can say one thing for certain, however; a new Sonata, no matter the engine configuration or option package, wont let you down, in the literal sense (i.e. stranded on the shoulder of a highway somewhere in the middle of nowhere) or when it comes to getting inside day after day, turning over the ignition and beginning your morning commute. Its a car that has never lost its appeal from a styling perspective, at least for anyone in our office, and continues to draw praise for its well constructed cabin.

Soon the 2007 models will be upon us, and while no major changes are expected it will be interesting to see what Hyundai does to steadily improve the car. The most likely modifications will be to trim packages and color combinations, although, theres a chance an upgraded audio system with some of the features weve been harping about, such as a multi-disc CD changer and/or auxiliary input for MP3 players may become available; if Hyundai does either of the two, wed say to go for the auxiliary jack, as it will cost less and provide a “hipper” image with the younger crowd that is flocking to the brand already. Wed also like to see integrated satellite radio sooner than later.

Overall though, the 2006 car is superb, and considering that greater discounts will be available to clear out dealer inventories its probably the smartest choice. We know of one thats soon to be made available, a certain very well maintained GLS V6 with almost 6,500 miles on the odometer, sporting every option auto climate control, power adjustable pedals, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, trip computer, compass, integrated garage door opener. Traction and stability control are standard, by the way.

We would have opted for a fully loaded car if wed have had the choice,
but such was not the case despite our petitioning Hyundai for a Sonata with all the options (theres more to write about during a long-term test with a fully loaded car). Were undecided about the faux carbon fiber interior trim, mind you, with some of our staff thinking that the no-cost option of simulated wood might “spruce” up the all-gray, all-the time theme. Just the same, if youre OK with the sportier carbon fiber-like accents and the simplicity of its missing options, a GLS V6 painted in Oceanic Blue Pearl with a gray (no doubt spotlessly clean) interior will soon come on the market.

During the two (three… four?) weeks prior to its departure, our GLS V6 was only moderately busy at first, due to the busy-ness of our staff (deeply engrossed in literary pursuits), but got more use as its tenure drew to a close.

We left the logs with 6,199 miles on the odometer, and now, having finished its tour of duty it reads 6,472 miles. Here we go again, one last time:

Odometer: 6,199 miles

Trevor: Knowing that the Sonata is on its way back to Hyundai, I did a little walk-around to see if its looking as good up close as it does from a few meters away. I see a few nicks and one tiny dint in the rear fender that looks as if it can be popped out easily enough. All in all, nothing that the average owner wouldnt experience after more than 6,000 miles. Personally, I dont think Id go for such a dark color, just because its more difficult to keep looking clean and shows up the marks easier than lighter colors, such as silver, or in the Sonatas case a silver-blue called Crystal Silver (my favorite), or for that matter Golden Beige and Powder White Pearl. Hyundai doesnt offer a black interior, which would be my choice if available - call me a traditionalist.

Odometer: 6,214 miles

Trevor: Just had to pull over and write something down even though
theres really nothing particular to report. No. Nothing! Nothing at all! Nothing negative that is. The Sonata, carrying me home after yet another trip to the airport long-term parking lot, started right up and escorted me to the cashier who depleted my AMEX by some $60… ouch!

Odometer: 6,256 miles

Jennifer: Glad to have the Sonata back, for so many reasons. As I wrote in this log some time ago, the Sonata has pretty well helped me to decide on a crossover SUV (we just need more room for hauling stuff around), but as far as cars go its mighty spacious inside the cabin and its trunk (thats always full of family gear) is also sizeable. I agree with Trevor (did I just say that) regarding a black interior, as it would be easier to keep clean and would probably look sportier; suiting the Sonatas sporty styling nicely.

Odometer: 6,299 miles

Trevor: And with that black interior, how about a GT or Sport package. Some larger, sportier alloy wheels would be nice, framing a larger set of discs and, behind these, a slightly retuned suspension, plus some interior trim upgrades (seats with a little more bolstering) and more aluminum trim. The engine needs nothing, although a sportier exhaust note would be welcome, and the transmission is fine the way it is as manual-mode is already standard. Traction and stability control would be part of the package too, being standard already, and maybe some audio upgrades like a six-disc stacker and/or audio input jack for an external MP3 player. Are you with me Hyundai? If Toyota can jazz up its Camry SE, why not a Sonata GT? I think buyers would step up to the racier Sonata in droves, as we all know the upgrade would be priced well, and Hyundai would continue to rewrite its somewhat staid image in the eyes of Americas consumers.

