Spy Shots: 2005 Hyundai Sonata (Warning: Large Images)

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Jul 04, 2004 3:35 pm

From GMI, new spy shots of the soon-to-be-unveiled 2005 Hyundai Sonata.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun Jul 04, 2004 4:03 pm

Well..my eyes of course go first to the center console. EW. I like the big screen up top, but the AC controls and CD slot are just...spartan.And what's up with the guages? Those silver parts holding the needles are too ugly...

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Jul 04, 2004 10:46 pm

Nice!!! The warranty's almost shot on the Vibe, so I think it's time to ditch the thing. Any news on when this car will be in the showroom here in the states?I used to be on top of all things Hyundai, but man, this one flew right over my head. From what I knew, the new generation Sonata wasn't going to be out until 2006/2007. Also interested to see what the rumoured Sonata coupe looks like, if they still plan on building it.I really like this car... Although the back end screams ACCORD to me. The beige interior looks kind of blah, but I have never liked beige. But, I have run across a pic of the dark grey interior, looks very nice. The dash does look a bit spartan, though. Overall, I think the Koreans have done it again, looks to me (IMHO of course!) that this car will be a winner.Found a zillion of other pics and some that raging showed us over here: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1459983 And the Sonata/SF will be made here in the good ol' US of A soon.

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ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Jul 04, 2004 10:50 pm

Here's a pic of one on the line...

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ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Jul 04, 2004 10:52 pm

Here's another pic on the line. If history is any indication, I doubt we'll see the nifty touch-screen stereo/nav system. For a while now, Hyundai has had this optional in other markets, but never made it here. We'll probably just get the huge stereo.

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ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Jul 05, 2004 3:43 am

Rumours are that this car will be in showrooms in or around December...

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Dec 15, 2004 3:24 pm

Here's a little write-up on the upcoming Sonata...http://macleans.auto123.com/en...&pg=1Looks like her arrival stateside is still a few months off... But I do believe the car is already for sale in South Korea at the moment. I like what I see here... And here is a link to HMC's Korean site where they have a little flash thingy on the new Sonata: http://www.hmc.co.kr/common/ht....html

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drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Wed Dec 15, 2004 11:02 pm

everyone can deny it all they want but the hundais/kias are getting cooler and cooler! and the price is always right.

bud_one · Post by **bud_one** » Wed Dec 15, 2004 11:50 pm

Mr. Drunken you hit the nail right on the head.Long gone are the days that Hyundai meant "tin can garbage".I have to say this sonata is nice....

soldierguy · Post by **soldierguy** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 10:52 am

Quote, originally posted by bud_one Â»Mr. Drunken you hit the nail right on the head.Long gone are the days that Hyundai meant "tin can garbage".I have to say this sonata is nice.... The new Sonata is a REALLY nice car. I see them all over the roads here in Korea...they've been on the streets here since about September. The profile is very Audi-esque, and the rear end reminds me of an Accord if Honda had been thinking clearly (I hate the rear-end of the Accord, but Hyundai got it right). Overall it's very sleek, aggressive (yet subtle), and without a doubt the best-looking sedan to come out of a Korean company ever. The powertrains are very competitive with Honda in terms of refinement (but not as powerful). The ride is very nice, but don't expect it to handle like an Audi...after living here in Korea for a while I understand why Korean cars tend to be on the soft side: the roads are bumpy and jam-packed with other vehicles, so impact isolation is much more important to Korean engineers than handling.Two thumbs up from me!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 12:41 pm

Soldierguy - I was hoping you would chime in on this car, since I figured as our connection to Korea, that you have saw them over there. Can't wait to see one over here. Who knows, maybe that will be the car to replace the Vibe... I can't seem to make up my mind. If you're thinking about it, and if it isn't too much trouble, get some pics of 'em! I'm really impressed with that car and want to see more of it!

soldierguy · Post by **soldierguy** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 5:07 am

