Hyundai Sonata 2006-2007

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Comments

  • duckiedduckied Member Posts: 52
    Please go the the Hyundai website, or http://www.hyundaisonata.com/ for more information on the new Sonata. What does everyone think of it's redesigned exterior styling?
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    I think Hyundai has its first possibly class leading vehicle here. It will be interesting to see where pricing comes in, but many many items on this vehicle impress me, not the least of which is STANDARD stability control, ABS, and side curtain airbags.

     

     
    I'd happily take the GLS V6 w/ Premium Sport Package.

     

    Kudos, Hyundai.

     

    ~alpha
  • andyman73andyman73 Member Posts: 322
    I just hope that Hyundai doesn't drop the ball in the power category. The rest of the car is a real hit, IMHO. 245-260hp would be quite competitive, if not class leading.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    I'm a bit turned off that Hyundai/Kia is beginning to get conservative much like the Japanese did ten years ago. New Rio sedan looks bland (although drawing--future hatch???) looks more interesting. Next gen. Elantra--probably better but unless it's a mule looks like a pretty conservative new platform.

     

    Compare that to the next gen Civic, which after several platform changes that barely nudged the marker now looks to be revolutionary.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    3.3L V6 is rated at 237 HP and 228 pounds.

     

    ~alpha
  • ray hray h Member Posts: 120
    Subject to Hyundai's signature 10 hp and 11 ft-lb rating reduction six months after intro?
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    that they are, would not artificially inflate horsepower on the new batch of rigs, including this beautiful new 2006 Sonata. This is one of the most attractive sedans I've seen. Really looks sharp. Anybody know what the 5-speed base model will cost? Wasn't it in the $18,000 range somewhere?

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • smith20smith20 Member Posts: 256
    "Wasn't it in the $18,000 range somewhere?"

     

    Only thing I've seen is an article with company reference to the base (well, I assume because they put it as "a Sonata with stability control, six air bags and other standard equipment", hehe) will be "priced well below $20,000" I think $18,000 fits that description pretty well . . . where did you see/hear that?
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    I do this every time a new Kia or Hyundai model comes out. Because I follow the two brands so closely I get to know their pricing strategies pretty well. I would suspect the 4-cyl. base model will be in the $18,000's somewhere. It should come pretty well stocked at that price, too. We should see the actual figures from Hyundai soon.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • dhyde3dhyde3 Member Posts: 9
    I am a new owner of an outstanding 2004 Sonota. I smile every time I see the commercial for the new redesigned Buick Lacrosse. Touted as "the luxury car you've always dreamed of". It amazes me similar the body styling is to my Sonota. I haven't checked out the Buick sticker price...but I feel I certain that it is much higher than the Sonota sticker.
  • mike91326mike91326 Member Posts: 251
    I saw the 2006 Sonata at the Los Angeles auto show. You could not sit in it but I got close enough to know that I want one (GLS w/3.3L V6 and 5 speed auto trans). A year from now I will give my 01 Elantra to my daughter. I talked to the Hyundai rep and he said they plan to keep the prices of the 2006 in line with the 2005.
  • dolomitedolomite Member Posts: 20
    I originally was planning on getting an 05 Sonata this year for my mom...but with the new comming of the 06 later on this year, I'm gonna hold off on then. I already have Tuscon which already is an incredible vehicle itself. My mom is gonna trade in her Accord for the 06 Sonata....she's definately lookin forward to it...and I'm lookin forward to driving it!
  • alhar1alhar1 Member Posts: 3
    I almost bought an 02 Sonata but just couldn't make the jump from an American car so I settled for a top of the line Taurus SEL. I will be looking hard at the 06 Sonata and the Ford Fusion

