2007 Hyundai Sonata Review: All Business, All Pleasure
Whether you prefer vegetables, beef, or pork there is one thing that is indisputably universal – the favorable position held by Japanese automakers is gradually being usurped by Korean upstart Hyundai. Since its complete redesign in 2006, the Hyundai Sonata is able to directly compete with the Audi A6, Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.
 |
The 2007 Hyundai Sonata is an exceptional car. Made in Alabama, the vehicle is available in three trims, has a MSRP ranging from $17,195 – $22,995, and averages 24/34 mpg. If you are contemplating adding the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, or the Chevy Malibu to your repertoire we suggest taking the 2007 Sonata for a spin. Logo aside, in a blindfold test you'll be hard pressed to tell the difference between the new Sonata and its more expensive Japanese/European counterparts. One of the main attractions of the 2007 Sonata is the anti-branding of not having a badge linked to your identity.
Form meets function in the Sonata. As you walk around the car, you’ll notice the fascia takes a minimalist approach in design. The clean and unembellished lines, sharp angled headlights, and clean-cut grill follow classic Bauhaus tradition. The side treatment avoids the “boxy” wedge common to the Accord and the Camry, and the Sonata’s extended C-pillars slope gently giving the car a more robust, curvy profile. The tail picks up the brash look of the front and has an elegant trapezoidal area for the license plate. The 2007 Sonata is a pragmatic car, offering a pot full of sophistication for a lot less money than other cars in its class.
 |
Doors that close with a “thunk,” and an opulent interior will make you believe you're inside an expensive German saloon like the BMW 3 Series -- something we did'nt anticipate in the 2007 Sonata. But truth be told, the interior of the Sonata is a welcome reprieve from the sameness that is part of the family sedan, minivan market. As you step inside, the supportive 8-way adjustable front seats, spacious cabin, and the luxurious faux wood trim is a pleasant surprise.
The 2007 Sonata is also 2 inches longer and 2 inches taller than the previous model. It has a wider stance than the new Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and the 2007 Toyota Camry. Not only does the Sonata feel spacious to sit in, it feels well put together. The dashboard and door panels are ergonomically designed and covered with soft-touch materials making it feel more cosmopolitan, more exclusive. Additionally, the comfortable rear seats have more space to accommodate taller adults.
All work and no play is not what the Sonata is about. The car handles exceptionally well with a gutsy 2.4-liter, inline four that delivers 162 horsepower, and the 3.3-liter V6 supplies 235 horsepower with peak torque of 226 lbs-ft. at 3,500 rpm while averaging 20/30 mpg. The V6 has more pep early in the torque range, and both engines use magnesium components to reduce curb weight and efficiency. Such technology is similar to engines found in the new BMW’s 3 and 5 Series. Driving the Sonata is a satisfying experience. Take away the badge, and you could be convinced you're behind the wheel of a more expensive, quieter Lexus, Audi A6 or BMW. The steering has that precise feel, the instrument controls are well designed, and the anti-lock brakes do their job effectively.
 |
When is a badge not a badge? The 2007 Sonata gives you European sophistication without paying through the nose for snob appeal. The new Sonata is an excellent midsize car available for a compact car price. The car we test drove was the fully loaded LX had a MSRP of $20,895; the base GL has a MSRP of $17,895; and the mid-level GLS has a MSRP of $18,795. All models look stunning and come equipped with six airbags, cruise control, ABS, stability and traction control, remote entry and MP3/CD player. Trunk space is a respectable 16.3 cubic feet. There’s a lot of car for the money. If you are a smart buyer and tired of getting ripped off for options, the Sonata may be the perfect solution.
