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That is good news about Hyundai's confidence in the crash-worthiness of their new Sonata. But you'll forgive me if I take a Missouri attitude on that ("show me"). All the car makers run crash tests on their cars before turning them over to the NHTSA and IIHS and other groups that do tests. They want to know how they will perform before the official tests are done. When the IIHS tested the '01 Elantra, Hyundai's engineers were "surprised" when the car got a "poor" score on the frontal-offset crash test. They had no explanation for why the driver's air bag deployed late. When the '04 Spectra was tested by the IIHS on the frontal offset crash, again, engineers were surprised when it scored as low as it did. Eventually, both cars got decent scores in those tests--decent, not "best pick." But it shows that we don't know how a car will score in a crash test until the official test is actually run. I have high hopes for the Sonata in crash-worthiness, as I expect Hyundai has learned some valuable lessons from previous tests. But I want to see the test results for myself before anointing the Sonata as the top of its class in safety.
Master debater or not, that's not the purpose of our Forums. We exist so that consumers can exchange information in order to make informed decisions, not so that they can badger each other and attempt to "prove" something about a vehicle, or about their own debating skills.
This is not a comparisons discussion either. Let's stick to talking about the features and potential merits of the upcoming Sonata. Thanks.
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Agree with you on this (debating vs. informing). I do not currently own, or have ever owned a Hyundai. But I can tell you that I think that they have really improved their quality and image over the past 3-4 years. I am excited to take a close look at the new Sonata, and take it on a thorough test drive.
So, when might I be able to see and drive one of the 06 Sonata's? I hear late May?
Hey, Masterdebater, what you do in your dorm room is your business. I saw an ad for the new Sonata on tv the other night, so presumably they will be in showrooms soon. Outside of this bb, how much buzz does a new Hyundai generate?
Hey, Masterdebater, what you do in your dorm room is your business.
well, that would explain a few things.
We all know that Honda, Toyota & Nissan won't stand still and allow Hyundai to pass them by. That doesn't mean the new Sonata won't do well, but like alpha01 said, Hyundai will have to keep the Sonata "fresh" by adding new features. This will result in higher prices eventually since I know Hyundai is interested in making profits like everyone else (except maybe GM).
I hope the new Sonata is a hit since this will be a catalyst for the others to improve their offerings (with a longer standard warranty for example).
i have been considering the new hyundai sonata for some time now and have been watching this forum for quite a long time. i actually prefer what mono does with getting people to discuss. discussion has the root word of DI meaning two, or both ways...and simply stating things about feature content of the sonata is not helpful to prospective buyers. why is because if we want to know what the car has we can just go to the website.
now that i want to post on these discussion boards though, krastie-host, i would like to know what the rules are on them so i do not get banned-or at least get a tongue lashing from you haha. where can i get these rules? i thought that 2006 sonata would mean anything dealing with 2006 sonata. is the second part of the name: features and content discussion not showing up for some reason? i use linux, and sometimes this happens. if this is a 2006 sonata discussion, i have some questions about comparing it to my camry, and where is a good place to talk about it kirstan-host?
i cant wait for the new hyundai sonata to come out! i had a 2003 camry and it was stolen and ive been waiting a long time so that i can compare all the new cars and you wouldnt believe how excited i am by the commercials!
...we have no (new) Sonatas today. Stopped by my local dealer to give my '01 Elantra an oil change and a couple other things. No '06 Sonatas yet. When I go back to pick it up I'll ask when they are due to arrive. Being in the middle of North America, I suppose we'll be about last to get them (or maybe North Dakota will).
Our Rules of the Road should give you a quick run-down of the rules. The Sedans board has a comparisons sub-board, linked at the top of the page. You're going to find it mighty difficult to strike up a conversation on how the 2006 Sonata compares to your 3-yr-old Camry, though.
"features & content" is not part of the discussion title. However, our topic-oriented discussions are just that - oriented toward the vehicle named in the discussion title.
If you have any questions about our policies or format, please don't hesitate to contact me by e-mail.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
The launch of 06 Sonata will be on 20 May as far as I know. (It means you can see the 06 Sonata in the showroom nearby then) It is the day of the official ceremony for the completion of first plant in the U.S. I guess lots of 06 Sonatas are already on transporters and ships to see you on that day. What a long week!! :lemon:
For more information about Hyundai's effort and the plant, visit
Training seminars have already started for sales and management. I get to go to a ride and drive on June ninth.
