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Looking for a high quality, full featured mid size vehicle made in America that won't break your budget? Check out the new 2006 Hyundai Sonata. Wait just a minute, wasn't Hyundai the cheap Korean car we all made fun of just a few years ago? Well, just like the ugly duckling geek we knew in high school that transformed into fashion model material, Hyundai is all grown up now. And when I say, grown up, I mean grown up. The all-new 2006 Hyundai Sonata is a "must drive" choice for anyone looking for a new mid-size sedan. If you like the Honda Accord you will love the new 2006 Hyundai Sonata. My test drive for the week was the up-scale LX package with the all-new 3.3 liter V6. Immediately the 2006 Hyundai Sonata grabs your attention by the collar and shakes you into the reality that this is a serious contender for the best mid size sedan under $30.000. Under $30,000? The full Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price for my loaded test car was only $23,495 and prices for the base model start at only $17,895! Any car in this class draws an immediate comparison to the always-popular Honda Accord. But in most every area of comparison the 2006 Hyundai Sonata wins. Accord V6 claims a 5 hp advantage over the Sonata's 235 horsepower but looses 14 lb. ft. of torque making the 3.3L DOHC 24 valve CVVT Hyundai engine feel more responsive and impressive. Extremely smooth and responsive it is fitted with a money saving, maintenance free, steel timing chain and hydraulic motor mounts for silent operation. Ultra low emissions and 20 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon in the highway gives the driver not only power to satisfy, but knowledge that you are saving the environment and your cash all at the same time. This superior attention to detail is found throughout the vehicle. The exterior is a modern trim interpretation of the sport sedan. From the dual chrome-tipped exhaust found on the V-6 version to the jeweled projector-lens headlights this 2006 Hyundai Sonata leaves the impression of status and value far beyond its price. And yes it does look a lot like a Honda Accord. Sporting the largest interior in the class my 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX was covered with rich leather seating surfaces including the ever-popular heated seat feature. Front seat are fitted with active head restraints for safety and additional whiplash protection. Standard air bags include six separate passive restraints including both side and curtain bags. ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) both help you avoid an accident in the first place. This is a tough market. The mid size sport sedan segment is one of the most competitive segment in the automotive market. It's the bread and butter vehicle that defines a company marquee even better than some unaffordable "halo car". This is the vehicle that people actually buy and drive. So it is extremely important for Hyundai to produce a car in this segment that actually competes with the Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu and Volkswagen Jetta. Hyundai has been phenomenally successful but for Hyundai to take their business to the next level they had to step out of the impression that they were just a value priced economy import like Suzuki. Investing $1.1 billion in their new state of the art manufacturing plant in Montgomery Alabama was a big step. The 2006 Hyundai Sonata is the first vehicle to be produced at this massive facility capable of producing 300,000 cars and employing 2,000 American workers. In order to do this, Hyundai had to improve quality in fit, finish, styling, room and safety. How did they do? In my opinion the 2006 Hyundai Sonata is a winner. Before you buy any other mid size sedan, drive this newest American made machine.
2006 Hyundai Sonata LX V6 Front wheel Drive Sport Sedan 3.3 Liter 3.3L DOHC 24 valve CVVT V-6 Engine
5/60 Bumper to Bumper Warranty
20/30 MPG $23,495 MSRP Additional Web only Information and Resources For Additional Reviews: |
©2005 - Stan Risener