I don't have pics of one, but if I see one and have my camera handy, I'll snap some pics.In the meantine, go to http://www.hyundai-motor.com/index.htmlThe page is mostly in Korean, but there's just enough English to navigate. The Sonata is sitting right there on the page. Underneath the big picture you can click on a smaller pic of the sonata to bring up a pop-up window...all kinds of pics in there. Or go to the showrom (in the bottom part of the pig picture) and a list of their domestic cars will show up, broken down into cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. Be sure to check out the Equus...it should look familiar...it's the last generation Lexus LS 400 that Hyundai bought the rights to produce here in Korea.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 2:44 pm

2006 Sonata at the NAIAShttp://autoshow.msn.com/as/art...erage

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 12:55 pm

It's official... I'm getting rid of the Vibe!!! Just got done checking out the video and the pics...http://www.hyundaisonata.com/about.aspxCan't wait until the spring! Hope it's not too far off.

millster · Post by **millster** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 1:01 pm

Pretty nice looking alright. A major improvement from the bug-eyed monster of a few years back. I'm happy to see Hyundai stepping up and putting out a quality and attractive vehicle. More power to them.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 1:07 pm

Does look nice...I look forward to checking this out at the NY Auto SHow...

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 1:30 pm

6 air bags, ABS, stability control, MP3 player, blah, blah for allegedly under $20,000... Can't beat that! Really makes the Vibe look overpriced. I'd sure like to have one... We'll see though, depends on how irritating the Vibe becomes over the next few months. lol!And [edit] Here's a few snippets from the ol' internet...http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId ... 073Eagerly awaiting the arrival of this car! I wonder if it will be a better car than my Vibe? In reality, it won't take much to be a better car.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 3:16 pm

237 hp engine too (if you go for their V6 option)..that beats the current G6 engine!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 5:52 pm

I like it... I've always had a thing for big comfy 4-door sedans. Keep up the good work, Hyundai. I've been telling them that for years now, and that's exactly what they have been doing.It's kind of a "ho-hum" type of car, but I'm still drooling over it. Not too exciting, but hey, it's got heated mirrors, plays MP3's, a hell of a lot of room and power, and it will probably be pushing it to get a sticker over $25K on a very, very loaded Sonata... Sounds good to me. Auto-dimming mirror with compass optional. lol!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 10:11 pm

My only gripe wiith that car is that the back end SCREAMS honda accord...That aside, looks sweet!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 11:30 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»My only gripe wiith that car is that the back end SCREAMS honda accord...Very much so! That's my main gripe on the exterior styling - while it isn't hideous by any stretch of the imagination, it's still a bit bland (although it does blend in nicely with the rest of the car.) The bad thing about using the Camry and Accord as benchmarks when designing a new car is that you usually end up with a car that has less personality than your toaster sitting on the kitchen counter. Better safe than sorry, I guess - apparently that's what the masses like... At least they did spice it up a bit back there, those chrome dual exhausts add a cool touch. On the inside, I think they did a pretty alright job. Not sure if I would like the radio sitting at the very top of the dash (see attachment) but one would think it would be pretty easy to see... Other than that, it's darn good. I thought the current Sonata had a nice interior design, this may be a bit better. Not a fan of the beige, I would probably go for a grey interior. But it still has that funky woodgrain on the dash. While I kinda dig it (although most would probably wonder why,) that's been something the automotive press has ripped the Sonata a new one about since the '99 model year. I can't wait to see what else Hyundai has in store for the near future, 7 new models over the next 24 months if I remember correctly. Watch out, soon we may see Hyundais become cars that people actually want to drive... And not because they're inexpensive, being one of the few options for someone on a tight budget who is wanting a new car. Ahh yes, some day I will own one of these.And ever notice how Hyundai promotional pictures look like they have limo tint on every window of the cars, even the windshield? Not sure why it took me this long to realize that.