There is also a two day training course for service currently going on.
I just checked my allocation and I do have 1 2006 Sonata coming in now. We sold 192 Hyundais last month so 1 isn't all that exciting, but they are on their way.
Pros Ride, Quietness, Instruments/controls, Standard antilock brakes and traction and stability control
Cons Automatic-transmission performance, Steering/handling (16-inch tires), Small trunk opening
Dynamically Sonata can't match the class-leading Accord. But its power, refinement, available safety features, and value pricing make it a serious midsize contender. Kudos to Hyundai for making curtain side airbags, ABS, and stability control standard on every Sonata, not just more-expensive topline models.
danf1--how big is your hyundai store? Selling 192 hyundais in a month is that above average or ?? are you getting any inquries from customer on the 2006 model?
Last year we ranked 18th in the country. Out of 660 dealers, I'd say we're definitely above average. There seems to be a lot of interest in the 2006 Sonata. No deposits yet, but a long list of people to call when they get in.
Here in Reno we do not have any Sonatas yet either...been told next week by my GM. As far as training goes, I am going to a class in California on the 17th. Should be lots of fun. Myself (not on a sales aspect), I am excited by the Sonatas release and can't wait to get to know the car better, I am excited really! At my dealership, I am the Internet Sales Manager and I have received a lot of inquiries on the 06 Sonata. Seems folks are paying attention. I am not saying it will be better than the Camries, Accords, Altimas...etc. but after my research on the car I think it will make a splash and will get people to take another (or first) look at Hyundai. We just came off our best month ever (we are a medium sized Hyundai store) and think that the introduction of the 06 Sonata will take us to the next step.
On another note, this is my first post on Edmunds.com and I must say that this is a fun and informitive format for car/truck/suv enthusiasts to voice their opinions. I may agree or disagree with some of the posts but overall I must say that all of you folks bring a lot to the table. Hyundai is on the rise and it's refreshing to see, as a salesperson, there are good times ahead for a good company that is trying to make a difference.
Well hey, welcome to the Forums! We're glad to have you here, and look forward to hearing more of your opinions.
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AUTO INDUSTRY REPORT: Toyota to speed Camry Detroit Free Press May 13, 2005
Toyota Motor Corp., the world's second-largest automaker, is speeding the release of its next Camry sedan by at least six months, aiming to keep it the best-selling U.S. car, three industry analysts familiar with the company's plans said.
The 2007 Camry should arrive at dealers as early as February 2006, said Jim Hall, an analyst with AutoPacific Inc., basing his comments on discussions with Toyota. That would bring the new model to market 4 1/2 years after the current edition's release. Toyota has redesigned the Camry every five years since its 1983 debut and put it on sale around early September each time.
Very interesting development, proving that sometimes rumors are true.
I may be one of the people holding out to see what it's like. Yesterday, the local Hyundai dealer (in suburban Phila.) said that they expect one '06 V6 Sonata to arrive next weekend, but they don't expect any four-cylinder models (which will come from Korea) for at least two more months. The mileage of the V6 will be good, but to me the 3 to 4 MPG gained in the four is significant. (And as for high gas prices, the consensus among oil industry analysts seems to be "Get used to it.")
Apparently, the new Sonatas won't at first have satellite radio, either, which will be a longer wait. It may sound trivial, but I would want my next car to have it, and I would not be happy with an aftermarket unit. So the time span between the availability of a Sonata I'd want to buy and an '07 Camry may not be that long after all.
Usually, with the introduction of a new series Camry, availability is not a problem, and the new model roll-out is not done in dribs and drabs. I remember waiting for the new '92 in September 1991. One week no dealer had one. The next week, there were scads of them.
lets don't forget the mid-cycle changes to the accord. it looks to be more substantial than normal.
way premature to consider the new sonata among the class leaders. it sounds like more bad news for GM though as their new sedans haven't had much of an impact on this segment.
As a Korean, I find that mistake quite insulting. Even more insulting is when Samsung is referred to as a 'Japanese' brand. Its Korean, people.
