Hyundai Sonata vs. Honda Accord vs. Toyota Camry vs. Ford Fusion
Now that the 2005 Sonata has been out for a good month and change, i think this comparison makes sense.
I have driven all three cars recently since i'm planning to buy a new family car and all three cars are very good to be qualified as genuine family cars(quiet, quality and not overly sporty(no offense mazda 6 or altima owners)) but after making my analysis i have my mind only on one unless otherwise. I would also like to hear your compararo analysis which will help me with my decision.
Styling : Sonata
Elantra + Audi A6 = Sonata. Hyundai even has admitted they borrowed many cues from the Audi, i even tend to believe this car would make Audi proud. Very clean, classy and will age very well. Honda looks ok, some design cues don't work together very well. Same goes for the Camry, and i hate it how the wheels look so small on this car. Not very tasteful
Interior: Sonata
The layout was very good, good materials, alot more room and comapared to the accord or camry, has a more airy classy feel to it. Sonata was slightly more quieter on idle and while driving, but all three cars are pretty quiet in general. Accord has a more sporty appeal, but felt like it was tight compared to the sonata or camry. Camry feels roomy, and even though the interior is of high quality, there is no class about it.
Engine : Accord 4 cylinder
Fantastic engine that feels like has an added turbo, that kicks in when needed. Smooth revving and a great transmission to go along with it. Camry pulls well but nothing fancy nor does it have any extra juice, but all the time driving it , i thought about the engine, i thought about quality. Sonata has the same feel as the camry. Honda wins
Driving: Even
All three cars are very good in absorbing bumps and are quiet. Camry though has a numb center that bothered me little while driving on the 70 zone. Accords engine made straight driving a pleasure, and the sonata's added quietness made me feel as i was driving a much more expensive car. essentially no outside noise or engine vibrations could be heard
Handling: Sonata
Accords handing is good, but it lacks the elastic feel on its steering. The turning is a little absurb and too eager to please. Camry has the worst handling out of the three, and i just felt really nervous especially if a quick lane change was needed for some reason. Sonata's steering is a little light, but when u try to make a quick change it does not disappoint. I was frankly amazed how composed it was when changing lanes even though on standstill doesn't feel like it has any athletic abilities. I personally liked the way they designed it this way, and has a poor mans mazda 6 steering feel.
Intaginbles: Sonata
More room, more equipment and a large trunk. Accord doesn't have much of an intaginble unless the H emblem means something and the Camry has the biggest trunk out of three and also feels roomy. But the sonata i think did some more homework, and put alot more effort in general.
Price: Sonata
even with the rebates offered for the Accord or Camry, sonata still was over a grand cheaper and had more bells and whistles that came with it. Better value for a car on such par with the accord or camry.
So basically in my analysis the sonata is the winner. The accords heart, its engine is a teaser, but everything else about it turns me off. Camry's steering feel scares me in general, but it is a nice family car for those who like to take their time driving. I have heard about the mid cycle changes happening soon for both Accord and Camry, and when asking the sales man about changes to the car other then exterior and interior look and some extra add ons, everything else(like driving dynamics, engine etc) will stay the same. I'm thinking about the silver Sonata 4 cylinder with 17 inch rims option for it. I welcome any other analysis
I have driven all three cars recently since i'm planning to buy a new family car and all three cars are very good to be qualified as genuine family cars(quiet, quality and not overly sporty(no offense mazda 6 or altima owners)) but after making my analysis i have my mind only on one unless otherwise. I would also like to hear your compararo analysis which will help me with my decision.
Styling : Sonata
Elantra + Audi A6 = Sonata. Hyundai even has admitted they borrowed many cues from the Audi, i even tend to believe this car would make Audi proud. Very clean, classy and will age very well. Honda looks ok, some design cues don't work together very well. Same goes for the Camry, and i hate it how the wheels look so small on this car. Not very tasteful
Interior: Sonata
The layout was very good, good materials, alot more room and comapared to the accord or camry, has a more airy classy feel to it. Sonata was slightly more quieter on idle and while driving, but all three cars are pretty quiet in general. Accord has a more sporty appeal, but felt like it was tight compared to the sonata or camry. Camry feels roomy, and even though the interior is of high quality, there is no class about it.
