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Hyundai Sonata 2006-2007

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Comments

  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    One thing about the Sonata vs. Fusion is that the Sonata will be much roomier--more in the clas of the Five Hundred than the Fusion. But priced more like the Fusion.

    We'll have to wait until the EPA numbers are released on the all-new Hyundai engines in the Sonata to see if the Fusion does have an advantage there.
  • shado4shado4 Member Posts: 287
    Funny you should mention VW. I actually owned a 2000 VW GTI 1.8T that I traded in for the Elantra because of reliability issues. The GTI spent more time in the shop in the 2 years I owned it than the Elantra I've had for 3 years.

    I admit that I do look at horsepower numbers, but they really don't count as the ultimate deciding factor when buying a new car. If that was the case, I would have bought something with more "oomph" than the Elantra, especially after experiencing the power of the VW. My interest in cars varies widely, having owned everything from a Ford Escort to an Acura Integra to a Chevrolet Blazer, etc.

    The Elantra peaked my interest mainly because of the price for what you get. The new Sonata is peaking my interest for the same reason. The fact that it is competitive in the horsepower numbers game is a bonus in my book, and a potential liability for the Fusion. But, as always, a test drive of both vehicles is in order before making a final decision.
  • gogophers1gogophers1 Member Posts: 218
    I couldn't agree more on the Elantra value equation - it's amazing. And for the purpose I'm currently using mine - solo commuting 120 miles round-trip/day - it is a perfect fit. It's comfortable, quiet, gets decent mileage and the easy shifting stick and light clutch add just enough "action" to the drive to keep me entertained.

    I don't know if the Sonata will be as much of a value though. It seems Hyundai is trying to move it a bit upmarket, and I'm thinking they're going to slot it somewhere between the current Sonata and the XG in terms of pricing. Sans any fat rebates, that would put it at roughly the same level as the Camry, Altima, and 6 - a tough sell in a world hung-up on nameplates. Image is everything in this country, and I suspect that's why the XG has never put up big numbers. I can count how many of those I've seen in the last 4 years around the Twin Cities on one hand.

    Much like yourself [shado], I'm all over the map. The cars I'm currently considering to replace my Elantra include (in no particular order):

    Ford Fusion
    Mercury Milan
    Ford Focus
    Ford Mustang convertible (in V6 guise)
    Mazda 6
    Mazda 3
    Nissan Altima
    Toyota Camry
    Chevrolet HHR
    Hyundai Sonata
    Hyundai Elantra (2006)
    Pontiac G6 (with enormous sunroof)
    Mini Cooper
    PT Cruiser
    Subaru Legacy (with enormous sunroof)

    Invariably, a few others will pop up and some of these might drop off. A few were on my list last time (Focus, Cruiser, Altima). I don't think I'll even consider VW next time as everyone I seem to speak with who has any experience with them (not including salespeople) doesn't have a lot of kind things to say - they sure are nice when they're not in the shop though!

    As I'm single, the only narrowing factors for me are: it's gotta be a stick, have a factory sunroof (a convertible would work nicely too) and cloth seats. Some days I feel like I really need a convertible, others a hatchback/wagon seems like the smartest choice. I guess my right brain and left brain are constantly battling it out. Last time right won - hard to tell if I'll make a practical choice next time... One thing's for certain: if they ever make a wagon with a fully retractable roof, I'll be the first in line.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    for a Malibu Maxx LS. $16 grand with more doo-dads than you can shake the proverbial stick at. Very, very pleasant car, if a bit odd looking. All the flexibility of a SUV and gets the same MPG as my 5-speed Elantra.

    Looked at many of the cars on your short list, but like the 'Bu more and more with every passing day. Give it a test drive, it's a remarkable car, although the interior quality probably isn't up with the best Japanese stuff (or the new Sonata either).