Thus far, almost all the Sonata 'reviews' I have been seeing all seem to agree that the Sonata is a real contender. In addition, almost all reviews seem to focus more on the important of the Sonata for Hyundai rather than how well the Sonata really drives.
I'm hoping for more thorough reviews soon.
Perhaps Edmunds.com should do a long term test of the Sonata, since it is such a landmark vehicle.
Oh and that is number is increasing everyday (300). I have driven the Sonatas on the test track and I was very impressed with the power and how quiet it is. I think everyone will be impressed.
There's no stopping Hyundai now...and I mean that sincerely. The American people learn rather slowly(be thinking the Hyundai Excel of the late 80's). They are a cautious lot when it comes to cars. Why so many are buying new Chevy Cadavaliers around here(the MidWest)is a large mystery to me, when they could have had a Kia Rio or Hyundai Accent for similar cash. The difference is the superior HyunKia Long-Haul Warranty.
This new Sonata will be a smart purchase for those that buy it. Sit back, crack open a cool tall one and enjoy the success of Hyundai and Kia. I am so glad I left off buying Ford's and switched to Kia.
I'm glad to hear that you do find it insulting (what kind of minimum wage hack wrote that anyway?...) I want all Korean manufacturers to see catching the Japanese mainline manufacturers as a point of national pride. (Same for the Americans, my last two (enjoyable) cars have been Korean and American.)
I won't knock Toyota, they own more and more of the market, but look how far the Japanese big three were ahead of the competition in the early nineties-- now look at how the competition has caught up.
It's nice to hear that all of us Joe Sixpacks are finally going to get the opportunity to drive a Sonata NF within a week or so. I think I'm probably going to stop by Metro Hyundai Thursday night to see if they've gotten one in yet. It's been great reading all the Saturday evening quarterbacking over the past few months, but Sunday afternoon has finally cometh. And though I'm not from MO, I still like to experience things for myself before making any judgements.
The Sonata won't be on my shopping list (my garage is a no slushbox zone), but the new Elantra could be. I just really want to see if this car is as great as all the speculation about it. If it is, that certainly bodes well for the next Hyundais coming down the pike too.
As a current Hyundai owner though, I think what's going to be critical for it going forward is dealer service and I don't think the co. is focusing enough on this. I know I'm not the only one around with horrible experiences in Hyundai service depts. (a guy I work with shares similar stories about his Hyundai shop). In fact, I despise my local dealer so much that I'm going to end up ditching my 02 Elantra earlier than I initially planned not because I don't like the car but because I don't want to deal with it (more specifically Metro, the Horrible) during the higher maintenance stages of its life. That can be a job for the next owner. And I hope that person is much more tolerant than I.
Fortunately for me, my Hyundai has been quite reliable, but the few problems I've had are still there and are still annoying. And it's not for the lack of attempting to get them remedied. So the warranty won't be bringing me back to Hyundai (in my mind there's little difference between a 3/36 where you don't have to throw in a kidney to get the dealer to do a repair and a 5/60 where you do). But value still might. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a deal.
My point? This car has to not only be as good as the current Accord and Camry. It's got to be better. They're pricing it very close to parity, and considering the service picture, resale value and other intangibles such as Hyundai stigma (own one and you'll know what I'm talking about), having a good product isn't enough to make a lot of buyers take the plunge. Minimize the bargain quotient and a lot of prospective Hyundai shoppers are going to be looking very critically at these other aspects of ownership.
Oh, and about that comment re: the Cavalier. Yes, it's a junk box. But having had the "opportunity" to drive all three cars of which you spoke (inc. the Accent and the Rio), I would have to say the Cavalier is the selection I'd make from that unfortunate pool - if forced at gunpoint with no possible chance of escape. Yes, its fit-and-finish are truly Medieval but the powertrain is vastly superior to that of the Rio/Accent twins (unless you find slow and thirsty appealing - I do not).
Missouri where the people seem to think the Cadavalier and Sunfire are nice cars. I looked at my fellow classmates and then workers in the Allied Health field here with quasi-approving glances when they spoke of their love affairs with their Chevy's and Pontiac's. Here it's "ya better love GM products or you're a whiny wimp". Sorry-they're disgusting cars that lack utspah.