Odometer: 6,304 miles

Jennifer: Right Trevor. Youre the one thats always recommending that Dodge put out an SRT version of its Caravan… “Gotta a HEMI in that?”… Not. But I suppose a sportier Sonata would be nice. I suppose a six-speed manual connecting through to the V6 is out of the question?

Odometer: 6,321 miles

Trevor: Well have to see what Hyundai does with its next-generation Tiburon first (see todays news story for photos - Ed.), as it looks as if it will continue with front-wheel drive, but the use of one of the larger displacement V6 engines seems like a long shot. If they did, a six-speed manual tranny would sync up nicely to the 3.3 for a pretty sporty sedan. The take-up for a manual-equipped V6 Sonata would be small, however, but good for the image. Probably wont happen nonetheless.

Odometer: 6,336 miles

Trevor: Back to reality, I had to hit the Sonatas brakes extremely hard to avoid a potential accident today, and they were all there. The standard ABS came into effect, thank goodness, and I stopped so quickly I was worried about the cars behind. Fortunately, cars behind were all relatively new and (whether ABS equipped or not) didnt have too much trouble negotiating the stop as well, so we all drove away (with stomachs in throats) a little more confident in our vehicles. Its probably a good idea to find a deserted stretch of road and practice some panic stops, by the way, as, if youre still uninitiated, ABS sounds and reacts differently than you might suppose. Number one, make sure that you stomp on the brakes as hard as you can and dont let go. The brakes will do the rest, crunching and audibly “grinding” their way to a full stop. The sounds arent bad and dont cause any untoward wear, so go practice and get used to the process. When it comes time to use your ABS brakes for real, youll be all the more ready to do so with confidence, and potentially avoid an accident.

Odometer: 6,347 miles

Trevor: called the Hyundai PR rep to return the Sonata today, but he couldnt do it quite yet. No problem, glad to hang onto it.

Odometer: 6,390 miles

Jennifer: Gave the car a wash and interior clean today, looks nice although still cant get the light gray carpets clean. If it was my car Id take it into a detailer to get steam cleaned, but I know that the Sonata is going back to Hyundai soon and also realize that they have to give it a total detail before it gets sold, so its hardly smart to spend any money on it right now. Still, its nice to have it almost clean.

Odometer: 6,422 miles

Trevor: Now that I know its going back, Ive been racking up miles, using the Sonata for every task I have. Its not that I wouldnt drive it around throughout the week normally, but Ive always got a couple of vehicles in the driveway that also need attention due to an upcoming review, so I try to space out the errands. When we had an SUV, we used it more as it was capable of more. This is just the way it is. Anyway, spending tons of time in the Sonata right now, and with it clean and shiny its even nicer to while away the hours in. I tell you one thing, compared to most in its class, or any other class, the Sonata is one of the easiest cars to drive in the city. Its comfortable, cool in the summer and negotiates tight parking lots and narrow city alleys better than most.

Odometer: 6,462 miles

Trevor: I woke up this morning for a meeting with a TV production company (I may soon be starring in a new or significantly updated TV show about all things automotive - Ill keep you posted) and found that someone had sprayed the front of the car with some yellow, sticky substance that wont come off. Thanks! And the irony is that I really tried to bring it back yesterday, having attended another meeting at the same place yesterday and driven the car downtown to do so, with hopes of swinging by Hyundais press fleet office on the way home. No such luck as the PR rep couldnt meet, so the Sonata sat overnight on the road awaiting pick-up or drop-off for the following day.

Odometer: 6,472 miles

Trevor: Whew! Ive done a lot of driving lately. The Sonata is gone, and we lament as its been a faithful sidekick for the last 10 or so months. The person who buys this car will be very, very happy, Im sure. Interesting enough, one of our local auto journalists bought his long-term Sonata GLS V6, so once again were not the only ones impressed with Hyundais new four-door. It will certainly be missed.

Jennifer: Bye, bye Sonata. Its been great!

Alexandra: Remember our road trips together? Thanks Sonata…