Engine : Accord 4 cylinder
Fantastic engine that feels like has an added turbo, that kicks in when needed. Smooth revving and a great transmission to go along with it. Camry pulls well but nothing fancy nor does it have any extra juice, but all the time driving it , i thought about the engine, i thought about quality. Sonata has the same feel as the camry. Honda wins
Driving: Even
All three cars are very good in absorbing bumps and are quiet. Camry though has a numb center that bothered me little while driving on the 70 zone. Accords engine made straight driving a pleasure, and the sonata's added quietness made me feel as i was driving a much more expensive car. essentially no outside noise or engine vibrations could be heard
Handling: Sonata
Accords handing is good, but it lacks the elastic feel on its steering. The turning is a little absurb and too eager to please. Camry has the worst handling out of the three, and i just felt really nervous especially if a quick lane change was needed for some reason. Sonata's steering is a little light, but when u try to make a quick change it does not disappoint. I was frankly amazed how composed it was when changing lanes even though on standstill doesn't feel like it has any athletic abilities. I personally liked the way they designed it this way, and has a poor mans mazda 6 steering feel.
Intaginbles: Sonata
More room, more equipment and a large trunk. Accord doesn't have much of an intaginble unless the H emblem means something and the Camry has the biggest trunk out of three and also feels roomy. But the sonata i think did some more homework, and put alot more effort in general.
Price: Sonata
even with the rebates offered for the Accord or Camry, sonata still was over a grand cheaper and had more bells and whistles that came with it. Better value for a car on such par with the accord or camry.
So basically in my analysis the sonata is the winner. The accords heart, its engine is a teaser, but everything else about it turns me off. Camry's steering feel scares me in general, but it is a nice family car for those who like to take their time driving. I have heard about the mid cycle changes happening soon for both Accord and Camry, and when asking the sales man about changes to the car other then exterior and interior look and some extra add ons, everything else(like driving dynamics, engine etc) will stay the same. I'm thinking about the silver Sonata 4 cylinder with 17 inch rims option for it. I welcome any other analysis
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Comments
Snaking through the pylons as quickly as I could, I found the Sonata LX, with its V6 and well programmed stability control, the easiest to pilot, and the most forgiving. The steering is well weighted and the 17 inch tires provided good grip. The steering didnt feel particularly quick, however, and body roll was less contained than in the Accord.
The Accord easily provided the best steering feel, with good feedback and sharp response. BUT- even having driven the Accord three times around the same track, I really didnt feel as confident. Without any available stability system, it felt too easy to break tire adhesion and rotate the rear end. The tires were unimpressive and the car felt as if it 'slid' around the course more than it did feel as if it was negotiating it.
The Camry XLE V6 surprised me. I thought it was going to feel like a barge, but decent tire grip and the VSC (which beeps very annoyingly when activated) helped me cut clean lines. The steering is more similar to the Sonata's than the Accord, but the VSC is more intrusive than in the Sonata (which is typical of Toyota systems). It was not sporty, but it felt more reassuring than the Accord.
In terms of acceleration, the Accord literally LEAPS off the line. The Sonata is similar, but subjectively, it felt like the Accord might beat it by a few ticks through the quarter. The 210 horse Camry didnt slingshot out of the gates like the other two, but it felt plenty strong, and theres a new Camry around the corner in 9 months. (Plus, theres the 225 horse variant that wasnt at the test drive).
Braking would seem to go to the Sonata, IMO, with decent but not outstanding pedal feel but what felt like plenty of stopping power. The Accord's pedal is outstanding, but of the three vehicles, it felt as though it had the LEAST raw braking power.... ie.. I got the impression it would stop last. The Camry's pedal is softish at the beginning of its travel.
I found it amusing that twice I had to abort driving agressively because the folks in front of me were driving so slow that I caught up to them. For the rest of you who attend this event, HAVE FUN! You can be gentle when you buy the car, lol.