As for the topic of this thread, I think this new Hyundai will be a winner. I also think Kia and Hyundai will continue their upward momentum. Dealer networks are important-very important. Mine were/have been good with Kia in both NW Washington state and Missouri, so I'm feeling that they're fine. I realize other's fates may not have been so favorable.
The 06 Sonata V6 LX has arrived in Wheeling WV. Folks this car now puts Hyundai (Sonata) as a major competitor to the Accord, and the Camry. This is no longer a "cheap version" of anything. Hyundai is now a true player in the entry level division......Color me impressed
Kendall Hyundai of Eugene has gotten a 2006 Hyundai Sonata.
The reason why our dealership probably got it quicker is because the importation center for all cars on the west coast (pretty much) from Asia is in Portland, Oregon...It is coincidentally owned by Hyundai.
It's a 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4-cylinder without sunroof. It's white with gray interior. The only option it had was 50-state emissions (which I thought was standard seeing as how it is ULEV or whatever) for $200ish. The grand total (and this dealership doesn't do that whole 'market value adjustment' garbage) on the vehicle was $19,995 including freight. It is a four-cylinder, so it did come from Korea, which it said on the sticker.
I wanted to drive it, but they wouldn't let me because they hadn't run their 'pre-sale inspection' on it. The interior fit and finish looked and felt superb however. The dash layout, which looks somewhat bad in photographs, actually looks pretty snazzy in reality. The gauges look downright artful at a glance. The shifter feels crisp (at least for an automatic). The quality, I would say, from at least a purely touch and caress standpoint, is better than a Toyota Camry, and at least as good as an Accord LX (which is what I compared it to in my mind) or better.
The car is good looking in real life. It does look better than in some photographs I've seen, but I wasn't all that impressed with it. I think it was mostly due to a few nagging problems. First off, the car had no sunroof, which to me looks strange on a car this size. Secondly, it was white. It just does not look good in white...and I like white cars. I would get the dark cinnamon color if I were to buy one. Then, it had the 6-spoke rims, which I think are so tame for a car that could easily look elegant that it took away from the total package. The taillights DO NOT look like an Accord whatsoever. I've said it all along, but it is even more different in real life. They are much sleeker, edgier, and aggressive than they look in photographs.
REPORT CARD:
Design: A- (pretty dang good)
Interior Quality: A- (the plastic on the rear door handles inside looks kind of unpleasant from a distance)
Exterior Quality: A (door handles feel great, and different between lock and unlocked)
Appearance: A (my opinion is best-looking midsize, hands down); this one in particular I would give a C to, white+gray+16" rims+no sunroof=no thank you
Value: B (the car is worth $20 large, but for that much money I would expect at least a sunroof from Hyundai. The car seemed great, but for that much money in this segment there is stiff competition, and although someone like me would buy it, the new model, being as conservative as it is, has nothing extraordinary for customers to fall back on so that they just want the car so much, unlike the old model which had its love-hate styling cues)...perhaps some would say that the safety is the fallback, who knows?
OVERALL I would say that this is a good car. It's not great. With the exception of Nissan's offerings, nothing in the midsize segment is exciting. The Sonata is about as conservative as an Accord. It's more handsome, but it isn't going to get any second looks. Maybe the V6 dual exhaust and 17" rims will change that for me, but I can't tell at this point.
Also, for $20k, and the top of the line LX w/ premium package for $24,300, I would say spring for the extra goodies. That isn't that big of a price jump to the higher up model. On an Accord for an LX, which is about $21-22, the highest end non-hybrid goes for $30 where I live. Want a Sonata? Get an LX.
to South Dakota tomorrow! Final pack up and clean-up is today. MInneapolis-St.Paul is only 484 miles from Pierre. The Pierre locals tell me that South Dakotans are real chummy with Minnesota, like they have some kind of partnership agreement or something. I was getting all sorts of Minnesota sports news while in Pierre last week. Lots of it. Yikes, I'm a Seattle sports fan, too. Back to cars.
Portland, Oregon is probably where Scion's enter the U.S. then, too.
Can't wait to see a '06 Hyundai Sonata on the road! I know it's gonna look good.
