Quality is improving at Hyundai. The evidence comes as soon as you slam the door on the Sonata, which was completely redesigned last year. Gone is the tinny echo we'd grown accustomed to with some vehicles built in Korea, replaced by a solid CACHUNK reminiscent of more expensive European sedans. This Hyundai has a more rigid body structure, a more powerful, smoother engine and suspension that deftly combines decent handling with a smooth ride. Well-equipped with a suggested retail price under $18,000, the Sonata GLS makes a good case for itself.

If there remains a question about the reliability and dependability of its vehicles, Hyundai is trying its best to eliminate it. The company has introduced an ownership program called the Hyundai Advantage that extends the basic warranty to five years or 60,000 miles and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. Sonata's 10-year 100,000 powertrain warranty is among the best available.