2005 Hyundai Sonata Base 2.4-liter gas
Summary:
A cheap mid-size executive Sedan that has the quality of a Japanese Mid-size sedan
Faults:
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.
General Comments:
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.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th June, 2005
27th Feb 2006, 03:54
Supporting that last comment, Australia conducted tests on mid-size/large sedans and build quality was as follows: Mitsuibshi 380 (same as US Galant), Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Falcon, Holden Commodore; in that order.
Holdens product is sub-standard in quality, while Ford's is above average that article stated that Hyundai's model had points in fit and finish even Toyota failed to attract. This article suprised me that Mitsubishi are no.1 for build quality, but I spose it is true as I have a fleet 380 and it appeals more solid then the current Camry (and has more guts to). I have also driven the new NF 3.3l V6 Sonata, while no it's not up to Mitsubishi's standards, it's not far off, in my opinion the Sonata is better built and better backed then the Camry (mind you the current Camry is a VERY dated car).
I also found that fuel consumption on the Sonata is very good, for punchy V6 I once attracted 10.3l/100km in the city which is around 35mpg I think.
27th Feb 2006, 09:51
I just bought a Hyundai Elantra and for comparison test drove Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla & Mazda 3. I wanted the Mazda, but couldn't afford even used. Civic and Corolla, I could get decent deals on, but I honestly felt that the Hyundai felt more solid and refined.
29th Apr 2006, 06:29
Previous Aussie poster:
'This article suprised me that Mitsubishi are no.1 for build quality'
Why? If you had read the numerous car reviews ever since the 1996 Magna/Verada was released, you would see that the Magna/Verada over the years and 380 were consistently ahead against the Commodore, Falcon and Camry in, amongst other fields:
- NVH;
- Engine refinement/performance; and
- Quality.
I'm not suprised whatsoever. The only thing that every came close/equal was the Camry. The Commo/Falcon would not even be considered competition, yet the sheep flocked to them.
23rd Feb 2006, 12:31
There is no way that any Korean car matches the reliability of a Japanese car.