We got our first 06 in yesterday. A GLS V6 silver with a moonroof. I will echo mononeo's opinion on the interior. It really looks and feels good inside. The exhaust sounds great. Power is everywhere. Quiet inside and the ride is great. Build quality seems to be as good as anything that I've seen lately from any manufacturer. Call your local dealer and take a drive. You will be impressed.
Is it just me, or is it about time for Hyundai to update the Sonata website? The 06' is hitting stores, and still no build your own, or price info on the website. I really thought they would have a build your own 06' Sonata on Hyundais site by now.
Does anyone know if Hyundai will be offering a loyalty bonus on the new Sonata. Ill be trading in my 02' Sonata for one, and it would sure be nice to get credit for that.
I was surprised by how long it is taking them to update the Sonata page on their website as well. Hyundai needs to unleash a new brand website if they want to be the appealing car company they strive to be. The fact of the matter is that to Americans, a website is an extension of a company just as much as the dealership, and their website just plain sucks. I say they should just plain scrap the whole thing, and get whoever made the 'upcoming models' sites to make their new one. I think that may actually just be the case.
They may wait until the 24/7 product plan is over, however.
As for their TMV price being listed under their actual price, I think that is not surprising. Not because it is a Hyundai, but because of the state of the automotive market right now. Honda, the company that has never issued rebates in its history (instead they do low APRs and leases) has given the Civic a $250 rebate and Accord $600 rebate, if what the CBS Evening News told me was correct. Considering that these cars have rebates, and people will buy them sight-unseen, then it is no surprise the Sonata will go below MRSP.
I think it is fair to say that if you found an 06 Sonata GLS 4-cylinder w/ sunroof, you could get it for $19,500-20,000 even, instead of the almost $21,000 asking price.
The odd thing about the TMV prices being below MSRP is that TMV is supposed to be based on actual selling prices. There aren't any actual selling prices in the U.S. yet, so any TMV posted right now on the Sonata is purely speculation. I really doubt there will be discounts available on the Sonata during the first few weeks, until market demand is determined. If initial sales are soft, then we'll start seeing small discounts, and eventually some rebates (to compete with the big discounts available in many markets on Accords, Camrys, Altimas, and Malibus).
Makes you wonder how accurate TMV really is.. I have always used invoice pricing as a starting point with dealers and it has not failed me for the last three vehicles I have purchased.
I doubt you can get invoice on the 06 Sonata, but who knows six months down the road. When the Tucson first came out in my area, they were going for MSRP or about 1K over invoice. Now you can find them for about 1-2K under invoice in my area. IMHO I would not pay MSRP for a new Sonata knowing that you will most likely be able to pick one up below invoice in six months or so. I have found the same true of Toyota and Nissan, but Honda tends to hold closer to MSRP longer...
Max- Its important to note that the rebate is ON TOP of the factory to dealer incentives of up to about $1200 on Civics, from what I've read. Putting the numbers together, $1450 is about right for a vehicle of that age, and not really all that special.
For all the excitement you intially showed for the Sonata, you really bashed it. I drove and examined the entire vehicle. And to compare it against a LX Accord and say that the Accord is cheaper? Keep in mind you are matching up a 4cyl Accord vs a 6cyl Sonata. The Sonata is atleast $4k cheaper then any comparable vehicle with LIKE options, and it by far, is the nicest midsize I have ever driven. (in comparable price ranges) By the way I have sold...Toyota,Nissan, and Hyundai.
...those savings will automatically go to the consumer...but I do get your point.
And that's still not bad at all considering how old and uncompetitive that generation of Civic really is. Honda REALLY needs to hurry this new Civic out..
But back to the Sonata,
I checked my local dealership last night..NO Sonata for us yet...Hopefully they will be in soon enough.
Comments
This is not a comparisons discussion either. Let's stick to talking about the features and potential merits of the upcoming Sonata. Thanks.
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So, when might I be able to see and drive one of the 06 Sonata's? I hear late May?
well, that would explain a few things.
We all know that Honda, Toyota & Nissan won't stand still and allow Hyundai to pass them by. That doesn't mean the new Sonata won't do well, but like alpha01 said, Hyundai will have to keep the Sonata "fresh" by adding new features. This will result in higher prices eventually since I know Hyundai is interested in making profits like everyone else (except maybe GM).