    due out in the fall.
  • portknoxxaportknoxxa Member Posts: 69
    I traded in my '02 sonata GLS for an '04 Galant GTS. That Sonata was to bland and boring and the engine was not powerful enough. Seeing the photos of the new Sonata I'm impressed with the styling, but the front looks a little like an Elantra and the rear like an Accord. Hyundai needs to take the inniative and be more innovative and original. The 3.3L(correct me if I'm wrong) 230hp is a huge improvement over the 2.7L. But so far I'm impressed with the '06. Is it me or does the hood appear to have a "power bulge".
  • ray hray h Member Posts: 120
    So, how is the Galant's variation on the Accord theme more exciting? One nice thing about Mitsubishis - they're worth just about as much as equivalent Hyundai models at trade-in time...
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I find extra money in my pocket extremely exciting! ;-)
  • portknoxxaportknoxxa Member Posts: 69
    Resale/Trade-In values do not bother me much. Before my Galant I owned a 96 elantra, 99 elantra, and the '02 Sonata. All were paid for when I traded them in. I'm only concerned with the present which is the incredible driving experience of the GTS. I'm hoping Mitsu will offer Ralliart aftermarket parts for the Galant at dealership level. I'll be there for upgrades. P.S. I've never liked Accords, Camrys, Altimas, or Mazda 6's. There not bad cars just not what I want in terms of styling INT&EXT. Besides when I make my monthly payments I don't have any regrets like I did when I bought my sonata.
  • sbunker65sbunker65 Member Posts: 1
    I am only going to say this once. Be very careful with the car from the american plant. Be patient and let jd powers do its job to tell you the truth. Korea build should be ok. American car should be watched and waited on.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Do you mean the JD Power 90-day survey or the long-term survey, or both?
  • gogophers1gogophers1 Member Posts: 218
    Does anyone know if Hyundai has a build sheet available for the 06 Sonata yet?

     

    By what I've seen so far, I'm very interested. But I suspect, like the old model, you'll have to opt for the slushbox or forego the factory sunroof. I hope I'm mistaken.

     

    Apparently, I'm one of a very small group that hates automatics but cannot live w/o a sunroof. Engine displacement is not my concern (I'm happy so long as I'm not being outpaced by cyclists on uphill grades).
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Check out www.hyundaisonata.com. It looks like it's bad news: only the GLS and LX trim offer a power sunroof option, and those come standard with the automatic. :-(
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Manufacturers tend to think only cheapskates want a manual and only offer it on their lowest models. I like leather and a manual and that can be hard to get.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    It's available, e.g. Accord, Mazda6, Legacy, Camry, and Passat all have leather and moonroof available with a stick shift. And there's also smaller cars like the Elantra GT, Mazda3, and Focus with that combination. Just not the Sonata.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    I want the leather and not the moonroof. Not available in Accord or Legacy. Leather is not available in any Camry with a manual. Not interested in the smaller cars (M6 and Passat are quite a bit smaller than Camry and Accord) - maybe the Focus wagon.

     

    Leather is not a must - just illustrating the difficulty of combining luxury items with a stick.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    That's easy... lots of places to get nice after-market leather. And there are some pretty luxurious cars available with a stick, e.g. Acuras, BMWs, even some Caddys now!
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    I too find it kind of sad that manufacturers aren't offering manual transmissions with the top of the line features in cars today, but you can't really expect them to because manuals just don't sell well in the U.S. anymore.

     

    For example, when I was car shopping this time last, the ONLY midsize 4 door that I could easily find with a manual was the Mazda6. I found a few VW Passat with manuals, but they were GLS models, I think the GLX lost that option last year.

     

    I ended up wanting the Altima the most and I just couldn't find one witha stick, so I took a 2.5S with Conv. Plus pkg and automatic..love it, but wish it was a stick.

     

    Also, someone mentioned the Accord having a V6 with manual combo...yes, the Coupe can be found with a 6spd manual, but the sedan is automatic ONLY. and doesnt' have a manual shift mode either.

     

    The Camry doesn't either...it did with the last generation, but it was only the LEv6, and leather was offered.

     

    Sticks as a hold are just going out of style, and even in sporty cars, you are seeing more automatics. One salesman told me that in a couple of years, we wont see ANY manual midsize sedans...I of course, didn't believe him.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    The salesman might be right, but I think it will take more than a couple of years. With today's autostick technology with 5, 6 or more speeds and "no clutch pedal" electronic manual transmissions that shift with the flick of the shifter, true stick shifts may be dying out except on small cars. And even there they are getting harder to find on lots.

