2005 Hyundai Sonata Base review from Philippines

I'm jealous to the Hyundai Sonata in the Philippines. Us Americans have 2.4 and 2.7-liters, while they have the 3.3-liter V6 engine.

I really like the Sonata! It's a very affordable mid-size executive sedan!

I would have never been happier.

Um, actually, I would be happier if there's a variant of the Sonata with a 3.3-liter engine.

The seats are comfy and has lots of support, not to mentioned adequately bolstered.

Driving position is the same as my Old Camry- comfortable and just right.

Controls are logically placed and easy to get used to.

Automatic slush box, err... I mean gearbox is as almost as smooth as Toyota's ECT (Electronic Controlled Transmission) technology, doesn't induce shift shocks on an uphill climb, and is smooth and unobtrusive.

The engine, though is underpowered- The Sonata here have 2.4 and 2.7-liter engines, while the Sonata in the Philippines has the 3.3-liter engine.

But even though underpowered, it's slightly less refined than Toyota's VVT-I or Honda's I-VTEC, by around 2%.

The engine is also quiet. I could barely hear the rumbling as I rev, and even when I stick my head out, the engine has a pleasant tune, unlike my Old Camry. It maybe quiet, even to its redline, but open the window and stick your head out and you'll hear the engine sounds like it's cranky, grumbly and complaining.

Fuel mileage is also great- 30mpg mostly city driving, 35mpg mostly highway. Average is a good 32.5mpg.

Rear is really comfy and spacious, and can swallow 2 people comfortably, snug for 3 people, a squeeze for 4, and a sardine can for 5.

All in all, this is the best bang-for-buck car ever. Even though Korean, this car has the same quality, durability and reliability as a Japanese Mid-size sedan. But since they're Korean, they have a price advantage over its Japanese rivals.

If only there's a 3.3-liter V6 here, I would be even happier.