    The flexibility and economy more than make up for the plain seating surfaces.
  • hongwuhongwu Member Posts: 6
    That is the most concerned thing, I will buy the 2006 sonata if it can match Camry's crush test result.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    We probably won't see both the NHTSA and IIHS test results on the new Sonata for several months after introduction. The IIHS in particular may take awhile, depending on their test schedule and press release schedule (they seem to "save up" reports on multiple cars before publishing results together).
  • gogophers1gogophers1 Member Posts: 218
    I took a look at the Malibu Maxx at the Mpls. Auto Show last year and thought it Chevrolet's most appealing car. Most of all, I liked the airy feel. Of course (as with most GM models), it's not available with a manual transmission, and therefore isn't an option for me.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I thought the Maxx was pretty nice too, but when I compared it to the Elantra GT at the same show, and figured I could get a loaded GT for about $13k + T&L, it was No Contest even though the Maxx has more rear-seat room and more cargo room (mostly vertical). For the same money as the Maxx, I'd rather have the Mazda6 5-door--much better looking and handling (and it does come in a stick for you, gogophers). Hey, Greater Twin Cities Auto Show starts March 12! I am really hoping the new Sonata is there.
  • gogophers1gogophers1 Member Posts: 218
    I'm looking forward to it too. I always like to play the "If I win the $5000, what will I buy?" game. Fortunately, I work downtown so I can hustle over to the convention center every day while its on during lunch to get a few more chances.

    They've got to have an 06 Sonata there. I'll be real curious as to how much interest the Hyundai exhibit garners this year. Usually, it's pretty dead - which is ok by me. Last March, I had to wait for 10 minutes to get behind the wheel of a Mini.

    What I'm really hoping for is that they'll have some knowledgeable reps on hand that can tell me more about the 06 Elantra (rather than just local salesmen trying to "lure" me down to their lots). I've only seen one shot of that one so far, but from what I saw it looked great. Without any sharp price increases, it maybe too much of a value for me to resist - again.
  • danf1danf1 Member Posts: 897
    The good news for you is that Hyundai doesn't have salespeople work the auto show. They bring in their own "product specialists."

    As far as the Sonata being there, it wasn't in Pittsburgh which is a good market for Hyundai. I was upset not to see it, but not that surprised.
  • frasierdogfrasierdog Member Posts: 128
    The 2006 Sonata looks very good on paper. I have a concern about the quietness on the road.

    Many Honda owners think their Accords are quiet but are in reality quite noisy. Camrys are much better in this respect.

    Any comments about the quietness of the 2006 Sonata model in reference to the current Camry? Any comments about the 2005 Sonata do not count.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    might not be at the Twin-Cities Show yet because the NA Sonata might not be assembled yet. Production doesn't begin in Huntsville, Alabama until March.

    That '06 is the best looking Sonata yet and for under $20,000 with all of that "driver-assist" safety equipment on it as standard equipment it is a bargain as well.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • gogophers1gogophers1 Member Posts: 218
    I thought I read somewhere that production had already started on the 06 (like a week ago).

    According to the Hyundai website, it's going to be available in March - which is what leads me to believe it'll be at the Twin Cities show (which runs the middle portion of the month). It might actually be hitting dealerships (am I just hopeful?) about the same time.

    Also, the maroon colored one was at the Chicago show, and the LA show, I believe. The last few years, the Twin Cities show has been the 8th largest in the country and I don't think any of the bigger ones run concurrently with it. Thus, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see that same maroon model on the floor.

    I'm getting antsy!

    Whether it will be one of the quietest mid-sizers is anybody's guess at this point. I suspect it will, as Hyundais tend to have a comfort (and quietness) bias.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    do get one to peruse at Minneapolis, so you can comb it over real good and post your impressions for us here. It is hot(not to quote Paris Hilton).

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • bamacarbamacar Member Posts: 749
    The 2003 Accords and newer are very quiet. The older generations were not. A couple of car magazines have measured the dB difference between the Accord and Camry and it is negligible. The "Toyota quietness perception" is quickly becoming more myth than fact as the other carmakers have been quickly catching up. When I have compared both models, the Accord engine noise is actually less, while the Camry wins in the tire and road noise department.
  • bamacarbamacar Member Posts: 749
    FYI. The Hyundai plant is in Montgomery, AL not in Huntsville, AL.
  • frasierdogfrasierdog Member Posts: 128
    I drove a 2004 V6 Accord and was not impressed. Nice dash, hard seats and could hear every bump in the road.

    I drove a 2005 V6 Camry, poor dash, decent seats and reasonably quiet.

    I drove a 2004 Sonata, decent dash, decent seats, underpowered, and little noisy.

    I am hoping that the 2006 Sonata will be much better.

