The 2007 Hyundai Sonata is a stylish new vehicle. While the old version reminded many car patrons of a Jaguar in terms of style, the 2007 version looks even better, with a front lamp that resembles an Audi and a backside that looks like an Accord. The thin roof pillars and the driver’s upright position also contribute to its esthetic value.
Aside from its impressive styling, the 2007 Sonata is a smooth ride. It’s interiors are spacious and comfortable. The driving position it excellent. Passengers will appreciate the ample head and leg room at the back, even for large adults. The wide door openings and expansive footwells make it easy to enter or exit the car. The seats themselves are very comfortable although some have suggested putting in firmer padding for those long-distance drives.
The Sonata is also a quiet ride and can easily suppress wind rush. And while the engine note tends to increase with speed, the sound isn’t really annoying though the tires sometimes thump over ridges.
In addition, the Sonata’s balance control is superb. It reacts smoothly to small road imperfections and comfortably handles ridges, sharp bumps and fast curves.
The 2007 Sonata, which is the smaller of Hyundai’s two midsize sedans, comes in three models. The Sonata Limited trim is the top-line model and has a 235-hp V6 and 5-speed automatic as well as heated front seats, automatic climate control and fine leather upholstery. Like the Limited, the Sonata SE also has a 235-hp V6 and 5-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the Sonata GLS has 162-hp 4-cylinders and a choice of either 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. All models are equipped with ABS and traction/antiskid control as well as front-side and curtain-side airbags.
Overall, the Sonata’s advantage over other cars of its class such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima is that combines comfort, spaciousness, sophisticated design and reliable performance as well as a reasonable price.
In a nutshell, the 2007 Sonata is a bigger, sharper and more technologically advanced version than the 2006 model, which was re-designed and launched as an all-new model last year. This year’s Sonata promises to be even more highly regarded than the 2006 version, which is no mean feat considering that last year’s Sonata was a certified darling of the automotive press.
According to MotorWeek, the 2006 Sonata was the “Best Family Sedan,” Popular Mechanics bestowed upon it its “Safety Excellence” award, Consumers Digest regarded it as a “Best Buy” and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance called it “Best in Class.” In addition, the 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study ranked the Sonata among the top three mid-size cars of 2006 while the National Highway Traffic Survey Administration gave it a rating of five stars, the highest possible mark, in its crash test rating for front and side impacts.
There is still room for improvement, though. For instance, big people complain that it’s difficult to get into the driver’s seat since the steering wheel does not tip up far enough. For extra comfort, an armrest between the two front seats would be nice.