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Kari · Post by **Kari** » Sun Jan 23, 2005 1:09 am

LOL... "allegedly under $20,000." I'm betting all those features only come on the top models and the $19,995 model is bare bones with a manual transmission.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Jan 23, 2005 9:05 am

I dunno, from what I've read, 6 air bags, MP3 player, heated mirrors, all the power stuff, all standard. I bet it'll be loaded up pretty well for that price. We'll see though! If it were a $20K Toyota, I'd say it's a good possibility to be stripped down. lol

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:32 pm

Now this peaks my curiosity...Quote Â»Those who like their luxury wonÃ¢Â€Â™t be disappointed by the Sonata LX. Picking up where the GLS left off, the LX offers decadent details like leather seating (including heated seats in front) and a smog-sensing air quality system with automatic temperature control.So, what have we here? Will this do something like how I have to manually hit the recirc on the A/C to prevent the horrid stench from the ol' beat up crappy truck in front of me that's spewing raw gas out of the tailpipe? If it'll do it for me automagically to keep that stuff out of the car, I'm there! Liking this car more and more every day!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 5:09 pm

Quote, originally posted by The Car Connection Â»Pilot Sonatas Roll From New Alabama Hyundai PlantAs 2006 pilot models of the Hyundai Sonata emerge from the new Hyundai assembly plant in Montgomery, Ala., it is becoming apparent to competitors that slipshod initial quality and unreliable durability are things of the past. Under the leadership of quality-obsessed Chairman Mong-Koo Chung in South Korea, Hyundai has applied advanced manufacturing and remediation techniques from its Asan plant to Montgomery. In addition, 400 Alabama workers were taken to Asan for training courses, in exchange for which 60 Korean workers went to Montgomery to share ideas. As it ramps up the $1 billion Montgomery plant, Hyundai is determined to improve on the startling improvement it recorded last year in initial quality of its mid-size Santa Fe SUV. The Santa Fe's out-of-the-box quality improved from 149 problems per 100 vehicles on the J.D. Power survey to 93 in a single year, heightening prospects for Montgomery when it adds the SUV to the Sonata in the 2006 model year. Hyundai's plans for the U.S. and world markets are ambitious, according to an overview in the April 18 edition of Forbes Magazine. Deploying lineups of vehicles that range from entry-level subcompacts to full-size sedans, Hyundai and its sister brand Kia jumped to seventh in worldwide production last year with 3.1 million vehicles. That was two-and-a-half times more than the 1998 output and impelled Chairman Chung, 62, to set a target of 5 million vehicles globally by 2010 - more than Volkswagen, with a U.S. goal doubled to one million units the same year. Spurred by the industry's longest new-vehicle warranties, up to 50,000 miles and 5 years bumper-to-bumper basic and 100,000 miles and 10 years on powertrains, Hyundai and Kia are out front with standard features still optional or unavailable on competitors. The new Sonatas, going on sale in the U.S. in May, will offer stability control systems as standard. New compact SUVs have gone on sale sharing the same platform - Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage - and updated models are coming for the entry-level Hyundai Accent, Elantra compact and Azera full-size sedans and the counterpart Kia Rio, Optima and Amanti. Kia has offered a minivan, the Sedona, which will be shared with a new Hyundai version for 2007. Down the road, Hyundai is looking at a pickup truck and a luxury sedan beyond the Azera, formerly known as the XG350. U.S. Hyundai dealers sold 100,012 new vehicles in the first quarter and Kia sold 63,330, new records exceeding year-ago totals of 88,293 and 59,384 respectively. Edmunds.com says 80 percent of the cars traded into Hyundai dealers are older Hyundai models, and the Koreans are definitely in the rear-view mirrors of other volume brands. - Mac Gordon

MrRich · Post by **MrRich** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 11:31 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»My only gripe wiith that car is that the back end SCREAMS honda accord...Well I think it looks like the new Lexus GS. Don't you think so?

