Considering a 2006 Sonata 3.2 LX

Just found this newsgroup, and it seems to have lots of good info. So,
I thought I'd ask for owner impressions of the 2006 Sonata. I'm
considering the LX with the V6 3.2 Liter engine.

Are there any cautionary tales yet regarding this model?

Thanks!

 

all i can say is grab one now.
we'd do if we could.....

 

We just bought one this week. GLS V6 w/moon roof 17 inch tires. This
is our first 6 so we are watching the gas quite closely. Getting about
22 city, no real highway driving yet. We considered the 4 but found it
chugging (noisy) a bit to hard for our taste. Unbelievably roomy
inside and trunk space phenomenal. The six bag system definitely
entered into our decision. Shopped Nissan Toyota and Honda and after
careful consideration much more bang for the buck here. As the
reviews say they're in it for the long run. My only design issue (so
far) is the cheapish looking interior door openers (rather garrish
silver paint on plastic and the same goes for the plate the gear shift
sits in) Shows some real thought in much of the design. No trunk
hinges infringing on interior trunk room rather gas pistons instead.
Same hold's true for hood design. Interior controls well laid out
(except perhaps for having to reach around the wheel to reach the trip
computer). The ignition key is actually on the dash not on the side of
the wheel. Something I haven't seen for many many years. Its my
wifes car and she always said she would never pay 20k for a car. We
got it for 19,999..........probably the last time we will be able to
make that claim. My wife is coming from a Nissan NX 2000 and I have a
Subaru Outback Imprezza so the switch is somewhat of a pleasent shock.
We keep our cars up and have them generally longer than most..we'll
keep you informed Rich

 

I'm not that familiar with the GLS (vs LX). Was the moonroof part of an
upgrade package that included the upgraded stereo system with 6-CD
changer? If so, how much better does the upgraded stereo sound than the
standard?

From what I recall, the GLS has most of the features of the LX except
for leather seats and power-driver's seat. It sounds like you got a
great deal at $19,999!

Best of Luck with the new car!

 

We have the drivers power seat and suspension package. Its funny as
we realized today another bit of a design challenge while we were out
driving it. You cannot visually determine where the rear end of the
car is from the drivers seat (bumper is about 3 feet from base of back
window). All the rear view mirrors give you is rear window and rear
outside door handles. A potential pain in the ass when backing. As I
recall when doing our research it was mentioned that the Korean models
(Asia in general?) have "sonar" sensors in the bottom rear bumper. Why
would they have not offered them in US models I don't know.

 

Rich is right on. I'd only mention 2 things - when the door is opened
all the way, it's a stretch from the drivers seat to grab a handle to
close it. The other is to try to, weather permitting of course, take a
look at the exterior paint when it's sunny outside - the deep water
blue, sparkles.
Mikey

 

BRH,

The 2006 is my second Sonata GLS. The first was a 2002 model. As for
safety, Hyundai seems to be confident this car will score double 5
stars in the US crash tests. I suspect they are right. Word has it
that they crashed 300 new Sonatas to tweak the design, structure, and
technology. I find the ride to be very sporty with very little dive or
banking around turns. I am seeing about 21 mpg city and have yet to
take a road trip to check highway mileage. I read a report from one
owner reporting 31 mpg highway mileage. I find the ride to be less
smooth than my 2002, but still pleasant. I suspect the sportier
suspension is the reason.

The new 3.3 liter V6, 235 hp engine is very smooth and fast. Car and
Driver reports only a manual tranny 250 hp Altima can beat it to 60 or
in the 1/4 mile (Accord and Camry can not). Some buyers will qualify
for up to $2,000 in rebates on this car -- it's worth a test drive!

GeoUSA, moderator HyundaiExchange, http://www.HyundaiExchange.com