    However, I am betting the 2006 TG with a 3.8L will be my car.
  • shado4shado4 Member Posts: 287
    Take it with a grain of salt (considering the source), but according to Hyundai's press release:

    "The new Sonata also delivers class-leading cabin quietness and reduced wind noise. Hyundai designers increased the strength and stiffness of the subframe and body structure to further reduce engine noise and road noise in the cabin. When compared against key competitors Camry and Accord, the 2006 Sonata is quieter at idle, quieter at 60 mph, quieter at wide-open throttle and has significantly less wind noise than both competitors at 68 mph."

    I also remember seeing a chart that showed actual decibel levels for all three cars, with the Sonata being the most quiet of the group. Wish I could remember where I saw it.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    What is a TG?
  • mfjjmfjj Member Posts: 20
    Hi, does anyone know if the 2006 Sonata has a full-sized spare tire, either as standard or an option? That's one of the things I like about the Camry.

    Also, any words on the color choices?

    Mike
  • oceana142oceana142 Member Posts: 9
    Enough for good performance? Is it a good engine? I do not want to get the V6 because of fuel economy reasons. Thank you.
  • shado4shado4 Member Posts: 287
    Don't know about performance, but the engine itself is brand new. It's an all-aluminum, 2.4L developing 162hp, available with a 5 speed manual or 4 speed Shiftronic automatic transmission. Fuel economy numbers have not been released for either engine as far as I know.
  • shado4shado4 Member Posts: 287
    Color choices have just been added to the Hyundai Sonata website (www.hyundaisonata.com).

    Among the choices are white, black, silver, dark silver, red (what Hyundai calls cinnamon), 2 shades of blue and a beige. No green.
  • bumpybumpy Member Posts: 4,425
    TG is the platform code for the successor to the XG350 (which is sold as the Grandeur in most places outside North America). HMA is still batting around possible names for the car, but TG380 seems the most likely candidate at this point. Since the new NF Sonata is about the same size as the current XG, the TG will move up a notch and do battle with the Avalon, 500, and the like around the end of this year.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    I think I was thinking of a city in Alabama that Patterson Hole of the Drive-By Truckers would go to to see and hear rock bands in the 70's and 80's called Huntsville. Yes, the new Hyundai plant is in Montgomery, AL.

    I was mixing up my rock'n'roll and car production trivia again!

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • carguy58carguy58 Member Posts: 2,303
    The front of it looks like an 01-05 Elantra which isn't bad. The back end though I don't get it this type of rear end was used on 03-04 Accord's and Honda turned off their younger buyer that they usually get with past Accord's . In my opinion Hyundai messed up the rear. The current Sonata while no looker is decent looking. Hyundai should not get more conservative with their styling. They had a good thing going with their styling for their core buyer. Why mess what a good thing? I hope Hyundai's is not in the process of making the same mistake in terms of exterior styling direction that Mazda and Nissan made in the mid 90's in trying to a Toyota clone.

    I;m awaiting the arrival of the next generation of the 06 Elantra. I hope the exterior styling is not as conservative as the 06 Sonata is.

    As far as the Sonata being made in a US plant wait till the second year of bodystyle. Toyota's Honda's and Nissan's have been in the US for years and have been pretty reliable. I;m sure the next generation Sonata will turn out to be a reliable car for everybody that buys it. Heck I have had 2 car purchases of Japanese Cars that have been made in the US and they have been pretty good to me.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Personally I think the front end of the new Sonata more resembles an Acura (see previous-gen TL especially) than the Elantra--and I own '01 and '04 Elantras so I see that nose every day.

    The rear tailights bear a little resemblence to the current Accord, but the rear end reminds me more of the previous-gen Camry's because it's squarer than the Accord's. I also see styling cues from Audi/VW (greenhouse profile).