I hope the new Sonata is a hit since this will be a catalyst for the others to improve their offerings (with a longer standard warranty for example).
now that i want to post on these discussion boards though, krastie-host, i would like to know what the rules are on them so i do not get banned-or at least get a tongue lashing from you haha. where can i get these rules? i thought that 2006 sonata would mean anything dealing with 2006 sonata. is the second part of the name: features and content discussion not showing up for some reason? i use linux, and sometimes this happens. if this is a 2006 sonata discussion, i have some questions about comparing it to my camry, and where is a good place to talk about it kirstan-host?
i cant wait for the new hyundai sonata to come out! i had a 2003 camry and it was stolen and ive been waiting a long time so that i can compare all the new cars and you wouldnt believe how excited i am by the commercials!
"features & content" is not part of the discussion title. However, our topic-oriented discussions are just that - oriented toward the vehicle named in the discussion title.
If you have any questions about our policies or format, please don't hesitate to contact me by e-mail.
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It is the day of the official ceremony for the completion of first plant in the U.S.
I guess lots of 06 Sonatas are already on transporters and ships to see you on that day. What a long week!! :lemon:
For more information about Hyundai's effort and the plant, visit
http://www.hmmausa.com/mediafiles/HNXF-1007-0418.mov
http://www.hmmausa.com/mediafiles/HNXF-1008-0418.mov
http://72.3.164.57/hmma_plant_hq.htm
There is also a two day training course for service currently going on.
I just checked my allocation and I do have 1 2006 Sonata coming in now. We sold 192 Hyundais last month so 1 isn't all that exciting, but they are on their way.
Pros
Ride, Quietness, Instruments/controls, Standard antilock brakes and traction and stability control
Cons
Automatic-transmission performance, Steering/handling (16-inch tires), Small trunk opening
Dynamically Sonata can't match the class-leading Accord. But its power, refinement, available safety features, and value pricing make it a serious midsize contender. Kudos to Hyundai for making curtain side airbags, ABS, and stability control standard on every Sonata, not just more-expensive topline models.
Also note that CG recommends that Sonata lookers also look at the Honda Ridgeline. Huh??
It's obviously an error. I'm looking forward to the CR review.
On another note, this is my first post on Edmunds.com and I must say that this is a fun and informitive format for car/truck/suv enthusiasts to voice their opinions. I may agree or disagree with some of the posts but overall I must say that all of you folks bring a lot to the table. Hyundai is on the rise and it's refreshing to see, as a salesperson, there are good times ahead for a good company that is trying to make a difference.
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AUTO INDUSTRY REPORT: Toyota to speed Camry
Detroit Free Press
May 13, 2005
Toyota Motor Corp., the world's second-largest automaker, is speeding the release of its next Camry sedan by at least six months, aiming to keep it the best-selling U.S. car, three industry analysts familiar with the company's plans said.
The 2007 Camry should arrive at dealers as early as February 2006, said Jim Hall, an analyst with AutoPacific Inc., basing his comments on discussions with Toyota. That would bring the new model to market 4 1/2 years after the current edition's release. Toyota has redesigned the Camry every five years since its 1983 debut and put it on sale around early September each time.
~alpha
I may be one of the people holding out to see what it's like. Yesterday, the local Hyundai dealer (in suburban Phila.) said that they expect one '06 V6 Sonata to arrive next weekend, but they don't expect any four-cylinder models (which will come from Korea) for at least two more months. The mileage of the V6 will be good, but to me the 3 to 4 MPG gained in the four is significant. (And as for high gas prices, the consensus among oil industry analysts seems to be "Get used to it.")
Apparently, the new Sonatas won't at first have satellite radio, either, which will be a longer wait. It may sound trivial, but I would want my next car to have it, and I would not be happy with an aftermarket unit. So the time span between the availability of a Sonata I'd want to buy and an '07 Camry may not be that long after all.
Usually, with the introduction of a new series Camry, availability is not a problem, and the new model roll-out is not done in dribs and drabs. I remember waiting for the new '92 in September 1991. One week no dealer had one. The next week, there were scads of them.
lets don't forget the mid-cycle changes to the accord. it looks to be more substantial than normal.
way premature to consider the new sonata among the class leaders. it sounds like more bad news for GM though as their new sedans haven't had much of an impact on this segment.
