Some vehicles just seem to be staples. Honda's Accord fits that bill. So does Toyota's Camry that formed half of the one-two, Honda-Toyota punch that pushed aside Ford's Taurus from first-place ranking several years ago.

With Hyundai now claiming fourth spot among import auto companies selling in the U.S., add to the list of stalwart nameplates that of Hyundai's five-passenger Sonata. It's the auto now a tradition among many price-conscious sedan buyers in the highly contested midsize class. Hyundai touts the 2004 Sonata as "world-class" with a downsized pricetag and the "Hyundai Advantage," its name for what it calls America's longest and best new vehicle warranty.

Hyundai has brought sophistication to the Sonata's aggressive styling, with contemporary headlamps and a smooth, authoritative face touched by bright metal and a classic waterfall grille. Interiors are inviting, but not opulent. But with three well-appointed trim levels to choose from on this unchanged model, there's no quibbling about Sonata's value pricing claim.

Accessories that are add-ons with many competitors' sedans remain standard on Sonata. All include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, keyless entry and alarm, quartz clock and sound system with CD. Even fog lamps are included on all models. Safety features include side impact airbags and optional antilock brakes. A leather interior comes on the upscale LX model along with power driver's seat and automatic temperature control. A moonroof is optional.

Sonata adds a 2.4-liter, transverse-mounted I-4 and the same 2.7 liter V-6 used for the Santa Fe SUV as powerplants, depending on model. Although not performance-oriented, both are suitable for long, comfortable highway drives with plenty of supplies in tow. That's all made easier to pack for with the wide-opening, link-type hinged trunk lid.