     

    At least the 2006 Sonata will be available with a stick, in a well-equipped form--unless you have to have factory leather and a moonroof. Personally I'm not a fan of leather interiors, and I can live without a moonroof (have only had one in my life, and I do like it but it's not a deal-breaker).

     

    P.S. The Passat GLX is supposed to be available in a stick, but I'll bet few are shipped over here. So much for VW's positioning as a car for enthusiast drivers.
  • danf1danf1 Member Posts: 897
    If you can live with the 4 cyl, you should be able to get a manual with a sunroof. It is available on the 2005. Now actually finding it at a dealer could be difficult.

     

    To give you an idea I have 72 2005 Sonatas in stock. Only three are manuals, and none of them have a sunroof.

     

    Kirstie I am not soliciting, just siting availability examples.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Can you verify for us whether the 2006 Sonata, the topic of this discussion, will or will not have a moonroof and/or leather available with a stick? According to Hyundai's own web site, only the GL can be had with a stick and there don't seem to be any option packages available for the GL with leather or a moonroof. Also have you heard when the 2006's will be arriving at dealers? Thanks.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Leather is available as part of the SE Premium Pkg on the Camry 4 cylinder, which is available with a 5 speed manual. It may not be readily available on dealer lots, but according to the spec sheet, you can get one if you can find a dealer willing to work with you.

     

    ~alpha
  • danf1danf1 Member Posts: 897
    To the best of my knowledge, you can get the moonroof with the stick but not factory leather. The first units should be available in May.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Doesn't the SE only come with a sunroof?
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    I'm not sure I understand your question, but the 'SE Premium Pkg', which includes leather, among other smaller items, is optional on all SE Camrys- whether V6 or 4, and if 4, whether auto or manual. A power moonroof is standard on all SEs, regarless of engine or transmission.

     

    ~alpha
  • gogophers1gogophers1 Member Posts: 218
    From the website, I have to agree with Backy on this. It certainly doesn't appear that you can get the roof with stick on the '06. Danf1, I hope you're right.

     

    Fortunately, I have no problem with the stick only being teamed to the 4 banger. Actually, I'd prefer the 4 to the 6, that way when gas inevitably kisses the $2.50 mark this summer, I won't feel obligated to sell a kidney or give up driving altogether.

     

    The Sonata fell off my list when I was last car shopping (in Dec. 01) because the stick was not available with the roof. I was told at the time it was because those who buy sticks are looking for stripped down models (i.e., no options). Well, apparently not everyone - I was able to get a sunroof in the Elantra and that's got a stick.

     

    What made my last shopping experience so difficult was that I was (and still am) completely inflexible on three items: I won't buy an automatic or a vehicle with leather, yet a factory-installed sunroof is an absolute must-have (plus, I'm picky on color). That's right - I'm every salesman's worst nightmare.

     

    It seems like half the automakers make you opt for the auto if you'd like the power roof, the other half lump it into a "leather package". Quite irritating...

     

    Actually, I really wanted one of the new Subie Outback wagons (with the enormous double-wide sunroof) when they came out earlier last year, but you can't get the roof unless you get the Limited model, which, of course, has leather. Ugh!

     

    All that said, the '06 Sonata looks to be a beautiful car in my eyes - but likely another beautiful car I won't ever be driving.
  • delta4delta4 Member Posts: 138
    Latest 2005 January sales figures have been released and Hyundai's sales are up 10% over 2004! Also take a look at the latest ad Hyundai Motor has released for the Sonata. Granted this may not be meant for the U.S. Market but it definitely makes the newly re-designed Sonata a looker IMO.