Thus far, almost all the Sonata 'reviews' I have been seeing all seem to agree that the Sonata is a real contender. In addition, almost all reviews seem to focus more on the important of the Sonata for Hyundai rather than how well the Sonata really drives.
I'm hoping for more thorough reviews soon.
Perhaps Edmunds.com should do a long term test of the Sonata, since it is such a landmark vehicle.
Thanks
Thanks again
This new Sonata will be a smart purchase for those that buy it. Sit back, crack open a cool tall one and enjoy the success of Hyundai and Kia. I am so glad I left off buying Ford's and switched to Kia.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I won't knock Toyota, they own more and more of the market, but look how far the Japanese big three were ahead of the competition in the early nineties-- now look at how the competition has caught up.
The Sonata won't be on my shopping list (my garage is a no slushbox zone), but the new Elantra could be. I just really want to see if this car is as great as all the speculation about it. If it is, that certainly bodes well for the next Hyundais coming down the pike too.
As a current Hyundai owner though, I think what's going to be critical for it going forward is dealer service and I don't think the co. is focusing enough on this. I know I'm not the only one around with horrible experiences in Hyundai service depts. (a guy I work with shares similar stories about his Hyundai shop). In fact, I despise my local dealer so much that I'm going to end up ditching my 02 Elantra earlier than I initially planned not because I don't like the car but because I don't want to deal with it (more specifically Metro, the Horrible) during the higher maintenance stages of its life. That can be a job for the next owner. And I hope that person is much more tolerant than I.
Fortunately for me, my Hyundai has been quite reliable, but the few problems I've had are still there and are still annoying. And it's not for the lack of attempting to get them remedied. So the warranty won't be bringing me back to Hyundai (in my mind there's little difference between a 3/36 where you don't have to throw in a kidney to get the dealer to do a repair and a 5/60 where you do). But value still might. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a deal.
My point? This car has to not only be as good as the current Accord and Camry. It's got to be better. They're pricing it very close to parity, and considering the service picture, resale value and other intangibles such as Hyundai stigma (own one and you'll know what I'm talking about), having a good product isn't enough to make a lot of buyers take the plunge. Minimize the bargain quotient and a lot of prospective Hyundai shoppers are going to be looking very critically at these other aspects of ownership.
Oh, and about that comment re: the Cavalier. Yes, it's a junk box. But having had the "opportunity" to drive all three cars of which you spoke (inc. the Accent and the Rio), I would have to say the Cavalier is the selection I'd make from that unfortunate pool - if forced at gunpoint with no possible chance of escape. Yes, its fit-and-finish are truly Medieval but the powertrain is vastly superior to that of the Rio/Accent twins (unless you find slow and thirsty appealing - I do not).
As for the topic of this thread, I think this new Hyundai will be a winner. I also think Kia and Hyundai will continue their upward momentum. Dealer networks are important-very important. Mine were/have been good with Kia in both NW Washington state and Missouri, so I'm feeling that they're fine. I realize other's fates may not have been so favorable.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
It's a Korean version of intro-video of 06 Sonata..
All R&D facilities shown on the video are real.. :surprise:
http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/news/driving/story.html?id=9b503dab-0cdd-4c01-- b527-157e6e0522fa
The reason why our dealership probably got it quicker is because the importation center for all cars on the west coast (pretty much) from Asia is in Portland, Oregon...It is coincidentally owned by Hyundai.
It's a 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4-cylinder without sunroof. It's white with gray interior. The only option it had was 50-state emissions (which I thought was standard seeing as how it is ULEV or whatever) for $200ish. The grand total (and this dealership doesn't do that whole 'market value adjustment' garbage) on the vehicle was $19,995 including freight. It is a four-cylinder, so it did come from Korea, which it said on the sticker.
I wanted to drive it, but they wouldn't let me because they hadn't run their 'pre-sale inspection' on it. The interior fit and finish looked and felt superb however. The dash layout, which looks somewhat bad in photographs, actually looks pretty snazzy in reality. The gauges look downright artful at a glance. The shifter feels crisp (at least for an automatic). The quality, I would say, from at least a purely touch and caress standpoint, is better than a Toyota Camry, and at least as good as an Accord LX (which is what I compared it to in my mind) or better.