    Yes, it looks like Hyundai's styling is getting more mainstream, as evidenced by the new Sonata and new Santa Fe (just saw an undisguised pic of the Santa Fe in Automobile magazine--looks a lot like the Pilot/MDX). However, it's hard to argue with the sales success Honda and Toyota have had. What I think Hyundai is trying to do is to have people equate Hyundai in their minds with Honda and Toyota, and then go with Hyundai because of the lower price and better warranty. Hyundai has been making great strides in quality, the performance of the cars has been getting better starting in the '01 MY with the Elantra and Santa Fe and now with the new Tuscon and Sonata and later this year with the new Accent, Santa Fe, Elantra, and maybe the minivan and XG350 replacement. So the final step is to draw even visually, in styling. Maybe if people see a new Sonata they will think, "Oh, look, it's an Honda (or Acura even). No wait, it's a Toyota. No, it's a Hyundai! And it drives as nice and has more features and a better warranty for a lower price. I should check it out."
  • delta4delta4 Member Posts: 138
    Great point backy. Agreed regarding the styling cues and perception design points that Hyundai is striving for. While we're on that subject I think the jury (meaning consumers) is still out regarding this new gen Sonata. Making assumptions regarding how well this new Sonata will do in the market place is a little premature although it does make for a lively discussion. As far as my own personal opinion? Look at Camry and Accord? Their conservative and so-called "bland" styling doesn't seem to have hurt their sales however. Maybe, just maybe bland is what the majority of consumers are really after? Maybe, just maybe with this re-designed Sonata, Hyundai is on to something!
  • carguy58carguy58 Member Posts: 2,303
    "The rear tailights bear a little resemblence to the current Accord, but the rear end reminds me more of the previous-gen Camry's because it's squarer than the Accord's."

    Yeah I can see your comparisons in terms exterior styling in comparing the 97 Camry back end with the 06 Sonata but in my opinion the 06 Sonata's back end is kinda droopy looking like the 03 Accord's which I don't take a liking for. I am a big Honda fan too and the 03 Accord I have bashed alot of times for being ultra-conservative in the styling department. I did like the 98 Accord Sedan's exterior too.

    "I also see styling cues from Audi/VW (greenhouse profile)."

    As far as the 06 Sonata having Audi/Vw styling routes I see Hyundai has kept the Euro Styling elements alive a little bit with the 06 Sonata. The Euro styling with Hyundai started with the release of the 01 Elantra and carried over to the exterior of the 02-05 Sonata.

    "However, it's hard to argue with the sales success Honda and Toyota have had."

    Yeah I know its hard to argue the sales success of Honda. As I said before I am a big fan of Honda. I;m just concerned about the exterior styling becoming too conservative ever since 2001. As far as Toyota is concerned well they might not have the worlds best exterior designs but they can make a car that is well-packaged.

    "What I think Hyundai is trying to do is to have people equate Hyundai in their minds with Honda and Toyota, and then go with Hyundai because of the lower price and better warranty. Hyundai has been making great strides in quality, the performance of the cars has been getting better starting in the '01 MY with the Elantra and Santa Fe and now with the new Tuscon and Sonata and later this year with the new Accent, Santa Fe, Elantra, and maybe the minivan and XG350 replacement."

    Yes I agree with all your points in the paragraph above 100% about Hyundai getting better in terms of making their cars more competitive in the US market over the past few years.

    "So the final step is to draw even visually, in styling. Maybe if people see a new Sonata they will think, "Oh, look, it's an Honda (or Acura even). No wait, it's a Toyota. No, it's a Hyundai! And it drives as nice and has more features and a better warranty for a lower price. I should check it out."

    I agree Hyundai wants to go up against Honda and Toyota but not wait not so fast! Always remember Mazda 1995-1998 and Nissan 1995-1999 when they tried to go up against Honda and Toyota directly and failed miserabely. It took Mazda until a few years ago to completely get over that ill-fated attempt for their bad product decisions in the mid 90's. As we know until the 02 Altima came out Nissan really wasn;t gaining market share in the US. My fear is Hyundai maybe making the same mistake that Mazda and Nissan made exactly a decade ago.
  • carguy58carguy58 Member Posts: 2,303
    "Look at Camry and Accord? Their conservative and so-called "bland" styling doesn't seem to have hurt their sales however. Maybe, just maybe bland is what the majority of consumers are really after?"

    In my opinion Toyota can style any car the they want and it will still sell. People who buy Toyota's do not buy Toyota's because of exterior styling. With the Accord I think you are wrong. The 03 Accord Honda went way too conservaive on the exterior styling and it is killing their sales. This generation of Accord will not be the success that the 4th(90-93) and 6th generation Accord's(98-02)were in terms of sales.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    at a time when Honda may coming out of their conservatism. The next gen. Civic looks more daring than the next gen. Elantra.