Vibe_dude · Post by **Vibe_dude** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 12:24 pm

they can keep there junk cars over there..never be one in my drive way.....crap all crap...they have come along way but its still not even as good as a dodge...and wont even touch a cobalt.....they would have to give me one before i would get one.then i would sell it for 1/2 its sticker price beacuse that is what there resale is on that crap.....oh did i say that i think there crap.lol

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 2:37 pm

What is the basis for your arguments?They beat dodge and chevy for intial quality, and in case you haven't noticed, dodge has one of the LOWEST ratings in long term reliability.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 3:03 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»What is the basis for your arguments?They beat dodge and chevy for intial quality, and in case you haven't noticed, dodge has one of the LOWEST ratings in long term reliability.Agreed.... I have to say, Hyundai appears to me as if they are one of the few that's still out there making at least a half-arsed attempt at improving their products. Fifteen years ago, I may agree that they left a lot to be desired. A decade ago, maybe, depening on the model... Now? no way.The gap between them and the likes of the all mighty Toyota or whoever is getting more and more narrow by each year... Hyundai is at least making an attempt at getting better, and from what it looks like, many out there are slipping...Personally, I was wowed by this car when I finally got to see one up close and sit behind the wheel at the NY show. The beige interior and woodgrain is kinda tacky to say the least, but aside from that I thought it was very nice. The equipment you get, the price, and 237 horsies makes this a nice entry into the midsize segment. It sure didn't feel like a piece of crap to me...Will it be a piece of crap? I dunno, but my Vibe sure as hell is, even with all that Toyota engineering beneath the surface. The Sonata is something I would love to take a gamble on, and I've got a feeling it won't be too bad.

MrRich · Post by **MrRich** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 6:39 am

Well I have a Sonata test video, but the guy speaks hungarian. Anyway you can see the car and Germany. He drives on the autobahn with over 200Km/h. He thinks it is a pretty good car, the only thing what he doesn't like is the lower half of the console. He makes some handbrake turns too, and complains about the ESP. Because on an Audi you are not able to that with the ESP on.The guy also saying it is time to buy a Hyundai, before the market going to find out the quality as good as on europian cars, and going put the prices up.http://totalcar.index.hu/ujaut...3.wmv

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:36 pm

The fact of the matter is you cannot discount these cars. That is what will get and is getting the big three in trouble, again. With the rising gas costs and sticker prices, I would certainly consider one. After all for the most part it is only transportation. Someone could save their money, buy their dream car and drive it when they feel like like. That is my new attitude, my daily driver is leased and sure I care about it to a point but it is leased and it just gets me to work and back.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Tue Apr 12, 2005 2:55 pm

Bummer, I can't get the video to work. Tried following the link to download the zipped version, but couldn't figure that out either.

MrRich · Post by **MrRich** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 6:12 am

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic Â»Bummer, I can't get the video to work. Tried following the link to download the zipped version, but couldn't figure that out either. Did anybody else try it? You need Windows Media Player.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 11:04 am

Ok, it wanted internet Explorer.. the site hated Firefox I see it now! Hi-Yoon-D'eye! I think that car is NICE! It seems very smooth and quiet. Looks pretty stable too, considering some of the conditions he was driving it under. Looked like it was pretty swift, and according to the thing at the end, that wasn't even the V6. And the dash trim on the car he drove - the nice grey carbon fiber deal. Looks a lot better than the beige interior with the woodgrain. Ah yes, I can't wait until they finally arrive... Sorry GVC, but I say my Vibe's gotta go. Vibe's out, Sonata's in. Say, anybody have $15,000 I can borrow so I can pay off this damn Vibe? (removed)

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 11:24 am

Yes...two thumbs up for the carbon fiber and the grey interior...that does look a lot better. It is a nice looking car...seems to definitely have some get up and go, especially if that was the 4cyl, with the way he was passing people on the highway...I'm sure the V6 would be that much better.I just wish I spoke whatever language that guy is speaking so I could have known what he said, especially since he made fun of how us Americans say Hyundai!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 11:30 am

Damn, there goes your parts car! lol!