     

    http://worldwide.hyundai-motor.com/movie/plaza/ads/nfsonata.mpg
  • shiznanniganshiznannigan Member Posts: 8
    I'm currently stationed in South Korea, and was cought off-guard by the new Sonata when I first saw it a month or two ago. This thing looks GOOD. I didn't really see the Audi A6 styling cues, but I noticed lots of Acura-esque touches. I can't wait to get back to the states and test drive one.
  • claudius753claudius753 Member Posts: 138
    Definatley looks like a nice car. Hopefully it will be selling in the US soon. I would have liked to see the 5 speed auto offered for the 4 cyl model instead of exclusively for the V6 though.

     

    Lets hope the keep fuel economy in a good level too, somewhere on par with the japanese competitors.
  • zupzup Member Posts: 15
    If the 4 cylinder sonata can get a mileage anything like the accord or camry, then there should not be anything to prevent me from buying this wonderful car.
  • thefafthefaf Member Posts: 12
    Maybe sunroof/manual is possible after all. A quote from:

    http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/showfloor/preview2.asp?MODEL_ID=33- 0

    I can't get this link to post properly. Should be ID=330

    "A five-speed manual is standard on four-cylinder GL and GLS sedans, with a four-speed Shiftronic automatic available."

    Hyundai's website doesn't confirm this. Sunroof is available on the GLS.

    Mark
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I'd believe Hyundai's web site before I believe a third-party report on the Web--mistakes are common in such articles.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    backy- dont you think this Sonata looks like the biggest Hyundai Home Run yet? I'm really impressed with this vehicle on paper, and hope the drive confirms my positivity.

    ~alpha
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Defintely. I think it could be the car that finally takes the stigma out of buying a Hyundai. But Hyundai has several new models coming out in the next year. By early 2006 they will have a really strong, almost all-new lineup.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Thats a good thing, because, save for the Tucson, the current Hyundai line up is almost 'all-old'. I know you are a huge Elantra fan, but the vehicle is still selling on value, not a bad thing at all, but most of the vehicles in its class are eclipsing it.

    ~alpha
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I'd rather have an Elantra GT or GLS 5-door than almost any other compact out there, so I don't agree that most of the vehicles in its class have eclipsed it. The Mazda3 has, but it's far more costly. And an all-new Elantra is due later this year.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    new Sonata for 2006. I happened to catch an article from the St.Louis Post-Dispatch on this new offering from Hyundai. Here's some random notes. It will be two inches longer and two inches taller than the old Sonata. It will be roomier in every way. It is now designated a "large car" by the EPA, they base those designation decisions based on the rig's interior room, not exterior size.

    He notes that the "Mercedes C-Class" headlamps are gone that were on the old Sonata(I agree, I initially liked them but not after seeing the car in person).

    Here's where this car is unique(besides it's great handsome front and rear styling). This new car has six airbags(dual front, front side and front/rear side curtain), electronic brake force distribution, stability control and traction control. The car will have all of that for under $20,000!!

    The stability control will help watch fishtailing, plowing(understeer)and lateral slide by braking individual wheels to assist in bringing the car back in line with driver intent. The Sonata will be the first car under $20,000 to offer all that safety as standard equipment. Remember how cool this rig looks while you ponder that!

    As for power, the offerings will be a 2.4 liter, 160 hp I-4 or a 3.3 liter, 220hp V-6. The former can mate to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The latter gets a 5-speed automatic only.

    More standard equipment on the base GL will be MP3/CD sound equipment, power W/L/M's, 16-inch wheels, air and cruise control. The GLS and LX models add to that.

    Here's production news: it will begin next month at Hyundai's new U.S. plant in Montgomery, Alabama. No information was given as to when it will hit stores here. Looks really sharp, eh?

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • shado4shado4 Member Posts: 287
    Actually, per the 2006 Hyundai Sonata website, the V6 engine is rated at 237hp. That makes it really competitive with the 240hp+ offerings from the Japanese makes. Wonder when Ford will get the big picture? The upcoming Fusion's 203hp V6 looks somewhat lame compared to the Sonata's specs.

