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2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 Long-Term Test Update No. 1

A New Midsize Benchmark?

When the all-new 2006 Sonata first appeared in sneak preview photographs I wasnt sure what to think. Sure its lines were attractive in an understated way, but I had liked the dare-to-be-different attitude of the previous two models and maybe wasnt ready for Hyundais midsize model to go mainstream.

But all this changed when I spent time with the car during its media launch in San Francisco last May. After a full days drive and a couple of evening jaunts around town, I saw the Sonata in a new light. Its conservative lines quickly grew on me, and after some contemplation my belief now is that the new car will enjoy greater staying power than the

My attitude changed towards the new Sonata after spending time with the car during its media launch in San Francisco last May. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

outgoing model.

One things for sure, its a fine lot better looking the most of its Japanese competition, at least those at the forefront of the sales charts. And as I stated in the review it also performs equal to, and in some ways better than those top-selling imports. And Im not just talking about driving dynamics,

Now that Hyundai has delivered a well optioned Sonata GLS V6 to our west coast office for a long-term test, well be able to see first hand if it holds up to the daily duties our staffers will put it through. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

but real life performance like getting stuff in and out of the trunk, accommodating rear seat passengers, working the audio and HVAC systems, and delivering reliable transportation day in and day out.

So now that Hyundai has delivered a well optioned Sonata GLS V6 to our west coast office for a long-term test, well be able to

While not top of the line, our Sonata GLS V6 tester is well equipped just the same. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

see first hand if it holds up to the daily duties our staffers will put it through. It should, of course, as the previous generation car was recently awarded most reliable car overall by Consumer Reports magazine, but the new Sonata is an altogether different animal. It features new chassis architecture, a new drivetrain, new electronics - yes, pretty well new everything. But before getting into the initial log entries, its probably best to go over the specific model Hyundai has supplied us with, including

Considering the Sonata GLS V6 starts a very reasonable $19,395, you wont be hearing any mention of traction and stability control, or automatic climate control, (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

its various features. First of all, its not top of the line, but then again it comes pretty close. Actually, the only items that are missing is an automatic climate control system, adjustable foot pedals, an auto dimming rear view mirror, traction and stability control, a trip computer, garage door opener and compass.

OK, thats a fairly extensive list. For our purposes, you can appreciate that while well be commenting on the various standard features our Sonata GLS V6 includes, for a very reasonable $19,395, you wont be hearing any mention

Unlike our previous long-term vehicle the Sonata arrived broken in already, and of course the more miles on the odometer in the beginning means the more opportunity to see how the Sonata fares over the long haul. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

of traction and stability control, or automatic climate control, or any of the other options not included.

You will, however, get feedback about the cars many power amenities, standard air conditioning system, 6CD in-dash audio system, leather seating surfaces, refined six-cylinder engine, five-speed automatic transmission, interior room, trunk space, fit and finish, reliability, dealer service experience, etc.

So, enough of this editors drivel, on with the Sonata GLS V6 test logs:

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