I also drove the Sonata GL 4cylinder around a course that did not feature a competitor. It was fine, but really, the V6 is such a gem in refinement and power that I really cant see purchasing the 4. Around the cones, it had noticeably more limited tire grip than the LX, and I found the 4 speed transmission easily perplexed when I nailed the accelerator, as compared to the V6's 5 speed.
I dont believe that this 4 cylinder would clock times like the Altima or Accord 4s, perhaps maybe on par with the Camry, but even in the Camry I can get the tires to bark off the line without brake torqueing. (And yes, I know the Sonata has TC, but it didnt activate on the start).
Thats all the time I have now, but I'll post my impressions on interior and room based on my dealership test drive shortly. Overall, this is a winner among the mainstream sedans, IMO, but moreso in V6 guise. The 4 cylinder is good, but it doesnt stand out as does the 3.3L.
~alpha
If I was in the market for the Sonata V6, I would wait at least 7-12 months (new plant, new model, new engine, etc.). Also by that time, the new Camry and better deals will be available. If I was in market for the 4-cylinder and didn't mind Hyundai's omission of folding-mirrors (like we do), I would go for it, but based on Alpha's review, the 4-cylinder appears to fall short in some areas so the V6 may be the one to get.
~bklynguy
FWIW, I didnt say or intend to imply that the 4 cylinder falls short. It is definitely ON PAR with the 4 cylinder Camrys and Accords that Ive driven. However, it isnt necessarily the huge leap forward that the V6 is.
Best value, IMO, is the GLS V6 w/ Premium Sport Pkg.
~alpha
but i assume this they added traction , stability and all these extra airbags, the company is taking safety features very seriously. Crash testing could be expected to be above average to stellar
I have heard good things about the 2006 model but I prefer the styling of the 2005 over the 2006...
Bob
All but 200 or so miles were on I-95 (or off shoots). Once I got on the Garden State Parkway in NJ, I encountered curves, hills, stop & go, congested toll booths with idiots cris crossing from lane to lane.
What trim level was your rental car? When you were on the winding roads did you keep your speed to near the speed limit?
I read the C&D review that praised the '06 extensively, so it loks like Hyundai is making strides. I'm pulling for them to add more good competition and keep the Japanese companies on their toes.
My GLS SV handles well but it does not handle like a car with a sport handling package. The car rides so well on the highway that it is easy to be going faster than I realize. Going into an exit ramp at 20+ MPH over the ramp's posted speed can be adventurous!
It seems the Sonata lovers are posting twice, once in each thread.
I wish the new 2006 Sonata well, but time and long term relaibility are unknonw and will be the telling factors.
6-speed 2005 Accord Coupe,
MidCow
In regards to your comments...I personally dont feel that the Altima and 6, Altima in particular, handles better than the Accord, for example. And the 6 doesnt offer more power than the Accord, and Im not certain that the Altima does either.... its 175 horse 4 and 250 horse V6 HAVE NOT been rerated according to the more stringently define SAE ratings of 08/04.
Have you actually driven a Malibu V6? Sure, its not sporty, but its a competitve American entry, with good room, power, ride, efficiency, ergonomics, crash scores, and its pretty cheap. Its pushrod engine isnt the most refined, but its interior is at LEAST on par with the Nissans.
~alpha
If you haven't made a decision yet and still want a 2006 Sonata with under 3,000 miles, I'll give you a deal and go buy a Honda.
I heard the V6 is still best when sonata is concerned. Can you tell me how is your engine? Planning to get one and appreciate your feedback.
TQ
EPC
Toyota, Honda inflated claims of engine muscle; new tests force automakers to come clean with buyers.
On the other hand, companies like GM are restating HP figures for only those engines that either stay at the same level, or increase, since restating is optional as of date.
http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_sae_adopts_new/
There've been other odd things over the years. '75 Firebird V8 was a sled, '90 somthing Firebird V6 would kill the '75 350 CID V8. All manufacturers have improved, attaining better performance and better gas milage than not that many years ago.