    Hate the present gen. Accord rear end. Some kind of Buick look from the early nineties.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I find it interesting you like the previous-gen Accord's styling, which I think is one of the most boring Accord designs ever.

    At least the new Sonata looks more like an Accord/Acura/Audi instead of a Mercury Sable, which I think the current Sonata most closely resembles.
  • craigmricraigmri Member Posts: 243
    I've been a long time Hyundai customer having owned the following vehicles:

    Currently a 2004 Kia Sedona EX
    past Hyundai's
    '01 Santa fe GLS
    '98 Sonata GLS
    '92 Scoupe LS
    '88 Excel

    I have seen first hand the gradual improvements they've made throughout the years and I've been very pleased. People make fun of the Excels of old but to be honest, we paid $8000 out the door for a loaded new car and my family got 150,000 miles out of it with little repairs. I will say that at 150,000 it was spent however. The Scoupe was junk I will admit it. Felt cheezy and broke down on us in a Hurricane :-( The Sonata was really great and the Santa Fe was flawless. Our current Sedona Minivan suites us well and it very nice. Quality isnt on par with the best minivans but the value is incredible.

    From what I've seen and read in terms of specifications it looks like Hyundai may finally break through with the '06 Sonata. If its everything they say I'll probably buy one in a year or two. The V6 with dual exhaust looks awesome and if its on Par with Honda the prices will be going up :-( Cant wait to see one in person!

    Craig
    '04 Sedona EX
  • son2006son2006 Member Posts: 1
    now sonata 2005 available in Saudi Arabia its very cute car ilove this kind of style iam going to get one with ful options sonata in SA start from 13000 dollar to 19000 dollar for 6 cyl
    http://members.lycos.co.uk/ah900/s0s0/15.jpg
    http://members.lycos.co.uk/ah900/s0s0/31.jpg
    http://members.lycos.co.uk/ah900/s0s0/35.jpg
  • carguy58carguy58 Member Posts: 2,303
    "I find it interesting you like the previous-gen Accord's styling, which I think is one of the most boring Accord designs ever."

    I guess we all have different tastes. To me the this current generation Accord is easily the worst styled Accord ever in my opinion. As far as the last generation Accord is concerned I think the refresh for the 01 model year was a step back with the revised grille and tailghts at mid-cycle. I like the 98-00 with the single bar on the front grille. I just find the current Accord not distnguishable at all. For the record I think the best styled Accord was the mid 90's one(96-97 model years.)

    "At least the new Sonata looks more like an Accord/Acura/Audi instead of a Mercury Sable, which I think the current Sonata most closely resembles."

    I think the current Sonata looks like a Jagaur in the back and a Lexus/GS and Chrysler Concorde/LHs on the front.

    I should mention I am 25 years old so tastes may vary in terms of styling tastes on these boards.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    There is some Jaguar-esque look to the current Sonata, but also some Sable-ness too. I'm sure Hyundai's goal was more Jaguar than Sable, but I suspect Mercury's goal was also Jaguar, hence the resemblence (at least in my eyes).

    Personally I think the best-looking Accords ever were the '86-89 generation, especially the coupe. But you were 5 or 6 when those cars debuted, so you may not remember them. ;-)
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Right you are on that one, Backy. I always wanted one of those, they were way ahead of the curve-- a truly remarkable car and one that bears little (when it comes to edginess) to the present Buick. I just hope Hyundai isn't going down that same conservative road.
  • carguy58carguy58 Member Posts: 2,303
    "There is some Jaguar-esque look to the current Sonata, but also some Sable-ness too. I'm sure Hyundai's goal was more Jaguar than Sable, but I suspect Mercury's goal was also Jaguar, hence the resemblence (at least in my eyes)."

    Yeah Mercury is Ford basically rebadged except Mercury;s have a little(not that much)different styling cosmetically than their Ford Couterparts. Ford owns Jagaur too so I guess you could be onto something there about Mercury trying to be Jaguar.