The car is good looking in real life. It does look better than in some photographs I've seen, but I wasn't all that impressed with it. I think it was mostly due to a few nagging problems. First off, the car had no sunroof, which to me looks strange on a car this size. Secondly, it was white. It just does not look good in white...and I like white cars. I would get the dark cinnamon color if I were to buy one. Then, it had the 6-spoke rims, which I think are so tame for a car that could easily look elegant that it took away from the total package. The taillights DO NOT look like an Accord whatsoever. I've said it all along, but it is even more different in real life. They are much sleeker, edgier, and aggressive than they look in photographs.
REPORT CARD:
Design: A- (pretty dang good)
Interior Quality: A- (the plastic on the rear door handles inside looks kind of unpleasant from a distance)
Exterior Quality: A (door handles feel great, and different between lock and unlocked)
Appearance: A (my opinion is best-looking midsize, hands down); this one in particular I would give a C to, white+gray+16" rims+no sunroof=no thank you
Value: B (the car is worth $20 large, but for that much money I would expect at least a sunroof from Hyundai. The car seemed great, but for that much money in this segment there is stiff competition, and although someone like me would buy it, the new model, being as conservative as it is, has nothing extraordinary for customers to fall back on so that they just want the car so much, unlike the old model which had its love-hate styling cues)...perhaps some would say that the safety is the fallback, who knows?
OVERALL I would say that this is a good car. It's not great. With the exception of Nissan's offerings, nothing in the midsize segment is exciting. The Sonata is about as conservative as an Accord. It's more handsome, but it isn't going to get any second looks. Maybe the V6 dual exhaust and 17" rims will change that for me, but I can't tell at this point.
Also, for $20k, and the top of the line LX w/ premium package for $24,300, I would say spring for the extra goodies. That isn't that big of a price jump to the higher up model. On an Accord for an LX, which is about $21-22, the highest end non-hybrid goes for $30 where I live. Want a Sonata? Get an LX.
Portland, Oregon is probably where Scion's enter the U.S. then, too.
Can't wait to see a '06 Hyundai Sonata on the road! I know it's gonna look good.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Does anyone know if Hyundai will be offering a loyalty bonus on the new Sonata. Ill be trading in my 02' Sonata for one, and it would sure be nice to get credit for that.
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/hyundai/sonata/index.html
I think it's interesting that Edmunds shows the TMV price lower than MSRP, even though no Sonatas have been sold in the U.S. yet.
They may wait until the 24/7 product plan is over, however.
As for their TMV price being listed under their actual price, I think that is not surprising. Not because it is a Hyundai, but because of the state of the automotive market right now. Honda, the company that has never issued rebates in its history (instead they do low APRs and leases) has given the Civic a $250 rebate and Accord $600 rebate, if what the CBS Evening News told me was correct. Considering that these cars have rebates, and people will buy them sight-unseen, then it is no surprise the Sonata will go below MRSP.
I think it is fair to say that if you found an 06 Sonata GLS 4-cylinder w/ sunroof, you could get it for $19,500-20,000 even, instead of the almost $21,000 asking price.
$600 ain't bad on the Accord either, considering the Camry gets $1000 depending on region and the Altima has $1250 cahs back.
Also, what is up with the 16 inch wheels on the Sonata, they are UGLY UGLY UGLY...
They need to get rid of those rims ASAP
I doubt you can get invoice on the 06 Sonata, but who knows six months down the road. When the Tucson first came out in my area, they were going for MSRP or about 1K over invoice. Now you can find them for about 1-2K under invoice in my area. IMHO I would not pay MSRP for a new Sonata knowing that you will most likely be able to pick one up below invoice in six months or so. I have found the same true of Toyota and Nissan, but Honda tends to hold closer to MSRP longer...
~alpha
And that's still not bad at all considering how old and uncompetitive that generation of Civic really is. Honda REALLY needs to hurry this new Civic out..
But back to the Sonata,
I checked my local dealership last night..NO Sonata for us yet...Hopefully they will be in soon enough.