When Jaguar meets Wal-mart. Review on Hyundai Sonata

This review is based on the top of the line GLX V6 Sonata. Your equipment levels may be different.

Intro / Background

Back in 2002 Hyundai introduced the Sonata and instantly it became apparent that styling and value were the traits the Korean auto giant were banking on to drive sales. What came out was a car that bore an alarming similarity to the Jaguar S-type, and featured just as much standard equipment, all at a price that put it's fully loaded V6 in stomping range of the de facto segment leaders, the Camry and Accord in their 4 cylinder versions.

First Impressions

Like I said before, it's a good looking car by all accounts, and doubly so if you are into Jaguars. The interior is not unpleasant either, with simulated woodgrain trim and nice clean lines and simple controls.

Exterior features

Standard equipment includes fog lamps (very useful in foggy north atlantic conditions and standard on all V6 trims), alloy wheels wrapped with 16'' Michelins that are pretty good in the wet, heated power mirros (even on base models) and a sunroof.

Engine

Remember the Hyundai Pony or the Hyundai Stellar? This is the one aspect where the family lineage still hasn't faded away. While there isn't anything wrong with either the 2.0 4-cylinder or the 2.7 V6 they aren't the best of engines. Power isn't quite comparable to the competition and neither is refinement. But if you think about it from the angle that you're getting a V6 for the price of a I-4 you aren't missing anything. This after all is a family car / junior executive sedan and not some fire-breathing coupe. The transmission comes with ''tiptronic'' ability, which takes some of the dull edge off and gives you a chance to play with your car when the moment arises.

Interior

Leather interior is standard on the GLX, as are heated seats (making the morning drive so much bearable when it's -20C outside), auto climate control, a better than average CD & casette player (now with MP3), power locks and power seats. That's more standard equipment than an Audi A4 or Mercedes C-class!!!

Value

The Sonata starts at around Cdn $23,000 and most are around the $25,000 mark (US$ 20,000). By comparison Honda and Toyota price their offerings a few thousands dollars higher (a fully loaded Camry is about $7,000 more).

Verdict

The Hyundai is a great car! Yes, I said Hyundai and great car in the same sentence without using a negative. Early critics commented on build quality and resale value. But now with a new model on the verge of introduction the Auto journalists Assn. of Canada (aka AJAC) has acutally voted this the ''Most Reliable car of 2005''. And for resale - you got a break on the price, so enjoy it and don't whine when you get a couple of hundred dollars less after you've enjoyed your car.