    "Personally I think the best-looking Accords ever were the '86-89 generation, especially the coupe. But you were 5 or 6 when those cars debuted, so you may not remember them. ;-)"

    Of course I remember that 86-89 generation(that was the 3rd generation Accord.) Yeah I remember when I was 5 or 6 I would see that particular generation of Accord around. As a matter at that time I was at a Honda dealer in 1988 or 1989 and I saw that particular generation of Accord now that I think about it. The 86-89 is the car that made the Accord one of the best selling(top 3 I think cars in America.) The 86 Accord also came in a hatchback model. Yeah I agree the late 80's Accord Coupe model was a sweet looking car(and still is in the color black in my opinion.) As a matter of fact I was looking at a late 80's Accord(88 or 89 4 door model) as the first car I would ever own in my life back in 1997. I didn't buy it though. I would have love to have one though at the time.

    I have gotten older since 1997 so maybe my tastes in terms of styling has changed.
  • carguy58carguy58 Member Posts: 2,303
    "Right you are on that one, Backy. I always wanted one of those, they were way ahead of the curve-- a truly remarkable car and one that bears little (when it comes to edginess) to the present Buick."

    In my opinion one of the reasons the Accord styling has declined some is its a bigger car than it has been in years past. The current one is alot bigger in size especially from the 86-89 model. I still think despite the size of the current generation Accord Honda could have done alot better at styling the current generation of Accord than they did.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Yes 86-89 was the best looking, also the last year of the hatchback (unfortunately).

    Speaking of which - Hyundai should introduce a wagon version of the Sonata. They would have the market to themselves - save for maybe the soon to be extinct Taurus.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    My '01 Elantra had considerably more interior volume than either the late 80's Accord or an Acura Lengend for that matter.
  • thebanditthebandit Member Posts: 3
    There are officially 9 colors to choose from for the new Sonata being built by the Montgomery Plant.

    Pure Pearl White
    Sleek Silver
    Grace Beige
    Deep Pearl Blue
    Presting Dark Red
    Aurora Blue
    Charming Gray
    Ebony Black
    Crustal Silver

    Word on the street is that there are already well over 650 currently built already as of 3/2/05
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    They must have changed the names for the U.S. According to hyundaiusa.com, they are:

    Powder White Pearl
    Bright Silver
    Golden Beige
    Deepwater Blue
    Dark Cinnamon
    Aquamarine
    Steel Gray
    Ebony Black (not much you can do with black!)

    No mention of a 2nd silver color--but with silver and gray already in the mix, how many silvers do they need?
  • thebanditthebandit Member Posts: 3
    well, from my sources, what's posted on the website are not the correct colors, those were the colors posted from when they started trial production.

    Mass Production is already underway at the tier one supplier, Mobis, and according to my source who found a color sheet from the plant in the parking lot of a local fast food joint where some mobis employees gathered for lunch, those are the current and official Names of the paint colors on the new sonata.

    look for the new Sonata's to hit the Montgomery Dealership first sometime around the date of april 2nd 2005.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    The April Auto Issue of Consumer Reports details in its text the tremendous strides that Hyundai has made- the 2004 Sonata had the lowest 'Problem Rate' of any vehicle in the survey (though it did not make the Most Reliable list of Sedans on the next page which viewed more than just the previous model year.).

    This fully supports the JDP finding of great initial quality for the Sonata, and I hope to see this trend continue for Hyundai.

    ~alpha
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    Hyundai has really come a LONG way in recent years!

    I tell people all the time that ALL automakers need to watch out.

    I can someday see Hyundai be compared with the likes of Toyota, Honda, etc.

    The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of someday interning with Hyundai
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I can someday see Hyundai be compared with the likes of Toyota, Honda, etc.

    Hyundai is already being compared with the likes of Toyota and Honda by buyers (like me) who cross-shop Hyundai with Toyota and Honda. If you follow the discussions on Edmunds.com, you see many examples of buyers who bought a Sonata instead of a Camry, or an Elantra instead of a Civic.

    I happened to calculate last night that a Hyundai owner could pick up a '05 Sonata GLS Special Value Edition with ABS, quite a loaded car except for moonroof and leather, for under $16,000 with some aggressive negotiating. I doubt we'll see those kinds of deals on the new Sonata, but if the quality of the new car holds up they won't have to discount them to that degree, seeing as how a similarly-equipped Camry or Accord would be well over $20,000.
  • gogophers1gogophers1 Member Posts: 218
    Is the 2005 CR Auto Issue already out?
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Yep. I actually saw it unexpectedly at Barnes and Noble yesterday, and not in my mailbox. That gets me all hella riled up, lol!!

    ~alpha
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