2006 Hyundai Sonata Review
All-new mid-size sedan is a compelling buy.
2006 Sonata Review Summary & Specifications
The all-new 2006 Hyundai Sonata is a giant step up for Hyundai, moving the brand closer to Honda, Toyota and Nissan, and contesting for buyers considering Ford and Chevrolet. There's nothing unique or especially exciting about driving the new Sonata, save for the fact it's a Hyundai. By that yardstick, and what that portends for shoppers in the class, it's a blast.New Car Test Drive correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from San Francisco.
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| Vehicle Category | Midsize Cars |
| Editor | Tom Lankard |
| Model Lineup | Hyundai Sonata GL ($17,895); GLS ($19,395); GLS V6 ($20,895); LX ($22,895) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.3-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Engines (optional) | 2.4-liter double overhead cam 16-valve inline-4; 3.3-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed Shiftronic automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 4-speed Shiftronic automatic; 5-speed Shiftronic automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | driver and front-seat passenger dual-stage frontal airbags; front-seat side-impact airbags; front- and rear-seat side curtain airbags; electronic stability control with traction control; antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution; front-seat active head restraints; 3-point seatbelts at all five seating positions; child safety seat anchors (LATCH) |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | none |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Montgomery, Alabama |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-826-2277 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.hyundaiusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 17895 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 ($20,895) |
| Standard Equipment | air conditioning; power locks, outside mirrors and windows; cruise control; AM/FM/CD/MP3 six-speaker stereo; tilt steering wheel; remote keyless entry; trip computer |
| Destination Charge | 600 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Premium Sport Package ($1500) includes 17-inch alloy wheels, power tilt/slide glass sunroof, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, HomeLink programmable garage door/security system remote, compass, 8-way power driver's seat |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 22995 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 235 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 226 @ 3500 |
| Fuel Economy | 20/30 |
| Wheelbase | 107.4 |
| Length/Width/Height | 188.9/72.1/58.0 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 35.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.1/55.5/43.7 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.2/55.3/37.4 |
| Trunk Volume | 16.3 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 2000 |
| Front Suspension | independent, double wishbone, coil springs, twin-tube gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, multi-link, coil springs, twin-tube gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Ground Clearance | 6.3 |
| Curb Weight | 3458 |
| Stock Tires | P225/50R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS and EBD |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.7 |
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