MrRich · Post by **MrRich** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 11:49 am

Yepp! It was only the four cylinder version. He was very surprised how quiet the car was at high speed.And he did not make fun how we say Hyundai He was just saying the koreans found another way to say it as we or Europians saying it. Oh and one more sad thing. The carbon fiber is not real

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 5:38 pm

Yeah, not real carbon fiber... But the one I looked at didn't have real woodgrain either. Can't wait to see what they end up giving us over here... I don't see the woodgrain like I saw in the beige one going too well with the grey interior...Still drooling over this car... lol!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 5:22 pm

More pics! Woo hoo! http://www.bobaedream.co.kr/cy...&y=16Gee whiz, look at the pic of the stereo/nav, is that me or does it look like you can even watch TV on the thing?But of all the pics, I gotta say, I really dig the black interior with the red stitching, even though it's leather... Too bad we're not getting it. I wish we could get only a fraction of the stuff that the other country-spec Sonatas will have... They'll probably hold out on a lot of goodies for the US market, since people here hate Hyundais and won't care to spend the extra $$$ on whatever options... The chrome vent visors are a tad much though, I wouldn't request those. God I can't wait 'till this car gets here!

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 10:49 pm

The white gauges must be part of one of the upper trim packages or something...I like the chrome trim on the dash too, in lieu of the woodgrain. That is a pretty sweet interior as a whole...the black leather really makes it look sporty. (Yay for post #1700! )

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Mon May 09, 2005 5:24 pm

The Sonata has been reviewed and pricing released. http://www.roadandtrack.com/ar...ber=1Quote Â»2006 Hyundai Sonata Manufacturer Suggested Retail Pricing: Sonata GL 4-cyl, 5-speed manual $17,895 Sonata GL 4-cyl, 4-speed SHIFTRONIC A/T $18,795 Sonata GLS 4-cyl, 4-speed SHIFTRONIC A/T $19,395 Sonata GLS 3.3-liter V6, 5-speed SHIFTRONIC A/T $20,895 Sonata LX 3.3-liter V6, 5-speed SHIFTRONIC A/T $22,895 http://research.cars.com/go/cr...tnewsh ... u....htmlI can't believe the amount of equipment you're getting for the price... And many things you wouldn't expect for this kind of money - power everything (and the driver's window is auto up and down,) heated mirrors, 5 speed automatic, six air bags, stability control, trip computer, mp3-capable stereo, yada yada yada. Hell, it even has a power fuel door release. Not too shabby at all! I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't be able to afford the V6 if I bought one of these, but seeing the GLS V6 for ~$21K, maybe I can. Plenty of horsies, and a 5-speed shift-it-yourself automatic.. Gas mileage for the six is 30 on the highway, hell that's better than my Vibe has been able to deliver as of late... The four gets 34. Very nice, this is a big car. I don't know how I'll be able to handle a car with 105 more horsepower than the Vibe. And good god, 226 pounds of twist! They claim 0-60 in 7.5 seconds...I think I see the Vibe getting replaced with a GLS V6 in the not too distant future. Now that I know the price, Hyundai needs to get their (removed) in gear and send a Sonata my way. Insurance is a bit more than the Vibe, but it's still reasonable at $114 a month compared to the Vibe's 90-something.. I've done my research, now I just gotta buy it. Hyundai is definitely going places these days,

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Mon May 09, 2005 10:03 pm

Wow...color me impressed. I was fully expecting "under $20,000" to only apply to the GL manual shift version. Guess I'm too used to GM. Though I think they might have been taking lessons from GM when it comes to the release itself, huh? It's almost summer, and they're still saying release in spring 2005.But watch the first one to show up there have that beige interior with the woodgrain...LOL.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Tue May 10, 2005 6:51 am

Quote, originally posted by Kari Â»Wow...color me impressed. I was fully expecting "under $20,000" to only apply to the GL manual shift version. Guess I'm too used to GM. Just look at that $18,500 sticker on that one Vibe we saw which had manual friggin' everything, no options at all... Ouch, that hurts. Quote Â»But watch the first one to show up there have that beige interior with the woodgrain...LOL.Probably. I need to avoid golden beige, dark cinnamon, steel grey, as those can only have the beige interior. Or just live with it and buy the first GLS V6 I see, regardless of color. lol! Although I'd really love to have an Aquamarine one. We shall see once they get 'em in here...I think soon I'll be stopping by the local Hyundai shop and ask if they can contact me when the Sonata I'm looking for has arrived. What the heck, you only live once, right?