I am not sure if this information is correct, but I read (in C&D forums) that Mazda was hit badly by the new ratings to.
We own a 1999 Accord EX V6 and have had absolutely no problems in 5 years. It gives us a combined gas mileage of 21mpg. We expect that a 2005 or 2006 model would be an improvement over that, but we cannot afford to buy the same model new car, and are considering the Hyundai V6. However, the owner-reported actual gas mileage for the Hyundai does not seem to be that great.
Can anybody else report on their Hyundai V6 gas mileage?
--n
Personally, Im not a fan of edmunds.com comparison tests, but I thought this one was well done (The more cars tested, it seems, the more trouble edmunds has writing a credible review, free of factual errors, etc.)
~alpha
My '03 Sonata V-6 was rated by the EPA to deliver 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway. At nearly 16,000 miles clocked, I'm getting 22+ mpg city/31 mpg highway. The '06 Sonata V-6s are rated (I believe) by the EPA at 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway. Once broken in, they should do a bit better than their EPA ratings which are on the conservative side.
If you were to give me a choice between the Camry and Sonata. I would go for the Sonata. But if you were to give me a choice between the Accord and Sonata I would go for the Accord.
"If you were to give me a choice between the Camry and Sonata. I would go for the Sonata. But if you were to give me a choice between the Accord and Sonata I would go for the Accord. "
Number 1: Accord
Number 2: Sonata
Number 3: Camry
Is that was you are saying ? If so, I would tend to agree.
MidCow
The car simply reeks of intelligent design and carefully calculated choices. For example some of the interior trim may not be as fancy as a Lexus but the engine is right up there. Frankly I would rather pay for that. The interior room is great--it swallowed my wife & three kids (10, 8, & 5) with no problem.
At the price point where its at its untouchable. I shopped it very carefully against the 2005 Accord and Camry Solara and cost was not the main issue....value was. I am delighted with my choice.
I am also not sure about trouble free driving with Sonata's as Honda's and Toyota's can run trouble free for years though Sonata has 10 years warranty.
1. No one seems to have mentioned so far that the insurance on the Sonata is higher than either the Accord or the Camry. For me it was 10 bucks a month difference. Not a huge problem, but for some drivers in certain parts of the country the differences may be greater.
Couple that with the higher gas usage (assuming you get the V6 [because there are no real great reviews of the 4]) and the Sonata is just more expensive to drive every month.
2. Maybe its just me, but the radio is just plain ugly. I know the Accord has its own oddities with the volume control between the AC, but it is no where near as sad to look at as the Sonata. Maybe that's just petty, but I couldn't look at that thing every day for the next few years.
3. The ding. Maybe its a safety thing, but the seatbelt off reminder is sooo painful, and does not stop.
In sum, I'm not against the Hyundai at all, my wife drives a Tucson and loves it and I wish them only the best. Maybe a year or two out when the little bugs are worked out and the cosmetics have changed I'll trade out my Accord, but until then I'm plenty happy in a very reliable, comfortable ride that is still very safe.
I guess resale values are much higher for toyotas and hondas compare to Hyundai and when you do want to sell them you will have tough time finding a buyer.
(And if, per chance, I ever do witness such a spectacle, I expect the audio system will be drowned out by streetside laughter.)
Actually, I laugh every time I see a tricked out Honda, or any other Asian compact "boy racer" car. There are plenty of other stock vehicles that could blow their doors off!
There are certainly some glitches in the 2006 Sonata design, but I think Hyundai will iron them out very quickly. Place more radio controls on the steering wheel, move the rear speakers from the rear doors to the parcel shelf, make the power driver's seat standard (all as per Camry LE), as well as some mechanical/suspension tweaks and I think Hyundai will have a serious competitor. Given a first year car, Sonata is an excellent product, and will only get better with time. Both Honda and Toyota should be concerned with the direction of the Korean car companies.
Come to think of it, I also get a big kick at all the vehicles with giant wheels, spinner wheel covers, etc. I just don't get it. A serious waste of money . . ., and they just look hilarious.