    The new Sonata looks really sharp, and should go a long way to improving Hyundai's presence in the North American market. It is one of the vehicles I am considering to replace my 2002 Elantra GT sometime in the next year or so.
  • gogophers1gogophers1 Member Posts: 218
    I suspect the V6 in the Fusion will be quite comparable to the V6 in the Sonata. It should have better mileage (an important factor considering gas is likely to pass $2.50/gallon in most of the US this summer) and similar, if not quicker, acceleration times due to the extra cog in the transmission (6spd vs. 5spd auto).

    Both of these cars are on my shopping list (likely to replace my 02 Elantra in the next year), time will tell which will suit me better - just don't know until I get the opportunity to examine both up close and drive them. That said, I'll only be looking at the 4cyl. versions - I need the stick shift.
  • shado4shado4 Member Posts: 287
    The Fusion is one of the other cars I am considering to replace my Elantra. It looks nice enough, but again, on paper, it seems as if Ford is not being really competitive in the segment.

    It's all about perception. When I read that the Fusion's V6 engine will produce "only" 203hp, it makes me a bit concerned about performance. True, until I actually drive one, what is printed on paper should be taken with a grain of salt. But still, it is difficult to ignore the printed word. In many cases what you see in print can enforce preconceived notions about a car.

    The Ford Five Hundred is a perfect example. The March issue of Car and Driver tested an AWD Limited, timing the 0-60 run in 8 seconds. In my book, that's decent performance from a large car. Yet in the title of their article, Car and Driver states that the Five Hundred has "room enough to be a cop car, but not enough motor." I've seen similar articles from other automotive sources dissing the Five Hundred for its lack of power. This "bad" press could be having an impact on sales, because of the perceived notion that the Five Hundred is underpowered even though it really isn't.

    Will the same scenario happen to the Fusion? I don't know, but it doesn't help that the car is coming into the market with a disadvantage in printed horsepower compared to its competition. The new Sonata is taking advantage of the numbers game right from the start, and that may be enough to sway potential buyers to consider the Hyundai even if it initially wasn't on their radar screen.

    Yes, many Americans are willing to choose one car over another in the same class based solely on engine specs! Who knows, I might be one of them ;)
  • gogophers1gogophers1 Member Posts: 218
    It's interesting you bring that up, Shado. It's these notions that almost prevented me from buying my current car, a 2002 Elantra back in late '01 - a car that, despite an intermittent wheel shimmy, has more than exceeded my expectations. But I almost spent an additional $8K for a VW Jetta 1.8T at the time because of all the preconceived notions I had about Hyundai quality. There was at the time, and still is to some degree, a "Hyundai Stigma."

    I read the article on the 500 AWD too, and was likewise confounded. 0-60 in 8 secs. just doesn't seem slow to me. Of course, my Elantra with a 5spd takes somewhere around 9 secs., and I've never really felt there was a power shortage - even when I was moving back from Spokane and had it packed to the roof with stuff and headed up into the Rockies.

    I test-drove a FWD Montego with the 6spd auto a few months back, and that felt plenty quick to me. Ultimately, you've got to separate the numbers and notions from actual performance. My Elantra has been very reliable, no matter what others may "feel" about Hyundai reliability. And 0-60 in 8 seconds is "fast" IMO for a heavy full-size car with AWD. I think the auto journalists might not be so harsh on the Fusion and Milan (vs. the 500/Montego) as they will likely be about 400 pounds lighter.

    If performance in terms of acceleration is your game, you can't just single out one number - horsepower. You've got to include gear ratios and curb weight too. We know the Sonata won't have as favorable gearing with the 5spd as the Fusion with 6 cogs, but I'd also be willing to bet the Sonata will tip the scales at a couple hundred pounds more. Time will tell which will be the better performing car, but I'm guessing the Ford will be slightly quicker than the Hyundai. Keeping with precedence, I suspect the Ford will have better steering feel (a very important part of performance IMO that cannot be easily measured) than the Hyundai as well.

    That said, which V6 is a half-second faster 0-60 is much less of a concern to me (I'll only be looking at the 4cyl versions anyway) than steering feel (I don't care for the numbness in my Elantra), fuel economy, option availability and purchase price.

    Everyone's got their own "thing", but I think you're cheating yourself by playing the numbers and notions game.
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