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Tue May 10, 2005 7:06 am

I bet if you went down there and asked them to order a GLS V6 in aquamarine when they get the opportunity to place their orders, they'd probably do it. I'm digging that color too...it's really nice looking. I'd say you'll start seeing them really soon since the pricing has been released...finally.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat May 14, 2005 12:09 pm

May 20 is the official launch date of the new Sonata, from what I've determined... My, how I need to come up with $$$ QUICK to ditch Sir Knocksalot. So yep, my baby should be rolling in any day now.And uh oh, here's a "review" from Consumer Reports... http://auto.consumerguide.com/...8538/I guess they didn't tear it apart too bad... Although how the hell were Sonata researchers also looking at Ridgelines? (removed)! Way to go, CR. They did call the '04 Sonata "the most reliable car in America" for 2004 http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7119221/ and not some Toyota, Honda, or something... ? What's up there? lol!

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Sat May 14, 2005 12:17 pm

Yes, that Honda Ridgeline is a great substitute for a 4-door family sedan...Honda's own version of the Chevy Avalanche. Those cars look so much alike I just can't tell them apart! Shall we start the "Help CP put his poor Vibe to rest" fund?

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat May 14, 2005 12:19 pm

lol! that'd be funny. now that i'm thinking the 4-cyl would be better, we'll save a couple bucks. Hell, there are probably members here that would be happy to donate to the cause so I don't have to keep coming back and griping about the crap broken on the Vibe this week. Maybe even Toyota and GM could donate to shut me up. LOL! heheheCheesy video showing the new plant.... The somersault the cars do through the paint bath thingy is kewl. lol!http://72.3.164.57/hmma_plant_hq.htmI just hope that when the guy says the engines are "guaranteed" for 100,000 miles that he means are covered under warranty for 100,000. lol!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu May 19, 2005 2:48 pm

And another.... It almost sounds like people are halfway liking this HYUNDAI. Must not be too big of a turd. http://washingtontimes.com/aut...r.htmLater this morning, the "grand opening" of the AL plant will be taking place. The wait is killing me, c'mon already! I will have one, oh yes...

soldierguy · Post by **soldierguy** » Fri May 20, 2005 7:00 am

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic Â»And another.... It almost sounds like people are halfway liking this HYUNDAI. Must not be too big of a turd. http://washingtontimes.com/aut...r.htmLater this morning, the "grand opening" of the AL plant will be taking place. The wait is killing me, c'mon already! I will have one, oh yes...COL P...I think you'll be really happy with the new Sonata. They are everywhere here in Seoul...VERY popular because of its good looks, the quality of its predecessor, and because of its price. I know I like them a lot...they have a nice & clean look...very audi-like without audi's HUGE schnoz or pricetag.I haven't driven one here...dealerships don't do a lot of test drives here for some reason, and the salesman would surely know I was just there joyriding. But I have read that they handle better and ride more firmly that the previous generation, and that's a good thing. I think that Hyundai might be waking up to the fact that the rest of the world doesn't need pillow-soft suspensions...they suspend cars here very softly because of lousy road quality and lots of traffic...ride and impact harshness are FAR more important than handling in the Korean domestic market.

soldierguy · Post by **soldierguy** » Fri May 20, 2005 7:31 am

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic Â»I don't know how I'll be able to handle a car with 105 more horsepower than the Vibe. And good god, 226 pounds of twist!I had to laugh when I read this line...when I sold my old Kia and bought my Grand Cherokee, I gained 280 hp and 325 lb-ft torque. Well ok, I also gained 3000 pounds...but it felt GREAT!!Wow, that sounds like an anti slim-fast commercial..."I gained 3000 pounds and felt great!!"